
About RiverWILD Homes
A Builder That Builds More Than Homes
RiverWILD Homes was established to bring thoughtful, affordable, quality-driven homes to Johnston County and beyond—built with intention, integrity, and the people who will live in them top of mind. As one of the seven companies within the WILD family of brands, RiverWILD Homes reflects the same mission of impacting and developing people by doing business “the WILD way,” with a focus on building communities that stand the test of time.
Led by President Zach Stewart and Vice President Matthew Schelm, RiverWILD Homes is powered by a dedicated team of employees and a strong network of trade partners, vendors, and real estate professionals. From design to delivery, our approach is hands-on and people-first—ensuring every home we build is rooted in quality, function, and care.
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Why We Trust RiverWILD Homes
As the real estate team that works closely with RiverWILD Homes, we're part of the process from start to finish. We’ve walked the land, met the crews, and watched these homes come to life.
When you choose a RiverWILD home, you're not just getting a well-built house—you’re stepping into a thoughtfully designed community, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want to see the people who make it all possible?
Meet the Team Behind the BuildRiverWILD Homes Available Today
Explore current homes built by RiverWILD Homes. Whether move-in ready or under construction, each one is thoughtfully designed and built to last.
More Than a Build—It’s a Mission
What sets RiverWILD Homes apart isn’t just what you can see—it's what you feel. Each home is part of a bigger vision to build enduring communities, not just houses.
We call it the WILD way—a people-first, purpose-driven approach to homebuilding.
Smart, Intentional Design
Craftsmanship That Lasts
People at the Center
A Commitment to Community
What Our Clients Have to Say

“We can’t express enough how grateful we are to RiverWILD Homes and their entire team for making our home building process enjoyable and easy. We especially want to thank Josh Cote and Mark Pahlmann for their efforts, professionalism, and care throughout the process. They are amazing individuals. So, based on our experience we highly recommend RiverWILD Homes. The follow up to detail, the trades in which they align themselves and the company’s focus on operational excellence shows in the results. We have a beautiful home and couldn’t be happier.”
– David Cronk, Home Buyer
FAQs About RiverWILD Homes
1. What makes RiverWILD Homes different?
RiverWILD Homes is built around more than just putting houses on lots. The goal is to build thoughtful, affordable, quality-driven homes in Johnston County and surrounding areas, with real people and real communities in mind. As the RiverWILD Real Estate team, we work closely with the builder, so we know the floor plans, the communities, the process, and the details behind the homes we represent. RiverWILD Homes describes its approach as people-first, purpose-driven, and rooted in “the WILD way.”
2. Who will I be working with when I buy a RiverWILD home?
RiverWILD Homes and RiverWILD Real Estate were founded by Reid and Jaclyn Smith with a vision of creating a locally rooted company focused on people, quality, and community.
Today, RiverWILD Homes is led by President Zach Stewart and Vice President Matthew Schelm, supported by an experienced team of project leaders, employees, trade partners, vendors, and real estate professionals.
For buyers, this means knowing the people behind the build rather than working with a distant or anonymous builder.
3. Does RiverWILD Real Estate represent RiverWILD Homes?
Yes. RiverWILD Real Estate proudly represents RiverWILD Homes because our team knows the homes, floor plans, communities, construction process, and people behind the builder. Our listing and new-construction specialists work closely with RiverWILD Homes, while our team of buyer’s agents can represent buyers, explain their options, compare communities, and guide them through the purchase process from the buyer’s perspective.
4. Where does RiverWILD Homes build?
RiverWILD Homes is rooted in Johnston County and builds in communities throughout Johnston County and nearby areas. Current opportunities can be explored through the RiverWILD Homes page, neighborhood directory, move-in-ready home search, and floor plan collection. Because available communities and inventory change as neighborhoods progress, RiverWILD Real Estate can confirm where RiverWILD Homes is actively building and which homes are available now.
5. Can I buy a move-in-ready RiverWILD home?
Yes. If you want the benefits of new construction without starting from scratch, a move-in-ready or under-construction RiverWILD home may be the best fit. We can help you review what’s available now, what is coming soon, and which homes match your timeline, budget, and preferred community. RiverWILD’s builder page includes a section for current homes built by RiverWILD Homes, including move-in-ready and under-construction options.
