By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 February 1st, 2012 Category: Garrett County News, News, Vacation Rentals

Legislation has been introduced again this year that would give the Garrett County Commissioners the authority to raise the Accommodations Tax to 6% starting in October of 2012. The current rate is 5%. This is the tax paid by overnight guests who stay in hotels and Deep Creek Lake vacation rental houses. If this is passed, the Garrett County rate would still be one of the lowest in all of Maryland.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 January 25th, 2012 Category: Garrett County News, News

The Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County, Maryland will be featured in an upcoming reality TV series called “Getting Away Together” now beginning to air on PBS member stations nationwide. The Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County, Maryland episode will begin airing as early as February on different PBS stations across the country. Check local listings for air times/dates. The series focuses on large groups vacationing together and the Garrett County episode will follow a military family Mike & Alexis Piet from Arlington, VA, their parents and family friends as they visit some of Garrett County’s most well-known attractions, and include Mike’s training for the SavageMan Triathlon. We will keep you posted as we become aware of airing dates for the Garrett County episode and watch your email for more news on “Getting Away Together”.

The episode filmed in Garrett County is made possible in part by Railey Mountain Lake Vacations, Bill’s Marine Service, Bill’s Outdoor Center, Honi-Honi Bar, Uno Chicago Grill Deep Creek Lake, Arrowhead Market, and Garrett 8 Cinemas.

By: NancyJo nfratz@railey.com 301-616-7093 November 14th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, News

This year’s Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake Festival of Trees 2011 will be held Friday and Saturday November 25 and 26^th 2011 to benefit the Dove Center.  (A non- profit domestic violence shelter that provides shelter, safety, advocacy, and counseling to victims of domestic violence).  An event for the entire family to enjoy.

The Festivities will begin Friday with a Breakfast with Santa.  Games and activities for children will be held throughout the weekend.  Other special features include decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses.  Friday evenings highlight is the Auction to begin at 6:00 p.m.  This is your opportunity to bid on the decorated trees, wreaths, etc.    Saturday’s entertainment will include Jessica’s Dance Creations and Dancing Classrooms.    Local vendors will also be on sight with specials and a silent auction will be ongoing both days.

This year the Festival of Trees will be at Deep Creek Lake, McHenry, Md in the Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall.

If you are visiting Deep Creek Lake over the Thanksgiving Holiday this is an event you will not want to miss.

By: Carol Wills cwills@railey.com 571-214-3544 October 13th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events

I have had the privilege of living in Como Italy and exploring many European Countries.  One of my favorite things that we did was to attend Oktoberfest in Munich Germany.  We traveled from Como Italy by bus with folks from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Some of my favorite stops along the way was eating German food and traveling through the Black Forest.  The Black Forest is a place where fairy tales are born.  It is a week of celebrations, beer tents, rides, lots of food and entertainment from German and Bavarian Artists.

The week of October 12-16^th at Deep Creek Lake celebrates Autumn Glory and there are many similarities to the German Oktoberfest. This is a week of celebrating the fall foliage. A beer tent, 2 parades, crafts and car shows, glassblowing and a Farmers Market give added excitement to our area.  Folks travel quite a distance to share in this celebration and to enjoy our beautiful foliage. This is one of my favorite times of the year. The air has fresh smells, the leaves are brilliant colors of red, yellow and orange and the temperature is perfect. The area offers a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors.

The ASCI whitewater course has my favorite event which is the Great Pumpkin Regatta, where numbered pumpkins are released to ride the rapids. Another favorite event is the Haunted Mountain Coaster at Wisp Ski Resort. This is simply a fun week for all ages.  I hope you will join us for a week of fun and celebrations.

Check out my Youtube video of the Great Pumpkin Regatta

Here is a link for more information for dates and events for this year’s Autumn Glory Festival.

I look forward to seeing you around the lake!

Carol Wills, Railey Realty

By: BrianHomberg bhomberg@railey.com 301-501-0131 October 4th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Buyer Info, Deep Creek Lake Market Update, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Garrett County Real Estate, Interest Rates and Loans

There has been some recent good news in the Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County real estate market. In August 2011 there were 44 new pending sales which represented a 15% increase compared to the previous 5 year average. In fact, pending sales in August were at their second highest level since the height of the market in 2006. Other highlights of the local real estate market include;

In August 2011, 14 residential Deep Creek Lake water oriented (lake front, lake view, or lake access) properties sold with an average sales price of $426,711 and spent 277 days on the market. There are currently 36 Deep Creek Lake water oriented pending sales (35 residential sales and 1 lot/land).

