Famed for the Outer Banks, this 300 mile east facing coastline is almost entirely ringed by these low-level sandy islands. Possibly the best surf on the East Coast and certainly capable of holding excellent waves, the banks jut out into the sea making the most of all available swell.

Autumn's hurricane season produces the most prolific surf and winter to spring's north-easterly storms regularly track swell down from the Atlantic. Summer brings typically sloppy surf.

Water temperature varies greatly from 8C/46F to 25C/77F in winter and summer. The southern half of the state faces south-east and as such receives reduced swell, especially from the seasonal north-easterly swells. However the waves here are still of a high quality with barrels aplenty.

The Lockwood Folly River flows into the Intracoastal Waterway of the Atlantic Ocean on the inland side of this windswept barrier island in Brunswick County. For years, local oystermen have known that this nutrient-rich brackish water produces some of the Carolina coast's most scrumptuous shellfish.

Indeed, there are few courses in the Grand Strand that require more precision off the tee. The 14-year-old layout was routed through an old hunting plantation, and a good portion of the Live Oaks, pines and Cypress trees remain in tact.

Lockwood Folly really tightens its grip on the 380-yard par-4 ninth hole where the fairway landing area narrows to the size of a gnat's eyelash. Hit it too long or spray it right and you are in the water; pull it left and your tee shot will either find one of two fairway bunkers or the woods.

Challenge your game, not your patience. Play the courses of North Carolina's "Golf Coast," and you'll wonder why you never have before. You'll find over 35 championship golf courses, laid out among the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Our subtropical temperatures lure golfers back year after year, yet the crowds and traffic always manage to vacation elsewhere.

How do 600 picturesque holes remain such a well-kept secret? Maybe because those who know the peace and tranquility of our courses are reluctant to share their good fortune. After all, it isn't often one can play a challenging Byrd, Palmer, Couples or Maples course that isn't teeming with other carts and clubs. Stay in a fully equipped villa right on the fairway, or choose a beachfront rental to give your trip another perspective. For the novice and pro alike, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands will give you a game you'll never forget.

Mortgage servicers have been more successful modifying loans that are held on their own books than those that are owned by mortgage investors. Nearly half of investor loans were at least 60 days delinquent nine months after they were modified compared with about 30% of loans that are held in bank portfolios. Servicers said they have more flexibility to rework loan terms for mortgages they own than for those held by investors.

Modifications can result in higher monthly payments because, by the time loans are worked out, borrowers often are behind on their payments. Lenders frequently have been adding these past-due amounts, which can include principal, interest, taxes and insurance, driving monthly payments higher.

Servicers have stepped up their efforts to modify loans and reduce borrowers' payments in response to pressure to reduce foreclosures. The percentage of modifications that reduced loan payments by more than 10% increased to 37% in the fourth quarter from 26% in the third quarter. Still, roughly one in four borrowers saw their payments increase after their loan was modified.

Cutting financially troubled borrowers' monthly mortgage payments by more than 10% reduces the chances that they will fall behind again after their loan is modified, a study found.

While modifications that result in lower payments are increasing, nearly half of all loan workouts still result in the same or higher payments, the study found.

The report, released Friday by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision, comes as mortgage companies are preparing to modify loans under the Obama administration's foreclosure-prevention plan, which provides financial incentives to encourage mortgage companies and investors to reduce borrowers' mortgage-related payments to 31% of income.

Cutting financially troubled borrowers' monthly mortgage payments by more than 10% reduces the chances that they will fall behind again after their loan is modified, a study found.

While modifications that result in lower payments are increasing, nearly half of all loan workouts still result in the same or higher payments, the study found.

The report, released Friday by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision, comes as mortgage companies are preparing to modify loans under the Obama administration's foreclosure-prevention plan, which provides financial incentives to encourage mortgage companies and investors to reduce borrowers' mortgage-related payments to 31% of income.

Some borrowers fall behind again because of job loss or other problems, but whether or not the borrower gets payment relief also appears to play a role in the outcome. The redefault rate was just 26% after nine months when monthly payments were cut by more than 10%, compared with about 50% when the payment increased or remained the same.

