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 RealtorTaylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
Deep Creek Dunk Gnome chillin
Deep Creek Lake Dunk 2010
Although a surprise blizzard kept a few people from making it to the Deep Creek Lake Dunk, you could hardly tell by the huge crowd of people that came and showed support for the courageous 450+ dunkers, who braved the sub-freezing lake temperatures to raise money for the Special Olympics. Every parking spot within a mile radius was occupied by a pumped-up group of dunkers and supporters who were all there to show support for an exciting event, and a heartfelt cause. Some dunk supporters showed up on snowmobiles and even walked on snowshoes across a frozen snow covered lake.
Deep Creek Dunk peace from a cool chicDeep Creek Dunk
Dunkers turned up the volume of craziness with wacky costumes from wrestler look-a-likes, gnomes, clowns, kings, wizards, vikings…..you name it. Of course, there were a lot of women in bikinis and unfortunately some men in Speedos! But at the end of the day, everyone involved had a fantastic time supporting all the dunkers who sacrificed a lot of goose bumps and, as the events sweatshirts advertised “shrinkage”, in icy cold muddy waters.
Down goes Taylor-Made Real Estate Manager Bob Carney!
The fun carried over to The Black Bear Tavern through the afternoon and into evening with live music from the Davisson Brothers Band and Poison Whiskey. Everyone involved shared pride in participating in an event that traditionally kicks off the Special Olympics games at Wisp Resort. A total of $95,246 was raised for the cause. Good luck to all Special Olympians who start competition on Monday.
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
The Special Olympics and the Deep Creek Lake Dunk
Captain America dunking
As Garrett County’s traditional weekend kickoff party fundraiser, the Deep Creek Lake Dunk, edges closer let’s all keep in mind during our entertaining, fun-filled weekend what it is we are all raising money for.
Mooo…?On the fence…Gene Simmons digs the dunk!
In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities. In 1968, the 1st International Special Olympics Summer Games are held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA. One thousand individuals with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada compete in track and field and swimming. This one-woman crusade has bloomed into one of the most loved and respected organizations in the World.
Great spirit!Elton John is feeling groovy about the dunkPrinceAwesome costume!
I have heard stories about the athlete’s heartwarming camaraderie, their enduring enthusiasm, and the eternal spirit that burns deeply in the souls of everyone competing. After a guaranteed fun weekend at the Deep Creek Dunk with your family and friends, pick out a few hours early in the week and volunteer a little of your time to learn exactly what The Special Olympics spirit is all about. Share a hug, a smile, and encourage and cheer on these special Olympians as if they were your own. Volunteer Registration starts on Monday March 1st at the Wisp Resort Hotel in the Crawford Room 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Nemo deep creek dunkkitty kat lady deep creek dunkPaul Stanley deep creek dunk
Here is The Special Olympics Schedule at Wisp Resort.
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 RealtorSnowmobiling Deep Creek Lake
The Maryland Park Service reminds all snowmobilers of the potential for unseen safety hazards on Deep Creek Lake, particularly at night. Starting on Wednesday, February 20th, an area of ice will be removed near Uno Chicago Grill on Garrett Highway to create open water for the Special Olympics Deep Creek Dunk. This area will remain unsafe for quite some time and will be marked with reflective traffic cones. Also be aware that lake surface conditions under bridges where road salt and abrasives are plowed from the pavement are often particularly hazardous. Other conditions that may cause unpleasant situations are unseen snowdrifts or pressure ridges that can act as ramps and cause sleds to become airborne leading to a loss of control and accidents.
Snowmobiling Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated ORV trail system permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local State Park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights. Access to the lake may be made at Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner with a permit site adjacent to the lake.
Ice fishermen, hikers and cross-country skiers traveling on the lake should also exercise caution. The wearing of or having readily accessible life preservers could prevent a tragedy. If you encounter people, pets or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, contact either 911 or the toll free DNR Communications number 1-800-628-9944 for assistance.
For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, contact a ranger at the Park Headquarters office (301) 387-5563 or the Discovery Center on weekends at (301) 387-7067.
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
Deep Creek Lake Winter Revisited
I have heard a lot of chatter from people on the East Coast and a lot of the country who are voicing their desires for springtime to blossom tomorrow (if possible!) with the wave of a magic wand. Here in Deep Creek Lake we had 36 to 40 inches this past weekend with another 20 inches coming in the next couple of days. My love for winter activities segregates me to a different perception of cold snowy winters, and I could tell by the sea of smiles I encountered this weekend that I am not alone. The amount of snow we are receiving here in Deep Creek Lake and the quality of powder that we have seen makes it all too difficult to throw in the towel for the winter season. I know there are some “powder junkies” like myself that look at a big winter snow storm in the same light as a surfer sees a hurricane and its potential for bringing a large clean swell or in our case, some fresh powder.
You won’t be disappointed if you make it to Garrett County from your hometowns this weekend (some of who are still digging out from the last storm last weekend). Rest assured that the roads here are masterfully manicured and most of all safe to bring your family for a visit. I see the snow starting to fall this morning and I’m already getting excited about getting a couple of quick powder runs in tomorrow morning before work. Be one of the many who get out of the gates early and come chase the fresh snow during our self proclaimed “powder hour” and make sure you get your fill of fun before spring does officially take over.
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
Deep Creek Lakes Winter Extension
Deep Creek Lake Winter Extension. Well the groundhog has extended our winter season, which is fine by me considering I have not had my fill of snowboarding this year. Wisp Resort was jam-packed this weekend with happy skiers and snowboarders. The talk among the local winter sports enthusiasts is that it has been some of the best snow that we have had in decades. The recipe for that perfect champagne powder is cold temperatures, low humidity, and snow, snow, SNOW. This is something we have had plenty of. Bring your family to Deep Creek Lake and come join us and the winter extension. See you on the slopes!