36 lakefront homes have sold thus far in 2011, already equaling the total number of lakefront homes sold in all of 2010. There are currently 11 lakefront homes under contract. Those 36 lakefronts homes sold had an average sales price of approximately $819,000 and spent 228 days on the market. The average list price to sales price ratio of those homes sold was 81%.

Away from the lake in other areas of Garrett County, 16 residential homes sold in August 2011 with an average sale price of $170,341 and spent 142 days on the market.  There are currently 47 non-lake area pending sales (40 residential sales and 7 lot/land).

Buyers take note that summer followed by fall is typically the strongest selling season in Garrett County.  Sellers are generally more motivated this time of year with the prospect of having to carry their property through winter.  There are some very good values out there right now with a good selection of inventory to choose from. Also helping are low interest rates which incredibly ended last week under 4%.

Garrett County is a very unique market.  It is a beautiful, centrally located four season resort area.  Six of the wealthiest counties in the country are located within less than a gas tank away.

Railey Realty continues to the leader in the Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County real estate market with 57% of total dollar market share in Garrett County and 64% of the Deep Creek Lake market.

As a full time salesperson at Railey Realty I can send you new listings as they hit the market that will show status changes from active listings to pending and closed sales in real time via email market updates.  This is a state-of-the industry computer technology that I offer free of charge to you to follow and immediately see buying opportunities as they hit our resort market. I will be happy to let you know about “must see” properties and “great values.”  Please contact me for all of your real estate needs as I promise to guide you through a smooth real estate transaction.

By: Jay Ferguson jferguson@railey.com 301-501-0420 September 16th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, News

Sep 17 - Sep 18 Savageman Triathlon

The world’s most savage triathlon! Bike, swim and run for a great cause: fighting skin cancer.

Deep Creek Lake and the pristine, rugged Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland, provide a venue of unmatched beauty and stunning scenery, and feature two courses that will certainly bring out the true “Savage” in all who come to conquer, from the competitive Ironman racer to the leisurely back-of-the-pack or novice participant. Whether swimming in the crystal clear Deep Creek Lake, riding the smooth, remote, and challenging roads of Garrett County, or running on Deep Creek State Park trails and the surrounding lakeside roads, the SavageMan Triathlon Festival races will challenge and awe participants.

6x Ironman Race Champion Dave Scott will be participating this year. Dave is a legend in the racing world. Railey Realty will also have numerous agents participating in the race this year as well. Those racing from Railey Realty are Jimmy Railey, Russell Bounds, Coelian Green, and Mike Kennedy. Railey Realty is also running the Aid Station atop Killer Miller Hill again this year passing out water and sports drinks to racers. Join us for food, drinks, and helping these athletes!

Date: September 17, 2011

Website: http://www.savagemantri.org/

Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park, MD

Fees/Admission: Registration is sold out. Free for spectators

By: Jay Ferguson jferguson@railey.com 301-501-0420 September 2nd, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake, Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events, Wisp Ski Resort

Sep 2 - Sep 5 41st Annual Rudy’s Labor Day Sale
Celebrate the official kickoff to the 2011 ski and board season at the 41st annual Rudy?s Labor Day Sale! The area’s largest ski & snowboard sale offering an extensive selection of wintersports equipment, apparel & accessories at discount warehouse prices.
Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.rudysclothing.com
Location: Wisp Resort in the Main Lodge
Contact: 301-387-4640
EMail: info@rudysatwisp.com
Date/Time Details: Friday & Saturday 9am to 8pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm
Monday 9am to 4pm
Fees/Admission: None

Sep 2 - Sep 5 Wisp Outdoors Used Equipment Sale.

Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com

Sep 2 Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Concerts are free…..bring your lawn chair & enjoy the music. Food Vendors On Site 6:00pm - ?. Tonight - Remedy
Date: September 2, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: MountainFresh Pavilion, Second & Alder Streets, Oakland
Contact: Lillian Steele (301) 616-9790
EMail: steelebeatrice@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: September 2, 2011 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 4 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug Huskies; watch films. No reservations needed today.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 — Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20

Sep 4 Family LEGO SuGO Event
Come design, create, and build a LEGO robot that will push your opponent off the SuGO ring. All ages are welcome. The G-FORCE FTC team also demonstrates their robot. http://sugo.gearsinc.org/.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://sugo.gearsinc.org/
Location: GEARS Center in Accident

Sep 10 Art & Wine Festival
Benefiting the American Red Cross, the festival includes wine, regional artists, children’s area, silent auction, live music and lots more!
Date: September 10, 2011
Website: http://www.deepcreekwinefest.com
Location: Garrett County Fairgrounds

Sep 11 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it’s cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: “Tours” page.

