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Homebuying Trends For 2017

Realtor.com has released their findings from their survey of buyer’s preferences, including reasons why they are choosing to buy a home.

Of buyers aged 25-34 the majority of them cited financial stability and the positive investment that home ownership brings. Older buyers, however, primarily cited having features that make the home more physically comfortable or enhance their daily living experiences as their top priority. Also, of the respondents that listed ‘considering retirement’ as their primary reason for moving this year, the age when this started to be top priority was as young as 45.

Other findings include:

  • Older buyers would prefer an updated garage over an updated living room

  • 40% of buyers age 25-34 think they will buy a townhouse or attached rowhouse

  • 43% of shoppers searched for ranch style homes

  • At every age group the vast majority of respondents were looking for a two-bathroom house.

Click over to the realtor.com site to see the full results.

 

For more info, click here.

 

How To Get A Home Photo-Ready, According To The Pros

The importance of photography in real estate listings cannot be overstated and as such an entire side industry of staging experts has sprung up to support the efforts. If you want to hear some inside tips from the pros, head over to this article in the New York Times that has some ideas that don’t usually make the standard lists of how to get a home photo-ready.

One example they cite is to hang artwork higher than you normally would because it makes the ceilings look taller. Also, sellers can make the bed and bedroom look wider by matching the colors of the pillows to the bedspread so that the edges blend together and don’t create a visual break in the flow of the central focal point of the room.

Check out the rest of the article for more ideas to make the physical spaces of a home translate well into listing photos.

For more info, click here.

 

NEW LISTING: 90 Temperance Way

Newer built 2BR, 2BA home on an over-sized lot at Overlook subdivision.

Improved basement for potential extra bedroom and additional living spaces.

Hardwood floors, gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, attached garage & high-end finishes make this a place you won’t want to miss!

Enjoy lake access & community trails and views of surrounding mountains & land.

For more information, click here.

 

 

PROGRAMS HELP GARRETT COUNTY

The Maryland General Assembly passed two bills that will benefit Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake.

The payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT program, will result in Garrett County receiving about a million dollars in fiscal year 2019. The PILOT program benefits state forests, parks and wildlife management areas.

A bill was also passed that establishes the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop a working budget, and to develop a plan, prioritizing projects that receive funding.

 

Back on the Market- 2432 State Park Road

The perfect spot for your lakefront cabin!

Well maintained 3BR, 2BA home on State Park Rd & Type A dock fronting on Cherry Creek Cove.

Never rented & move-in ready! Approx 1 mile to the state park beach, and backs to Deep Creek State Park. Big lake views!

Lots of sunshine!

 

For more information, click here.

 

 

State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Bill just passed General Assembly

April 8, 2017

Friends–

We are pleased to announce the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Bill passed the House on 138-0 vote at noon today. Since the bill has already passed the Senate, it is on the way to Governor Hogan’s desk to enact into law. 

Th bill was introduced by Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel. Take a minute to thank them for their legislative work to ensure bill passage. (george.edwards@senate.state.md.us and wendell.beitzel@house.state.md.us)

The bill is a “small bill”. It only asks that DNR create the fiscal structure for a Fund. No allocation of money was requested. Even so, at one point late in the process, DNR suggested a small language which could have killed the bill. Fortunately Delegate Dana Stein spoke out against this recommendation. 

Deep Creek Lake is one of 16 state-owned lakes across the state and, like DCL, it appears that all are facing challenges of lake aging and need for protection and restoration efforts. The State of Maryland owns these lakes and is, therefore, responsible for their health as natural and recreational resources.

Another reason for celebration: This is the first bill supported by all lead lake-related entities: County Commissioners, Garrett County Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce. A CLEAR DCL, Friends of DCL, DCL POA and Green Glade Guardians. Over 50 lake property owners also sent letters of support. .

More thank yous! We do want to recognize our lobbyist Eric Gally for his hard work tracking the bill and the lake people who came to Annapolis to testify in support of the bill:  Joe Zamoiski, Tony Fuller, Richard Matlick, and Brian Greenberg. Folks from state environmental colleagues also helped us secure passage: Kristen Harbeson from MD LCV, MD Sierra Club, and The Nature Conservancy.  

Next Step. We will need to “fund” the Fund. To do so we must convince the Governor to allocation financial resources into the Fund in his next budget. We hope all the entities which supported the bill will also actively work for its

Since the budget process begins almost immediately, Friends of DCL will be developing a Fund the Fund Campaign to be launched early in the summer. 

All our work todate has led up to the creation of the mechanism and now the challenge to get funding for it to enable the state to do the work needed to restore and protect our beloved lake for generations to come. 

Let’s hope the snow in Garrett County melts soon and the high water levels subside because we have a lot to celebrate this summer– and some fun Fund-raising to do!

Your friends and neighbors, 

Friends of Deep Creek Lake Board. 

NEW LISTING- 282 Mt Nebo Road

Check out my listing on Mount Nebo Road!

Outdoorsman’s paradise! 58.69 acre, 4BR, 3BA Nemith-built chalet with 2 car attached garage. Hiking/ATV trails interlace the property.

 

 

 Surrounded by coveted Mt Nebo Wildlife Management Area, 1,854 acre tract.

Property is also adjacent to state land that fronts on Youghiogheny River. River views. Millers Run water frontage along southern property line, as well as several small streams.

Must see!

 

For more information, click here.

 

JUST LISTED- 420 Sam Snead Circle

Check out my listing in Oakland!

4/5BR home on 2.5 lots @ Country Club Acres, ~4,500sf. Renovated top to bottom, there are truly too many features to list!

Spacious bedrooms, multiple living areas, sun room overlooking golf course w/ heat+AC, multiple garage stalls, workshop, wine cellar, massive basement rec area, whole-house backup generator, one level living and a landscaped yard with endless possibilities!

Truly a must see!

For more information, click here.