Waterways of Southport/Oak Island

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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Often Overlooked Questions To Ask Before Buying a Home

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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MRA Announces September 2025 Top Producers

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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Lights in the Night

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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What Fed Rate Cuts Could Mean for Home Buyers and Sellers

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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MRA Announces August 2025 Top Producers

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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MRA Announces July 2025 Top Producers

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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Beacon of the Coast: Exploring the Oak Island Lighthouse

Located in Caswell Beach, North Carolina, the Oak Island Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive and beloved landmarks along the Brunswick County coast. With its modern design, panoramic views, and deep connection to the area’s maritime history, it’s a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

A Modern Marvel with Historic Purpose

Completed in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse was built to replace the Cape Fear Lighthouse and guide ships safely past the dangerous Frying Pan Shoals. While it may not look like your typical red-and-white striped beacon, its concrete exterior is both practical and iconic.

Quick facts:

• Height: 153 feet tall

• Light elevation: 169 feet above sea level

• Flash pattern: Four 1-second bursts…

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MRA Announces June 2025 Top Producers

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 June 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: Amy Lynn Boltz
• Top Listing Agent: Elvira Gilbert

Oak Island Office

• Top Listing Agent: Brooke Rudd
• 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 none.…

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Fireworks, Freedom, & Front Porch Flags

Why the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival in Southport is so special—blending heart, history, and a whole lot of coastal charm.

FIREWORKS, FREEDOM & FRONT PORCH FLAGS

When it comes to Independence Day, Southport, North Carolina doesn’t just celebrate it—it lives and breathes it. For over two centuries, this postcard-perfect town has honored America’s birthday in a way that’s deeply patriotic, unmistakably Southern, and entirely unforgettable.

Nestled where the Cape Fear River meets the sea, Southport becomes the heart of red, white, and blue every summer, hosting the official North Carolina Fourth of July Festival—a multi-day celebration bursting with tradition, small-town spirit, and dazzling waterfront festivities.

MORE THAN A…

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