6. What types of homes does RiverWILD Homes build?
RiverWILD Homes builds for a wide range of buyers and lifestyles. That includes thoughtfully designed starter homes, family-oriented speculative homes, move-in-ready new construction, and higher-end custom homes. Available options vary by community, homesite, floor plan, and stage of construction, so RiverWILD Real Estate can help you compare current homes, explore available floor plans, and determine which option best fits your budget, timeline, and priorities.
7. Can I build on my own lot with RiverWILD Homes?
Absolutely! If you already own a lot or parcel of land, RiverWILD Homes would be happy to build your dream home on it. You can bring your own floor plan, or choose from our portfolio of thoughtfully designed plans and customize one to fit your lifestyle. Our team will guide you through the process from start to finish, making the experience as seamless as possible.
8. How much can I personalize a RiverWILD home?
That depends on the home, the community, and where the home is in the construction process. If you connect with us early enough on a home, there may be opportunities to personalize remaining selections. The sooner you go under contract during the construction process, the more design selections and customization options you'll have.
9. What features are typically included in a RiverWILD home?
Every RiverWILD Homes community is thoughtfully designed with its own selection of floor plans, standard features, and finish packages. Because of this, included features can vary from one community to another.
Whether you're looking for open-concept living, designer kitchens, luxury primary suites, energy-efficient features, or outdoor living spaces, our team will help you explore the options available in the community you're interested in. We'll walk you through the standard features, available upgrades, and personalization opportunities so you know exactly what to expect before you build.
10. What price range should I expect for a RiverWILD home?
RiverWILD Homes builds homes across Johnston and Harnett Counties with pricing from about $270,000 to $450,000 and up. It also highlights example community pricing, including Marin Woods starting from around $300,000, Harvest Meadows starting around the low $300,000’s, and Maggie Way starting around $400,000. Pricing can change by home, floor plan, lot, upgrades, and availability, so we’ll always help you confirm current numbers before you move forward.
11. How long does it take to build or buy a RiverWILD Homes property?
The timeline depends on which path you choose. A move-in-ready or under-construction home will usually be the quickest option. A production home that is earlier in the process may give you some selection flexibility while still keeping the process simpler. A design-build home takes more time because it is more personalized. We’ll help you compare your options based on when you want to move and how much customization you want.
12. Can RiverWILD Real Estate help me compare floor plans and communities?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest advantages of working with our team. We know the RiverWILD Homes floor plans, which communities they are available in, what inventory is coming, and what each neighborhood offers. Instead of trying to sort through everything alone, we can help you narrow down the right plan, price point, location, and timeline.
13. Can you help me with financing for a RiverWILD Homes property?
Yes. RiverWILD Real Estate has a Preferred Lenders page and works with lending partners who understand local buyers, new construction, and builder timelines. The site currently lists financing partners including Fairway Home Mortgage, First Heritage Mortgage, and North State Bank. We can help you connect with the right lender early so you understand your budget, payment comfort zone, and any current builder promotion requirements.
14. Do builder promotions apply to every RiverWILD Homes property?
Not always. Builder promotions can vary by home, community, timing, and lender requirements. RiverWILD Real Estate’s new construction promo page notes that some offers apply only to select homes and may require the use of the builder’s preferred lender. Because promotions change, the best thing to do is ask us which homes qualify right now before you fall in love with a specific property.
15. Are RiverWILD Homes properties backed by a warranty?
Yes. RiverWILD Homes provides new-home warranty support and a dedicated warranty process for homeowners. The exact coverage, terms, and submission procedures are provided with the home’s warranty materials, so buyers should review those documents for the specific property rather than relying on a general summary.
16. What happens after closing if I have a question about my home?
Support does not stop at closing. RiverWILD Homes has a dedicated warranty process and contact path for homeowners. Before closing or during the New Home Orientation, the team will explain what to expect, who to contact, and how to submit warranty-related questions after you move in.
17. How do I get started with RiverWILD Homes?
The best first step is to decide what matters most: timing, budget, location, or customization. If you want to move sooner, we’ll start with available RiverWILD Homes properties. If you want more personalization, we’ll talk through presale options. Either way, our team will help you understand the communities, floor plans, financing steps, and next move with confidence.
Ready to Find Your New Construction Home?
Looking for new construction homes in Johnston County? RiverWILD Real Estate specializes in homes built by RiverWILD Homes in Clayton, Selma, Smithfield, and surrounding areas. Whether you're searching for your first home, a place to grow your family, or a community where you can put down long-term roots, our team can help.
Interested in learning more about building your home? Visit our page on Production and Design-Homes to find out which style of home is right for you!