Author: Jay Ferguson

Who I Am My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service! Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well. I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’. Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you. Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about! Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Casa di Maria-Vacation rental In Sky Valley

Casa di Maria is a charming log cabin vacation rental located in South Deep Creek Lake, MD, offering a rustic yet modern escape with beautiful seasonal mountain views and lake access. It features 2 bedrooms (each with a queen bed), 2 full baths, and sleeps up to 8 guests, with additional sleeping spaces in the loft and lower-level family room.

The cabin has a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a blend of Craftsman and Americana décor, an open living area with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious deck with a private hot tub. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking, or relax in the community’s park and catch-and-release pond. A 4WD vehicle is required in winter months.

Key Amenities:

Private hot tub, deck, fire pit
Full kitchen with modern appliances
Smart TV, fireplace
Wireless internet, gas grill
Access to community lake and playground
Nearby Activities: Boating, skiing, hiking, shopping, dining, and more.

Policies:

Check-in: 4:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum age to rent: 25, no pets allowed
Booking deposit: 50% due 30+ days prior, 100% due within 29 days
Cancellation: Full refund for cancellations 31+ days before arrival, non-refundable within 30 days.

Amenities
View
Wooded View
Seasonal Mountain View
Location
On Mountain
Lake Access
Pool
Hot Tub – Private
Pet Suitability
No Pets Allowed
Property Features
Deck
Fireplace
Iron & Ironing Board
Linens Provided
Wireless Internet
Grill – Gas
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke Detector
Private Entrance
TV (s)
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Pit
Living Room
No Smoking or Vaping Allowed
No/Limited Air Conditioning
Self Check-in (Keyless Lock)
TV (s) – Smart
Hot Water
Partial/Mid-Week Stays
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee Maker
Cookware
Dishwasher
Full Kitchen
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stove
Dishes and Utensils
Bathroom
Bath Towels Provided
Parking
Parking /Access- 4WD Required for Winter
Resort/Shared Amenities
Basketball Court(s)
Children’s Playground
Community Lake Access
Nearby Activities
Boating
Canoeing
Restaurants
Fishing
Golf Course(s)
Jet Ski Rentals
Kayaking Rentals
Medical Services
Miniature Golf
Museums
Shopping
Windsurfing
Biking
Birding
Cinemas
Hiking
Historic
Sailing
Snow Skiing
State Parks
Whitewater Rafting
Winery/Brewery

Casa Di Maria

Life before the lake – Lake Brown

Taylor Made Deep Creek Sales is a proud sponsor of the Deep Creek Lake Centennial and we are going to share info about the history of DCL with you here!

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Milestone Monday – today we’ll be looking at what life was like Before the Lake, regulations that govern the area, who has owned the lake over the years and major public works projects.

Before the lake: Lake Brown

In 1892, R. T. Browning – grandson of Meshach Browning – became Fish Commissioner.

In 1893 he oversaw the construction of another dam on Deep Creek near the site of the current Glendale Bridge, forming Lake Brown, named for the current Governor

He stocked Lake Brown with a variety of fish and it was open for public fishing ‘ may be the first publicly funded fishing spot in Maryland

For more information on the Centennial or about Deep Creek Lake, visit dcl100.com

We’ll be celebrating the lake’s 100th birthday in style with events and projects throughout 2025.

#deepcreeklake #dcl100 #deepcreekmaryland #centennial

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555276152057

Seasoned For Success – Rob Ross with Jay Ferguson

I had a blast interviewing a few months ago with my good friend, client and mega-mortgage lender, Rob Ross, of Intercoastal Mortgage. Rob and I realized we lived at the same West Virginia University dorm (WVU – Arnold Hall), at the same time, in 1fall of 1997 – just on different floors. Rob is a fantastic lender with an amazing team and I consider them part of the Taylor Made family! Posting his contact info below.

