About Oak City Property Management Company
Your investments are as strong as oak.
Why Choose Oak City Properties?
We approach each property from both a professional and personal perspective, whether you are a first-time property owner or a seasoned investor. As real estate investors ourselves, we understand your concerns as a property owner and manage your investment the same way we would manage our own. No matter your investment goals, we want to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate to let Oak City Properties empower you by providing high-quality property management solutions.
The Best Leasing Experience Possible
Our goal to give you the absolute best leasing experience possible. We strive to give you the utmost level of care and attention that both you and your investment deserve.
We take pride in responding with swiftness, courtesy, and skill to every question and concern from owner and resident alike. It’s in our best interest that we make the landlord-tenant negotiations as smooth and mutually beneficial as possible. This way, we realize the full potential of every home and building that we manage. We believe this optimistic and ambitious view is what sets us apart from all other property management companies. If you need property management services near Raleigh-Durham, Cary or Chapel Hill, we are here for you.
Our Team
Oak City Properties Leasing Team
Brent Vaughn
Co-Founder
Director of Sales and Leasing
Brent Vaughn is Co-Founder of Oak City Properties Realty & Management, LLC and serves as Director of Sales and Leasing. A Raleigh native, Brent graduated from East Carolina University in 2004 with a degree in Business Management and has been a licensed real estate broker since 2005\. With deep roots in the local market, he brings nearly two decades of experience helping clients navigate buying, selling, and leasing with confidence.
Brent is a devoted husband and father of two daughters, and his faith and family are at the center of everything he does. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors—especially at the beach—and stays active through fishing, golf, rugby, and hockey. He’s also a passionate Carolina Hurricanes fan and takes pride in being part of the community he’s always called home.
Jim O'Brien
Co-Founder
Jim O’Brien is a co-founder of Oak City Properties (founded in 2012), a Raleigh, North Carolina-based real estate management company. He has over 30 years of experience in the North Carolina real estate market, specializing in property management, tenant services, and investor acquisitions.
Jim lives in Rolesville, NC with his wife Carlin, his 18-year-old son Mason—who will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill in fall 2026—and Great Dane named Daisy. Jim and Carlin also have two other adult children: Caden, who recently graduated from Brevard College, and Riley, who currently attends UNC-Wilmington.
Pamela Madigan
Broker
Property Manager
Pamela “Pam” has been a licensed Real Estate Broker for 20 years and has been renting homes for 17 years, with the last 12 years at Oak City Properties. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and has wanted to work in real estate her entire life. She has two amazing boys and a purebred Mutt that she likes to hang out with in her free time. She has a love of old and unique houses and will geek out if you have one. There is nothing better than the excitement people have when you tell them they get to move into a new home.
Abby Vaughn
Realtor
Abby was born and raised in Connecticut and graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. She has been married to her husband, Brent Vaughn, since 2010, and together they have two children, Kaylen and Kinsley. Abby is a proud dog lover who enjoys shelling at the beach, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, and spending time with her family.
With a professional background in Social Work and Non-Profits, Abby made the decision to shift career paths and join the family real estate business. Today, she is a dedicated Realtor who brings compassion, attention to detail, and a client-first approach to every transaction. Whether buying, selling, or leasing, Abby is always ready to help her clients achieve their goals and find the perfect place to call home.
Carlin O'Brien
Realtor
Carlin O’Brien brings over 30 years of experience in business, marketing, and real estate to Oak City Properties. A graduate of High Point University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Carlin has spent the past six years helping clients navigate the Triangle market with confidence and ease.
Known for being outgoing, hardworking, and honest, Carlin takes pride in staying on top of market trends and helping people feel settled in their new homes. Married for 28 years, Carlin and spouse share life with their three kids and their Great Dane, Daisy.
When not working, Carlin can usually be found relaxing by the pool or at the beach. A lifelong storyteller, Carlin self-published a first fiction book in 2021 and even earned a co-producer credit on the documentary *Fruits of Peace*. Ask about the time spent driving on the wrong side of the road in England—it’s a story that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Joanne Lastra
Senior Property Manager
Joanne has worked in Property Management for over 15 years. Originally from Long Island, New York, she relocated to North Carolina in May 2009. During an apartment tour shortly after moving, she was offered a position as a Leasing Consultant—a role that sparked her passion for property management. Through hard work and dedication, Joanne advanced to Property Manager and built a strong foundation in the industry. In 2016, she brought her expertise to Oak City Properties, where she continues to thrive as a Senior Property Manager.
Moving to North Carolina has been a rewarding experience for Joanne. She is a proud homeowner and enjoys life with her 3-year-old Maltipoo, who even joins her at the office.
Kayla Thompson
Property Manager
Kayla Thompson is a Property Manager with Oak City Properties and has been working in real estate since 2019. As a North Carolina licensed real estate professional, she specializes in residential property management and is known for her strong communication, attention to detail, and dependable follow-through. Kayla enjoys helping people, solving problems, and making sure both owners and residents feel supported every step of the way.
Born and raised in Cary, Kayla brings valuable local knowledge and a genuine connection to the Triangle area. She loves the ever-changing nature of property management and appreciates that no two days are ever the same. Her goal is to create a positive, stress-free experience for the people she works with by being responsive, reliable, and easy to work with. When she’s not at work, Kayla enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring local trails with her Doberman, Blau. She also stays connected to the community through Raleigh Rugby Football Club.
Brandi Raley
Property Manager
Brandi Raley is a North Carolina native and residential property manager with Oak City Properties, dedicated to delivering strong results for both homeowners and residents. Approachable and easy to work with, Brandi enjoys supporting clients and residents while ensuring properties are well maintained. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, cooking, music, and relaxing with her beagle, Copper.
Testimonials
Helpful Links
Want to Learn More About Real Estate Investment?
Our years of experience in real estate investment and property management have helped us to create ideal solutions no matter the situation. To help with your real estate investment journey, we create relevant blogs each month that address the topics that matter. Take a look at our resourceful and forward-thinking blog topics to learn more.
How Professional Property Management Prepares Rentals for Peak Move-In Season
In fast-moving North Carolina markets like Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle suburbs, vacancy time can make or break a rental property’s profitability. Every day a property sits empty represents lost income, ongoing expenses, and missed opportunity. In competitive markets where tenants have options and inventory moves quickly, the difference between a two-week vacancy
Why Spring Is Prime Time for Leasing (And How Property Managers Maximize It)
In North Carolina’s rental market, timing is everything, and no season offers more opportunity than spring. As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, leasing activity across the Triangle accelerates. Renters begin their searches in earnest, relocation activity increases, and properties that are properly positioned can lease faster and at stronger rates than at any
How Professional Property Management Reduces Vacancy Time in Competitive NC Markets
In fast-moving North Carolina markets like Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle suburbs, vacancy time can make or break a rental property’s profitability. Every day a property sits empty represents lost income, ongoing expenses, and missed opportunity. In competitive markets where tenants have options and inventory moves quickly, the difference between a two-week vacancy
Get In Touch
We’ve streamlined the experience of purchasing and owning investment properties through a trusted and reliable mindset built on decades of measured success. Our team of real estate and investment professionals are ready to help you manage your most significant assets through a hands-on approach that focuses on consistently generating results. Want to learn more about our commitment to effective real estate investing and property management? Contact us today.