Stacy Carlson, Author at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

May 2018 Real Estate Update

Real estate activity at Deep Creek Lake is heating up with the warmer spring temperatures. We are seeing positive signs of a seller’s market in the making!

May 2018 Real Estate Update

Out of the 200 active lake area homes, 17 of them sold in the last month. And better news, the average sales price to average list price was only a 5% difference. In other words, the offer price is getting closer to the listing price. Historically, that number has been around 8-12%. The average days on market for these homes was about three months. As we get into the summer months, I will take a guess that timeframe will get shorter.

Real Estate Update

Location, presentation and price are still the key factors in any real estate transaction. You have location nailed. Deep Creek Lake is the place to be. Continue reading May 2018 Real Estate Update

Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Home Value

You can increase your home value no matter what your budget. If you are thinking of selling, little upgrades can mean a lot to buyers. You should focus your efforts (and your dollars) on tasks that pack the biggest punch.

Our real estate team put together a list of some proven ways to increase your home value. To be sure you spend appropriately for your target market, it is always recommended that you speak with an agent before getting started.

Increase Your Home Value

Kitchens Count

Buyers have always been focused on kitchens, and most are looking for something that is modern/updated. You don’t necessarily need a total overhaul. Even small investments can increase your home value.

Go for a fresh, coordinated look with new suite of appliances and a new countertop and flooring. Paint walls or cabinets and update hardware too. “Stainless steel” isn’t new but still indicates “modern” in the mind of the buyer. Also, quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular due to their resiliency.

Focus on Floorplans

Adding to the living space in your home can definitely boost value. Many buyers are looking for either an open layout or flexible spaces that can suit a variety of purposes. Continue reading Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Home Value

Deep Creek Lake Upcoming Events

Deep Creek Lake upcoming events for spring offer something for all ages and interests. May and June weekends are ideal for enjoying the lake and the great small towns that surround it.

We put together a list of some of the Deep Creek Lake upcoming events that you don’t want to miss!

Deep Creek Lake upcoming events

Opening Weekend!
May 19 & 20, Adventure Sports Center International
Weather permitting, you can take a thrilling ride on the man-made white water rafting course. MORE INFO

Little Crossings Festival Artisan & Epicurean Faire
May 19, 11AM-6PM, Little Crossings Festival Ground in Grantsville
This annual event features numerous local artisans as well as lots of specialty foods. There is a beer and wine tent along with beverage tastings. Area musicians will provide live entertainment on the shores of the scenic Casselman River. MORE INFO Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Upcoming Events

Vacation Rental Design Tips

Vacation rental design can have a big impact on your bottom line. Whether you are furnishing a new home or refreshing your current rental property, it can be a challenging task to tackle on your own.

vacation rental design

Vacation rental design Guide

We put together this vacation rental design guide to give you a good understanding of how to get the most “bang for your buck”. Smart investments in your home can put you on the right track to get more reservations and guests who return year-after-year.

Even if you think of yourself as someone with good taste, it is always good to get another point of view. Our team can help you make good choices. You can also enlist a friend to give you an objective opinion or suggestions.

Continue reading Vacation Rental Design Tips

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water

Deep Creek Lake restaurants on the water are favorite dining options for vacationers. Beautiful views and great food are the perfect way to end a day spent boating, hiking or skiing.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water

No vacation is complete without a stop at one of these Deep Creek Lake restaurants on the water! All three offer the option to “dock & dine”, so come by boat or by car!

Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub

Offering amazing lake views, Ace’s recently added a deck for outdoor dining. Serving lunch and dinner, the menu changes seasonally and features the freshest food available – much of it is locally sourced. You will find a variety of sandwiches, steak, seafood and pasta. You can also dine on the pub side that is outfitted with a full bar and a fireplace. MORE INFO

Taylor-Made Pro Tip: Go on a Wednesday for their “Pasta Night”. You can create your own pasta dish and watch as they make it!

20160 Garrett Highway, 301-387-6688 Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water

April 2018 Real Estate Update

Flowers are starting to pop up for a late start to spring, trees are beginning to bud and the Deep Creek Lake real estate market is starting to wake up.

