REAL ESTATE
Listed By BRETT HILL,TRUE LOCAL REALTY
TWIN COUNTY MEDIA
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RECENT SALES RECENT SALES
People come in for ice cream, but they stay to talk. Everybody’s got a story to tell.
The Scoops storefront on Main Street in downtown Rocky Mount is a striking sight on a sunny afternoon. A bright flag with the words "ICE CREAM" draws you in, and a cheerful pastel sign featuring three ice cream scoops and chocolate dripping welcomes guests. Like the family that owns it, the business radiates warmth and charm with its welcoming bench by the door and colorful interior accents.
“We’ve been here 35 years,” said the owners, Leslie and Darius Hudgins. “He became a police officer, so we moved here and raised three children. I still work full time for the city right now, and I’m also a realtor here in Rocky Mount. He’s got 30 years at the police department, and he also coaches softball at Rocky Mount High. We have four grandchildren too. It’s a big family.”
scoops
209 NE Main St, Rocky Mount
From public service and coaching to raising children and now grandchildren, their lives have been intricately entwined with Rocky Mount for decades They hadn't thought of opening an ice creamshop,butattheperfecttime,theopportunity presenteditself
“About a year ago, we wanted to do something different We were thinking about a mobile truck, an ice cream truck,” they recall “And it just so happensthisbuildingcameopen Sowedecidedto takealookatit,andwesaid,thisispossible We’ve always wanted to find something to do for the community, and this felt like the right spot; downtown, next door to the event center. It was perfect Wecouldberighthereinthecenterofthe communitywithfamilies,kids,andsportsactivities Thatmeantalottous”
A few months later, just as they were considering the truck, the shop became available, so they decidedtoputalltheireffortsintheshopfirstand then, roughly two months later, they received the trailer The truck debuted during the Juneteenth festivities, where it served ice cream to large audiencesoverthecourseofthreedays "Everything wentperfectly,"theysaidsmiling.
The atmosphere you receive when you walk in is what makes Scoops unique, not just the flavors As soon as you step through the entrance, the bright colors and thoughtful details instantly catch your eye The space is visually engaging especially for children creating a cheerful and welcoming atmospherethatdrawsthemin “It’saplacewhere people can come and bring their grandchildren, bringtheirchildren,”theysaid “Evenifit’sonlyfor a few minutes, enjoy your ice cream and then go backtotherealworld"
The shop’s most popular flavor is butter pecan, which often sparks nostalgia for customers They recall a young man who came in recently with his girlfriend “He said, ‘I remember being with my grandfather growing up, and it’s all he had at his house’Soheorderedbutterpecan,tookabite,and said,‘Thisisit.’Momentslikethatmakeyoufeellike it’sgoingtowork.”
Scoopsisaboutmorethanjusticecream,according to the owners; it's about fostering neighborhood ties In any case, they deal with the community In particular,theyareconstantlyintheneighborhood for their job. “We wanted to create something that givesback,”theysaid.
Theycomparetheirroleattheshoptoascenefrom Charlie Brown “His sister has a psychiatrist stand andchargesfivedollarstolistentopeople Ifeellike we’re that People come in for ice cream, but they staytotalk.Everybody’sgotastorytotell.”
Withtheshopthriving,thefamilyhopestobuilda legacy “Commitment and family are everything to us,” they said “We want this to be here for our grandchildren and for the community to enjoy for yearstocome”
THE STORY
A BLANK SLATE.
POSSIBILITIES.
Step into a spacious, open-concept conference venue designed to adapt to your needs Whether you're hosting a seminar, workshop, or celebration, this room offers the flexibility and scale to bring your vision to life
With generous square footage and a layout that reconfigures into office, retail, or restaurant space with the necessary upfit, the space is ideal for your vision.
AN OPEN SPACE FOR YOUR NEEDS
Flexible Layout: Easily reconfigurable to suit any event or use type
Cost Approx $1,500/ per month (Subject to change depending on upfit requirements) 1ST FLOOR SUITE FOR LEASE - ~1500 SF
Bright & Airy: Abundant overhead lighting and strategically placed windows for a pleasant ambiance
Spacious: Plenty of room for guests, equipment, or activities
Ample Parking: Convenient onsite and nearby options
Downtown Location: Steps away from dining, shopping, and more
RELATIONSHIPS THAT POWER LOCAL BUSINESS
You’ve poured everything into growing your business, so you’re all too aware of how a minor misstep can put what you’ve built at risk.
