Nest Realty is settling into its own new Wilmington nest.

The Wilmington branch of the Virginia-based residential real estate firm recently opened an office at 990 Inspiration Drive at Mayfaire Town Center, moving from 1508 Military Cutoff Road.

"We've had a lot of people coming by to check it out," said Ryan Crecelius, principal broker of Nest in Wilmington.  

While he had hoped for an opening this summer, the project of revamping the existing Mayfaire building ran into some engineering snags. 

"We really like it here. It's  been a little bit of a road to get here, but we're excited," Crecelius said. "I think it's just going to give us that much more exposure. I think we're going to see a good bit of business from walk-in traffic and past that, it's just kind of upping our game a bit, bringing something unique to the market."

It also gives agents and their clients "a cool spot" to work out of, he said.

Nest moved from 1,900 square feet in the building at 1508 Military Cutoff Road to the spot at Mayfaire nearest the Fresh Market that was formerly occupied by Artisan Market & Cafe. The restaurant closed in 2008.

The Mayfaire office comes with an outdoor area, and at about 3,000 square feet, gives Nest room to grow, Crecelius said last year.

Nest plans to do a Phase II renovation of the outdoor patio at its Mayfaire office. 

"Once that's done this spring, we'll probably have a grand opening celebration," Crecelius said.

Nest Realty opened an office in Carolina Beach in May. The firm's offices in New Hanover County have nearly 40 agents, Crecelius said.