Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

Home Staging Tips for Sellers

Whether you are trying to appeal to vacationers or buyers, these home Staging tips will help you get your home “listing ready”! The first impression your home makes means everything! It’s always a good idea to spruce up your home and prove that it’s worth every penny you’re asking.

The following are some home staging tips to draw potential buyers/vacationers to the best features and make them imagine how the home will fit their lifestyles. The way one lives in the home is very different from the way the home needs to look for showings and pictures. If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the area, you can contact me, Betsy Spiker Holcomb, at betsy@deepcreekvacations.com or 301-616-5022.

Home Staging Tips

-Think clean and open spaces for your home – especially in the entrance or foyer. Remove any excess furniture and accessories from the entrance, to set the stage for a positive first impression.

-Remove any clutter – make sure the kitchen and bathrooms countertops are clear of all personal items. Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms.

-Temporarily remove any excess knickknacks or family photos.

-Eliminate any odors from pets and cooking in the home. Place potpourri in the bathrooms, use air freshener and deodorizer, especially with indoor pets.

-Let light in – open all blinds and curtains, turn on the lights if you know the house may be shown that day.

October 2019 Real Estate Rundown By Jay Ferguson

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” – Mark Twain

My name is Jay Ferguson and I am one of the owners of the real estate division of Taylor Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I am entering my 19^th year in the real estate business here in Garrett County and at Deep Creek Lake.If you are interested, you can click here find out more about me personally and my background.

I will be writing a monthly blog post about our local real estate market, sharing & interpreting statistics and offering some insights into the market as a whole…as I see it. These are my personal thoughts and musings about the market in general and are not intended as anything more specific. And, to be clear, I am an optimistic, glass half-full kind of guy.

Lastly, every stat I reference is based on the official stats published by Bright MLS on or around the 15^th of each month. My plan is to give you straightforward stats coupled with my analysis from the front lines and let you interpret what you read in your own way.

September 2019 – We finished the month with 52 new listings, down from 69 new listings in August. The biggest news I report on below is the 63 total closed sales last month! Its 37% over 2018 and 31.3% from last month. Year to date sales are up to 365 homes – up 4.3% over last year. Meanwhile, the leaves are coming off of their peak in most areas and I have a fair amount piling up in my yard. The air is crisp and while it’s been frosting a few nights, it still is warming up to the low 60s on most days. Plenty of time for fall hiking, golfing and even one last boat ride. Most docks are now out of the water, but the lake is still as gorgeous as ever.

Holiday Vacations at Deep Creek Lake

The best part of any vacation is spending quality time with family & friends. Deep Creek Lake holiday vacations are the perfect way to get away from it all & to reconnect with your favorite people.

Thanksgiving at Deep Creek

Thanksgiving traditionally centers around family making it ideal for a trip to the mountains. November’s crisp air creates the perfect fall vibe. Choose a Deep Creek vacation home with a fireplace, and spend cozy nights playing board games. During the day, the outdoorsy types can bundle up to explore hiking trails at area state parks.

Making a traditional Thanksgiving feast is easy. Place an order with Destination Grocers prior to arrival, and you can have all of your groceries delivered the day you check in. There are also options that take the stress out of preparing a big meal. Arrowhead Market offers homemade meals with all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. You can also get a fully prepared dinner from Wisp Resort. Be sure to get your orders in early. If you want to dine out, many local restaurants will have holiday menus as well.

Festival of Trees

September 2019 Real Estate Rundown By Jay Ferguson

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” – Mark Twain

August 2019 – We finished the month with 69 new listings, down from 71 new listings in July. The biggest news I report on below is the massive jump in median sales price. It rose 59.2% to $306,500! I think more lakefront sales (higher overall sales price) play the biggest part here in determining this stat. More positive news – interest rates dropped again this week and that should pave the way for more buyers who just cannot pass up the opportunity to purchase a primary home or even a weekend getaway and pay historically low interest rates. The leaves are starting to change and showing signs of fall, but the stats below show that the summer of 2019 at DCL is still going strong! Continue reading September 2019 Real Estate Rundown By Jay Ferguson

Favorite Deep Creek Fall Events

Deep Creek fall events

Favorite Deep Creek Fall events happen during this quieter time of year when leaf-peepers flock to the area to enjoy the beauty of autumn. I put together a list of the upcoming festivities. If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the area, you can contact me, Betsy Spiker Holcomb, at betsy@deepcreekvacations.com or 301-616-5022.

Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Bark in the Park 5K
September 28, 8AM-10AM
In its fifth year, the “Bark in the Park” 5k race supports the off-leash dog park at the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club park on Bumble Bee Rd. The race is off-road and pet friendly. It starts and ends from the park.