When so much is on the line, even everyday banking decisions can start to feel overwhelming. Too often, business owners are left to figure things out within one-size-fits-all systems, when what they really need is guidance and solutions tailored to their unique goals. Partnering with a community bank means having a trusted advisor by your side — not just for today’s decisions, but for every challenge and opportunity along the way
For more than 120 years, Southern Bank has worked hand in hand to support the growth of local businesses. We’ve taken the time to grow the smart way, adding online banking and other tools that make the day-to-day operations of running a business even smoother. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to building a relationship with every customer.
MORE THAN A TRANSACTIONAL RELATIONSHIP
With the convenience offered by online banking options, a business owner may not necessarily know the names or faces of the people who work at their bank. However, when Sam Phillips,
the founding partner of Data Honey, was exploring business banking options, he was not only referred to Southern Bank — he was personally introduced to his bank
We asked him about his expectations when signing up with a new bank. “Normally you go get a new credit card and you have a transactional relationship,” Phillips says. “I expected that out of my bank. And honestly, why would you expect anything else? It's kind of built into the name. It's a transactional relationship. But with Southern Bank, it quickly, quickly became something that was well beyond the transactional relationship.” In fact, it became breakfast at a farmer’s market.
Data Honey, an Apex, NC-based technology company that specializes in data management, works closely with the agribusiness sector. As it happens, so does Southern Bank.
By taking an interest in Phillips’ work, Southern facilitated a breakfast between Phillips and an NC State alum, which turned into a tour of the NC State agriculture facility, which resulted in an introduction to a prospective chemical manufacturer in need of data management services. “Choosing someone whose service stands out will pay dividends for which you don't even realize,” Phillips says. “The best example is the networking effect that I've had over at Southern. Yes, they take care of my banking, but they're also having breakfast with me and they know what my business does.
A TRUSTED PARTNER FOR THE LONG TERM
A community bank will celebrate your wins with you, but they’ll also be by your side during tough times or challenges in your day-to-day work.
Southern helps our clients navigate rough spots because we’ve invested in you — and your business — from the start of our relationship. We’re proud to understand what you do, how you do it, and how we can support you — whether that’s through a personalized loan program, a Reserve Line of Credit, or a strategic conversation.
And when your business hits a speed bump in your daily operations? Southern will also be there for you.
“I've never been a part of a phone tree ever with Southern, which I cannot explain how that works,” Phillips says. “The part that can quickly distinguish yourself is the service because everyone's trying to manage costs, and so they manage costs by limiting service.”
That hands-on support is what makes Southern stand out — when the unexpected happens, you’re met by someone who knows your name and is ready to tackle the problem with you.
YOUR SUCCESS
IS OUR BUSINESS
As a member of our community, Southern is invested in the growth of local businesses. We have personal experience as a small business and we want you to experience that same longterm success. That’s why we provide not only top-tier technology and products to streamline your operations, but also personalized guidance and local expertise — and we offer you both for years to come.
For Phillips, the benefits Southern Bank brings to local businesses are simple: “You have exceptional service on top of the right tools that get the job done.”
Visit our website today to find out what Southern Bank can do for your business. You’ll find testimonials from business owners like you, be able to explore account options, and get the individualized guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Southern Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern BancShares (N.C.), Inc. With its Corporate Headquarters located in Mount Olive, North Carolina, the Bank has total assets over $4 billion and over 60 locations throughout Eastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia.
BRETT HILL
TRUE LOCAL REALTY A MESSAGE FROM
BECAUSE THERE IS MORE TO REAL ESTATE THAN “SOLD”.
Welcome to this edition of the Twin County Real Estate Market Report, your trusted guide to the local housing market and what’s moving it forward From shifting demand in Spring Hope to record-setting sales in Nashville and Bailey, this report provides a data-backed view of where things stand and where they’re headed
This quarter also marks an important milestone for our team After years of serving the community as 1st Class Real Estate Triangle East, we’ve officially launched True Local Realty. We may have a new name, but we are anything but new to the business.