April 2018 Real Estate Update

The inventory in Garrett County grew a little to 338 homes but more importantly the sales are climbing out of the early year slump with thirty-eight homes sold in the past thirty days. Fourteen of them were lake area sales which is down over last year at this time, but still showing signs of a growing market.

The average sales prices was over $390,000 with the highest price sold being just under $1 million. Homes priced between $300,000 and $500,000 have been especially popular in the past few months. That has been a struggling market last few years as more of the higher priced homes were gathering more contracts.

Buyer Tip

Your best source is a local real estate agent. Let them guide you in the right direction. This market is starting to pick up and information on popular websites might not be updated. Let us help you find the perfect Deep Creek Lake home. Continue reading April 2018 Real Estate Update

10 Years of Deep Creek Vacations!

We are celebrating 10 years of Deep Creek vacations! There have been many changes in the past decade, but our commitment to our guests, home owners and the community remains steadfast.

the beginning

Jodi Taylor Refosco, her husband, Joe Refosco, and her brother, Chad Taylor, started Taylor-Made in April of 2008. Each had many years of experience in the vacation rental and hospitality industries. Chad and Jodi were continuing a tradition that was started by their parents, Zachary and Linda Taylor, who previously owned a vacation rental firm.

With only one home and no employees, Jodi, Joe and Chad did everything themselves. From lawn care and maintenance to reservations and housekeeping, the trio built the company from the ground up.

They started with the mission statement “Creating Memories & Exceeding Expecations”. Their goal was to help both guests and owners create lasting memories in a place that they love while providing exceptional customer service. That is still the philosophy of the company today. Continue reading 10 Years of Deep Creek Vacations!

March 2018 Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Update

Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Update

Winter is still holding on and giving us a few more blasts of snow, just like our inventory of homes. The number of homes on the market is still lingering around 330 in all of Garrett county with a little more than half of them being lake area homes. The activity is typical for this time of year and has slowed down in the past couple of months.

Twenty-two lake area homes sold last month for an average price of around $351,000. While this is down from last year at this time when the average was $510,000, the number of units are up from only 10 homes sold last year. Continue reading March 2018 Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Update

Your Guide to Easter Weekend at Deep Creek Lake

Spring is coming to the mountains of Western Maryland! If you are spending the extended Easter weekend at Deep Creek Lake, there are lots of fun events to keep you entertained. Plus, you can spend time enjoying the outdoors. Check out area state parks that offer hiking trails, fishing and biking.

I will update the post as more local Deep Creek Lake events are announced.

Our Guide to Easter Weekend at Deep Creek Lake:

Saturday, March 31

Swallow Falls Nature Tour
9am at Swallow Falls State Park
2hrs. Learn about the park, the ecosystem, bears and the local inside scoop. $15 per person. Perfect for first time visitors. http://allearthecotours.com

Natural Egg Dyeing
10am-Noon at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park
This hands on activity demonstrates how beets, onions, grape juice, and other natural items can be used as dyes. Bring 6 hardboiled eggs (per child) wiped off with a mild vinegar solution. Plus, there’s a chance to meet the Easter bunny!

Smiley’s Fun Zone Easter Egg Hunt
11am-1pm at Smiley’s Fun Zone
Bring your basket for candy, prizes, and pictures with the Easter Bunny and Smiley!

Egg Hunt
Noon-4pm at Broadford Park
This egg hunt is divided into age groups: 2 and under, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, and 9 -12. The Easter Bunny will be hiding over 6,000 eggs!

Continue reading Your Guide to Easter Weekend at Deep Creek Lake

New: Deep Creek Travel Insurance Update

Our new Deep Creek travel insurance allows you to make reservations with confidence. From illness and injury to weather and school schedule changes, there are a variety of situations that might affect your travel plans.

covered situations

We recently partnered with Rental Guardian. They offer Cancel for Any Reason coverage. If you cancel for a covered reason, they cover 100% of your reservation cost.

Covered reasons include (but are not limited to):
-Illness
-Injury
-A death in the family
-Required to work
-Extension of the school year

There are more than 30 covered reasons to cancel. Get more details on coverage.

cancel for any reason

Cancellations for any reason not covered by the policy will receive 70% reimbursement. (excludes NY and WA travelers) This option gives you peace of mind. Should something that is not covered arise, your financial risk is minimal. Continue reading New: Deep Creek Travel Insurance Update