Real Estate Info – Deep Creek Lake Blog

New Year’s Tips for Buying and Selling

New Year’s tips for buyers or sellers will help you position yourself for success! If you are thinking of buying or selling, now is the time to prepare. I put together some of my top suggestions for you. I also included some tips to build equity and what updates are best when investing in your current home.

New Year’s Tips for Buyers

Thinking about buying your first home? Considering upsizing or downsizing? Here are some things to do that will help you achieve your goal.

-Create a realistic timeline and work towards your goal. The items below should be on that list.

-Check your credit scores. If you need to improve your rating, start looking at items that are bringing it down. Work on lowering debt and making timely payments.

-Start or increase your savings for a down payment.

–Choose an experienced real estate agent. You can contact me at betsy@deepcreekvacations.com or call 301-616-5022.

-Begin the loan pre-approval process. I can help you find a lender to work with. Mike Archer, from First Home Mortgage, is the in-house lender at Taylor-Made.

–Start looking for homes. I can show you any home that is listed, even if it is with another brokerage. We can work together to find homes that meet your criteria and that are within your budget.

New Garrett County Listings

My new Garrett County listings are two unique properties that each offer something special to buyers. They are ideal for those seeking a primary residence or a second home.

258 Summit Woods Drive

Located just 2.5 miles from Wisp Resort, 258 Summit Woods has lots of appeal. It sits on 5+ acres in the Summit Woods subdivision.

Offering a desirable open floor plan, it has great use of space. Gleaming hardwood floors carry throughout the main level living area. A propane fireplace makes the great room an inviting place to gather. Doors lead to the back deck that runs the full length of the home. The kitchen is a masterpiece with a propane range, granite counters and a center island with a vegetable sink.

There are five bedrooms and four baths. The master bedroom features a large walk in closet, double vanity and tiled shower. Additionally, there is a sauna which is accessible from the outside deck where the hot tub is located.

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 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

Oakland Bypass Update

For local residents, the Oakland bypass is a somewhat controversial subject. It was previously proposed in the 1990s. Officials are considering the Oakland bypass again. It would re-route traffic to avoid the historic downtown area. The project was in limbo for years due to state funding issues.

About the oakland bypass

The Maryland State Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) have estimated the construction cost at $53 million. A 2.4 mile stretch of highway would re-route traffic from the downtown area to reduce congestion. Continue reading Oakland Bypass Update

Homeowner’s Tax Reform Quick Guide

homeowner’s tax reform quick guide

This homeowner’s tax reform quick guide will focus on the biggest real estate oriented tax polices that were recently enacted. The new tax law is known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It may change how buyers see homeownership incentives.

Here is a brief rundown of some of the most noteworthy real estate-related tax policies and how they may affect homeowners.

New SALT Deduction Limit

SALT stands for “state and local taxes”. In the past, taxpayers could deduct what they pay in state and local property, income, and sales taxes from their federal returns. It was unlimited. The new law caps any combination of these deductions at $10,000. Continue reading Homeowner’s Tax Reform Quick Guide

Home Winterization Tips for Deep Creek Home Sales

Home winterization is on the minds of many of my sellers in the Deep Creek Lake are this time of year. I put together my top tips for home winterization to be sure you are ready when Old Man Winter knocks at the door.

prevent frozen pipes

Home winterization starts with protecting your pipes and water system. Avoid costly water damage that can occur from freezing pipes. A plumber will check everything and get it ready it for cold temperatures. Water should be drained from places where it is stored, like water heaters and hot tubs.

Once the water is drained, you won’t need to keep the heat turned up. Your pipes are safe and you will have lower utility costs.

check the gutters for leaks & debris

If water collects and freezes, your gutters could be damaged. The weight can pull them off of the house. Also, this could cause water to collect around your foundation. Most home owners know, that is never a good thing. Clean them out and seal up any leaks that you find. Continue reading Home Winterization Tips for Deep Creek Home Sales

Category: Real Estate Info