Betsy Spiker Holcomb Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales - Deep Creek Lake Blog

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Spring Cleanup-Real Estate

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake,

Mother Nature graced us with a beautiful weekend that was perfect for Griffin’s first Easter egg hunt. Hunting them was mildly entertaining to him but throwing them was much more thrilling! Hope you were able to enjoy the warm weekend with your family.

Gammy (Karen) helping Griffin hold his basket

Start Scheduling Your Summer Home Maintenance Projects

This time of year is when our minds tend to shift toward cleaning up our yards, garages and vehicles. To get started, begin compiling a list of projects to get your home ready for the new season. Consult the checklist to keep projects organized and on schedule.

Clean your outdoor cooker – Make sure to get ready for all of those upcoming BBQs you will be having in the summer months by deep cleaning your grill.
To clean a gas grill: Turn up the heat to high with the lid closed for about 30 minutes. Once the grill has cooled down, use a grill brush to clean the grill.
To clean a charcoal grill: Empty the grill completely, cleaning off any leftover ashy residue with dish soap and warm water. Allow enough time for the grill to dry before you use it next.

Plan a watering schedule – Planning a watering schedule will ensure that your plants will stay healthy and hydrated during the hot summer months.

Trim tree limbs touching or near roof surface – Summer months can mean stormy weather. By performing regular tree maintenance you can reduce the risk of storm damage.

Vacuum upholstery and pillows – After getting the patio furniture out of storage, vacuum the upholstery to remove dirt and dust.

Clean out rain gutters and storm drains – Removing debris from gutters and storm drains can prevent clogging during storms.

Change out the HVAC filter – Put in a fresh filter at the start of the season to prevent indoor air pollution.

Wash all windows – Since the temperatures are up, this is a great time to get out and clean your windows.

Have your roof inspected – Have your roof inspected for leaks every 3-4 years or more often as it ages.

Clean out dryer vents – This is the perfect time to check your dryer vents to prevent build up.
Copyright© 2014 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re visiting the area anytime soon, plan ahead by scheduling activities for the family at Wisp Resort. Their Adventure Park is open on the weekends only from 10:00-4:00. Activities Include: • Mountain Coaster 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Chipmunk Challenge Course 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Spider Monkey Adventure Course 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Gem Mining 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour 10:00,11:30, & 1:30 (Limited space reservations recommended) • Laser Games 10:00, 12:00,& 2:00

Another event for your calendar is HART Animal Center’s Grand Opening on Saturday, May 3^rd from 12:00-5:00. Their new center is located on Bumble Bee Road near Garrett College in McHenry. They will have a petting zoo, kids’ activities, food and more for you to partake during their Open House.

The Spiker Team’s featured listings for the week are a newly listed mountain chalet with wonderful mountain views. This home shows like new and has had very little use. Then, we also listed a home site in the log home community of Gallatin Woods off Lake Shore Drive. This community is wooded and very low maintenance to its owners. Lastly, there has been a $66,000 price reduction on a lake view home site in the mountaintop neighborhood of Highline. Click the link to access details, photos and tours for each: http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=57201176972.

Quite a few properties have been coming on the market over the last 30 days. This link will take you to them: http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=57224195520. If you have questions or would like more information about any of them please call/email us. Enjoy your week and bring on the warm weather!

Home Site in The Pinnacle Community-Dock Slip

Located in The Pinnacle, Lot #54 is a 1.00 acre lake access home site that awaits your vacation home! The single dock slip and lakeside clubhouse are just a short walk/drive away.

This community has a great feel about it with paved roads, tennis court, public sewer and convenience to restaurants, cinema, mini mart and DCL State Park.

Balanced neighborhood with vacation rental, secondary and primary homes. Seasonal water views.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-March real estate

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake,

Warm weather has set in (we hope:-)) here in Deep Creek. We’ve had some nice days recently, helping us locals shake off the cabin fever. The local marinas are on the move – putting docks in the water and servicing boats for the 2014 summer season. This photo was taken from my office window on April 2^nd. There was actually still some ice on the water in a few places. It also happens to be my husband Bob’s former boat, which is now one of Deep Creek Marina’s service fleet.

One of our favorite local attractions here in Deep Creek is Swallow Falls State Park. This afternoon was gorgeous and in the 60’s so we took the opportunity to slip away from the office and take our 16-month old son Griffin to see the waterfalls for the first time. He was in awe of the gorgeous Muddy Creek Falls and enjoyed walking the pine needle trails (as well as picking & throwing sticks of course!). Remember to bring your walking shoes on your next visit to tour this beautiful park with multiple waterfalls.

A couple events coming up to mention…

The Garrett County Health Fair will be held this Saturday, April 12^th at the CARC (Community Aquatic & Recreational Center) on the Garrett College campus. The event will be held from 8:30-1:00 and along with health vendors there will be speaking presentations, free preventive health screenings, information displays and demonstrations and a food distribution by the Maryland Food Bank. Admission is free to the community!

