Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Deep Creek Lake Ski Season Update. What an amazing weekend we’ve just experienced at Deep Creek Lake! The skies were blue and the slopes were nothing but corduroy. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. If you think you’ve had your fill of winter, the last 4 days of sunshine will make you appreciate the exhilaration of spring skiing.
A record snowfall of 262+ inches will easily carry us well into April (and probably even June!), but the one month alarm has just sounded. Wisp Resort will remain open through Easter weekend allowing us 4 more weekends of fun on the slopes. The fresh powder we’ve had has been a dream, but there’s also something to be said for skiing without all those layers. Then again, who’s to say we won’t see one more snowstorm! 🙂
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
News Release…Record Snow Fall at Deep Creek Lake May Result in Unprecedented Spring Melt
Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station to Lower Lake Levels; Lake Users Encouraged to Take Extra Safety Precautions
March 3, 2010, Oakland, MD – Sooner or later the record snow fall at Deep Creek Lake must melt and that could cause a record spring runoff. To a limited extent, Deep Creek Lake levels can be controlled by the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station which operates under a Water Appropriation and Use permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Under the permit conditions, the Station, which is owned by Brookfield Renewable Power, uses water to generate hydropower, but keeps Lake levels within a defined “rule band” with upper and lower limits. This year’s unprecedented snow fall will likely result in an unprecedented snow melt, particularly if temperatures warm quickly.
To avoid serious and potentially damaging high water conditions at the dam and on the Lake, the Maryland Department of the Environment has approved Brookfield’s request to draw the Lake level down two feet below its permitted March lower limit. The draw down, which began on March 1, will take place gradually, with a maximum of 0.5 feet reduction per day. David Barnhart, General Manager for Brookfield’s Mid-America Operations said, “Together with MDE, we are doing what we can to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of the spring thaw. As this winter proves, you never know what Mother Nature will throw you and an early, sustained thaw may result in higher than usual water levels.”
The lowered water levels beneath the ice cover, combined with warming temperatures, pose unpredictable risks to recreational users of Deep Creek Lake. Carolyn Mathews, Manager of the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area advises, “People should remember that there are always hazards to recreating on naturally-formed ice. Lowering the Lake to make additional storage space for the anticipated above normal spring runoff may destabilize the Lake’s ice and we urge everyone to take special care to stay safe.”
The MDE, Brookfield, and the Department of Natural Resources continue to monitor the Lake levels and weather conditions to determine whether additional actions for safety of recreational users may be required. Lake levels can be found at www.deepcreekhydro.com.
(Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Brookfield Renewable Power Inc., Maryland Department of the Environment)
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Real estate market looking up at Deep Creek Lake. YES, this statment is proving to be true! There have been 17 residential sales thus far in 2010, with sales prices ranging anywhere from $80,000-825,000. On top of that, there are 32 additional residential properties that are under contract or pending sale with asking prices of $42,900-2,250,000. This is potentially 49 sales for the 1st quarter of 2010. Nothing to shrug off considering the low consumer confidence we’ve seen over the last 18 months.
For comparison, there were 18 home sales during the same time last year ( 1/1/09-3/1/09), 32 sales in 2008, 49 sales in 2007 and 67 sales in 2006. Our average list price to sales price ratio is still 91%, which is considerably good when looking at the nation’s averages. (Source for # of units sold: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, MRIS)
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Deep Creek Lakes snow dogMali Mae Holcomb Deep Creek Lake
Well, if you haven’t noticed from past blogs, it’s obvious that I’m a dog lover! When we brought our first ever French Mastiff home in May 2008, we thought our lifestyle of living between Deep Creek Lake and the beach would suit her to a tee. What we discovered, after several trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, was that Mali didn’t care for the heat, the sand or the ocean water! In fact, it was all we could do to coax her onto the beach, which made it a long day for both her and us. As evidenced by the photo above, Mali would simply plop herself down by the sand fence in hopes we would take her back to the house.
Beach dog“What chew talkin bout?”
However, when her first winter came around it was quite evident that she was a snow dog. The 2009/2010 winter at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland has given us a whopping 19′ of snow thus far. Our last big storm left Mali’s head barely above the snow when she went out to play. There was a time early this winter that she used to go off the back deck to do her business; now the steps leading off the deck are blocked by a 5′ barrier of white splendor. The photo below was taken just this weekend following her bath. Rather than dry off by the fireplace, like our terrier, she preferred to roll around in the snowdrift soaking wet!
Got you in my sightsMali Mae
A friend of mine sent me this poem today. Thought I would share…
If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him
and never say it’s not quite as good as his mother’s
..then adopt a dog.
