Show Stopper

Photo by Lindsey Cheshire/Digital Wunderland courtesy of American Dream Media and Tech

RAINEY WALLACE, a real estate professional with Intracoastal Realty, is stepping into the spotlight as the host of a new lifestyle and real estate series airing on the Travel Channel and other major streaming platforms. Coastal Connection-Wilmington blends the charm of coastal living with the dynamic real estate market of Southeastern North Carolina, and the show is a natural extension of Wallace’s passion for the area she calls home.  

“I grew up in Wilson, North Carolina, and always knew I wanted to be here – even as a little girl,” Wallace says. “My dad’s side of the family is from Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington. I spent summers here and could not wait to live in Wilmington.” 

That dream became reality when she moved to Wilmington at age twenty. Since 2013, Wallace has built a career with Intracoastal Realty, a locally owned firm celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. “It’s awesome to work for a local family-owned company that’s been around in the Wilmington area for such a long time,” she says. 

Wallace’s journey into real estate began after studying interior design at East Carolina University. Though she initially envisioned a career in design, she quickly discovered her true calling. “I love working with people and feeling like I’m helping them accomplish a greater purpose,” she says. “Helping people buy and sell houses lets me do that – and I also love the marketing aspect of it.” 

Now, Wallace is channeling her expertise and love for Wilmington into Coastal Connection, a show she says is 80 percent lifestyle and 20 percent real estate. The idea came unexpectedly during a Zoom focus group hosted by American Dream Media and Tech, she says. “I had no idea what it was,” Wallace recalls. “They were scouting agents for a different show, and halfway through, I got a message from the producer asking to meet privately.” 

That meeting led to a one-on-one with the head producer, who offered Wallace the opportunity to host her own show. “Out of that entire group of agents, he asked me if I’d be interested in hosting a show about the Wilmington area,” she says. “I was really, really excited about it.” 

The show offers a unique platform for local businesses and Wallace’s real estate clients. “It’s giving my clients a platform of massive exposure for their listings, which no other brokers in the area can offer,” she says. “I want to build Coastal Connection not just as a TV show, but as a trusted brand and real estate resource here in the area.” 

Wallace has a contract for eight episodes over the next year, with filming scheduled every ninety days to keep the content fresh and relevant. “Things in the real estate market can change quickly,” she explains. “Filming every ninety days gives me the opportunity to plan around listings and feature homes that are timely.” 

The first episode, filmed in July and airing in August, was picked up by the Travel Channel and will also stream on Apple TV, Roku, and Tubi. Wallace co-hosted with mortgage broker CHELSEA WINSTEAD and interviewed local business owners, including CAROLYN PIGFORD and MATT LENNERT, of NC Foil School, and CHRIS CAMP, of Atlantic Marine. 

“Honestly, it was really fun,” Wallace says of her hosting debut. “Going into it, I was extremely terrified. But once we started rolling, it was fun. I ended up throwing the script out and just doing it naturally, which I think comes off a lot more authentic.” 

Her goal is to make Coastal Connection a community-driven platform. “I want to invite and partner with other professionals and business owners in the area that are part of the village that helps make home ownership successful,” she says. “I’m going to be actively recruiting agents in the area, but I’m going to be selective. My intention is to build a community around Coastal Connection.” 

Wallace hopes viewers will walk away with more than just real estate knowledge. “I want this to be beneficial to not just tourists, but people who already live and work in Wilmington,” she says. “Local business owners, builders, developers, and people with cool stories – giving them a platform to showcase why they love it.” 

Reflecting on the experience, Wallace says the most surprising part was how natural it felt. “As soon as I got over the camera being there, it felt like I was talking to my clients and telling them about the area that I love so much.”

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