An Easter Egg Hunt is being held Saturday, April 19^th from 10:00-12:00 at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville right beside the infamous country Penn Alps restaurant. Registration is at 10:00 and the egg hunt begins at 10:30. There are three age categories with over 1000 filled eggs to find. This is also a free event!

Below are statistics from our MLS system from the activity that took place in our market in March 2014. The indicators are looking up, setting the stage for a great year in real estate.

We have been busy working with owners and getting their homes on the market for the summer season. The link below will take you to 6 of our new listings, ranging from a cozy log home in the woods, a lake access home with a dock slip, a beautiful waterfront contemporary home to a slope front & water view lodge that will woo you! Be sure to click through the photos and visual tours of each and if you’d like to arrange a time to preview any homes now is a good time to do it. http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=57020431609

Have a delightful weekend and we look forward to seeing you in the mountains!

Warm regards,

Betsy Spiker Holcomb

Note: As a member of our local Board of REALTORS, I am able to show you ALL listings regardless of the Broker representing the listing.

Oh, by the way…if you have friends or family members that are thinking of buying or selling real estate in this area, please give me a call with their name and address and I’ll follow up with them. I assure you that I will take great care of them.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-April Activities-Real Estate

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-April Activities-Real Estate. Well, I think the East Coast is well overdue for some beautiful, warm weather but if you are planning to visit the area this weekend keep in mind that Snow Tubing at Wisp Resort is still an option. Just one layer of clothing might even keep you warm if the forecast doesn’t change between now and then! These are some other activities available for you and your family to enjoy at Wisp this April:

Saturdays and Sundays Only 4/5/14 – 4/27/14 Hours 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Activities: • Snow Tubing 10:00 am- 4:00 pm open Session (Subject to change based on weather and conditions) • Mountain Coaster 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Chipmunk Challenge Course 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Spider Monkey Adventure Course 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Gem Mining 10:00 am- 4:00 pm • Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour 10:00,11:30, & 1:30 (Limited space reservations recommended) • Laser Games 10:00, 12:00,& 2:00 (Limited space reservations recommended) *Hours of operations, dates and offering are subject to change without notice.

The market is picking up speed and there are still some true bargains out there, depending on the segment of the market you are looking of course. To use the word “deals” or “bargains” sounds so cliché but those are the simplest, most descriptive words that come to mind when I see some of the prices on these properties.

We had a $200K price reduction on one of our lakefront homes last week! This home sits on an incredible lot on a private part of the lake (North Glade Cove) with extraordinary decking, an outdoor grilling kitchen and a lower level entertainment room.

We also just listed an incredible lodge-style waterfront gem and a lake access home site with a dock slip.

The Thousand Acres lodge sits on 3.81 acres with 373’ of lakefront! This property consists of the original lodge home, a massive addition to the home, a new guest house and a detached garage. Plus, it offers multiple flat stone patios overlooking the water, a campfire area, playground and lots of privacy!
The home site is in a well-established community known as The Pinnacle near the Glendale Bridge. It offers a deeded dock slip, 1-acre of buildable space, a community tennis court, community lakeside clubhouse and seasonal views of the lake.

Links to all 3 listings: http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=56828143160.

If you have any questions about real estate or just the DCL area in general call, text or email us. Enjoy your week! 301-616-5022, www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Fresh Snow-HART Animal Center

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Fresh Snow-HART Animal Center. Happy Monday! We woke up to about 4-6” of fresh snow this morning. Just enough to freshen up the slopes and remind us that we still have another few weeks of ole man winter. March 30^th is the last day for skiing/boarding this 13/14 season. For some enthusiasts, early spring is their favorite time of the winter season; the lines are short and the conditions are still good, plus there’s a chance you could be skiing in a lot less clothing!

I know one doggie who turns 6 tomorrow that will certainly miss the snow:). Mali is such a winter dog!

All this dog talk leads me to some great local news… The Bredel Veterinary Clinic at the Hart Animal Center is now open. They are located on Bumble Bee Road at Deep Creek Lake near Garrett College. They are a full-service clinic, offering surgeries, preventive care, “Healthy Start” vaccinations and annual boosters, puppy and kitten packages, annual physical exams, dental care, and treatment of emergencies during clinic hours. Their other bit of news, which I am pretty excited about, is their Bed ‘n Bark Inn has just opened. Parents can travel “pet less” all the while knowing that their furry loved ones are in good hands. They have 25 luxury dog suites, Doggie Doors leading to private patios, Doggie-cams available in several suites, Two to three walk and exercise periods per day, Spacious Cat Condos with three levels, Individual exhaust systems in each Cat Condo, Maid service twice a day, Convenient check-in/check-out hours and Full grooming services available in their salon. 301-387-7729

There are a couple events coming up that you may want to put on your calendar. This is the first year for the Outdoor Show. The Job Fair takes place every year around this time and is a good place for job seekers to talk with local businesses who are hiring both full-time and part-time. I have several clients whose children have come to work at Deep Creek for the summer. Not a bad gig, working at a destination with warm days and cool nights!