If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour,
for as long and wherever you want …
..then adopt a dog.
If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn’t care
about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies
..then adopt a dog.
If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to
warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores
..then adopt a dog !
If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn’t care
if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if
every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves
you unconditionally, perpetually ..
..then adopt a dog.
BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come
when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair
all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only
comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence
is solely to ensure his happiness …
..then adopt a cat!
Now be honest, you thought I was gonna say… marry a man, didn’t you?
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Deep Creek Lake Reaching Out To Virginia
People from Baltimore, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Pittsburgh and many other areas that surround Deep Creek Lake all get what it is that makes this place special. After all, Deep Creek is within a three hour radius of 25 million people, many of whom know all too well what this part of the country has to offer. People who have time and money invested in Garrett County have been rewarded with something much more valuable than just that. They have been rewarded with endless, lifelong, family memories that are deeply embedded in their children.
Deep Creek Lake skiers
Deep Creek’s reputation has extended its reach down to Hampton Roads, Virginia. Those who had never heard of Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort have found a heaven they will never forget. You have heard me over the last few months preaching the gospel of winter sports and an abundance of quality snowfall. Sure, people from Virginia have visited other resorts in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania when a change of pace is needed. However, none on these ski resorts have a 3,000 acre lake that serves as the backbone to this four-season resort. The people of Virginia are being more and more enlightened to what millions of others have already discovered and call their home away from home for decades. Today at Wisp Resort, we have an icy blue sky that is radiating off a perfect carpet of snow onto smiling faces of a packed Wisp Resort. Some of these happy faces are friends in from Virginia Beach who are enjoying a perfect first visit that will certainly not be their last.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorDeep Creek Lake hosts the Winter Olympics?
Well….maybe we are never destined to hold the Winter Olympics here in Deep Creek Lake, but we have had enough snow to contend some of the finest resorts in Canada. The world has their eyes set on center stage today as the 2010 Winter Olympics Games begin today. Some people have decided to forego the televised opening events so they can strap on their equipment of choice and compete against their family and friends on Wisp Mountain. As we speak, as far as the eye can see, there is a line of cars filing into Wisp Resort to enjoy a spectacular President’s Weekend.
I remember as a child being fascinated and excited by the start of the Winter Olympics and my heart warmed by the solidarity of the World’s spirit. I couldn’t wait for the start of the giant downhill ski events and I had tremendous respect for the men and women who put their faith in a tiny steel edge on their skis going in excess of 70 mph downhill. I would beg my parents to stay up past my bedtime to be able to watch the long jump skiers explode off the launching ramp and soar like birds over the distance of football fields landing with grace and precision on a groomed corduroy ski slope. My favorite of all, hands down, was and still is the four man bobsled competition. These fiberglass sleds are propelled by gravity on razor steel runners down a frozen ice track going speeds in excess of 90 mph. I was fortunate last year to man the brake-mans position in Salt Lake City and bomb the infamous Olympic run in a four man bobsled.
If you are not here with us on the slopes in Deep Creek Lake this weekend take some time to reflect and enjoy some of your favorite Olympic memories and tune in during the next two weeks to make some new ones.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
We’ve made it through the first 36-48” we received at Deep Creek Lake this weekend and now we’re bearing down for the next 12-20” coming tonight and tomorrow. Having been housebound for a day, I was able to catch up on some market tidbits and interesting facts recently released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®).
NAR® has recently released a book that outlines the buying habits of the previous year, 2009. What we have believed over the past year is now official…90% of buyers use the internet to search for real estate. Although these statistics are geared toward a primary residence homebuyer rather than a second homebuyer, the tactics are still the same for any buyer. This information is helpful in ‘moving with the market’ and adapting your business plan to meet the wishes of your target market.
47% of recent homebuyers were first-time.
21% of recent homebuyers were single women.
Typical homebuyer searched for 12 weeks and saw 12 homes before buying.
Recent sellers sold their home for 95% of asking price and 60% had reduced the price at least once.
42% of recent sellers offered incentives in terms of warranties and closing help.
Sources recent buyers used in home search: 90% internet, 87% agent, 59% yard sign.
Most frequently used sources by buyers: 76% internet, 68% agent, 24% yard sign.
“Most useful” information for buyers was found: 81% agent, 77% internet, 42% yard sign, 2% newspaper.
Buyers found the home they purchased using: 36% agent, 36% internet, 12% yard sign, 2% newspaper.
What buyers want most from real estate agents: 46% finding home, 16% negotiating terms, 13% negotiating price, 9% help with paperwork, 8% comps.
