Welcome Home: REALTOR® Rhomni Williams Joins the MRA Family

From Coast to Capital City and Back Again: Welcome Rhomni Williams to the MRA Family!

"Island Dreams Do Come True."

For Rhomni Williams, those aren't just words—they're a reflection of her journey.

After beginning her real estate career along the North Carolina coast in 1992, building a successful 25-year career in Raleigh, and ultimately returning to the place she has always loved, Rhomni's story has come full circle. Today, we're thrilled to announce that Rhomni Williams, Broker/REALTOR®, GRI, e-Pro, CREN, has joined the sales team at Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®!

A proud North Carolina native and Oak Island local, Rhomni brings more than three decades of real estate experience to MRA. Throughout her career, she has built a…

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January Pruning Guide: What to cut Back (and What to Leave Alone) in Southeastern NC

January Pruning Guide: What to Cut Back (and What to Leave Alone) in Southeastern North Carolina

  January may feel like a quiet month in the garden, but in southeastern North Carolina, it’s actually prime time for smart pruning. With most plants dormant and pests at bay, winter pruning helps encourage healthy growth, better blooms, and stronger trees come spring.

Whether you’re sprucing up your yard for curb appeal or simply maintaining your landscape, here’s a helpful January pruning guide tailored to our coastal climate.

Trees to Prune in January

Deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves) are ideal candidates for winter pruning because their structure is easier to see.

Good choices for January pruning include:

• Oak trees –…

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How to Maintain Curb Appeal During the Winter Months

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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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 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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Holiday Home Staging Tips For Sellers: Create a Festive First Impression

Selling your home during the holiday season can be a strategic move. Buyers in the market for a new home this time of year are often serious, and a cozy, festive atmosphere can help them envision spending their holidays in your home. However, it’s important to strike the right balance—too much décor or overly personal touches might overwhelm potential buyers. Here are some expert holiday home staging tips to help you make a lasting impression:

1. Keep It Simple and Elegant

Over-the-top decorations might feel jolly to you, but buyers need to see your home's features, not your ornament collection. Choose a cohesive color scheme for your holiday décor that complements your home’s interior. Stick to neutral tones with a pop of festive color, like…

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Smart Home Upgrades: What's Worth the Investment

Smart home technology has become increasingly popular, transforming ordinary homes into efficient, convenient, and secure living spaces. With the market offering a wide range of smart devices, it can be challenging to determine which upgrades are truly worth the investment. This article explores the most valuable smart home upgrades, focusing on those that enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency.

1. Smart Thermostats

Benefits:

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat or the Ecobee SmartThermostat, are a top choice for homeowners looking to save on energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home environment. These devices learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting the temperature automatically to optimize energy…

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MRA Congratulates Top Producers for October 2024

Celebrating the October 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 October 2024. 

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

Southport Offices

• Top Listing Agent: Rosanne Matheson
• Top Selling Agent: Stephen Mills

Oak Island Office

• Top Listing Agent: Kathy MacNish
• Top Selling Agent: Karen Wirzulis

Teams

• Top Listing Team: The Jolliff Team
• Top Selling Team: The Jolliff Team

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MRA Congratulates Top Producers for September 2024

Celebrating the September 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 2024. 

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

Southport Offices

• Top Listing Agent: Bob Lewis
• Top Selling Agent: Rosanne Matheson

Oak Island Office

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

Teams

• Top Listing Team: Rudd Sold Group
• Top Selling Team: Rudd Sold Group

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Who Pays What: A Guide to Closing Costs in North Carolina

Who Pays What

Understanding the allocation of costs in a real estate transaction is paramount in the process for both buyers and sellers. Closing costs can make or break a transaction by significantly impacting financial considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time home buyer, understanding the details on who pays what at the end of the day will empower you to have more confidence at the closing table.

Closing Costs: Sellers

Prorated Property Taxes &/or HOA Fees
Property taxes in North Carolina are paid in arrears meaning the taxes for a property are prorated based upon the cumulative number of days the seller owned the home throughout the year. Therefore, if a seller closes in December they are more likely to pay more taxes…

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