Garrett County Fair Board Outdoor Show – Saturday, March 22, 2014, 10am to 7 pm Sunday, March 23, 2014, 10am to 4pm in the Ag Heritage Hall

Come cure your “cabin fever” at the Garrett County Fair Board’s 2^nd outdoor sports show on March 22^nd and 23^rd, 2014. Show times will be 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Adults are $3, children 6 to 10 years old $1, and children 5 and under free. There will be over 60 exhibitors, seminars, and concessions. There will be something for all the family to enjoy. Adults $3 Children 6 to 10 years old $1 Children 5 and under free

Garrett County Job Fair – Thursday, March 27, 2014, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Garrett College, CARC Gymnasium, 695 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541

The Garrett County Job Fair is being offered by a partnership of Garrett College, Garrett County One-Stop Career Center, Western Maryland Consortium, 104.5 KHJ/92.3 The Train/1050am WMSG, and Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

We have seen some nice price adjustments on some of our listings recently. For instance, two of my lakefront listings have been reduced by $50,000 and $148,500! And two of our lake access building sites have also improved their prices by quite a bit. http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=56564636798

Enjoy your week and never hesitate to call/email us with any of your Deep Creek Lake questions!

1362 Thousand Acres Road, Swanton, MD

1362 Thousand Acres Road, Swanton, MD. Stunning lodge-style home on two level parcels with 373′ of lakefront and 3.81 acres. This incredible property combines the rustic charm of wood and timber frame construction to create a one-of-a-kind nostalgic feel!

Located at the end of the lane with superb privacy and beautifully landscaped grounds, including flagstone patios, campfire ring, playground and hammock.

The newly added timber frame wing is grandiose yet cozy and provides an additional family room, great room, loft room and foyer. Complete with built-in storage cubbies ideal for golf, ski or hiking equipment and a wet bar, no details were spared in the 2006 addition.

The separate guest house offers every modern convenience with its own living room, stacked stone fireplace, kitchen, dining area, bedroom and bath. The finishes and features of this property are extensive. And, 3 gorgeous stone wood fireplaces set the tone for a warm and inviting place to call home!

602 Overlook Pass Road-2A-McHenry, MD

602 Overlook Pass Roa-2A-McHenry, MD. Breathtaking, unobstructed water and mountain views from this gorgeous Villa. End unit in a building of three with an oversized garage fit for two cars.

The open floorplan, multiple masters, two family rooms, bonus room, hot tub and two stone fireplaces make this the ideal mountain getaway.

Easy walk to community pool, pavilion, trails, playground and tennis court. In just two minutes you can be at the Whitewater Course or Ski Slopes. Sold furnished. Established rental.

64 Bright Passage Road-McHenry MD-Walk to Slopes

64 Bright Passage Road-McHenry MD-Walk to Slopes. Just steps from the slopes with a vast lake & mountain view, this 3-level townhome has been updated and shows great!

Wood walls and a wood burning fireplace in the living room create a warm ambiance for those snowy nights.

Three balconies (two with lake views) and a rear deck with hot tub provide plenty of outdoor space. Third bedroom is open and doubles as family room. Established vacation rental.

172 Swamp Knox Lane, McHenry, MD

Conveniently located to McHenry and Deep Creek Lake, this home offers easy, one-level living with a large living/family room that opens to the kitchen & dining area. Full basement with even more space for expansion if desired.

Renovated in 2013 with new everything – appliances, flooring, vanities, lighting and paint. Full basement with a finished bonus room, large outbuilding, great yard, front patio and 2 entrances, all off of a private, no-thru street.

1163 Deep Creek Drive Unit 1-McHenry Maryland

1163 Deep Creek Drive Unit 1-McHenry Maryland. Water and slope views both can be enjoyed from 1163 Deep Creek Drive. Unit 1 is a lovingly cared for one-level unit with a wood burning fireplace in the living room and an open living/kitchen/dining area.

This condo has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is located in the Pinebreeze community. In the summer you can walk directly from your living room to the grassy lakeside area and your single dock slip. In the winter you can enjoy the view of the ski slopes at Wisp Mountain as you sit by the fireplace and enjoy your hot chocolate or coffee.

A paved driveway with community amenities, such as snow removal, lawn maintenance, exterior maintenance, landscaping and outdoor grilling stations are included as part of the deal with this property. Common areas include basketball courts and horseshoe pits. There is also a community area of picnic tables and charcoal grills.

Follow this link to view the full tour of this listing, http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1310369.html.

Tag: Betsy Spiker Holcomb Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales