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If you've spent any time driving around Brunswick County lately — through Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Calabash, or any of the small towns in between — you've probably noticed something. New construction seems to be everywhere. "For Sale" signs go up more often than they used to. And the people moving through these neighborhoods look a little different than they did even five years ago. We watch these patterns closely, because they tell a story about who's coming, who's goi

Walkway over the Davis Canal in Oak Island, NC August is here, and I still can't quite believe it. It feels like summer just showed up, and now it's already talking about fall. If I'm being honest, the beach trips have been fewer than I'd like this summer. So have the visits with friends and family. Between the heat, the to-do list, and everything else pulling at my time, "someday" kept turning into "next week." Fall plans are starting to come into view, and I'm hearing from

Life here is about more than square footage — it's a lifestyle. Tucked in the sought-after Avalon community in Bolivia, NC, just 15 minutes from the beach and between Wilmington and North Myrtle Beach, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom Cali floor plan (~1,777 sq ft) is where coastal Carolina living meets everyday comfort. Enjoy resort-style amenities: a zero-entry pool, pickleball and bocce courts, and sidewalk-lined streets made for morning walks. Come home to a private backyard re

The real estate market in Avalon is shifting as we move through the summer of 2026. Data downloaded through July 2026 reveals key developments in local pricing, inventory levels, and selling timelines that both buyers and sellers need to know. 1. Home Prices Continue Upward Momentum Despite broader market shifts, property values in Avalon remain strong, showing noticeable year-over-year growth: Average Sold Price: Reached $334,500 in July 2026, representing a 9.24% increase c

July got away from me. If you've noticed I've been a little quieter than usual, there's a reason. I had a few unexpected health issues this month that left me exhausted and a little withdrawn. Sometimes life reminds us to slow down, even when we don't want to. Even so, I never stopped showing up for the people who matter most. My clients still got my full attention, my family came first, and in the middle of it all we celebrated a huge milestone. Tom officially retired from t

I saw that quote recently and laughed because honestly, it sounds exactly like something I would say. Life gets busy. Between work, family, responsibilities, phone calls, emails, appointments, and everything else that comes with being an adult, there are days when it feels like the to-do list is never-ending. When those days happen, you'll often find me heading toward the water. Does the beach magically solve my problems? No. The emails are still there when I get back. The de

We’ve all seen the HGTV reveals… the ones where every pillow is perfectly chopped and the lighting makes everything sparkle like a jewelry store. Let me save you some time and money right now.Your house does not need to look like that to sell in Brunswick County this spring. Inventory is up about 9% year over year (FlexMLS), so yes… buyers have options. But here’s the truth most people miss: they’re not chasing perfection. They’re looking for something that feels clean, easy

The 2026 spring market in Brunswick County has officially hit its stride. Following a historic 2025 where our local market surpassed $3 billion in annual sales volume , the momentum hasn't slowed down. But while the demand for the coastal Carolina lifestyle is as high as ever, the way you sell has changed. If you’ve been on the fence about listing your home in Southport, Leland, or the beach communities, spring remains the gold standard for sellers—provided you have the righ

Spring in Brunswick County is unlike any other season. From the blooming azaleas in Leland to the salt air returning to the Brunswick Islands, the area truly comes alive. But for home buyers, the "spring awakening" also means a significant increase in competition. In a market as desirable as ours—where coastal charm meets rapid growth—you can’t afford to "wing it." If you want to secure your piece of the Carolina coast this year, here is exactly what you need to have ready be

1038 Burled Oak Ridge Loop SE | Bolivia, NC | Avalon Community Looking for space, potential, and a prime location in Bolivia, North Carolina? This opportunity in the highly desirable Avalon neighborhood checks all three. This popular Aria floor plan offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a functional, open-concept layout designed for easy living. Whether you're searching for a primary residence, second home near the coast, or an investment property in Brunswick County, t

The azaleas are blooming, the golfers are back on the greens, and the Brunswick County real estate market is officially heating up. While we’ve seen a steady winter, the arrival of spring in 2026 brings a distinct shift in energy to our coastal communities. Whether you’re looking to settle into a new home in Leland or sell a seaside retreat in Oak Island, here is what the current spring surge means for you. More Listings Hitting the Market After a record-breaking 2025 where B

f you’ve been thinking about buying a home but keep stopping yourself because it feels overwhelming… you’re not alone. Most first-time buyers aren’t stuck because they can’t do it.They’re stuck because they don’t know where to start. And when you’re talking about one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, “guessing your way through it” isn’t exactly a solid plan. That’s exactly why I’m hosting a First-Time Home Buyer Workshop right here in Brunswick County . No pres

Welcome to easy coastal living with built-in flexibility in the heart of St. James Plantation. This ground-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers something rare... the ability to enjoy your own coastal retreat while creating income potential at the same time. Designed with a lockout efficiency unit, the space can be used as a full 2-bedroom residence, a private guest suite, or a separate rental opportunity. Step inside to a freshly updated interior with new flooring, fresh pain

In the world of real estate, many agents carry business cards with a long string of letters behind their names. But there is one designation that stands above the rest, held by a tiny fraction of professionals worldwide: the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) . Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it means to be a CRS and why professionals like Kim Cotton are in a league of their own. What is a CRS? The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to reside

Canal-front home with boat lift and quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway, ideal for boating, vacation rental income, or a coastal second home. Located on Topsail Island in Surf City, one of the most desirable coastal communities along the North Carolina coast, 6114 6th Street offers the lifestyle people imagine when they dream about owning a home at the beach. This raised coastal home was designed to capture natural light, water views, and gathering space. The main livin

Kim Cotton was named a Real Producers Top 300 agent for 2026 , recognizing a strong year of production in 2025 and her continued commitment to serving buyers and sellers throughout Brunswick County and Coastal North Carolina . Real Producers highlights top-performing real estate professionals within each market based on production, consistency, and industry engagement. Earning a place among the Top 300 reflects Kim’s hands-on approach, clear communication, and strong advocac

If you’re thinking about selling a home in Brunswick County, whether that’s Southport, Oak Island, Bolivia, or one of our surrounding coastal communities, you’ve probably noticed the market feels different than it did a few years ago. That’s because it is. There’s a lot of noise out there. Headlines. Social media opinions. Neighbors sharing advice based on a market that no longer exists. So let’s talk about the truth of selling a home right now in our local market. This isn’t

If 2025 felt like a tough year to buy your first home, you were not imagining it. First-time buyers faced a perfect storm of high home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and everyday financial pressures that made getting into a home feel out of reach. Rising rents, student loan payments, and childcare costs forced many would-be buyers to pause their plans. According to economists at the National Association of REALTORS, demand for homeownership remains strong, but many buyers s

January often feels like a fresh start, a chance to clear away the clutter and reset routines. For homeowners in Bolivia, NC, this mindset can extend beyond personal goals to the home itself. After the busy holiday season, many houses show signs of wear—extra decorations, more guests, and postponed maintenance. Taking time in January to reset your home can give you a significant advantage if you plan to sell later in the year. Why January Works for Home Sellers in Bolivia The

Every seller wants top dollar, but getting there takes more than a quick “list it and hope for the best” approach. Homes that are clean, bright, neutral, and thoughtfully staged consistently outperform those rushed to market. Kim Cotton and her business partner Jordan Breasseale see this play out all the time. One recent example came from Jordan’s own home in Bolivia NC. Instead of hurrying the listing, her family moved out, repainted, decluttered, and staged the home with pu