Found 26 blog entries tagged as real estate.

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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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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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

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 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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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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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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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 April 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: Tim Wendt

Oak Island Office

  • Top Listing Agent: Kathy MacNish
  • Top Selling Agent: Glenn Paul McVicker

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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Brunswick County’s residential real estate market saw more homes sold and more new listings in March, while prices dropped slightly,  likely due to fewer high-dollar luxury sales compared to March 2024.

“March was one of the strongest months we’ve seen for units sold in the last decade, with the exception of 2021’s incomparable numbers,” said Cynthia Walsh, CEO of the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR). “Even with fewer luxury sales, March proved that demand for homes in Brunswick County remains strong, and we saw a notable increase in new listings to help meet that demand.”

New listings increased 6.6% compared to last March, rising from 793 to 845. The number of homes sold increased 1.7%, from 515 to 524, while total sales…

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BCAR February 2025 Market Stats


Brunswick County’s residential real estate market saw increases in total sales volume, prices, and new listings in February, along with a rise in luxury home sales compared to last year.

“February saw a surge in total sales volume, a slight increase in new listings, and significant year-over-year growth in home sales in Brunswick County,” said Cynthia Walsh, CEO of the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR). “These trends, along with increased inventory, indicate a strong and competitive market as we move into spring.”

New listings increased 3.8% compared to last February, rising from 703 to 730. The number of homes sold increased 19.9%, from 336 to 403, while total sales volume jumped 26.6%, from $154,198,329 to $195,220,294. The…

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