Fall Festival at Friend’s Store
September 28, 10AM-3PM
Head to 3735 Sang Run Road to the historic Friend’s Store for classic fall fun for all ages. Pumpkin carving, cider pressing, monarch tagging and sack races are just a few of the highlights. Continue reading Favorite Deep Creek Fall Events

10 Fun Facts About Deep Creek Lake

Lots of people are curious about Deep Creek Lake. As a lifelong resident and experienced sales agent, I put together some popular questions along with the answers. If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the area, you can contact me, Betsy Spiker Holcomb, at betsy@deepcreekvacations.com or 301-616-5022.

How big is Deep Creek Lake?

The lake has 65 miles of shoreline and covers 3,900 acres. That makes it Maryland’s largest freshwater lake. The average depth is about 26 feet. The deepest point is 72 feet.

about deep creek lake

What is the elevation of the mountains around Deep Creek?

The area’s average elevation is 2,300 feet above sea level. Backbone Mountain, Maryland’s Highest point, is located in Garrett County. It reaches 3,360 feet above sea level. The lake itself is about 2,455 above sea level.

What are some Deep Creek Lake activities?

There are almost too many to list! Outdoor recreation includes: boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, skiing, snow tubing, sledding, cross country skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, white water rafting, golf, biking, wake boarding, ziplines and much more.

More leisurely options include: antique shops, a movie theater, museums, historic sites, restaurants, specialty stores, farmer’s markets and simply enjoying the view. Continue reading 10 Fun Facts About Deep Creek Lake

Top 10 Things to do on a Rainy Day at Deep Creek

On a rainy day at Deep Creek, you might need some ideas to keep your crew entertained. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! You won’t hear “I’m bored” if you check out some of the options on our list.

Rainy Day at Deep Creek

Ideas for a Rainy Day at Deep Creek

Deep Creek Funzone – This spot is a “must do” no matter what the weather. Their indoor offerings include an arcade that is packed with favorite games. They also have an expanded lazer tag arena. You can also take advantage of “eat and play” combos to save on meals at the attached restaurant.

Escape Games at Wisp Resort – Use teamwork to solve puzzles with clues, hints and strategy to “escape” the room in a certain amount of time. The theme of the game changes seasonally, so there is always something new. Keep in mind, reservations are required.

Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park – Truly enjoyable for all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind educational venue. There are hands-on exhibits that focus on the natural resources of Western Maryland. Families can learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage of the area. Naturalists also lead a variety of indoor programs that often include crafts for the kids. Check their schedule to find out what’s happening during your stay.

Continue reading Top 10 Things to do on a Rainy Day at Deep Creek

Deep Creek Lake September Events and Vacation Specials

Deep Creek Lake September events offer a reason to visit every weekend! This is a quieter time of year when you feel like you have the lake all to yourself. With the busy summer season behind us, the area takes on a leisurely pace that is ideal for relaxation with friends and family.

As an added bonus, you can take advantage of September specials! Get a lake front location and lots of fun amenities for less!

Deep Creek Lake September Events

Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival
September 7, Noon-6PM, Garrett County Fairgrounds
With more than 200 wineries, lots of craft brews and area artists on-hand, this is a favorite late summer event. It supports both HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival. Plus, there is great food, live music and activities for the kids. Plan a stay with Taylor-Made, and you can get discounted tickets too!

2019 AYCE Crab and Shrimp Feast
September 7, 3-9PM, Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department
A limited number of tickets are available for this fun event that is the perfect follow-up to the Art, Wine & Beer Festival. Come out to show your support for the Deep Creek Lake Volunteer Fire Department! Continue reading Deep Creek Lake September Events and Vacation Specials

August Real Estate Rundown By Jay Ferguson

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” – Mark Twain

July 2019 – We finished the month with 71 new listings, down from 81 new listings last month. The biggest stat that I report on below is the number of new, pending sales. A whopping 78 new pending sales in July! I believe the recent drop in interest rates helped to fuel this activity, but the growing desire to own a piece of paradise is evident when you are looking at properties in Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake! Continue reading August Real Estate Rundown By Jay Ferguson

Mountain Coaster Fun at Wisp Resort

The Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort offers year round fun! You have probably never experienced a roller coaster quite like this favorite Deep Creek Lake attraction.

mountain coaster

About the Mountain Coaster

The Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort is a cross between an Alpine Slide and a roller coaster. It has 1,300 feet of uphill track that builds the suspense. Then, you twist, turn, dip and roll 3,500 feet down the eastern side of Wisp Mountain. Maximum speed is 28 mph. That might not be fast enough to scare coaster enthusiasts, but it is perfect for providing some thrills for everyone. You will ride in a “cart” that holds as many as two riders. Braking is up to you. Continue reading Mountain Coaster Fun at Wisp Resort