Retire Mortgage Free on Deep Creek Lake!

As Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agents here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, we’ve helped many people find their dream home on Deep Creek Lake.  While people search for a home on Deep Creek Lake for a variety of reasons, one of the main purposes is to find that ideal setting in which to retire.

If you imagine spending your post career days taking in breathtaking lake views, soaking up sun on your deck, embarking on leisurely hikes through nature and being a part of a great community; Deep Creek Lake is the obvious choice!  

While relocating to Deep Creek Lake may be high on your wish list, the idea of taking on a new mortgage, especially if your current home is payed off, can be the thing that’s holding you back.  However, the wide variety of perfectly priced homes on Deep Creek Lake and a few key tips listed below can help you settle into retirement without a mortgage!  Take a few minutes to review these three basic tips that can help you become mortgage free in no time!

1. Make Extra Mortgage Payments- It may seem insignificant to tack on an extra $100 a month, but over time it can amount to major savings!  Let’s say you have a $200,000 mortgage at an interest rate of 6% on a 30 year mortgage.  Without taxes and insurance, that will amount to around $1,200 a month, which means you’ll be paying a little over $231,000 in interest.  But, paying an extra $100 a month can save almost $50,000 in interest and you can be done with the loan five and a half years early!

2. Refinance Your Mortgage- If you currently live on Deep Creek Lake, refinancing your home could be one of the best ways to cut costs each month or switch to a shorter term loan.  Many people are considering refinancing due to the historically low interest rates we’ve seen over the past few years, which is great if your goal is to reduce monthly payments.

However, refinancing can also mean switching out your current 30-year mortgage to a 15-year loan.  While you will be paying a little more each month, you’ll find yourself mortgage free much sooner!  

3. Downsize Your in Your Deep Creek Lake Home- We all love to have our own space and a home that allows for hosting gatherings and guests.  But, do you need the same amount of space as you did earlier in life?  While you do want to account for friends and family that will want to come visit you in your Deep Creek Lake home; you won’t need a lot of extra space such as a formal dining room or a formal living room.  Downsizing can allow you to find a less expensive home and, if you are selling your current home to relocate to Deep Creek Lake, you could potentially make an all cash offer! 

We hope these tips are helpful as you consider your plans for retirement and entering this great time of life mortgage free!  Our team here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty is ready to help you through each step of finding and buying a home here on Deep Creek Lake!

Let us put our years of experience to work for you, so you can have a smooth transition to the Deep Creek Lake lifestyle and settling in to the home of your dreams!  

We hope to hear from you soon!

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

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Be Financially Prepared to Buy a Deep Creek Lake Home!

As the team here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, we appreciate you taking the time to stop by our blog!  It could be that you’re considering buying a home on Deep Creek Lake in the near future and are seeking out more information about the current Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Market or are looking for a Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent.  No matter what brings you here; we’re glad you’re taking a few minutes to research before diving in to buying a Deep Creek Lake home.

In fact, in our years of experience, we’ve seen first hand how doing research and being fully prepared prior to beginning your home search can create the best home buying scenario.  One of the ways you can begin to prepare for buying a home on Deep Creek Lake is to make sure your finances are in order.  This is especially true if you’re considering buying a second home as a vacation getaway on Deep Creek Lake!  Taking on a second home is a large decision and one for which you want to be fully prepared.

Below are six great tips you’ll want to take a few minutes to review that will help you get on the right track with your personal finances.  As always, our goal is to provide our clients with the pertinent information they need in order to be successful in the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market, and these are tips you won’t want to miss!

1. Check your credit report and fix any errors- Did you know that by law, you have the right to a free annual credit report?  This is something you’ll want to take advantage of as it allows you to review your report and correct any errors or outdated information.  If you do happen to find a mistake, you’ll be able to contact the corresponding credit bureau to discuss the discrepancies. 

2. Review your budget- Reviewing your monthly budget is imperative before buying a Deep Creek Lake home, especially if you’re investing in a second home.  You’ll want to know exactly how much money you have to work with each month and can cut any unnecessary expenses if needed.  Buying a home is a large financial decision so allowing yourself to cut down frivolous expenses in order to save more is wise.

3. Review your monthly withholdings- You may find that, by reviewing your monthly withholdings, you’re able to save more money or have more cash on hand.  Before you make any changes to your withholdings however, you will want to talk with your trusted tax advisor so you’re not stuck with owing extra money to the IRS at the end of the year. 

