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Deep Creek Spring Events Guide

Deep Creek spring events guide gives you the rundown on what’s happening at the lake. There is something for just about every age and interest this spring. Whether you are a resident or just visiting, you will find fun activities just about every weekend.

Deep Creek Spring Events

Deep Creek Spring Events

St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Honi-Honi
March 16, 8PM to Midnight
Wear your green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Lady Invidia!

Annual St. Paddy’s Day Party at Mountain State Brewing Co.
March 17, 1-10PM
Enjoy corned beef and cabbage along with drink specials throughout the day. Team Bingo starts at 1, bagpipers play at 3 and Jason Shaw provides live music at 5.

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6 Real Estate Listing Tips for Selling Your Home

My real estate listing tips are a guide to steer you in the direction of a successful sale. Spring is traditionally “listing season”. You want to be sure that you have all of your ducks in a row before hitting the market. Do what you can to make your property stand out from the competition. Lots of factors influence the time it takes to sell, but you can take steps to set yourself up for success.

Real Estate Listing Tips

Real Estate Listing Tips

1. Partner with an experienced agent. I am starting off with this because it really does have a significant impact. With 20+ years of experience with Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County real estate, I act as a resource for my sellers. They can rely on me for honest recommendations, consistent communication, an effective pricing strategy and effective negotiating skills. Don’t just take my word for it. Check out testimonials from my clients. Additionally, I have an extensive network of buyers. Also, I have a variety of property services at my disposal as a Taylor-Made agent. Our team provides housekeeping, lawn care, minor repairs, painting and more.

2. Freshen up your curb appeal. This is one of my top real estate listing tips for my clients. If a buyer doesn’t like the outside, they won’t look any further. Try to see your home through the buyer’s eyes. Of course, big items need to be addressed but look for the little things. Staining your deck, raking leaves, planting flowers can make a difference in your listing photos.

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Deep Creek Valentine’s Day Guide

Deep Creek Valentine’s Day events leave you with no excuses! Be sure you treat your sweetheart to something special. There are lots of fun – and delicious – ways to celebrate around the Deep Creek Lake area. I put together some suggestions so that you can make it memorable.

Deep Creek Valentine's Day

Deep Creek Valentine’s Day Treats

Something sweet is always appreciated on Valentine’s Day! Delight your favorite person with items from local bakeries.

The Casselman Bakery & Cafe
19595 Garrett Highway, Oakland
Pick up Valentine’s Day cakes and sugar cookies.

The Rolling Pin Bakery
203 N. Main Street, Accident
Order everything from chocolate covered strawberries and heart cakes to cookies with a personalized message and cheesecakes.

Deep Creek Valentine’s Day Dinners

Local restaurants have started releasing their menus for the holiday, and they look amazing!

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New Garrett County Listings

My new Garrett County listings are two unique properties that each offer something special to buyers. They are ideal for those seeking a primary residence or a second home.

258 Summit Woods Drive

Located just 2.5 miles from Wisp Resort, 258 Summit Woods has lots of appeal. It sits on 5+ acres in the Summit Woods subdivision.

New Garrett County Listings

Offering a desirable open floor plan, it has great use of space. Gleaming hardwood floors carry throughout the main level living area. A propane fireplace makes the great room an inviting place to gather. Doors lead to the back deck that runs the full length of the home. The kitchen is a masterpiece with a propane range, granite counters and a center island with a vegetable sink.

There are five bedrooms and four baths. The master bedroom features a large walk in closet, double vanity and tiled shower. Additionally, there is a sauna which is accessible from the outside deck where the hot tub is located.

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Deep Creek Axe Throwing Company

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Company is the area’s newest indoor activity. It is brought to you by the some folks that run DCL Adventures. Their options for recreation include: Deep Creek Ninja Factory, Splash Island and Monkey Business Adventure Park.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Company

About Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is the latest craze! It is like playing darts….but with axes! Over the past few years, it gained popularity as recreation in Canada. And now, it has spread to the U.S. with axe throwing bars and businesses popping up everywhere. This quick, competitive form of entertainment has really taken off. In more urban areas you can even find axe throwing leagues. When done on a regular basis, it has fitness benefits as well.

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2018 Real Estate Market Recap

Your 2018 real estate market update is a look back at highlights from the past year.

Reflecting on 2018, the Maryland REALTORS® released a recap this week.  Garrett County holds very close to these numbers with an average list to sale price ratio of 94% of asking price.  Our average sale price for the county was $265,000 and approximately $537,000 for the lake area. 

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Winter Fest in Oakland, MD

Winter Fest takes place every President’s Day Weekend. Held in downtown Oakland, there are lots of fun activities for everyone. Most importantly, many activities are free! It is a great way to spend time with family and friends as you celebrate the winter season. Oakland is about 15 minutes from Deep Creek, so it is also an easy drive if you are just visiting for the weekend.

winter fest
Ice sculpture at Winter Fest.

Winter Fest Events

Winter Fest kicks off on Saturday, February 17, 2019. The first live ice carving starts at 9AM. Bill Sandusky, a master ice carver, shows off his work with live demos throughout the day. Also, there are pre-carved sculptures placed throughout the downtown area. You can stroll along the streets to check them out. Maps are available so that you can see them all. They are on display both Saturday and Sunday.

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Cranesville Swamp – A Local Hidden Gem

Lying just west of Swallow Falls on the Maryland-West Virginia border is a unique ecosystem that offers window into ice ages past.  Because of its location on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the Cranesville Swamp is home to plant and animal species uncommon for the mid-Atlantic region. 

About the Cranesville Swamp

The swamp is different due to its “frost pocket effect.”  The elevation is lower in a frost pocket, causing cooler temperatures and making that patch of ground particularly susceptible to frost. The combination of moisture and cold air create a landscape more reminiscent of habitat found much further north in Canadian boreal forests.  Visitors to the park, managed by the The Nature Conservancy (TNC), are able to glimpse a natural anomaly created by this rare mix of altitude, temperature and precipitation. 

cranesville swamp

A Look at the Past

Over 15,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, glaciers froze much of North America and northern latitude species were pushed southward.  The area that became Cranesville settled in a mountain valley. The surrounding hills catch cold air pockets and precipitation, pushing them into the valley. The valley “frost pocket” is responsible for Cranesville’s designation as a sub-arctic swamp. The preserve one of the coolest and wettest spots in Maryland, creating an isolated refuge for species normally found much farther north.

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Garrett County Weather – A History of Mountain Life

Garrett County weather is somewhat legendary. Located in the Allegheny Mountain range of the Appalachians, Garrett County’s microclimate strongly contrasts with Maryland’s otherwise temperate conditions. Dead on the path of Lake Erie’s snow belt, the area is known for its cold winters and steady snow dumps. As much as 200-plus inches has been recorded on Marsh Mountain.  In terms of snow days per year, Garrett County can be one of the snowiest areas east of the Rockies and has been know to surpass much of New England in overall snowfall.  Throughout the area’s history, the harsh winter weather has played a major role in the lives of my ancestors and myself.

garrett county weather
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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.

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