Brunswick, established in 1745, was made a borough town in 1754, and when Brunswick County was established in 1764 it was made the county seat. In 1779 the county seat was authorized to be moved to the plantation of John Bell near Lockwood's Folly Bridge. In 1784 Walkersburg, named in honor of John Walker on whose land it was situated, was established. Provisions were made in the act for a courthouse and other public buildings to be established there. It was located near Deep Water Point. This act specified that the courts were to be held at the most convenient place until the courthouse was completed. It is doubtful that the act was put into effect because in 1808 an act was passed authorizing the removal of the courthouse from Lockwood's Folly to Smithville. Court was held at the courthouse from 1805-1858. The record does not indicate where the courthouse was. This town, established in 1792, was named in honor of Benjamin Smith, Governor of North Carolina, 1810-1811. In 1879 an effort to move the courthouse failed. In 1887 Smithville was changed to Southport. Southport served as the county seat until 1977 when the county seat was moved to Bolivia, following a referendum on the question.

Brunswick County was named in honor of the town of Brunswick, which was named for King George I, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenberg. Smithville, established in 1792, was named in honor of Benjamin Smith, Governor of North Carolina, 1810-1811.

The Brunswick Islands offer an uncomplicated lifestyle that is hard to find today. You'll discover a vacation that feels so far away, but is truly right around the corner. The warm, soft sand and gentle waves provide just the right setting to relax away all your worries and outdoor activities like  golf, boating, hiking and fishing provide ample opportunities to rejuvenate the mind and soul. Visitors enjoy our southern hospitality and the freshest seafood around when in the area, which leaves them coming back for more
year after year.

Often long time vacationers decide to move their family and their business to the area. Being one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, Brunswick County offers diverse business opportunities. Despite the growth, Brunswick County remains home to quiet communities, perfect to retire or raise a family.

Welcome to the site of Varnum's Marine Work, we strive on professional service &
would like the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you.  With twenty two years
experience we guarantee 100% satisfaction. Specializing in docks, bulkheads,
floating docks &  boat lifts no job is too large or too small. Also all service & repair
work is provided through our company, free estimates daily. Proudly serving the
South Brunswick Islands please take a minute to view our site, thank you for your
time. From us at Varnum's Marine Work we look forward to serving you.

As a born native of the area our knowledge will benefit you beyond the competition. We know the tides & yearly conditions that can be a hazard to you, with that knowledge we go out of the way to assure you the best in dock & bulkhead service.

John Varnum

910-443-4246 

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) (also Multiple Listing System or Multiple Listings Service) is a
database which allows real estate brokers representing sellers under a listing contract to widely
share information about properties with real estate brokers who may represent potential buyers
or wish to cooperate with a seller's real estate broker in finding a buyer for the property.

The purpose of the MLS is to enable the efficient distribution of information so that, when a real
estate agent is introduced to a potential home buyer, he/she may search the MLS system and
retrieve information about all homes for sale in a given area or price range, whether under a
listing contract by that agent's brokerage or by all participating brokers. The MLS combines the
listings of all available properties that are represented by brokers who are both members of that
MLS system and of NAR or CREA, (the National Association of Realtors in the US or the
Canadian Real Estate Association).

The MLS systems are governed by private entities, and the rules are set by those entities with no
state or federal oversight, beyond any individual state rules regarding real estate. MLS systems
set their own rules for membership, access, and sharing of information, and are subject to
nationwide rules laid down by NAR or CREA. An MLS may be owned and operated by a real
estate company, a county or regional real estate Board of REALTORS or Association of
REALTORS, or by a trade association. Membership to the MLS is generally considered to be
essential to the practice of real estate brokerage.

When it comes to Holden Beach properties and communities, there is one name
you need to remember: CENTURY 21 Anne Arnold. CENTURY 21 Anne Arnold
and her team are committed to satisfying their customers, whether selling your
property quickly or finding a property that meets your specifications, they are
serious about their profession. CENTURY 21 Anne Arnold has a tradition of
meeting and exceeding their customer's expectations. We invite you to become
part of this tradition.

Since its founding in 1972, the CENTURY 21 System has grown into the world's
largest real estate organization.  The System is comprised of over 6,300
independently owned and operated offices with 110,000 brokers and agents
worldwide, in more than 25 countries and territories.

The CENTURY 21 System is the most recognized consumer brand in the real
estate industry, and possesses the largest network and greatest global coverage
of any competing brand.  It is dedicated to continually providing buyers and
sellers of real estate with the highest quality services possible.

In all of is operations, the CENTURY 21 System epitomizes not only professional
real estate knowledge, but a dedication to honesty, integrity, and responsiveness
to every customer whom we have the privilege of serving. That is what
CENTURY 21 Anne Arnold brings to Holden Beach and Brunswick County.

www.century21holdenbeach.com