We are local professionals who live, work, and invest in the communities we serve. We’re passionate about helping our neighbors reach their real estate goals with the kind of knowledge, integrity, and care that only comes from being truly local.
At True Local Realty, passion, expertise, and service come together to deliver results that go beyond transactions Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or searching for your next opportunity we’re here to walk with you every step of the way
We’re excited for what’s ahead, and even more excited to continue helping you make confident, informed real estate decisions
Warm regards,
BRETT HILL Broker, Owner True Local Realty
HIGHLIGHTS
Nash County leads with 245 homes sold and homes achieving 98.5% of asking price
Bailey is booming with an average sale price of $349K and 99.5% list-to-sale ratio
Nashville sales surged by 26.5%, showing strong buyer demand
Edgecombe County stays steady, with homes selling for over 94% of list price
Rocky Mount’s values are rising, with prices up 5.9% year-over-year
Tarboro becomes a value play, as prices dip but homes sell faster
Spring Hope cools, with a 42% drop in sales but rising price per square foot
True Local Realty 1151 Falls Rd Suite 2034
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 919-737-7362
EDGECOMBE COUNTY
Data for Single Family Homes, FLex MLS
Edgecombe County’s housing market is showing confident strides into the second half of 2025 In Q2 alone, 75 single-family homes were sold, with buyers paying an average of $118 per square foot up from $109 earlier this year Homes achieved 94.63% of their original list price, signaling continued buyer demand and realistic pricing
While properties are spending a bit more time on the market 76 days on average sales data suggests that pricing remains strong and competitive With a year-to-date average sale price of $170,543, Edgecombe continues to attract buyers seeking value and stability in Eastern North Carolina
Average List Price
Average Sale Price
Average CDOM
List Price per Sq Foot
Sold Price per Sq. Foot
Sold / Original List Ratio
Nash County
Data for Single Family Homes , FLex MLS
Nash County's housing market remained strong heading into summer 2025 In Q2 alone, 245 homes were sold, with an average sold price per square foot of $153 a notable jump from earlier in the year Homes are selling fast and close to asking, achieving 98.46% of their original list prices.
The average home stayed on the market for just 78 days, and the average sale price climbed to $299,696, reflecting continued demand and price resilience With year-to-date trends pointing upward, Nash County continues to offer both stability and value to buyers and sellers alike
AT TRUE LOCAL REALTY, PASSION, EXPERTISE, AND SERVICE COME TOGETHER TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR REAL
ROCKY MOUNT, NC
Data for Single Family Homes , FLex MLS
Rocky Mount continues to see healthy growth in its housing market, with the average sale price rising 5 3% year-over-year to $243,028. Homes are selling for 97% of asking price, and the price per square foot has jumped 8.8%, despite longer days on market.
TARBORO, NC
Data for Single Family Homes , FLex MLS
Nashville, NC
BUILDING SHALOM
CREATING HOPE IN ROCKY MOUNT’S COMMUNITIES
JOHN’S JOURNEY TO STABILITY FOR NOELLE AND BEYOND
In the warmly lit conference room of First Presbyterian Church, where Building Shalom’s offices are housed in downtown Rocky Mount, North Carolina, John stood surrounded by family, holding the keys to his new home. His young daughter, Noelle, sat with her mom, Kadedra, in her prettiest dress The attorney, joined by Lemanuel Williams, Building Shalom’s Executive Director, finalized the closing, marking a pivotal moment “This is it,” John said softly, his voice thick with emotion “This is what it all led to ” For John, this day was not just about signing papers it was the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to his family
John’s story began in September 2019, when he relocated from Virginia to Rocky Mount for a work opportunity, arriving with little more than a duffel bag and a suitcase. The move was not driven solely by a dream of new horizons but by a practical step forward in his career “I didn’t know what the future held,” he recalled, “I just knew there had to be more to life ”
Settling into the area with family, John embraced the uncertainty, trusting that hard work would pave the way to a more secure future. He rented a home in a growing neighborhood, navigating job transitions and life’s challenges, all while holding fast to his vision of a better future for his daughter, Noelle.
In2023,Johnfacedaturningpoint Therentalhomehelivedin began to deteriorate, with structural issues and an uncooperative landlord making life difficult. It was then that neighbors introduced him to Building Shalom, a non-profit in Rocky Mountdedicated to empowering families through teachingfinancialliteracyandpreparingthemforthepossibility of homeownership Inspired by their mission to create generational wealth and stability, John applied the same day and began their 12-month program “It was about building somethingforNoelle,”hesays “Ahome,alegacy,afutureshe cancounton”
Building Shalom’s program became a cornerstone of John’s transformation Through workshops on budgeting, financial literacy, and life skills, he learned to approach money with discipline, adopting healthy rhythms and habits like monthly budgeting “It’snotaboutbeingaPhD,”Johnlaughs “It’sabout puttingintheworkandseeingwhat’spossible”Theprogram’s supportwasunwavering,guidinghimthroughthecomplexities ofhomebuyingwhenobstaclesarose “Whenthingsgotrough, they were there,” he says, crediting Building Shalom’s encouragementforhelpinghimstaythecourse
ButJohn’sstoryisalsoareflectionofalargerproblem and powerful solution In inner-city neighborhoods in Rocky Moun nearly 60% of homes are renter-occupied These areas fac high turnover, unemployment, poverty, and a lack of wealth building opportunities Renters often deal with poor housin conditions, limited control, and frequent displacement Th instability affects everything: educational outcomes, physic and mental health, neighborhood investment, and long-ter economic mobility Nationally, the median net worth homeownersis$300,000,comparedtojust$8,000forrenters staggering gap that reinforces generational disparities wealth-building and limits families’ ability to create upwa economicmobility.
Building Shalom exists to reverse this trend Their Financi Literacy & Homebuyer Preparation (FLHP) program equip participantswiththetoolstobecomenotjusthomeowners,b holisticcontributorstotheflourishingoftheircommunities Th programpairspracticalfinancialeducationwithdeepperson developmentandmatchedsavingstomakehomeownershipa reality Throughthis,BuildingShalomisrestoringdignity,buildin pathways to opportunities, and transforming blighte neighborhoodsintobeautifulandbelovedcommunities
TheimpactofJohn’sjourneyextendsfarbeyondhisownfamily Intheinner-cityneighborhoodsofRockyMount,BuildingShalom is reshaping the community, one home and one family at a time Oncemarkedbydisinvestment,theseneighborhoodsare coming alive with new homes, engaged neighbors, and a renewedsenseofpossibility “Youseehousesgoingup,families growing, people helping each other,” John observes His own homestandsasabeaconofthischange,aplacewhereNoelle cangrowwiththestabilityhealwaysdreamedofproviding The closingday,withNoelleandKadedrabyhisside,wasapromise kept afoundationforherfutureandatestamenttothepower ofperseverance
AndJohn’sstoryisn’tdone Fromhisfrontporch,henowsees thebeginningsofsomeoneelse’sjourney Acrossthestreetsits ahouserecentlyacquiredbyBuildingShalom ahomenotyet developed, still waiting for its transformation One day soon, anothernewhomeownerwillmovein,someonejustlikeJohn, buildingthesamestabilityandlegacyfortheirownfamily John won’t just be watching from afar he’ll be their neighbor He’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside them, just as others oncewalkedwithhim
John sees his role as more than just a job it’s about walking alongside his neighbors as they build a new future From watching homes take shape to supporting families through every step of the program, he’s committed to seeing others succeed Tohim,that’swhatitmeanstobeagoodneighbor Inthismoment,Johnseesnotjustahousetransformed,buta communitybeingbuiltfromtheinsideout bypeoplewithinthe community committing to the flourishing of their households andthecommunity Throughhisownperseveranceandthelifechanging support of Building Shalom, John has planted roots notonlyforNoelle,butforgenerationstocome Andnow,asa neighbor, he becomes part of someone else’s transformation story proofthatwhenweinvestinpeopleandplace,wedon’t
We’recallingon252compassionatesupporterstojointhe BuildShalomDonorNetworkbygiving$25or$252per month YourmonthlygiftpowersourFinancialLiteracy& HomebuyerProgram(FLHP) providingcoaching,education, andrealpathwaystohomeownershipforresidentsin communitiesofopportunity.
Whenyougive,youhelpus:
Repairandrestoreblightedhouses
Equipfamiliestobecomeconfidenthomeowners
Createthriving,stable,andhope-filledneighborhood
“Y’ALL ARE GIVING ME A HOUSE”
Army Veteran Kelsey McInnis Receives LifeChanging Gift in Rocky Mount
For Army veteran Kelsey McInnis, holding the shovel during her groundbreaking ceremony in Belmont was more than just the start of construction—it marked a turning point in her life.
“We actually already broke ground in May…Mr. Foote was the one who actually helped me hold the shovel.”
Kelsey’s new home was built through Helping a Hero, a nonprofit that provides specially adapted homes for veterans injured in the line of duty. The organization partnered with builders, donors, and communities to support wounded heroes across the country. In Kelsey’s case, the project was made possible through the Barnhill Family Foundation and local homebuilder Foote & Moorefield Inc.
Inspired by her stepdad and the camaraderie she believed military service could offer, Kelsey joined the Army straight out of high school.
“I have a very small family and what better family is there to have than your brothers and sisters like you have through the bond,” she said. “I was never academically inclined so I joined the military.”
Stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Kelsey served five years with deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan. After transitioning out of the military, living independently became a top priority. “I was living in an apartment, and that was one of my goals, to be able to live in a house comfortably,” she explained. “My independence specialist helped me put the application in for Helping a Hero, which I would’ve never been able to do without her.”
The highlight of this journey has been visiting the Sahara Desert. It was the best thing I've ever done, and it sparked my newfound love of Morocco and deserts.
Kelsey described the experience as “literally life-changing.”
Tony Foote, co-founder of Foote & Moorefield Inc., said the project was about more than just construction—it was about connection.
“You know, they asked first,” he said. “They approached us, and my wife said, you know, we can do—let’s go ahead and do it. Try one, and if it goes well, we’ll do another one.”
Foote hadn’t heard of Helping a Hero before being contacted.
“Meredith Iler approached us, and we talked with her briefly,” he said. “She said she needed our help, and it was for a good cause.”
When asked what stood out to him about the experience, Foote reflected, “It’s not just building the home, but it’s also about making a friend.”
Kelsey’s new home was filled with thoughtful features designed specifically for her. From the bench in the shower to wheelchair-friendly knobs and appliances, every detail was considered.
“I feel like they’ve done this before because they’ve thought of everything,” she said.
Though new to Rocky Mount, Kelsey said she already felt an outpouring of love from the community.
“I know the Barnhill’s, they’re great people,” she said. “I’ve just gotten so much love since I’ve stepped foot into y’all’s town.”
Bob Barnhill, President of the Barnhill Family Foundation and Chairman of Barnhill Contracting Company, shared how meaningful it was to be involved.
“We’re grateful to have played a role in something so meaningful and to honor her in this way,” he said. “Kelsey’s story reminds us of the strength and sacrifice behind every uniform. Her smile puts everyone at ease and her humility is her strength.”
Kelsey had big dreams for the future. She looked forward to having a backyard where her tiny goldendoodle could run and play.
She also hoped to volunteer, give back to the community, and one day start a family of her own.
“I’d like to really get on with the community, maybe volunteer, I really like to stay busy,” she said. “Maybe start my own family if God helps me find the right person to do that with.”
To fellow veterans, she offered this heartfelt encouragement:
“Don’t stop looking for resources even if it gets tough, because you still have people out there that really care for you.”
On June 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., a special dedication ceremony was held in Rocky Mount to officially welcome Kelsey to her new home. The event featured several special guests, including celebrity chef Paula Deen, philanthropists Bob and Penny Barnhill, and Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson.
Community members gathered to celebrate Kelsey’s service and the generosity of those who made the home possible. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together in support of its heroes.
“I’vejustgottensomuchlove sinceI’vesteppedfootintoy’all’s town.”
Kelsey McInnis
1620 N WESLEYAN BLVD
MOUNT, NC
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
11,390-square-footfacility,builtin1995,sitsonaspacious2.65acrelotandfeaturesafullyfencedyard,makingitidealfor businessesrequiringoutdoorstorageorlaydownareas The propertybenefitsfromsignificantexposure,withapproximately 20,000vehiclespassingdaily,andisconvenientlylocatedjusttwo milesfromNorthCarolinaWesleyanCollegeandwithinminutes ofmajorthoroughfaresincludingI-95,US64,andHwy97.