Date: September 11, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 — Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 August 25th, 2011 Category: Garrett County News, News, Wisp Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

Here is a link to the latest article released to the public on the potential sale of Wisp Ski Resort.  The owners of nearby Seven Springs Ski Resort appear to be the most likely candidate to purchase the Wisp. The family that owns Seven Springs also own a majority of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.

Contrary to any rumors the Wisp Ski Resort is NOT bankrupt and in NO danger of shutting down or closing. In fact, in recent years the Wisp has experienced a record number of skier visits. The current ownership group has actually made the Wisp a year round profitable venture with the addition of new attractions like the mountain coaster and zip line canopy tour. It’s very likely that any new ownership group or the current ownership group will continue to add new attractions and expand the ski slopes at the resort.

The article is a little misleading in blaming “low nearby home sales.” The number of nearby Deep Creek Lake home sales are actually trending upwards - they have been since the end of 2009.  More likely to blame for this potential sale are lower than anticipated building lot sales around the new Lodestone Golf Course atop Wisp Mountain and the high cost to build such a high end 18 hole golf course.

Many people think of the Wisp as one entity but it’s actually comprised of two separate companies - Recreational Industries and DC Development.  Both companies are owned by the same group of people. Recreational Industries is the Wisp Ski Resort and all it’s attractions - ski slopes, lodge, tubing park, and mountain coaster. DC Development is the real estate development company that builds and develops neighborhoods atop Wisp Mountain.

Since 2001, DC Development has been very successful in developing and selling out such neighborhoods and subdivisions atop Wisp Mountain like Boulder Ridge, North Camp, Highline, and Deep Creek Highlands. Those neighborhoods continue to be popular with vacation home buyers in the area.

Wisp Ski Resort will continue to be a huge draw for the Deep Creek Lake area regardless of who owns it. The ski area is a big part and reason why families purchase vacation and second homes in this area. The Deep Creek area is a true four season resort with endless activities and attractions for vacationers and second home owners alike.

If you are interested in pursuing real estate opportunities in the Deep Creek Lake area or at the Wisp Ski Resort please give us a call or stop in our office. We are the local experts and have the largest selection of properties for sale in the area.

By: DebraSavage dsavage@railey.com 301-616-4085 June 30th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Buyer Info, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Fractional Ownership

Why not own a home at Deep Creek Lake that you can use throughout the year at our four-season resort while only paying for a portion of the expense?  No, this is not a timeshare.  This is the “green” alternative to second home ownership.   This is a way for you to own a magnificent lakefront home on Deep Creek Lake. It is called fractional ownership, and you receive a deed just like any other home you own.  You have the option of meeting the other owners or not; your ownership is legally separate.  You are not responsible for the normal chores required with second home ownership, allowing you to relax and enjoy each time you visit your home.  Your use as an owner is spread throughout the year, during every season, and provides you with maximum flexibility to get away with friends and family. The benefits of owning this type of real estate at Deep Creek Lake includes;

• All maintenance, bill payment and reservations are handled by professional management.
• You pay just your share of the budgeted expenses each quarter.
• Dedicated housekeepers ensure that your home is in pristine condition upon your arrival.
• Enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing, hiking, parks, waterfalls, white water rafting, snow skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, and golfing at several available courses, including our Signature Hale Irwin course.
• Or just relax with a cup of coffee and a book on your lakefront deck or patio

Visit www.secondhomesatdcl.com to view the inventory of spectacular fractional homes at Deep Creek Lake, or give me a call at 301-616-4085.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 May 12th, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake Real Estate

Because of slightly lower than usual water levels on Deep Creek Lake the past few years, the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) has recently made modifications that will keep the lake at historically normal levels this summer boating season. The changes include;

• Extending the upper rule band to an elevation of 2461 for the full month of July and decreasing it at a rate of one foot per month for August, September, and October.
• Allowing water levels 0.3 feet above the rule band from May thru October (but not for more than 21 days). This will accommodate times of higher inflow into the lake.
• Eliminating certain temperature protocols on scheduled whitewater release days.
• Modifying the discharge rates for whitewater releases.
• Requiring Brookfield Power to monitor gate losses at the power generation station.

MDE has determined that higher than normal summer temperatures and lower stream inflow were the primary causes for the lower than normal lake levels experienced during the 2010 boating season. With slightly lower lake levels last year, some Deep Creek Lake property and real estate owners were forced to pull their docks and boats earlier than expected. These changes should improve conditions and the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association will continue to monitor the situation.