Deep Creek Realty What's New Archive

What's New Archive

Articles
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Sales Associates Ranked State-wide
Four Sales Associates Receive Coldwell Banker® International Designations for 2005 Sales
Fred Washburn, Garrett County 2005 Realtor of the Year
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Honors Associates, 2004 Sales
Six Sales Associates Recieve Coldwell Banker International Designations in 2005
Earl George, Garrett County 2004 Realtor of the Year
Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Honors Associates for 2003 Sales
Lake Sale Update
Deep Creek Policy Review Board
Bears and Coyotes
North-South Interstate Route
Habitat for Humanity
Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Hoagies for Habitat

Four Sales Associates Receive Coldwell Banker® International Designations for 2005 Sales

(McHenry, MD April 24, 2006) - Frederick Washburn, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, has been named to the Coldwell Banker® International President's Elite. Only the top 3 percent of the more than 126,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker System qualified for the distinguished award.

Washburn has been licensed in Maryland and West Virginia since 2000. In 2005, he was selected as the Garrett County Board of Realtors® "Realtor of the Year." In 2002 he received the Board's "Rookie of the Year" award. Washburn is a 2002 graduate of the Maryland Association of Realtors' Leadership Academy.

Lana Roby has qualified to join the Coldwell Banker® International President's Circle. This prestigious membership is limited to only the top seven percent of the more than 126,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker System.

Roby has been a licensed real estate sales associate since 1985. She affiliated with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty in 1998, and has consistently been a top ranked agent with the company.

As a members of the Coldwell Banker International President's Elite and President's Circle, Washburn and Roby will be invited to attend the "Elite Retreat", a three-day conference held exclusively for the top Coldwell Banker Sales Associates.

Arlene Murray and Earl George have earned membership in the company's International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the top 13 percent of the more than 126,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

Washburn, Roby, Murray, and George were recognized with this distinguished honor at the annual Coldwell Banker International Business Conference, held February 16 - 19, 2006 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif., birthplace of the Coldwell Banker brand. The annual event brought more than 10,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, managers and employees together for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony. General Colin Powell, former secretary of state under President George W. Bush, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush, was the conference's keynote speaker. Cyndi Lauper, known for such hits as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time" was the featured entertainer. K.C. and the Sunshine Band, known for such hits as "Get Down Tonight" and "That's The Way (I Like It)" were the featured entertainers.

"Fred Washburn, Lana Roby, Arlene Murray, and Earl George truly personify the spirit of the Sales Associate Designation Awards," says Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. "Their integrity, deep knowledge of the Garrett and Preston County real estate market, together with their extreme dedication to their clients, bring to life the ideals established by our founders in 1906. With people like these in our system, Coldwell Banker® will remain a leading choice for consumers' home buying and selling needs for the next 100 years to come."

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, located at 24439 Garrett Highway in McHenry, can be reached at (301) 387-5303, or www. DeepCreekRealty.com. Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty has been serving the local area for over 30 years.

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Sales Associates Ranked State-wide

Several Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty sales associates finished 2005 among the top ten Coldwell Banker Sales Associates in the state of Maryland, ranked competitively. In competitive rankings, transactions must generate a minimum of $750 per side to be counted, and higher dollar volume is used to break ties. 101 Maryland sales associates from independent Coldwell Banker franchised offices are included in the rankings.

Lana Roby ranked fourth in Maryland in Adjusted Gross Commission, fifth in Total Units, fourth in Listing Units Sold, and tenth in Selling Units.

Bob and Beverly Everett ranked sixth in Adjusted Gross Commission, sixth in Total Units, and third in Selling Units.

Don Nuce ranked eighth in Selling Units.

Fred Washburn , Garrett County 2005 Realtor of the Year

Fred Washburn , Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, was named Garrett County Realtor of the Year for 2004. Fred was honored at the Garrett County Board of Realtors' annual picnic, held at Deep Creek Lake State Park. As Realtor of the Year, Fred was recognized for his contributions to the Realtor organization, both at the local and state level. Good job, Fred!

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Honors Associates, 2004 Sales

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty recognized its award-winning associates at a recent breakfast meeting. The annual Award and Kickoff Breakfast honored associates in several different categories for their accomplishments during 2004.

Associate Broker Lana Roby was recognized for achieving the Highest Adjusted Gross Commission Income among all Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty sales associates during 2004. Roby has been a licensed real estate agent since 1985. She affiliated with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty in 1998, and this marks the sixth consecutive year in which she has earned this award. She was also recognized for the Highest Number of Closed Listing Units, and the Highest Number of Total Units sold. Roby is a certified Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialist.

Associate Broker Fred Washburn received recognition for the Highest Number of Selling Units. Washburn has been licensed in Maryland and West Virginia since 2000. In 2002, he received the Garrett County Board of Realtor's "Rookie of the Year" Award. Washburn is a 2002 Graduate of the Maryland Association of Realtors' Leadership Academy.

Delano Martin ranked second in Adjusted Gross Commission Income. Washburn ranked second in the category of Closed Listing Units and Total Units, and Roby ranked second in Number of Selling Units.

Brenda Cutler ranked third in Gross Commission Income, after joining Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty only in June, 2004. This was her first year as a real estate licensee.

Dale Carpenter had the third highest number of Selling Units, Closed Listing Units, and Total Units.

Bob and Beverly Everett were recognized for their combined production in Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty's first Team Production Award, for the highest number of Selling Units, Closed Listing Units, Total Units, and Adjusted Gross Commission Income. The Everetts have just completed their first full year as real estate sales associates.

"We are very proud of these sales associates, and happy for their success," said Ruth Seib, Broker/Co-Owner of Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty. "Our mission as a company is to support our associates in every way we can, in order to make Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty a pleasant and profitable place to work. The increasing success of our sales associates is evidence of our progress toward that goal."

Six Sales Associates Recieve Coldwell Banker International Designations in 2005

Real Estate Industry Continues To Be Driver of Economic Growth

(McHenry, MD March 23, 2005) - Frederick Washburn, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, has qualified to join the company's International President's Circle. The prestigious membership is limited to only the top nine percent of the more than 120,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® System who meet sales goals.

As a member of the company's International President's Circle, Washburn will be invited to attend the "Elite Retreat," a three-day conference exclusively for the company's top sales associates.

Washburn has been licensed in Maryland and West Virginia since 2000. In 2002 he received the Garrett County Board of Realtors' "Rookie of the Year" award. Washburn is a 2002 graduate of the Maryland Association of Realtors' Leadership Academy.

Lana Roby, Delano Martin, and Scott Johnson have earned membership in the company's International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the top 16 percent of the more than 120,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® System. The award is presented annually to sales associates who meet productivity goals.

Earl George and Brenda Cutler have been honored as members of the company's International Sterling Society. Membership is limited to the top 21 percent of the more than 120,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® System.

Washburn, Roby, Martin, Johnson, George, and Cutler were recognized with this distinguished honor at the company's International Business Conference, held in February 2005 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla. The annual event brought more than 8,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, managers, and employees together for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony. Dr. Phil McGraw, host of his own nationally syndicated daily TV series, "Dr. Phil", was the conference's keynote speaker. K.C. and the Sunshine Band, known for such hits as "Get Down Tonight" and "That's The Way (I Like It)" were the featured entertainers.

"I am honored to present membership in these societies to these agents. They are invaluable assets to the Coldwell Banker System and have proven their ability on a consistent basis," said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. "Coldwell Banker holds itself to a high standard of quality and professionalism. After several years of unprecedented growth in the housing market, it is people like Fred, Lana, Delano, Scott, Earl, and Brenda who are ensuring that the Coldwell Banker reputation as a leader in the real estate industry remains strong."

"Real estate is in a win-win situation," said Gillespie. "If interest rates remain low, we will continue to see strong demand from first-time home buyers and baby boomers buying second homes. If interest rates increase slowly, as is widely predicted, it will mean that the economy is improving and there will be job growth and promotions. Consumers should then have more money to offset the slightly higher monthly mortgage payments."

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, located at 24439 Garrett Highway in McHenry, can be reached at (301) 387-5303, or www. DeepCreekRealty.com. Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty has been serving the local area for over 30 years.

Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker ® organization has been a premier provider of full-service real estate. In 2004, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked Coldwell Banker number one in real estate and number eight among all franchisors. Additionally, the Coldwell Banker organization received the "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms" from the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM. The study was based on responses from 4,977 home buyers and sellers. The study was conducted for Cendant Corporation by J.D. Power and Associates. The Coldwell Banker system has more than 3,700 residential and commercial real estate offices and 120,000 Sales Associates in 26 countries and territories.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Each office is independently owned and operated except for offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in the industry in residential real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International ® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge ® program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Mortgage is one of the largest telephone/web based lenders in the country and the Coldwell Banker Commercial ® system is one of the largest commercial franchise operations with over 400 affiliates offering clients comprehensive buying, selling, leasing, acquisition, disposition and management services. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD).

Earl George, Garrett County 2004 Realtor of the Year

Earl George, Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty, was named Garrett County Realtor of the Year for 2004. Earl was honored at the Garrett County Board of Realtors' annual picnic, held at Deep Creek Lake State Park. As Realtor of the Year, Earl was recognized for his contributions to the Realtor organization, both at the local and state level. Good job, Earl! Click here to read Earl's nomination letter.

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty Honors Associates for 2003 Sales

Associate Broker Lana Roby was recognized for achieving the Highest Adjusted Gross Commission Income among all Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty sales associates during 2003. Roby has been a licensed real estate agent since 1985. She affiliated with Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty in 1998, and this marks the fifth consecutive year in which she has earned this award. Roby is a certified Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialist.

Associate Broker Fred Washburn received recognition for the Highest Number of Listing Units Sold, Selling Units Sold, and Closed Revenue Units. Washburn has been licensed in Maryland and West Virginia since 2000. In 2002, he received the Garrett County Board of Realtor's "Rookie of the Year" Award. Washburn is a 2002 Graduate of the Maryland Association of Realtors' Leadership Academy.

Washburn ranked second in the category of Gross Commission Income, and Roby ranked second in Number of Listing Units Sold, Selling Units Sold, and Closed Revenue Units.

Delano Martin ranked third in Gross Commission Income. Goldie Shugars ranked third in Number of Listing Units Sold. Dale Carpenter had the third highest number of Selling Units Sold. Earl George placed third in Number of Closed Revenue Units.

Lana Roby was recognized at Coldwell Banker's recent International Business Conference in Las Vegas, NV as a member of the Coldwell Banker President's Circle, placing her among the top 10% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates internationally.

Fred Washburn was named as a member of the Coldwell Banker Diamond Society, placing him among the top 17% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates.

Delano Martin was recognized at the same event as a member of the Coldwell Banker Sterling Society, placing him among the upper 23% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide.

Lake Sale Update (Feb. 2003)

The "Buydown Project" is underway, with approximately three quarters of the lake perimeter completed (see following article for background information). It is anticipated that the project will be complete by the end of 2003. Please click here to view an update letter from Catherine A. Mateer, Deep Creek Lake Buydown Project Manager, sent to Lakefront Property Owners (BuydownLetter.pdf)

Lake Sale Update (August 2, 2000)

The offer of the State of Maryland to sell the land between the current buffer strip line and the 2466 elevation line to adjacent land owners is expected to begin soon. The plan is for the State to begin the process at the McHenry Cove at the north end of the Lake and move around the lake from there in a clockwise fashion.

However, before the State can make the offer to adjacent property owners, the terms of the conservation easement to which the buy-down land will be subjected must be known. That will presumably be one of the first tasks of the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board which has just recently been appointed by the Governor. (See following article.)

An additional factor that will affect the decision of adjacent property owners as to whether or not to participate in the buy-down is a proposal by the Garrett County Planning Commission to change the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning Ordinance so that the required setbacks for buildings be measured from the current buffer strip line. As of this writing, the County Commissioners have not acted on this proposal. If the proposal is approved, no building will be permitted closer to the current buffer strip line than is currently allowed. (Except that the proposed ordinance may include a provision that may potentially make it easier to get a variance from the setback.) If the proposed change is not made the building setback would be measured from the new buffer strip line except that in no case would building be permitted closer to the lake than the current buffer strip line.

If you have been following the process, you will recall that on January 28, 2000 Governor Glendening announced that the State and GPU Inc. (then-current owner of the Deep Creek Lake) had reached a final agreement for the sale of Deep Creek Lake and the property between the lake and adjacent property owners. The purchase price is $17.6 million.

The tentative agreement that had been reached a number of months prior to that would have been for the purchase only of the Lake and the safety strip around the lake. The safety strip is between the lake and an elevation of 2466'. In most cases there is property between the adjacent owners' property line and the safety strip. Under the terms of the original tentative agreement that property between the safety strip and the adjacent owners' property lines would have been retained by GPU Inc. who would have offered to sell it to adjacent property owners. Because of many concerns and unanswered questions about the effects of that plan, it never materialized.Under the terms of the final agreement, the State will offer to sell to adjacent land owners the property between the safety strip and the adjacent owners' property lines. The price to the adjacent owners will be the same as the cost of the land to the State plus cost of the sale. This means the cost of the "buy down" will be approximately 40 cents per square foot (approximately $17,000 per acre) plus cost of the sale.

The area of the "buy down" will, however, be subject to a conservation easement in favor of the State of Maryland. Not all of the specifics of the easement are known at this time. What is known is that no permanent building or deck encroachments will be allowed on the "buy down" area and that to cut trees will require permission. (Currently existing encroachments will probably be allowed to remain) The current expectation is that the terms of the conservation easement will pretty much reflect the existing restrictions on the current buffer strip. In cases where there are existing failing septic systems and there is no room on the property to expand the drain field, drain fields may be allowed in the "buy down" area. Drilling of wells my also be allowed.

The sale of the Lake and the adjacent buffer strip to the State has been completed. The offers to adjacent land owners will presumably begin to be made shortly and there will be a short window of opportunity for adjacent owners to commit to purchasing the "buy down" area. If the adjacent owner does not purchase the land it will be retained by the State of Maryland.

Except for a few places where the 2466' elevation line is very close to the water, the buy-down will be to the 2466' elevation line.

We are told that initially the "buy down" area will be taxed at the purchase price (approximately 40 cents per square foot) and will be added to the current property assessment rather than being billed as a separate parcel.

Click here for a link to the Maryland Department of General Services' web page describing the Deep Creek Lake buydown process.

Deep Creek Policy Review Board

Governor Paris Glendening recently announced his appointments to the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board. The 10-member Board is composed of 5 appointees of the governor together with Senator John Hafer, Delegate George Edwards, an appointee of the County Commissioners, an appointee of the Property Owners Association, and an appointee of the County Chamber of Commerce. The governor's appointees are John M. Forman of Wood Products,Inc, Chairman; Greig Johnson, Arrowhead manager; Barry H. Weinberg, a Justice Department official with a home in Garrett County; Ursula A. Franklin, a Cumberland resident active in Allegany County tourism; and James J. Kline, president of the Maryland Bass Federation.

Bears and Coyotes

The increasing number of bears in Garrett County has prompted an effort to establish a limited bear hunting season in Western Maryland. Department of Natural Resources secretary, Sarah Taylor-Rogers, has rejected that request so the ban on bear hunting will remain in place for at least two more years.

Coyotes are finding their way into Garrett County. Long relegated to the West, over the past 10 years they have found their way into the eastern United States. Coyotes are not a threat to humans (in fact are rarely seen by humans), but have apparently have been the cause of the disappearance of some pet cats in the Keysers Ridge area.

North-South Interstate Route

The legislative delegates and boards of county commissioners for Garrett and Allegany counties have finally agreed on a recommended alignment for a north-south Interstate route that many believe will be a boon to economic development for both counties. The route would run from the Pennsylvania line at Route 219 south to Interstate 68. From there it would overlap the existing interstate to LaVale, where it would follow the Winchester Road corridor and emerge on Route 220 below Cresaptown. From Cresaptown the highway would follow the Potomac River basin south to the West Virginia line.

"If the State moves forward with this recommendation, it will be a great boon to the mountain counties of Western Maryland" said David Moe, former president of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. "Transportation is an integral piece of infrastructure that must be in place before economic development can occur."

In West Virginia, the interstate would connect to the planned east-west Corridor H highway. In Pennsylvania, it would run north to other interstate connections such as Interstate 80.

Habitat for Humanity

Garrett County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is nearing completion on the construction of two houses on M Street in Mountain Lake Park and on Crook Crest in Oakland. Two families who currently live in sub-standard housing have qualified for the houses and will be moving in sometime this fall.

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty agents and management contributed over $2,000 to Garrett County Habitat for Humanity toward the construction of these homes. In addition, management and agents from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty worked on the site as volunteers in July putting the sheeting on the roof of one of the houses and providing meals for Habitat work camp volunteers.

For information on making a contribution or volunteering time call the Garrett County Habitat office at 301-334-9431 x113.

Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park

The 6000 square foot, $1.3 million Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park is open and is a large success.

The Center, located near the beach area of the State Park, houses 2 dozen exhibits that illustrate the area's natural history, the history of coal mining in the area, the benefits of conserving natural resources, and the county's appeal as a vacation destination.

The Discovery Center is constructed of native stone, cedar, and glass and is intended to be in harmony with its environment. It is a big hit with visitors as well as with Garrett County residents.

The lower level of the building houses a small conference room and some offices including an office for park manager, Paul Durham.

Hoagies For Habitat

The morning of August 30, 2000 started early for a group of Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty volunteers, and continued at a frenetic pace through lunchtime. Over 300 hoagies were assembled and delivered to local businesses and individuals by lunchtime. All proceeds from the Hoagie sale benefit Garrett County Habitat for Humanity.