Tag: dcl
Oakland named one of TripAdvisor’s ’15 Best Honeymoon Destinations’
The town of Oakland was among the destinations recently listed on TripAdvisor’s “15 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the U.S.”
When newlyweds wrote about their honeymoons on the site, the reviews were categorized to identify the highest-rated rentals.
“Our data science team has a proprietary algorithm that crawls every single rental review on our site, assigning certain themes to destinations based off how closely their reviews represent that theme,” explained Ashlee Centrella of TripAdvisor. “These 15 destinations have some of the strongest honeymoon/romance-related reviews across the whole USA.”
Travelers listed Oakland as a refreshing alternative to a tropical destination. Other top areas included in the article are locations in California, Florida, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
“If you don’t picture yourself escaping to a tropical paradise dotted with palm trees, you’re not alone,” the article states. “Reviewers highlight Oakland, a small town near Deep Creek Lake, as a refreshing alternative. In this designated Main Street Community, you’ll find antique stores instead of beachy souvenir shops and an old-fashioned soda fountain in place of seafood joints. But that’s not to say the vibe is anything less than laid-back. You’ll spend your days relaxing on the beach at Deep Creek Lake, kayaking from cove to cove, and hiking the best trails in the region. Nearby attractions include Wisp Resort, home to the Mountain Coaster (an alpine slide/roller coaster hybrid), and Adventure Sports Center International, which offers boating and whitewater sports on an Olympic-standard course.”
Michelle Ross, Oakland’s Main Street manager, noted that while she sometimes gets emails about these types of designations, she was pleased to receive this one from TripAdvisor.
“I was a little more excited about this one, because from what I’ve read, it was based on TripAdvisor reviews,” she explained. “So that means there were a lot of people on their site saying, ‘Hey, Oakland’s a great place to have a honeymoon.’”
Ross noted that she wouldn’t have necessarily thought of Oakland as a honeymoon destination.
“But once you start thinking about some of the things that they mentioned in their article – about going to the old soda fountain and all the hiking trails and all of the canoeing and all of the things that are available here — it’s a romantic place,” she said. “Sometimes you get such tunnel vision, and when other people are looking in your little box, it looks much different.”
According to Ross, the town of Oakland tries to promote this type of information as much as possible for visitors and residents alike.
“For people who live here, it gives them pride in where they live,” she said. “We do a lot for visitors, but we try to do a lot for residents too, because we want people who are here to be happy and stay here.”
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce also received notification of the designation.
“We are delighted to be included in this list by TripAdvisor,” said Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We know we are a hot spot for honeymoons and destination weddings, so it is great to see a major travel company like TripAdvisor recognizing this as well. We hope visitors are able to join us in person to see all that Oakland, Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County have to offer.”
Sarah Duck, director of tourism and marketing for the chamber, noted that in surveys conducted of county visitors, small-town charm, beauty and serenity are all listed as reasons Garrett County appeals to them. She feels that this, coupled with all of the activities in the area, makes Garrett County the perfect fit for a honeymoon.
“Through the work of our heritage area and group’s director, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has been advertising the area as a wedding and honeymoon destination in wedding-specific publications, which has helped increase our exposure to the wedding and honeymoon market,” she said.
Centrella noted that the list is being promoted on TripAdvisor’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as through FlipKey’s social media accounts.
The full article can be viewed at: www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalsBlog/2017/07/14/best-honeymoon-destinations-in-the-us/.
For more info, click here.
No, Deep Creek Lake is not going to be drained
Deep Creek Lake stewards are on guard for an invasion of non-native zebra mussels, but they aren’t about to drain the Western Maryland waterway because of it, as a widely shared article recently suggested.
The posting on breakingnews247.net — a website that suggests visitors “write an article and prank your friends for fun” — said boaters had unknowingly introduced the bivalves to the Garrett County lake. In response, state natural resources police planned to empty it this week, “the only recourse that we can take to potentially save the future of the lake,” the article said.
The truth is that introduction of zebra mussels to Deep Creek was recently thwarted, at least for now, and draining of the lake isn’t on the table.
“There is no truth to this story. fakenews,” Stephen Schatz, a spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources, wrote to many Twitter users who were sharing the article Tuesday.
Schatz said the department was alerted to the parody article late last week and focused its public messaging “on the fact that the lake and state park were open and operational.”
Friends of Deep Creek Lake urged supporters to report the article to Facebook, if they saw it shared on that social media site.
“There are efforts at all levels to confront this crazy misinformation,”. the group wrote on its Facebook page. “We ask you to help challenge this sick joke and, of course, if asked, set the person straight.”
The article has since been taken down.
Meanwhile, lake stewards are indeed on alert for boats that may be unknowingly harboring the bivalves, which are native to eastern Europe and Asia and have caused both ecological and economic damage across U.S. waterways since being introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1980s.
On July 9, stewards inspecting a boat that had recently spent the Fourth of July holiday on the Finger Lakes in New York found what appeared to be a zebra mussel in the vessel’s intake system, according to state natural resources officials. The officials later confirmed it to be the invasive species.
The boat owner agreed to clean the vessel before launching it into Deep Creek. The boat was inspected voluntarily through the Deep Creek Lake Launch Steward program, established in 2014 to raise awareness about the risks of introducing invasive species to the lake.
For more info, click here.
Vacation-home market booms in Maryland and Virginia
The robust housing landscape in Washington exists for more than just primary residences. A number of second-home markets have seen an increase in popularity in the past few years across a wide variety of destinations — from waterfront communities to mountain retreats.
We’re take a closer look at three such markets that are showing clear signs of increased demand among Washingtonians seeking a getaway.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland
Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore has long been a second-home destination for Mid-Atlantic city dwellers, but its popularity has reached new heights within the past two years.
Homes on the Eastern Shore are selling in half the amount of time that they were when the country was coming out of the recession, with median days on the market dropping from more than 100 in most months of the year from 2007 to 2013. Now, the days on the market is more likely to be under 75, even hitting a record low of 45 in June 2016 and 46 in May.
The number of closed sales per month keeps climbing on the Eastern Shore, with even the winter months of the past two years seeing approximately the same number of sales as the peak spring selling months of just a few years prior. While there’s an active market, the area still provides value.
The median sales price for homes here has stayed steadily between $200,000 and $250,000 for the past nine years. However, with all other indicators showing a return to demand, we expect prices to increase over the next year or two.
Shenandoah County, Va.
For those looking for an escape near the mountains, the Shenandoah region’s real estate market is showing signs of renewed strength. The number of active listings has plummeted, even though the number of new listings coming on the market has stayed roughly the same for the past several years.
This trend suggests that although new listings are coming onto the market, they are selling quickly and therefore don’t remain active for long. Every month for the past two and a half years, the number of active listings has decreased compared with the same month for the year prior and, more notable, the size of the decrease has grown to percentages in the double digits over the past year.
Correspondingly, the number of days on the market has started to tick downward, moving from 100 in the past two years and staying under 80 for the majority of months. Median sales prices have also trended upward over the past year, settling in around $175,000 this past spring.
This is part of the slow but steady climb from the low point during 2010, when prices were closer to $125,000, after reaching peaks of more than $250,000 during the boom years around 2007.
Garrett County, Md.
One location Washingtonians should keep an eye on is Garrett County, Md. Approximately three hours from Washington, this county borders West Virginia and contains Deep Creek Lake — the largest man-made lake in Maryland. Fly-fishing, boating and white-water rafting are common summer activities, and during the winter Wisp Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders to the slopes.
This region has started to show all the signs of a market on the cusp of becoming highly competitive. Prices have made a noticeable rebound by crossing the $300,000 mark (after a few post-recession years when they dipped to $150,000), and the median days the on market has dropped by more than a half, from more than 200 just a few years ago to as low as 54 in July 2016.
The surest sign that this market is getting hot is that homes are just now getting back to the point of selling close to their asking prices. After a few years when sellers were getting only about 80 to 85 percent of their asking price, Garrett County has crossed into the 95 percent category. This shows that buyers are more motivated than ever to own a home in this community.
With median prices well below those of homes in the Washington region, all three of these markets are poised for growth, and properties in these areas could be a wise investment for the right buyer. Local real estate agents can help identify the best neighborhoods and specific properties, and talk more in detail about these recent trends.
They can help you find the right vacation home at the right price, especially when shopping for a home from out of town.
The fact that a number of second-home destinations continue to see a rise in popularity is yet another sign of renewed health for the housing market in and around Washington. Whether it is mountain trails or the water’s edge that appeals to a vacation-home buyer, our region has a tremendous variety for everyone across the price spectrum.
For more info, click here.
NEW LISTING- 508 Lake Forest Drive
Peaceful wooded waterfront with gentle slope to lake offers deep-water Type A private dock.
Enjoy four-season beauty of the lake, sun and moonrises by a wood-burning fireplace or from the expansive lakeside deck.
Architect/Owner incorporated natural cedar and dry-stacked stone into low-maintenance design; 3 master suites (4BR/4.5BA), ample parking and hot tub ~rental-ready~ if desired!
Must see!
For more info, click here.
NEW LISTING- 3067 Shingle Camp Road
Check out my new listing on Shingle Camp Road!
Type A dock, deep water. Covered lakefront porch allows for plenty of time outdoors.
Must-see custom lakefront home with additional carriage house above detached garage. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.
Gourmet kitchen, picturesque fireplace and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.
For more info, click here.
Summer Safety Tips from GRMC Medical Associates of Grantsville
School is out, vacations are booked and warm weather is right around the corner. Because we care about your health and safety, Dr. Crable, from Medical Associates of Grantsville has put together a list of tips for a safe and happy summer.
Stay hydrated– Being hydrated is essential for good health and consuming water is necessary to keep a body functioning properly. This is especially important in the summer months when our bodies require an intake of more water to counteract the effects of warmer weather and higher humidity. It is recommended to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. To avoid dehydration be aware of the heat and temperature and modify your summer activities appropriately.
Sun Safety and Protection– It’s natural to want to get out and enjoy the sun during warm summer days, but it should also be a priority to take steps to protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources like tanning beds are the #1 cause of skin cancer. Avoid consequences of overexposure to the sun like sunburns, premature again of the skin and damage to the eyes by practicing proper sun protection. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing proper clothing, a wide –brimmed hat and sunglasses and limiting direct exposure to the sun are some tips to stay sun safe.
Summer Insect Safety– The warmer temperatures of summer mean more outdoor family time, but warmer temperatures are just as appealing to insects. Most insect bites in the Garrett County area are irritating but otherwise harmless; however, some insects can transmit viruses and diseases. Ticks are also very prevalent in the area and can transmit Lyme disease, which can be treated if recognized early. To prevent bugs from biting avoid perfumes and scented soaps that can attract some insects, stay away from stagnant water and heavily wooded areas, dress appropriately if you plan to be in a wooded or grassy areas, and be conscious of the DEET concentrations that are used in insect repellants.
Outdoor Activity Safety– Children love playing outside in the summer time and the Garrett Region offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. At the playground make sure that all equipment has been carefully maintained, that children can’t reach any moving parts that may pinch or trap them and always supervise children on playground equipment. To ensure bicycle safety a helmet should be worn at all times and should fit properly and be securely fastened.
Finally, it’s recommended to always keep a first aid kit handy. For a list of first aid kit contents from the American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.
And for those problems the first aid kit can’t handle, Dr. Crable and the staff at Medical Associates of Grantsville Urgent Care are able to provide excellent, patient-centered care at the state-of-the-art urgent care center seven days a week. The office can be reached at 301-895-8750, or visit us at 32 Corporate Drive, Grantsville, MD. Walk-ins are welcome.
For more info, click here.
Testimonial Tuesday
“In short : Jay Ferguson and Taylor-Made Real Estate are the best! Jay sold our home in record time and made it a great experience to boot.
From day one Jay told us ” I am going to sell your home,” and there was an offer on the table less than 8 hours after the house was listed. Jay did his homework. He had a thorough understanding of pricing trends and of the strengths of our unique development before the unit went on the market.
The results : our unit sold faster than almost any other house in our community that had been listed over the past five years and it sold at a higher price than most if not all of those same units.
Jay and his wonderful, friendly staff at Taylor-Made have created a digital marketing juggernaut. They take the time to get it right the first time and are very effective in making sure potential buyers will easily find your home’s listing online with accurate information on well designed, eye-catching web pages.
Jay is honest and straightforward. Jay never made a promise he did not deliver on. Jay is an expert negotiator and we always felt he was looking out for our best interest first. Jay very patiently walked us through all the steps we needed to sell our home. Jay was readily available to answer any questions or to update us on any developments regarding our contract. Jay’s knowledge and acumen are second to none. He is just a great upbeat guy and a pleasure to work with. He is also a cool cucumber. Selling a home can be a stressful situation at times but thanks to Jay’s people skills he always kept things on an even keel.
His excellent support staff (including Megan, Susan and Allie) were also tremendously helpful and friendly. Everything Jay does is deliberate and has purpose. Jay is truly there to serve his clients and exceed his client’s expectations which he definitely did in our case.
I would recommend Jay to anyone who is considering selling their home. Jay is one of the hardest working, most positive, talented professionals we have had the pleasure to work with in any field. While there are a lot of great agents in Western Maryland Jay is in a class of his own. We were blessed to have him in our corner and I promise you will feel the same if you choose Jay to sell your home.” – Rob Paine
NEW LISTING- 565 Glendale Road #308
Check out my listing at Silver Tree Suites.
Take a closer look at this over-sized unit at Silver Tree Suites. You will feel the difference that this 722sf offers over smaller units – and so will your guests!
This in-demand unit rents more often than most because of the added size and attractive layout with loft bedroom.
Best priced unit compared to other similar floor-plans. Enjoy the lakefront amenities & added bonus of rental income!
For more info, click here.
NEW LISTING- 167 Tenderfoot Road
Check out my new listing!
Yellowstone log home on 4.31 wooded acres. 3BR/2BA on the main and upper levels, and 2 more BR + BA on the lower level are framed, dry-walled, just waiting for paint and flooring.
Construction is 90% finished and most materials needed to finish are stored in basement.
Property is priced $50k under assessment! Two impressive fireplaces and a peaceful front porch. 5BR rental projections ~$25k+/yr.
For more information, click here.