What buyers considered benefits of using an agent: 63% understand process, 53% pointing out unnoticed features/faults, 42% negotiate terms, 41% improve knowledge of search area, 41% improved list of vendors, 20% expanded buyers search area, 18% narrowed buyers search area.
Number of agents interviewed by buyer: 66% one, 19% two, 10% three.
“Most important” factors for buyer agent selection: 98% honesty/integrity, 95% knowledge of purchase process, 93% responsiveness, 92% market knowledge, 84% negotiating skills, 83% people skills.
Methods used to find agent: 40% referral, 24% used agent used previously, 5% met agent at an open house, 3% saw contact information on yard sign or open house sign, 1% calendar, magnet, etc.
“Most important” factors for listing agent selection: 22% pricing help, 21% find a buyer, 19% marketing help, 19% selling home within specific timeframe, 10% find ways to fix-up home so it will sell for more.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime concerning Deep Creek Lake or Garrett County real estate 301.616.5022. With the upcoming President’s Day holiday and the fresh powder, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit Deep Creek Lake, Maryland for a long weekend and take on Wisp Ski Resort’s 30+ trails.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
snowmobile racing
If you have the need for speed or just like to be adventurous, snowmobiling is a great way to see Deep Creek Lake’s countryside in style. The Deep Creek Lake State Park’s Meadow Mountain Trail is one of the ways you can enjoy 5.5 miles of open terrain, perfect for a Sunday ride. For those who are really gung-ho, hardcore locals ride at their own risk at 70+ mph on the ice frozen waters of Deep Creek Lake. The lake offers 65 miles of shoreline, approximately 3,900 acres of surface coverage and is roughly 12 miles in length. A pretty large playground for the brave!
snowmobile starting line rippers
Snowmobile Drag Races will be held at Winter’s Field in Oakland, Maryland on February 20th beginning at noon. Registration begins at 9:00 to 11:30 and there are cash payouts for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places in each class. There are 7 classes this year: 1) Vintage “1990 & Older” sleds, 2) 500cc & Under, 3) 600cc, 4) 700cc, 5) 800cc, 6) 900cc, 7) 1000cc.
Hot rod snowmobile
The race is sponsored by High Mountain On-Off Road, Auto & Truck Accessories. For more information call 301.334.5060.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Some people that travel to Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland say that it’s almost like someone flipped the weather switch once you cross over the Eastern Continental Divide line in the Eastern most part of Garrett County, near Grantsville, MD. And, living in Deep Creek Lakemy entire life, I can attest to that!
Whether you’re commuting to the area from Baltimore, DC or Northern VA you might get the impression on the ride here that there won’t be any fresh snow when you arrive. But, hold on, just as soon as you top the hill at Finzel and again at Keysers Ridge you will come to find that this is not the case at all. The Eastern Continental Divide falls just between these 2 mountain ranges, that’s why many say it’s a landmark for the weather to come ahead. In fact, Garrett County has the highest elevations in Maryland, ranging from 1800-3000 feet in most areas and 3000-4500 feet in a few small spots. See Maryland elevation map courtesy of geology.com: http://geology.com/state-map/maryland.shtml.
The Eastern Continental Divide, in conjunction with other continental divides of North America, demarcates two watersheds of the Atlantic Ocean: the Gulf of Mexico watershed and the Atlantic Seaboard watershed. Prior to 1760, the Divide represented the boundary between the British and French colonial possessions in North America. The ECD runs south-southwest from the Eastern Triple Divide through several Atlantic Seaboard states (and West Virginia) to the watershed of the Florida Bay, which is adjacent to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Continental_Divide)
Find out for yourself. Pack up the family and head as far West as you can go in MD to Maryland’s only ski resort for the weekend, Wisp Resort. You’ll experience Deep Creek Lake in it’s winter wonderland. www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
The Hillbilly Gypsies
I’ve picked guitar for the last 20 years and I can tell you it’s not my strong suit. I have always loved the sounds of a guitars flat picking bass runs, a screamin fiddle, and the spine tingling banjo following the pulse of the standup bass. I have always had great respect for the people who instinctively possess the ability to dissect the frets of any bluegrass instrument and use it as a tool to pull people together from all walks of life and have a great time.
The Hillbilly Gypsies
This summer I stumbled in on a bluegrass jamboree hosted by The Mountain State Brewery and starring the Hillbilly Gypsies. This group of five brings you back to old school foot stompin/hand clapping back woods bluegrass. They are true to a style of music that I’ve read has roots back to Ireland, Scotland and England and that evolved throughout American history in the mountains and country of this great land.
Check out their schedule before you make your next trip to Deep Creek Lake and be sure not to miss one hell of a good time.