Ross Group — Rob Ross Intercoastal Mortgage

Rob Ross

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🎙️ Seasoned for Success EP #4 – Join your host Rob Ross as we dive into ALL things real estate in the beautiful Deep Creek Lake area with special guest Jay Ferguson from Taylor Made Real Estate! 🏡 Jay is not only a Realtor, Broker, and Owner but also shares his top tips on being a successful real estate owner and investor. 💼

In this episode, we’ll cover: ✅ What it takes to buy a vacation rental or Airbnb in Deep Creek Lake ✅ Tips on managing your property – can you cash flow? 💸 ✅ Jay’s favorite concerts, places to eat, travel recommendations, and more! 🌍🍴

Tune in and get the insider scoop on Deep Creek Lake real estate! 🌅

#DeepCreekRealEstate #VacationHomes #AirbnbSuccess #RealEstateInvesting #DCLLiving #TaylorMadeRealEstate #TheRossGroup #MortgageTips #SeasonedForSuccess

#DeepCreekLake
#DeepCreekRealEstate
#VacationRental
#AirbnbInvesting
#RealEstatePodcast
#RealEstateInvesting
#InvestmentProperty
#TaylorMadeRealEstate
#ShortTermRental
#RentalIncome
#PropertyManagement
#CashFlow
#MarylandRealEstate
#LakeLiving
#VacationHomes
#SeasonedForSuccess
#RobRoss
#JayFerguson
#RealEstateTips
#PropertyInvesting

Rob Ross
The Ross Group at Intercoastal Mortgage LLC
Executive Vice President | Production Manager
Email: RRoss@icmtg.com Cell: 703-568-3749 NMLS ID: #189110
Residential Lending | Construction Lending | Portfolio Lending | Bridge Loans
LICENSED in 24 States!!
VA Branch | 11325 Random Hills Rd suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22030

Ghost Towns of the Upper Potomac

Interesting article with plenty of photos documented some popular areas in and around Garrett County.

Jay’s note: I have always realized the Potomac River was a vital part of the history of Garrett County and many coal towns relied upon the waterway in some capacity. I was likewise amazed that you could/can buy land for next to nothing along the Potomac River here in Garrett County & West Virginia, but as you wind down the river towards Virginia, downstate Maryland and Washington DC, it was priceless. My wife and I actually did a little Potomac town hopping ourselves a few years back, but it was close to Williamsburg and Harpers Ferry where we picked up our trail. This story hits much closer to home.

On the way home from my ride with Neil Peart, a few weeks ago, I stopped for lunch at the Penn Alps restaurant. Their gift shop had an interesting-looking book titled Ghost Towns of the Upper Potomac. I bought a copy, and almost immediately started planning a ride to visit the remaining towns mentioned in the book–and to search for any evidence of the towns that no longer remain.

Day One: Crossing and Recrossing the Potomac

The North Branch of the Potomac River separates Garrett County, MD from West Virginia. In the late 1800s and through the early 1950s, it was dotted by numerous small lumbering and coal-mining towns. My goal was to trace the Upper Potomac, and these towns, as far as I could.

It’s always good to get an early start…

I recrossed the Potomac into Maryland at the twin towns of Blaine, WV and Kitzmiller, MD. There were still a number of houses here, but generally they were newer replacements, and only a few of the older original buildings survived the disastrous flood of March 1924. A rocky and somewhat narrower Potomac was in evidence, but there was little sign of the quaint town pictured in the book. Note the rustic building on the far bank of the river, however: I believe it is the same one pictured on the left in the old photograph (Coffman’s Department Store).

Much more detail and many more fascinating photos can be found here.

Maryland’s Fracking Ban At Risk!

Sharing verbatim from my friends at Engage Mountain Maryland

When Maryland passed a ban on fracking in 2017, legislators, citizens, and nonprofit organizations let out a sigh of relief. At the time, it was the only legislative ban in the United States, making it a landmark achievement. The years-long battle also showed powerful gas and oil executives that citizens have the power to choose.

Three state Senators, including Mike McKay, who represents Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties, have cosponsored a bill to upend the ban and allow fracking in the state. Interestingly, none of the bill’s sponsors live in Garrett County. The Education, Energy, and Environment Committee will hear testimony on bill SB0878, “Oil and Natural Gas – Hydraulic Fracturing – Authorization,” at 1:00 PM on February 27th in Annapolis. Your opinion can greatly influence the outcome of the hearing, like it did in 2017.

The committee and the cosponsors of the bill need to know that people from Garrett County and beyond have not changed their minds about fracking. Horizontal gas drilling has been proven to cause significant environmental damage, negative health impacts, and disruption of businesses and residents. The technique uses massive amounts of water that is removed from local water sources during the drilling process.

When fracking was still a consideration, it was estimated that 438 wells would be drilled by 2025, which would require 3.5 billion gallons of water. That demand during the drought of 2024 would have been catastrophic. The process adds an undisclosed chemical cocktail to the water, turning it into toxic wastewater when it’s extracted from the well. The disposal of fracking waste is an ongoing quandary.

