N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-309: Sale of land under execution.

Real property adjudged to be sold must be sold in the county where it lies, by the sheriff of the county or by a referee appointed by the court for that purpose; and thereupon the sheriff or referee must execute a conveyance to the purchaser, which conveyance shall be effectual to pass the rights and interests of the parties adjudged to be sold. (C.C.P., s. 259; Code, s. 443; Rev., s. 622; C.S., s. 671.)