Pleasanton, CA — January 16, 2026 — NextHome is proud to announce our newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Inner and Outer Banks, located in New Bern, North Carolina. The brokerage joins the growing NextHome franchise, which includes more than 600 active office locations across the country.
NextHome Inner and Outer Banks serves clients throughout Oriental, New Bern, Jacksonville, Cherry Point and the remainder of Pamlico, Craven, Carteret, and Beaufort counties. Its team of knowledgeable agents offers expertise in waterfront properties, second homes, retirement living, military relocation, and all other types of residential real estate.
Owners Phil and Renee Prescott are lifelong locals who bring more than five decades of combined experience in land use, development, contracts, real estate technology, and agent coaching. Beyond their extensive expertise, Phil and Renee pride themselves on walking compassionately alongside their clients through every step of the transaction.
“A heart for service is the most important thing any real estate agent can offer their client,” Renee said. “We want NextHome Inner and Outer Banks to be defined by compassionate and kind client experiences during a time when people are making one of the biggest purchases of their lives.”
For Renee and Phil, exceptional real estate experiences start with supported, well-trained agents. For the past 20-plus years, Renee has helped agents succeed as a real estate mentor.
While working as an assistant to one of the region’s highest-performing agents in 1998, Renee developed unparalleled skills in the emerging real estate technologies of the time. Her in-demand knowledge and natural talent for teaching led to a thriving consulting career. From websites to email systems and CRMs, Renee helped numerous brokerages stay ahead of industry changes. Her career also includes several roles as a Broker-in-Charge at local offices.
“I renewed my real estate sales license a few times over the years to stay current on the agent experience,” Renee said. “But my heart was in teaching, not selling. I was more interested in empowering agents.”
While Renee built her reputation as a sought-after coach, Phil developed his own deep expertise in client-facing real estate, including land use, flood zones, insurance, appraisal, and complex transactions. Early in his career, he spent more than five years managing large-scale FEMA acquisition and HUD relocation projects, including one of the largest relocation initiatives in the country at that time.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd, Phil oversaw more than 1,200 property acquisitions. His experience also includes coordinating appraisals, surveys, offers, and negotiations, and often sitting at the closing table with attorneys. He has also served as a county commissioner, writing land-use regulations and working with the Coastal Area Management Act.
“I’ve known a lot of real estate agents through my work over the years, and it’s the ones with integrity and character who make a difference,” Phil said. “We get the privilege of guiding people through major life transitions, navigating high-stakes transactions, and understanding all the regulatory factors behind every home. When that work is done with integrity, it’s life changing.”
By the time Phil earned his real estate license in 2024, he had built a career grounded in profound regulatory knowledge and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate important decisions.
The couple’s dedication to knowledgeable, ethical, client-centered service led them to NextHome.
“A friend posted something online about NextHome being number one in owner satisfaction among franchises, and I had to learn more,” Renee said.
When they looked closer, Phil and Renee discovered a franchise perfectly aligned with their goals.
“NextHome gave us the perfect outlet to live our values,” Renee said. “This franchise’s emphasis on ‘Humans Over Houses’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lived value in the way everyone does business. I’m proud to make NextHome franchise ownership the next step in our career, because it reflects exactly how we show up for our community.”
Today, NextHome Inner and Outer Banks offers clients unparalleled area knowledge from two lifelong locals. That expertise—combined with a commitment to relationship-based real estate—makes the brokerage a standout in North Carolina real estate.
“We’ve been a part of this region our entire lives,” Phil said. “We know the challenges and opportunities that come with living in this beautiful, but often unpredictable, part of the world. And we’re excited to use our knowledge and passion to help our clients navigate those waters.”
Phil and Renee’s love for serving others is evident in their community volunteer work. Outside of real estate, Renee is a minister with the Pentecostal Holiness Conference. She finds joy delivering sermons at local congregations that are still looking for permanent pastors. Her work often extends to leading Bible studies and offering music ministry. She sees her real estate work—and the brokerage she and Phil are building—as another way to serve and support people in their community.
Please join us in congratulating Phil and Renee on the opening of NextHome Inner and Outer Banks in New Bern, North Carolina!
Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.
Each office is an independently owned and operated business.