Century 21 Sweyer & Associates merged this month with a Holden Beach franchise to increase the company’s share of a growing residential market in Brunswick County.

“We’ve always wanted to have a physical office in Brunswick County, and we believe the timing is right to be there based on market conditions,” Jeff Sweyer, president and owner of Century 21 Sweyer with his brother David, said Thursday.   

The Wilmington-based company already sells homes in the Leland area. By merging with Century 21 Anne Arnold, the firm has added 10 sales associates and an office at 309 Clubhouse Drive SW in Holden Beach.

The Century 21 Sweyer merger marks the second announcement of its kind from a Wilmington company in less than two months as home sales in Brunswick County continue to pick up speed and more new homes are built there. Last month, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage merged with another Holden Beach-headquartered agency, Laura Hewett Realty.

Sweyer said Tom Shoaf will be the sales manager and broker in charge of the Holden Beach office while Arnold, who was the owner and founder of Century 21 Anne Arnold, will concentrate on selling properties.

“Mr. Sweyer and I have been comrades at the helm of our individual companies, and we had been to many corporate meetings together,” Arnold said. “When the time came for me to choose who I wanted to take my company forward, it was natural that I would choose him because we have the most in common and a lot of respect for each other.”

Century 21 Anne Arnold has had about $40 million in yearly sales, many in the Holden Beach area and other Brunswick County islands, Sweyer said. When company officials consider a merger, they take into account the reputations of the agents involved, and “Anne Arnold has an impeccable reputation,” he said.

In 2011, Sweyer & Associates entered the Jacksonville market by partnering with Century 21 Advantage Gold, and in May this year, Sweyer added Century 21 Brock & Associates to its ranks.

Sweyer said his company is “definitely in growth mode,” and expects additional expansion opportunities to come in the next six months.

“Our track record suggests that we quickly can get in and adapt and help the existing companies grow to be No. 1 in those markets,” he said, noting that the company’s Jacksonville sales have risen from $35 million to $110 million in three years.

Dave and Polly Sweyer founded Century 21 Sweyer & Associates in 1987.

Jeff and David Sweyer joined their parents in the business in 1998 and bought the company from them in 2006. The company includes Century 21 Sweyer Rentals and CAMS (Community Association Management company).