4.  Review your financial emergency plan- Having an emergency financial plan is almost essential before buying a home.  Most financial advisors would recommend having at least six months worth of expenses saved in case of emergencies.  Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it can provide a solid financial base that you can continue to build upon.   

5. Sign up for paperless statements- Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery on Deep Creek Lake can be a constant reminder to care for our environment! While seemingly insignificant, signing up for paperless statements and paying your bills online will add up over time and can save countless trees.  

6.   Consolidate accounts- While it can be useful to have various accounts open with your bank for savings, an emergency fund, or other financial goal, it can also get tricky to keep track of which part of your paycheck is going where.  If you are finding it difficult to keep juggle these separate accounts; it’s time to consolidate. Of course you’ll want to check with your financial institution prior to ensure there aren’t any fees for canceling an account, but taking this step can keep your finances better organized. 

While some of these tips may seem like small changes, they will help ensure you’re organized, in control and completely ready to begin searching for your dream home on Deep Creek Lake.  We want you to have the best experience possible as you search for and buy a home on Deep Creek Lake, and we’re here whenever you’re ready to get started!

We would love to help you find your new Deep Creek Lake home and settle in to the Deep Creek Lake lifestyle that so many enjoy!

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

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Explore Deep Creek Lake This Weekend!

Living or vacationing on Deep Creek Lake means that you’ll never run out of things to do!  No matter what season, it seems that life on Deep Creek Lake is rich with stunning scenery, great events and unique ways to enjoy both.  

If you’re experiencing your first winter season on Deep Creek Lake, or are simply looking for ways to take part in the community or outdoor activities; you’ll want to check out some of the things taking place this coming weekend.  As the team of Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agents here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, we not only want to provide you with pertinent real estate information, but also ways to experience the Deep Creek Lake lifestyle to the fullest!  Here’s what’s happening:

Seasonally Curated Cheese Tasting & Pairing Experiences
FireFly Farms Creamery & Market

107 South Main Street in Accident, Garrett County

www.fireflyfarms.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=831

Thursday, February 9th and Saturday, February 11th at 2pm & 4pm

- Experience locally made cheeses paired with perfectly picked wines at the FireFly Farms Creamery & Market.  Each fall and winter the farm hosts these tastings that will take you on a rich sensory journey.  You’ll learn to differentiate aroma and taste and the balance of the five essential taste elements.  Additionally, the experience will include fresh bread or crackers, membrillo, olives, and charcuterie along with a 10% discount on all in store items.  Feel free to view more information and reserve your spot at the FireFly Farms website.

Swallow Falls Backcountry Snowshoeing Tour

All Earth Eco Tours

www.deepcreeklakefamilyactivities.com/maryland_snowshoeing

Saturday, February 11 at 10am & 2pm 

Sunday February 12 at 10am & 1pm

- Venture through seldom seen areas of Swallow Falls on this guided snowshoeing tour such as the highest waterfalls in Maryland and the old growth Hemlock Forest.  Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa after enjoying the scenery with family and friends!  Learn more about the tour on the All Earth Eco Tours website. 

Cross Country Ski Lesson
All Earth Eco Tours
www.deepcreeklakefamilyactivities.com/maryland_cross_country_ski

Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 12th at 10am & 12pm

- Learn how to cross country ski with lessons from the experts!  Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, young or old you can enjoy the lessons along beautifully wooded trails in Swallow Falls State Park.  Reserve your spot on the All Earth Eco Tours website. 

ASCI Winter Programs
Adventure Sports Center International
250 Adventure Sports Way, McHenry
www.adventuresportscenter.com

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday February 12

- A wide variety of winter adventures await your at ASCI!  Beginners to expert can enjoy things such as snoeshowing and cross country skiing along various trails through state parks near McHenry.  Visit the ASCI website to learn more about available lessons and tours.

Nature Photography Winter Workshop
All Earth Eco Tours
www.AllEarthEcoTours.com/nature_photography_workshop

Sunday, February 12, 2012

- Learn more about photographing the beauty of nature.  Crede Calhoun hosts these informative workshops that focus on learning camera controls, composition and more!  Snowshoe through Swallow Falls State Park on this fun learning adventure!  View the All Earth Eco Tours website for more information. 

We hope you’re able to get out in the fresh Deep Creek Lake air and enjoy some of these winter activities!  You’ll find there’s always something fun to discover around Deep Creek Lake and we hope you take advantage of the opportunities to do so!

As always, we’re here to answer any questions you have or help you navigate through the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market.  Please feel free to contact us anytime as we’d look forward to serving you!

