Betsy Spiker Holcombbetsy@deepcreeksales.com301-616-5022
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Top 5 Tips for Buying a Fixer Upper

Buying a fixer upper can be a great way to get a property for less than the price of surrounding homes. However, it can be an intimidating undertaking with a lot of unknowns. To avoid unpleasant surprises that drain your wallet, it is key to have it properly evaluated before signing on the dotted line. Choosing the “right” fixer upper makes all the difference. Decide early on how much your budget, and patience, will allow.

Fixer Upper Tips

Fixer Upper Flaws that Can Break Your Budget

Foundation, structural and roofing issues are just a few items that have a big price tag. Go into the project with open eyes. By partnering with a knowledgeable agent, you will have access to experts who can properly assess the property.

Additionally, replacing major systems like heating, ventilation and air conditioning can be costly. Issues like mold can be resolved but can also come back over time.

Consider the Location & Layout

Evaluate the potential of the fixer upper you are looking at. One of the most important factors is location. It should be just as desirable as a home that is in perfect shape. Seek out project homes in sought after areas. Check out neighboring homes to see if they are in good condition.

Continue reading Top 5 Tips for Buying a Fixer Upper

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News for Fall 2018

Deep Creek Lake real estate news shows good activity throughout the fall months, even with the small uptick in interest rates. As many of my clients realize, a slight rise in interest rates indicates that the market is healthy enough to sustain an increase. You can see that our average sold price is up considerably compared to last year, which correlates to the number of $1M+ homes that have sold in 2018. Another sign of a strong housing environment.

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold weather has arrived at Deep Creek, so I put together some winterizing tips for vacant homes. Be sure your home is ready for winter’s chill! Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News for Fall 2018

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events for 2018

Deep Creek Lake holiday events make it a festive time of year to enjoy the area! There are tons of fun things to do at Deep Creek Lake that your entire family can appreciate. Our small towns offer unique activities and great ways to make memories.

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events in November

Festival of Trees Garrett County
November 23 & 24 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds
There is something for just about everyone at this Thanksgiving weekend event that benefits the Dove Center. Breakfast with Santa, activities for the kids, beautifully decorated trees and lots of craft vendors are just a few of the highlights.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 24, 7PM, Uno’s/Honi-Honi Bar
Check out the Christmas tree lighting on the lawn of UNO and the Honi. Santa will be there for photo too. Area favorite, Boathouse, will start playing at 8PM.

Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events in december

Holiday Open House
December 1, 10AM-Noon, Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Bring the kids to make picture frames and ornaments. They will also get to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and snack on yummy holiday cookies. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Holiday Events for 2018

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales Celebrates 10th Anniversary!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales marked their tenth anniversary in 2018! This is a great company to work for, and I am proud to be a co-owner of the real estate division. In addition to celebrating ten years in business, we recently completed the addition of 4,500 square feet to our office!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales History

Taylor-Made was started in 2008 by Jodi Taylor Refosco, her husband Joe and her brother Chad Taylor. Jodi and Chad had years of experience in the vacation rental industry. They worked for their parents at Deep Creek’s largest rental company until they sold it in 2007. Joe has a strong background in hospitality and also worked for the elder Taylor’s and played a key role in developing their in-house laundry facility. Continue reading Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales Celebrates 10th Anniversary!

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory is an exciting addition to indoor fun at Deep Creek Lake! Brought to you by the same folks that also operate Monkey Business and Splash Island, this is great fun for the entire family!

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

What Is Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory?

Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory is an indoor obstacle course for ages four and up. You can test your skills on 4 different lanes that vary in difficulty. You can choose your obstacle course. A guide is on site to facilitate the entire experience as well. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Ninja Factory

3 New Listings at Deep Creek Lake

New listings at Deep Creek Lake are still popping up everywhere this fall. Summer was a very busy season for me, and things have not slowed down much at all. From ski in/ski out to lake front, there are options for every budget.

I am excited to introduce 3 of my new listings at Deep Creek Lake. Each offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of #lakelife.

New Listings at Deep Creek Lake

New Listings at Deep Creek Lake

425 Hines Drive

This stunning lake front, e log home is impressive inside and out. It offers four spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms. Filtered lake views can be seen from almost every room. Situated on 1.6+ acres, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the massive deck. A trail leads to a lakeside platform that is tucked in the trees. Close-by, you will find your boat slip at the community dock. Plus, this home has a great history as a vacation rental. Continue reading 3 New Listings at Deep Creek Lake

Fort Alice: The Civil War Comes to Garrett County

Fort Alice is one of the many historic sites that you can visit in Garrett County. It is located in Oakland, the county seat. If you are planning to visit the museums in Oakland, this is a great addition to your itinerary.

fort alice

The History of Fort Alice

On Sunday, April 2, 1863 the Civil War came to Garrett County.  The crack of a Union sentry’s warning shot pierced the quiet of an otherwise tranquil Oakland Sunday.   They had the good manners to wait until church services had ended.  Confederate soldiers invaded the town under the leadership of Colonel Asher Harman.  The raid took the town by complete surprise. Everyone from the citizens exiting church to the Union soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Alice were shocked by the site of the soldiers in gray.

As the citizens scurried in the streets, seeking the safety of their homes, the Confederate soldiers took food from hotels and stores for themselves and for their animals.  Some ate dinner at private homes, as the impeccable manners of the Rebel soldiers were hard to refuse.  Also, some townsfolk were even reimbursed for their hospitality with Confederate currency. Continue reading Fort Alice: The Civil War Comes to Garrett County

Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities

Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake activities offer lots of great ways to enjoy the area with your pooch! I put together some of my favorites that you don’t want to miss when you are in the area.

Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake

Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake

-All of our seven state parks are dog friendly. There are certain restrictions, and they are a little more strict during the busy summer season. So, be sure to check the appropriate park website for more details. During the off-season, you can take your pup for a hike on the Canyon Trail at Swallow Falls State Park. Pups can cool off with a swim at Deep Creek Lake State Park. They are allowed to swim from shoreline in all areas except the swimming beach, docks or fishing piers. Continue reading Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities

Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

Deep Creek Lake fall festivals fill this favorite season with fun family activities. Autumn festivities are one of the best things about life in Garrett County. The brilliant foliage inspires you to enjoy the outdoors while celebrating the season.

deep creek lake fall festivals

Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

Fall Fest

Fall Fest 2018 is Saturday, September 29. Deep Creek’s newest state park, Sang Run State Park, is the venue. Bring the kids for pumpkin harvesting and painting, cider pressing, hayrides, crafts and demonstrations! Best of all, this is a free event! Get More Info

Springs Folk Festival

Within a half hour from the Deep Creek Lake area, you will find the historic village of Springs, Pa. It takes place October 5 and 6 from 9AM-5PM.  It is a celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. Bread baking, weaving, basket making, old-time hayrides and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods are just a few of the highlights. Additionally, numerous artisans are on-hand displaying and selling their work. Get More Info Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Fall Festivals

10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities

Deep Creek Lake fall activities offer something for every age and interest. It is a season known for beautiful leaves and fun festivals. Each weekend holds opportunities to explore the outdoors or simply unwind.

deep creek lake fall activities

10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities

Play outside! The Deep Creek Lake area has seven state parks. Each offers hiking trails. Swallow Falls State Park is especially popular. Hike the Canyon Trail to see all three waterfalls too. Another popular spot is Herrington Manor State Park where you can canoe on the quiet lake.

Shop local! Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market for local maple syrup and fall harvest veggies. Continue reading 10 Favorite Deep Creek Lake Fall Activities