As a Maryland resident and realtor, I’m definitely biased, but I think moving to the Deep Creek Lake area is always a good idea.
We have some of the best boating, fishing, and kayaking around, so if water sports are your thing, you’re in the right place. Plus, if you think our lake views are pretty in the summer, just wait until everything freezes and we pull out the snowmobiles.
DCL is known for our gorgeous waterfront neighborhoods, incredible golf courses, and delicious food, so it’s no surprise that people love it here. The casual tourist falls in love with our East Coast charm, and suddenly, they’re scrolling through Zillow to find the perfect home.
And then *mistakes are made.*
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but there are five errors I see homebuyers make all the time. I totally get it — we all just want to find our dream houses — but if you’re aware of these pitfalls upfront, it makes for a much smoother move.
So, here’s the big secret: The number one mistake people make when buying a home is choosing the wrong location. You can change almost everything about your property, but you can’t change its physical address.
How far do you want to be from your office, your kids’ school, your friends, etc.? How close do you want to be to the water? To the golf course? If you’re moving to DCL, these are important questions to answer before you fall in love with a property.
Another mistake I see frequently can be summarized in three words: not enough bedrooms.
Most people live in one house for at least five years, so think ahead. How many kids will you have who need their own rooms? Do you want a craft space, man cave, or guest room? Plan your search accordingly.
And speaking of *the search,* most people simply don’t view enough homes before committing. This is one of the biggest purchases of your life — it’s okay to be picky!
Check out a variety of different locations and layouts. Make sure you’re happy with the size of the yard, the number of bedrooms, and the way the main living space flows. Unless you intend to buy a fixer-upper, these are not things you’re going to feel like changing later.
I know, I know — everyone says they’re going to finish the basement. But how many people actually do it? It’s hard enough to stay on budget when you’re buying a house as-is… which brings me to my next point.
If you have a long-lost, super-wealthy uncle who wants to help you buy your dream home, that’s awesome. More power to you. But if you’re with the majority, make sure you can afford your own mortgage payment.
And finally, when buying a house, try not to worry about simple improvements. I often see first-time homebuyers stressing over paint colors, flooring, cabinets, and countertops — but all of those (smaller) things can be changed.
When it comes down to it, if the location and layout are perfect, you can bring your dream home the rest of the way. It might not happen overnight, but if you intend to stay in your house for a while, it will get done.
Remember, now that you’re aware of the five biggest homebuying mistakes, you’re in a great place to avoid them. Define your priorities, stay on budget, and come enjoy everything that Deep Creek Lake has to offer.