Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Raleigh, NC
Established in 1984, Barker Realty has grown from a small Raleigh-based operation into a leading full-service real estate management, investment, and development company serving the Triangle region. Our foundation in integrity, respect, and professionalism guides every interaction with property owners, residents, and partners. With over four decades of local expertise, we specialize in residential and commercial real estate solutions, including property management, sales, and leasing. Our team of seasoned professionals combines personalized attention with innovative strategies to maximize investment value and tenant satisfaction. We maintain rigorous standards in tenant screening, property maintenance, and marketing to ensure long-term success for our clients.As a family-owned business, we prioritize community relationships and ethical practices, reflected in our commitment to both property owners and residents. Our comprehensive services span from initial property setup to lease renewals, supported by advanced technology and data-driven marketing approaches. With offices in Wake County and operations extending to Durham and Johnston Counties, we offer localized knowledge with scalable solutions. Our leadership team brings diverse experience in real estate sales, construction, and property management, ensuring a well-rounded approach to client needs. From single-family homes to commercial properties, Barker Realty remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service and measurable returns on investment.
Services
Property Management
Residential Sales
Commercial Real Estate
Affordable Housing
Residential Property Search
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of Triangle area real estate expertise
- Full-service property management from lease-up to maintenance
- Proven ROI-focused approach with transparent fee structure
- Advanced marketing strategies with measurable advertising metrics
- Experienced team with construction and property development background
Services
Property Management
Comprehensive property management covering marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. Our full-service approach ensures property protection through rigorous applicant vetting and preventative maintenance programs. We utilize advanced technology for quick inquiry responses and efficient property showings through multiple channels including personal agents, MLS listings, and key check-outs.
Residential Sales
Professional residential real estate services for buyers and sellers across the Triangle region. Our team provides market expertise for single-family homes, apartments, and investment properties. We offer strategic pricing guidance, targeted marketing campaigns, and negotiation support throughout the transaction process, leveraging local market knowledge and industry relationships to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.
Commercial Real Estate
Specialized commercial real estate services for sales, leasing, and management of business properties. Our brokers build relationships with clients and industry partners to facilitate transactions beyond mere property exchange. We handle diverse commercial needs across Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas, combining market insight with personalized service for office spaces, retail locations, and industrial properties.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing solutions with qualified tenant placement and property management. We maintain specific standards for these properties while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Our team handles marketing, tenant screening, and ongoing management for affordable housing units, providing owners with reliable investment returns while meeting community housing needs.
Lease-Up Services
Specialized lease-up services for property owners seeking tenant placement without ongoing management. We market properties through multiple channels, qualify applicants using consistent criteria, and secure tenants before returning management responsibility to owners. This service includes comprehensive marketing strategies, applicant screening, and lease documentation preparation.
People
William Barker
Owner
Founder with 40+ years in real estate, construction, and land development. Former NC State University student who built the company from a small Raleigh office to regional leadership. Serves on multiple industry committees and associations.
Laura Sokolowski
Broker-In-Charge
Experienced broker with decade-long NC real estate expertise. Manages owner relationships and operational efficiency. Former New Jersey resident with property management and leasing specialization. Focuses on asset preservation and timely service delivery.
Jonathan Odom
Property Manager
Former Army veteran with decade of property management experience. Specializes in commercial/residential properties with military-derived discipline and problem-solving skills. Joined Barker in 2020 after transitioning from military service.
Jennifer Hillesland
Property Manager
20+ years in sales and business development. North Carolina resident since 2000 with proven growth strategies. Also serves as volunteer guardian ad litem for foster children in state programs.
Chan Brown
Affordable Housing Manager
Raleigh native with NC Real Estate License since 2020. Specializes in affordable housing management. Holds Winston-Salem State University degree and 12+ years property management experience.
Questions
What property types do you manage?
We handle single-family homes, apartments, commercial properties, and affordable housing units across Wake, Durham, and Johnston Counties.
How do you screen tenants?
We use consistent criteria including credit checks, criminal background screenings, and rental history verification to ensure qualified tenants for all properties.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding communities in Wake, Durham, and Johnston Counties, North Carolina.
What management fee structures exist?
We offer 8% monthly management fees plus specific service charges for lease-ups, renewals, and property condition reports as detailed in our fee schedule.
Can owners choose partial services?
Yes, we offer both full-service management and lease-up only options depending on owner preferences and investment goals.
How are maintenance requests handled?
Maintenance requests receive timely attention through our dedicated team, with emergency services available during standard business hours.
