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

Swallow Falls State Park Quick Guide

Swallow Falls State Park is a true Garrett County treasure. It is one of the most photographed spots in the area. With unrivaled scenic beauty, it is a great spot to visit throughout all four seasons.

Swallow Falls State Park

About Swallow Falls State Park

In 1906, John and Robert Garrett donated over 1,900 acres of land to the state. It is now known as Garrett State Forest. Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park are both part of this donated land. In the 1930s, they were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Continue reading Swallow Falls State Park Quick Guide

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 Ninja Factory

If you and the family follow and love the American Ninja Warrior program on T.V. as much as our family does, then I have something special for you here at Deep Creek Lake! Deep Creek Marina has cleared out a sizeable amount of boat inventory from the showroom and have moved in a fun and challenging Ninja Course. There are many super challenging obstacles for kids and adults at any level. For those who don’t want to partake in the fitness challenge, there are many arcade games to hold you over while the family masters their ninja skills! Call-1-866-325-7627.

 

 Obstacle Course Open Now!

Test your skills at the Deep Creek Ninja Factory!
We offer 4 different obstacle courses of varying difficulties and you can do whichever obstacle course as many times as time permits.
Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 participants per session.

Obstacle Course 1 – Slanted Steps, Traverse Box, Low Bridges, Sea of Poles, Devils Bridge
Obstacle Course 2 – Mushroom Steps, Cheese Walls, Floating Poles, Tilting Ladders, Jungle Swings
Obstacle Course 3 – Spider Wall, Cannon Ball Alley, Inverted Cargo Crawl
Obstacle Course 4 – Ascending Steps, Tilting Ladders, Zig Zag Planks, Trapeze to Cargo Net Bag, Spinning Baskets, Triple Warp Walls with Fire Pole : 8′, 10′, 12′

ACTIVITY DETAILS:

  • Price: $20 for first hour.

    Each additional hour is $5

    $10 for local students (Fridays only) *

Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 partcipants per session

*Local Special Fridays only!
*MUST BRING REPORT CARD TO QUALIFY

Locals Day is for students from the following counties:
– Garrett County, MD
– Somerset County, Pennsylvania
– Allegany County, Maryland
– Mineral County, West Virginia
-Grant County, West Virginia
-Preston County, West Virginia
Tucker County, West Virginia

  • Season: Available year round

  • Opening hours: Friday 3pm – 9pm

    Saturday 11am – 9pm

    Sunday 11am – 5pm

Sessions begin every 30 minutes, maximum of 8 participants per session

  • Location: 2010 Deep Creek Drive

    McHenry, MD 21541

  • Included:– Guide on obstacle course to facilitate course and maintain safe environment

    – We offer 4 different obstacle courses of varying difficulties and you can do whichever course as many times as time permits.
    Obstacle Course1– Slanted Steps, Traverse Box, Low Bridges, Sea of Poles, Devils Bridge
    Obstacle Course2 – Mushroom Steps, Cheese Walls, Floating Poles, Tilting Ladders, Jungle Swings
    Obstacle Course3 – Spider Wall, Cannon Ball Alley, Inverted Cargo Crawl
    Obstacle Course4 – Ascending Steps, Tilting Ladders, Zig Zag Planks, Trapieze to Cargo Net Bag, Spinning Baskets, Triple Warp Walls with Fire Pole Exit: 8′, 10′, 12′

  • Participation requirements: Minimum age: 5 years old

    Minimum height: 48″

    Maximum weight: 250 pounds

  • What to wear: Athletic clothing

  • Footwear: CLEAN Athletic shoes – Closed toed shoes

                                                        

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