This is just one of many reasons to write to the committee. The button below will take you to a dedicated web page to walk you through the steps of submitting written and oral testimony, as well as submitting letters to the committee members in advance of the hearing. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert on natural gas development to know it’s not right for Garrett County. You’ll also find a list of talking points, expanded information on fracking, and a sample letter to get you started. What you think matters! Help your state’s representatives make informed decisions based on people who live in Maryland.

Thank you from your friends at Engage Mountain Maryland.

Blast from the Past – Dominick’s Pizza

I saw this post on Facebook and wanted to learn more about the history of this legendary DCL business.

Dominik’s Pizza was located near the post office on Deep Creek Drive in McHenry. It was operated by local restauranteur Brenda McDonnell from 1988 until 1995. Turns out from reading the comments in the Facebook post, I had several friends who worked there over the years. It then morphed into Pizzazz Pizzeria in 1996 which was located in the lodge at Wisp Resort. When I was in high school, I spent plenty of time warming up in the lodge with a HUGE slice of pizza at Pizzazz. Brenda has owned and operated many different businesses here at Deep Creek Lake – Ace’s Run, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Trader’s Coffee House and most recently Firewater, a waterfront kitchen + bar. Brenda is a Garrett County ALL STAR and has contributed in so many ways to our community. She was interviewed by my colleague Terah Crawford back in 2022:

These comments are filled with fond memories and praise for Brenda and her pizzeria. Many people express how Brenda has touched their lives, highlighting her generosity, kindness, and strong work ethic. Several commenters recall personal experiences, such as working at Dominick’s, enjoying the food (especially pizza and pepperoni), and how Brenda always made people feel like family. There are mentions of the pizzeria being a gathering place for families, celebrations, and milestones. People also appreciate her contributions to the local community and the long-lasting impact she’s had on Garrett County. Overall, the comments reflect deep affection and respect for Brenda, her business, and the memories people have from the pizzeria.
Facebook post summary

I also found this snippet with a little more background from the Lakefront Magazine:

Dominick’s & Pizzazz Pizzerias
The yearly visitors to Deep Creek Lake might enjoy the whopping 26-inch Abbondanza pizza at Brenda’s Pizzeria overlooking the lake, but they may not know the vibrant history of that delicious pizza. The lineage of Brenda’s amazing Italian food started at Dominick’s Pizzeria in February 1988 on Deep Creek Drive in McHenry, near the post office. Up until 1995, locals could all be found enjoying all types of Italian food including the favorite that Brenda McDonnell sent over from her treasure trove of old recipes.

In 1996, Brenda moved to the Wisp Resort and opened Pizzazz Pizzeria. It is within the walls of Pizzazz that I personally first tried ranch dressing on pizza. Brenda claims that there is “nothing special” about her ranch that she serves to this day at her namesake restaurant on 219, however many locals know the truth. While the pizza was to die for at Pizzazz, the true seekers of authentic Italian fare gravitated towards the meatballs.

We would love to hear your stories or see any old photos you may have!

Do you have memories of Dominick’s? Old photos or stories? We’d love to hear them! Email: DeepCreekLaker@Gmail.com

Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes

Garrett County Government Department of Community Development
Planning & Land Management Division

Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes
The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland, will hold a public hearing on February 18, 2025, to consider and potentially adopt the following road name additions and changes as part of the Garrett County Road Name Index, in accordance with the Garrett County Address Ordinance.

Proposed Road Name Additions & Changes
Tax Map
Former Name
New Road Name
67 N/A Azalea Lane
67 N/A Magnolia Way
49 N/A Enclave Lane
49 N/A Nature Run
95 N/A Bovie Bend
29 N/A Moon Ridge
200 Flat Street Polk Street
200 N North Street Polk Street
The Board of County Commissioners will officially adopt these road names following the public hearing, and they will become effective on February 18, 2025.

For further information or to provide comments before the hearing, please contact the Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov

January 2025 Market Stats

January 2025 stats Download

Community Dunk – Thank You!

