When cooler weather settles in and the summer blooms fade, many homeowners assume curb appeal has to take a back seat until spring. But winter can be a beautiful season to show off your home—especially here along the North Carolina coast, where milder temperatures still allow for outdoor charm and inviting scenery. Whether you’re preparing to list your home or simply want to give your property some extra love, a little winter curb appeal goes a long way.

Here are some simple, effective, and coastal-friendly ways to keep your home looking warm and welcoming all winter long:

1. Keep Your Exterior Clean & Tidy

Wind, salt air, fallen leaves, and pine needles can add up quickly. Take a few minutes each week to:

  • Sweep porches, walkways, and…

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If you're heading to Southport/Oak Island, North Carolina area (or thinking about it) and you love being out on the water — whether fishing, cruising, dolphin-watching or just soaking up the scenery — you’re in for a treat. This charming little coastal area sits at a prime junction of waterways, offering a variety of experiences for boats of all sizes, anglers of all skill levels, and nature-lovers looking for a memorable outing. Below we’ll highlight three standout water zones and what makes each special: great spots to fish, boat, or just chill and spot dolphins.

1. Cape Fear River

Why it’s special

The Cape Fear River flows right by Southport and empties into the Atlantic between barrier islands — which means lots of tidal motion, mixing of…

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Before is the key word!

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people will ever make. It’s easy to focus on the obvious questions—What’s the asking price? How many bedrooms? How big is the yard?—but sometimes it’s the questions buyers don’t ask that lead to unexpected surprises later. Before signing on the dotted line, here are some often overlooked questions to keep in mind:

1. What’s included in the sale?

Not every appliance, fixture, or feature you see during a showing automatically comes with the house. Ask about refrigerators, washers/dryers, light fixtures, window treatments, and even outdoor sheds or playsets. Clarifying up front avoids confusion when you move in.

2. How old are the major systems?

…

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Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® along with its Executive Board of Directors is pleased to announce the firm's top producing agents and teams from the month of September 2025. 

Please join us in congratulating the following for attaining the highest production in representing the interests of buyers and sellers.

Southport Offices

  • Top Selling Agent: Tim Wendt
  • Top Listing Agent: Rosanne Matheson

Oak Island Office

  • Top Listing Agent: Marcia Erwin
  • Top Selling Agent: Karen Wirzulis

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® is a local independent company rooted in the communities of Brunswick County. Our agents bring an authenticity, depth of knowledge and array of community relationships that are second to…

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The Ghostly Lights of Frying Pan Shoals

Just off Oak Island, stretching nearly 30 miles into the Atlantic, lies one of the most treacherous—and mysterious—places on the East Coast: Frying Pan Shoals. Nicknamed the Graveyard of the Atlantic, these constantly shifting sandbars have claimed hundreds of ships over the centuries, from pirate vessels to warships. But the shipwrecks aren’t the only thing that make Frying Pan legendary.

For generations, sailors, fishermen, and even modern boaters have told stories of strange ghostly lights floating above the shoals at night.

Lights in the Night

Witnesses describe them as glowing orbs or “phantom lanterns” that bob and weave across the water. Sometimes they appear as a faint blue-green shimmer. Other…

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Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Cote, Broker/REALTOR®, as the company’s new Director of Relocation and Referral Services. Cote, leveraging years of specialized expertise in the field, will lead all local and global relocation and referral operations, working with real estate professionals across the world to create a superior client, agent, and customer experience.

Cote brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to this role. She initially joined Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® in 2016, bringing decades of experience in personnel and project management and accounting operations to the firm’s property management department. In 2017, she transitioned into an accounting role for…

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What Fed Rate Cuts Could Mean for Home Buyers and Sellers

When the Federal Reserve makes a move to cut interest rates, headlines light up—and many people immediately wonder: What does this mean for the housing market? While the Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, its actions often influence the broader economy and can ripple through real estate in meaningful ways.

How Fed Rate Cuts Affect the Market

The Federal Reserve lowers rates to encourage borrowing and spending, usually during periods of slower economic growth. These lower borrowing costs can affect everything from auto loans to credit cards—and yes, mortgages. While mortgage rates are more directly tied to long-term Treasury yields, they often trend downward when the Fed cuts…

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Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® along with its Executive Board of Directors is pleased to announce the firm's top producing agents and teams from the month of August 2025. 

Please join us in congratulating the following for attaining the highest production in representing the interests of buyers and sellers.

Southport Offices

  • Top Selling Agent: Rosanne Matheson
  • Top Listing Agent: Amy Lynn Boltz

Oak Island Office

  • Top Listing Agent: Brooke Rudd
  • Top Selling Agent: Brooke Rudd

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® is a local independent company rooted in the communities of Brunswick County. Our agents bring an authenticity, depth of knowledge and array of community relationships that are second to none.…

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Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® along with its Executive Board of Directors is pleased to announce the firm's top producing agents and teams from the month of July 2025. 

Please join us in congratulating the following for attaining the highest production in representing the interests of buyers and sellers.

Southport Offices

  • Top Selling Agent: Stephen Mills
  • Top Listing Agent: Elvira Gilbert

Oak Island Office

  • Top Listing Agent: Pat Proctor
  • Top Selling Agent: Kathy MacNish

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® is a local independent company rooted in the communities of Brunswick County. Our agents bring an authenticity, depth of knowledge and array of community relationships that are second to none. Our…

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Whether you're a lifelong coastal resident or a newcomer to the shores of North Carolina, hurricane season is a fact of life—and preparation is key to protecting your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. Here's a practical, homeowner-focused guide to help you get ready before the winds start to blow. 1. Strengthen Your Home's Exterior Secure your roof:

  • Inspect for loose shingles or tiles and have them repaired.
  • Consider installing hurricane straps or clips to reinforce roof-to-wall connections.
Protect windows and doors:
  • Install storm shutters or board windows with 5/8" plywood.
  • Reinforce garage doors—often a weak point during high winds.
Clear the yard:
  • Trim back…

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