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

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4 Tips for Pricing Your Deep Creek Lake Home Correctly

Last week we talked about some of the key projects you can do to help sell your Deep Creek Lake home.  While making sure your home is appealing to buyers is a big part of getting your home sold, there’s a key factor in getting your home sold quickly that we want to cover today. 

As Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agents here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, we understand the importance of making sure a home doesn’t sit stagnant on the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market.  One of the worst things that can happen for a home is to be on the market for a long period of time since it loses interest from buyers the longer it sits.  

The number one reason a home doesn’t move off the market is because buyers see it as overpriced.  Pricing a home correctly can be challenging since the seller can have a sense of attachment to the home or may have lofty views of what they think their home is worth.  While it can be hard for sellers to see beyond their purchase price of the Deep Creek Lake home and all the upgrades they did throughout the years; keeping the current buyers market in mind is essential.

If you’re currently thinking of selling your Deep Creek Lake home; you’ll want to take a few minutes to review these four tips on pricing your home correctly!

1. Location- You can't get away from this one. If your Deep Creek Lake home is lakefront or has stunning lake views, you will be able to get a higher price than you can for the same house that’s inland. 

2. Condition- A Deep Creek Lake home that is well maintained and shows better will always sell for more than one that has had deferred maintenance and needs work.

3. Desirable Amenities- If a house has amenities that are popular in Deep Creek Lake homes such as outdoor living space, open floor plan or porches with sweeping views, it will sell more quickly.

4. Calculate the price per square foot- The average price per square foot for homes on Deep Creek Lake shouldn't be the sole determinant of the asking price for your home, but it can be a useful starting point. 

Of course your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent will be able to guide you as you think of a sale price for your home.  Having a fair market price from the beginning will draw a lot of attention and can help ensure your home sells quickly.

Have questions about selling your Deep Creek Lake home?  Feel free to contact us!  We enjoy working with buyers and sellers and would love the opportunity to work with you to get your Deep Creek Lake home sold. 

We hope to hear from you soon!

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

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Top Projects for Your Deep Creek Lake Home

Whether you live in your Deep Creek Lake home year round or enjoy it as a vacation getaway throughout the year, you may be considering doing some upgrades to your home in the coming year.  It could be that you’re hoping to sell your home in the near future and want it to stand out from the competition in the current buyers market, or you simply want to make your Deep Creek Lake home even more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to make upgrades, we know there’s plenty of information out there as to which projects have the greatest return on investment.  As experienced Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agents here at Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, we wanted to create that “top project” list that will point you in the right direction!  We know that getting your home ready to sell can be stressful, and we hope these tips will help.  Take a look!

Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation

- Adding proper insulation will not only add value to your home, but will save you money. This energy efficient project will reduce up to 30% of heating and cooling costs. Those looking to buy a Deep Creek Lake home will be searching for homes that are more eco-friendly and adding insulation or even replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones will appeal to buyers.

Top Budget Friendly Project: Clean and Conquer Clutter

- The best way to update your home is to remove any excess furniture or knickknacks that don’t serve a purpose. Not only will this make your Deep Creek Lake home appear larger, but it will give your home a more updated feel. This cost effective project is a great one to do during winter months when you’d prefer to stay indoors. If you’re planning on selling your home, buyers will appreciate this clean and updated look as they’ll be able to better envision their belonging in your home.

Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances

- Kitchens are one of the top places that people will want to see upgrades and where you will get the most return on investment. The top kitchen project is to upgrade your appliances. Of course stainless steel appliances are today’s standard, so if you haven’t upgraded yet, now would be a great time to do so. Another upgrade that’s possible for those who already have stainless steel appliances are energy efficient options. Switching to these “green” appliances will cut down on your energy bill and will be better for the environment as well.

Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures

- Bathrooms are another space where many will want to see upgrades. An easy way to refresh bathrooms is to change out the fixtures. From lighting to the vanity or even just the cabinetry hardware; there are many cost effective updates that can be made in a bathroom.

The Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize Storage Space

- Give yourself more space instantly by organizing your closets and cabinets. Clean out things you no longer use and consider investing in a closet or pantry organizer. This will immediately give the appearance of extra room as well as being easier to maintain.

Top Landscaping Project: Tidy Your Lawn

- Curb appeal speaks volumes for how you care for your Deep Creek Lake home overall. A lawn that is well manicured and aesthetically pleasing will appeal to most no matter what the size. Deep Creek Lake buyers will want to know they can simply maintain the lawn you’ve cared for rather than having to put in a lot of time and money for updates. Even in the middle of winter, having a path shoveled and winter greenery on your porch can create a welcoming first impression. 

Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Living

- This is a project that will have to wait until Deep Creek Lake welcomes back warmer weather, but adding outdoor living space is like adding square footage onto your home. Imagine lounging in a new outdoor living space and hosting outdoor dinner parties this summer. Whether you’re going to be living or vacationing in your Deep Creek Lake home for the next twenty years or will begin the home selling process soon, this update will add value and character to your home.

Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the Basement

- Finishing your basement, while a seemingly large project, is much less expensive that adding an additional room onto your home. You’ll want to be sure to have a professional inspect your basement for its moisture level before you begin. Adding carpeting or a fresh coat of paint may be all your basement needs to gain a finished appearance. This additional living space may be just the thing for which buyers are searching.

You may not be able to take on all of these projects, but picking out a few key ones can be just the thing needed to get your home sold or create your dream home on Deep Creek Lake that you can enjoy for years to come!

As always, we’re here to help in any way we can!  If you are hoping to sell your Deep Creek Lake home this year and aren’t quite sure where to start, feel free to contact us today!  We’ll answer your questions and can guide you along the home selling process.

We look forward to hearing from you regarding your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate needs! 

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

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Achieve Your Home Buying Goals with a Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Agent!

Buying a Deep Creek Lake home as a permanent residence or vacation getaway is a great goal for 2012!  With historically low mortgage rates and ideally priced homes; your dream could quickly become a reality.  

Since you’re reading our blog, you’ve probably already researched the benefits of living or vacationing on Deep Creek Lake!  As the Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty team of real estate agents serving Deep Creek Lake; we are always excited to work with buyers to help them find a great Deep Creek Lake home.

However, there are those who feel that using a Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent isn’t necessary and they attempt to find and buy a Deep Creek Lake home on their own.  Typically, these people end up getting frustrated and overwhelmed with the process and will either give up or eventually turn to us for help.

To help you avoid that heartache, we thought we’d put together the top ten reasons why your first step to success is finding a trusted Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent.  Take a look!

1. Training and Experience- Their years of training and experience in the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market will be a great asset to you! You won’t have to learn about the market or how to negotiate a deal since a real estate agent will be fully trained and know the ins and outs of the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market. 

2. Personal Shield-  Buying or selling a home can get personal and your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent can be your personal shield against pushy agents and bad deals.  You won’t have to handle the phone calls, emails or issues that arise.

3. Area Expertise- If you’re buying a Deep Creek Lake home and are relocating to the area, your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent will know the best places to search to fit your needs and lifestyle!  They may even have a few Deep Creek Lake homes in mind for you!

4. Price Guidance- Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent can guide you in pricing your home correctly by using comparative homes on the market.  They can also use Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports to help you make a far offer on a home.  

5. Current Market Insight- You’ll get an inside look into the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market that you wouldn’t get with searching on your own.  They’ll know things such as what homes are currently selling for on the market or when a home is a good deal.

6. Networking Capabilities- Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent may already have a connection to an interested buyer for your Deep Creek Lake home! They will also have contact with other Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agents and brokers and can get the word out about your home being on the market.  Their network can be the key to your success in the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market!

7. Savvy Negotiation- Negotiating a contract can be tricky and your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent will be able to navigate through this process to ensure you are happy with the deal.

8. Handling Paperwork- There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into buying or selling a home that would be overwhelming to most people. Your real estate agent will be able to take care of this for you and make sure every aspect is addressed and everything is in place!

9. Follow Up- Sometimes there can be issues that arise during the closing or taxing authorities can get behind in their paperwork and call you months after closing. A good real estate agent will stick by you even after you close a deal to take care of any after effects.

10. Future Business- Finding a trusted Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent can be tough, but once you find one; you’ll want to develop a great relationship with them! Whether you are looking to buy or sell again in the future, you know that they’ll be your first choice so building that relationship is key!

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons to find a Deep Creek Lake Real Estate agent before beginning your home search.  If you haven’t found a real estate agent yet, we would love to offer our services!  

Our team is highly experienced and know the ins and outs of the Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market and the area!  We would love to be your first stop when you visit Deep Creek Lake to find your home.  

Please feel free to contact us today to get started!  We look forward to helping you achieve your Deep Creek Lake home buying goal this year!

Patrick Kane
Sales Manager/Co-Owner
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Your Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Expert

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate
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Search Deep Creek Lake Homes for Sale

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