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday, February 20, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce partnered with Special Olympics Maryland to host the second Community Dunk! The community rallied around the event in a BIG WAY and 31 dunkers and 105 donors raised $13,230 to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Garrett County and Special Olympics Marland Winter Games at Wisp. Team Garrett received special recognition for being the highest funding team with County Administrator Kevin Null named the top raising individual. Warriors of Wisp received a special Community Spirit Award from Chris Nichols and the Deep Creek Lake Centennial for having the most team members.
We are so grateful to all the dunkers who stepped up to the challenge and plunged into the 36º depths and we’re also thankful to all the spectators who braved the snow flurries and a real feel temperature in the negatives to cheer them on. The Community Dunk has proven to be a wonderful bonding experience in support a worthy cause and we can’t thank you all enough.
We would be remiss if we did not also thank the event’s generous sponsors, First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, G&W Lumber, Inc., and New Earth Landscapes, whose contributions allowed us to host Business After During Hours in tandem with the Dunk and treat all our guests to delicious food and drink catered by UNO Pizzeria & Grill and Honi-Honi Bar. Again, THANK YOU ALL!

We are so grateful to all the dunkers who stepped up to the challenge and plunged into the 36º depths and we’re also thankful to all the spectators who braved the snow flurries and a real feel temperature in the negatives to cheer them on. The Community Dunk has proven to be a wonderful bonding experience in support a worthy cause and we can’t thank you all enough.

We would be remiss if we did not also thank the event’s generous sponsors, First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, G&W Lumber, Inc., and New Earth Landscapes, whose contributions allowed us to host Business After During Hours in tandem with the Dunk and treat all our guests to delicious food and drink catered by UNO Pizzeria & Grill and Honi-Honi Bar. Again, THANK YOU ALL!

Draft Water & Sewer Plan Amendment Public Comment Period

Garrett County Government Department of Public Works
Utilities Division

Garrett County is updating its 2014 Water & Sewer Plan with the 2025-01 Amendment, ensuring the county’s water and sewer systems meet future demand, support community growth, and prevent infrastructure failures. This amendment includes water service expansions, sewer system upgrades, and infrastructure replacements for Grantsville, Gorman, Chestnut Ridge, and Jennings.

🔗 To review the amendment:
Draft Water & Sewer Plan Amendment #5

Amendment Summary
Grantsville Water System Expansion
Section Updated: 3.2.2.1 Town of Grantsville – Service Areas, Problem Areas, and Future Needs
Map Update: Figure 3-4

Extends water service along Hemlock Drive to replace private wells, some with E. coli contamination.
Supports planned housing development and ensures access to safe, reliable drinking water.
Gorman Water System Improvements
Section Updated: 3.2.6 North Branch Potomac River Watershed – Problem Areas and Future Needs, Planned and Recommended Improvements
Map Update: Figure 3-12

Replaces Mountain Road Well #2, which collapsed in 2023, leaving the system without a backup water source.
A new groundwater well will restore system redundancy and prevent future water shortages.
Grantsville Sewer System Expansion
Section Updated: 4.1.2 Casselman River Watershed – Problem Areas and Future Needs, Planned and Recommended Improvements
Map Update: Figure 4-2

Extends sewer service north along Hemlock Drive, upgrading it from a future project to an immediate priority.
Reduces septic system failures and supports community growth.
Chestnut Ridge Sewer System Upgrades
Section Updated: 4.1.2 Casselman River Watershed – Problem Areas and Future Needs, Planned and Recommended Improvements
Map Update: Figure 4-4

Replaces the failing Chestnut Ridge Pump Station to prevent sewer overflows and backups.
Conducts an Infiltration & Inflow (I&I) study to identify and fix leaks, reducing excess flow to the wastewater treatment plant.
Jennings Sewer System Rehabilitation
Section Updated: 4.1.2 Casselman River Watershed – Problem Areas and Future Needs, Planned and Recommended Improvements
Map Update: Figure 4-6

Replaces the Maple Grove Pump Station to improve sewer system reliability.
Removes old septic tanks and installs 74 grinder pumps for better wastewater collection.
Replaces failing gravity sewer mains with a new 4-inch force main, preventing frequent blockages.
Why This Matters
These improvements will:
✔ Provide safe drinking water to more homes.
✔ Reduce sewer backups and overflows that threaten public health.
✔ Improve system reliability to prevent costly failures.
✔ Support future growth and development.

Public Hearing & How to Provide Input
Garrett County encourages residents to participate in the review process and provide feedback on this amendment.

Public Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Location: Public Business Meeting of the Commissioners
203 South Fourth Street, Room 209 – Frederick A. Thayer, III Courthouse, Oakland, MD 21550 Time: 4:00 P.M.

🔗 The draft of the proposed amendment is available for review online:
Draft Water & Sewer Plan Amendment #5

✉ Submit Written Comments by March 26, 2025
Mail to:
Water and Sewer Plan Amendment Comments
Attn: Siera Wigfield, Senior Planner
203 South Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550

Email: swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov