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Ten Steps To A Successful Settlement

Posted in deep creek lake, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate with tags on September 15, 2011 by Betsy Spiker

I have spent my career making sure my clients are educated on all the complexities that arise during the purchase of a home. After my team of buyer agents find the perfect home for their clients, our work toward a successful settlement really begins. As a selling agent for over the last 12 years, I have prepared and taught my team the necessary steps to ensure a smooth home buying experience. Here are some basic guidelines to ensure a successful settlement.

 

Ten Steps To A Successful Settlement

 

1.) Get pre-approved by a reputable lender.

 

2.)Compare your housing desires with what you can afford to begin the process of locating a home that meets your needs and means.

 

3.)Consider the state of the market your shopping in and decide when the right time to buy is.

 

4.) Once you have identified the best property to buy and you are ready to move forward with the bid/contract process, ask your experienced buyer specialist to walk you through your responsibilities and your potential need for expert tax & legal advice.

 

5.)Contact your lender immediately after the contract is fully executed. A reasonable commitment date is 30 days from contract acceptance.

 

6.) Be sure to follow-up with your lender to make sure they are providing all necessary paperwork required to render a final loan. Ascertain that an appraisal has been ordered and the date scheduled.

 

7.)Check with your real estate agent to make sure they are providing the appraiser current comps to validate the price of the property.

 

8.) A good real estate agent will communicate with your lender every couple of days to ensure all elements of the loan process are in order and proceeding in accordance with the contract commitment date.

 

9.) After receiving formal loan commitment, coordinate with the lender or real estate agent to make certain any and all underwriting conditions have been satisfied and nothing further is needed from you.

 

10.) When you receive final loan commitment from your lender, select your title company and schedule the settlement date.  Remember that you must have a home owner’s insurance policy prior to settlement. 

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A Little Deep Creek Lake Garrett County History

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , on March 11, 2011 by Betsy Spiker

A Little Deep Creek Lake Garrett County History

 

Long before Deep Creek Lake came into existence it had plenty of history pre-dating the area as we know it now.  Native American artifacts uncover that many tribes like the Cherokee, Delaware (Lanape), and Shawnee have extensive history here in Western Maryland.  The Mingo Tribe were indigenous people to the area who annually returned to mountaintops to hunt, fish, plant crops, and trade.  There is evidence left from floods through the Potomac River Valley that indicate that some villages have been in existence for over 2000 years.

The first known permanent resident /settler of the Garrett County area was John Friend Sr., who came from the Colony of Virginia with his brother Andrew and son Gabriel in 1762.  Eventually they ended up at an Indian village along the Youghiogheny River, which now bears the family name, Friendsville.

In 1872, they divided Allegheny County and formed Garrett County, which was the last County to be formed in Maryland.  The county was named after railroad executive, industrialist, and financier John Work Garrett who served as president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from 1858-1884.  An interesting fact to note is that the Maryland-Pennsylvania line was surveyed and marked by astronomer Charles Mason and surveyor Jeremiah Dixon.  This famous dividing point became known as the Mason Dixon Line, which symbolized the cultural boundary between the Northern and Southern United States, Garrett County representing the South.

In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson signed a bill from the United States Congress setting aside money for building the National Railroad.  This was to be the first federally constructed highway in the nation stretching from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling, West Virginia.  As Americans, we all are very fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world that possesses abundant history and keeps us grounded on where we have been and where we are going in life.

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Deep Creek Lake WVU Fans

Posted in deep creek lake, West Virginia University Mountaineers with tags , on September 4, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

Deep Creek Lake WVU Fans

September 4, 2010 and we get out first cool fall-like morning, waking up to 50 degree temperatures and the start of college football season.  There are a lot of West Virginia University fans here at Deep Creek Lake and I’m pretty confident that I’m at the top of the list of passionate football fans.

I started going to the WVU games when I was 4 years old and haven’t missed a season in 27 seasons. My sweet grandmother would stitch me really cute Mountaineer cheerleading outfits and I would chant as loud as I could cheering on my team.

I have many exciting football-based memories with my friends and family. We traditionally show up 3-4 hours before the game and get our tailgating groove on with a huge clan of WVU fans. Morgantown is a hardcore football town that shows immense pride in their beloved team.

As I pack up the car this morning with my tailgating gear my stomach already stirs with excitement in anticipation of hearing the Mountaineer Marching Band blasting out Mylan Puskar stadium, and the Mountain man mascot firing a shot out of his period rifle leading the team on the field! LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

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Deep Creek Lake’s Chili Splash ’10

Posted in deep creek lake on August 4, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

 

5th Annual Deep Creek Chili Splash

Wisp Resort will be holding their infamous CHILI COOK-OFF this Saturday August 7th from Noon-5:30 pm. Come taste many different interpretations of this famous San Antonio dish dating back to 1731…yes, that’s right…Texas that is!  I have researched it and there is a misconception that chili is a Mexican dish. The history books will steer you to San Antonio, Texas where early Spanish settlers by order of King Phillips V arrived from the Spanish Canary Islands and made a spicy “Spanish” stew that later became what we now know as chili.

The key ingredient to this world re-known “stew” is hot peppers and in some cases, a lot of them! Some chili enthusiasts pride themselves in preparing a chili that is nuclear hot with the hot pepper being the star. Other cooks like to layer the smokey flavors of cumin, chili powder, onion, beef, and kidney beans, with a hint of spice from the hot pepper. I believe the key to a great chili is a delicious flavor base, and for me that is a bottle of Newcastle beer.  I also like to combine ground beef, ground pork, and ground turkey with the other “regular” ingredients.  If you think you can take the heat, then bring your brave taste pallet over to the hot pepper eating contest.  Size up your hot pepper eating skills against other fire bellies.

 General admission is $5 for adults, $3 Children (7-12yrs), 6 and under is free, which includes entrance to the event, Music, Children’s events and 5 tasting kits.

Cooks may contact John McCracken at 301.387.4911  ext. 2211
or email jmccracken@wispresort.com for information.

Here is a schedule of events
11 am Lighting of the Stoves
12 pm Gates Open
1 pm Mr. Hot Sauce & Ms. Chili Pepper
1:30 pm Salsa Turn In
2 pm Splash Contest
2:30 pm Chili Verde Turn In
3 pm Pepper Eating Contest
3:30 pm Red Chili Turn In
4 pm Wet T-Shirt Contest
5:30 pm Awards

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Celebrating Independence Day Deep Creek Lake-style!

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , , , , , on June 29, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

Fourth of July weekend brings images of a Boston Butt slow smoking on the grill, corn on the cob, pork and beans, potato salad, sweet ice tea, and of course as the day ends and it gets dark, fireworks! Deep Creek Lake’s McHenry Cove become’s a parking lot full of boats jockeying for the best view of Wisp Resort and the famous fireworks show that they annually put on. The elevated highway, Route 219/Garrett Highway, which sits across from DCL and the Wisp is littered with hundreds of cars filled with excited families who have made this fireworks show a proud tradition for Garrett County residence and folks visiting from out of town. The fireworks start at 9:15 and continue on until 9:45. Save some energy from your busy day barbecuing and pull up a chair or a boat to enjoy an American Independence Day celebration here in Patriotic Deep Creek Lake.

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Coming to Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake…

Posted in deep creek lake, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Wisp, Wisp Resort with tags , , , , on June 18, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

The newest adventure activity to hit Deep Creek Lake, Maryland…a Canopy Tour attraction!  I had the great opportunity to experience Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour for myself a few weeks ago.  It was a blast!  There are 5 zips plus a training zip at the beginning of the course.  It’s important to pay attention in the practice area and listen to all of the guides instructions, it will make your tour go smoother and safer.  

Remember to bring your handheld recording device or camera to bring the experience home with you.  It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to get through the course and they can take up to 8 people and a Guide at a time.  The cost is $39/pp.  Happy zipping!

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Deep Creek Marina Hosts Malibu Boat’s National Demo Day

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , , , , , on April 23, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

Driving to work this morning, I noticed that Deep Creek Marina has a huge fleet of rental boats in the water ready for action. The sound of snowmobiles buzzing across the lake has been replaced by the roar of boats being tuned up by Deep Creek Marina’s service department.  They have a huge new showroom and the largest inventory of boats on the lake. Pay them a visit on your next trip to Deep Creek Lake and let them take care of all your boating needs. Whether you want to buy or rent a boat, replace that old set of water skis or wakeboard, or have your boat worked on by five-star certified mechanics, Deep Creek Marina will get you on the lake safely and in style. 

Perhaps plan your next weekend getaway for May 1st.  This is Malibu Boat’s National Demo Day hosted by DCM. Come take a test ride on select 2010 Malibu models.  Here’s a feature video on DCM that the Spiker Team shot this week:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2WgVrayb4Y.     

Don’t forget the Deep Creek Lake State Park Ramp Cook-Off is scheduled for this Saturday April 24th.  Check www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com for this week’s featured listing: a lake view log home atop Wisp Resort by the new Lode Stone Golf Club http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-129415.html. 

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Rare and adventurous opportunity at Deep Creek Lake…

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , , , , , on April 2, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

So this is it, the last weekend of skiing at Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.  March’s warm temperatures have encouraged us to put away the skiis, sleds, snowshovels and boots but there’s a pretty cool opportunity presenting itself this weekend with the help of the awesome weather brought by Mother Nature and Wisp Resort’s promise to keep us skiing until Easter. 

Imagine this…taking runs on the ski slopes in 80 degree temperatures, then suiting up in your spring wetsuit to take the first passes of the season on DCL with your wakeboard or waterskiis.  All in the same day, that is.  I’m sold!  A very cool proposition we’ve been given by some local thrill seekers.  That’s where you’ll find me tomorrow.  Slopes at 11:00 and lake at 12:00.  Watch for videos on www.deepcreeklakeproperty.com.  Happy Easter! 

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Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake MD…

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , , , , on March 18, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

 

There’s a story in ‘em ‘er woods…or more like it, a whole lot of stories!  Swallow Falls State Park is just outside of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland and stretches to about 257 acres along the scenic Youghiogheny River.  Hiking trails will lead you to 2 large falls, Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls, as well as several smaller whitewaters.  Tall Hemlocks dominate the silent woods, which are estimated to be 300+ years old.  

As a native to Garrett County, Maryland I’ve walked these paths on many occasions but I learn something new about the historical park each time I visit.  On my most recent trip to Swallow Falls, I noticed a few things about the trees that adorn its forests.

Youghiogheny Grove is a 37-acre area of virgin Hemlock and White Pine and is the last stand of its kind in Maryland.  Another grove of trees a little closer to the river is known as Towering Giants.  Because of their age, the trees’ root systems are shallow and particularly vulnerable to storm damage.  Some of the treetops and limbs have been stripped over the years, but to look up and see the sunlight glistening through them is a spectacle you’ll want to experience. 

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/swallowfalls.html

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Deep Creek Lake Ski Season Update…

Posted in deep creek lake with tags , , , , on March 8, 2010 by Betsy Spiker

What an amazing weekend we’ve just experienced at Deep Creek Lake!  The skies were blue and the slopes were nothing but corduroy.  We couldn’t have asked for better conditions.  If you think you’ve had your fill of winter, the last 4 days of sunshine will make you appreciate the exhilaration of spring skiing. 

A record snowfall of 262+ inches will easily carry us well into April (and probably even June!), but the one month alarm has just sounded.  Wisp Resort will remain open through Easter weekend allowing us 4 more weekends of fun on the slopes.  The fresh powder we’ve had has been a dream, but there’s also something to be said for skiing without all those layers.  Then again, who’s to say we won’t see one more snowstorm!  :)

Check out our first video clip, Deep Creek Lake area events & happenings and our user-friendly search engine: www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com.

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