The Deep Creek Lake RESORT REPORT
DEEP CREEk REal ESTaTE MaRkET OPEnS 2026
reAl eStAte
mArket uPdAte
The Deep Creek Lake real estate market closed out 2025 on a strong note after a slower start to the year, and that positive momentum has continued into early 2026. Through the first few months of the year, total sales volume has reached approximately $63 million, a notable increase compared to $48 million during the same time period last year.
As expected, the market gained traction as interest rates gradually declined. However, with a recent slight increase in rates, it remains to be seen how that may impact activity moving forward.
Here’s a snapshot of the market through the first quarter of 2026:
• Homes sold over $2M: 5 (up from 1 in 2025)
SPeciAl eVentS
PlAnned for AmerciA’S 250
Pilot Project for SAV cutting comPleted
• Homes sold over $1M: 23 (up from 12 in 2025)
• Lakefront homes, townhomes, and condos sold: 16 (up from 7 in 2025)
• Lake access homes, townhomes, and condos sold: 17 (up from 12 in 2025)
• Lots/land sold: 33 (slightly down from 35 in 2025)
• Days on Market: Increased overall, largely due to a rise in available inventory
For sellers, well-positioned properties—especially those with desirable features and prime settings—are still moving quickly. While a few select homes have received multiple offers, nearly most transactions are occurring with standard buyer contingencies.
For buyers, inventory is expected to grow as we move into late spring and early summer, offering more options and opportunities as the year progresses. If interest rates go down, competition will likely increase.
recently Sold ProPerty liStingS
rAiley reAlty fulfillS PAc donAtion
StArtS new HouSing grAnt in tHiS iSSue...
SPECial EvEnTS in PlaCE
locAl BoArd of reAltorS
locAl HAPPeningS And newS...
Be sure to mark your calendars for a special event happening at the lake on Saturday, July 18. The Garrett County Government will be hosting the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash at the Garrett County Fairgrounds to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. It’s shaping up to be a fun, community-focused day that highlights America’s story through the unique small towns and communities that surround the Deep Creek Lake area. The all-day celebration will feature live music throughout the day, along with historical displays, guest speakers, and interactive exhibits. There will also be food vendors, a dedicated kids’ zone, and even a car show, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.
The evening will wrap up with the main attraction — a night sky drone show beginning at 9:30 PM over the fairgrounds. If you caught the drone show during last year’s DCL 100 Celebration, you know how impressive it was. It was a big hit, and this year’s show is expected to be just as exciting. Best of all, admission is free, making it a great event to add to your summer plans! Find more info at garrett250.org.
PilOT PROjECT fOR SubMERgED aquaTiC vEgETaTiOn CuTTing COMPlETED
Deep Creek Lake Management recently completed a pilot project for Sub-Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) cutting at Deep Creek Lake. Using specialized machinery, a contracted company was hired to cut the grass in three designated spots. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Lake Management members collected samples and measurements from the soil and water prior to cutting and shortly thereafter to compare to future data that will be collected this coming summer. The goal from this pilot project is to determine what if any impact cutting the SAV will have on the lake’s natural habitat and overall health.
At a recent symposium hosted by Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation, Lake Manager Cristina Sanders detailed the current state of Sub-Aquatic Vegetation and the details from the pilot harvesting project. SAV has several great benefits to the lake’s ecosystem, including reducing shoreline erosion caused by boat traffic, improving water clarity, and reducing the risk of algal blooms. In addition, it provides habitat for juvenile fish, food for waterfowl, and shelter for ‘predator’ trophy fish species that are commonly caught in the lake. Natural SAV occurrence also
can help prevent invasive species from overtaking sections of the lakebed. All of these considerations will factor into the decisions made by DNR and Lake Management after reviewing the data from the harvesting project.
The harvester itself is a specialized piece of machinery that is essentially a water-based mower. Using a submerged cutting system, the grass is cut and put on a conveyor belt system that removes the trimmings from the water. The conveyor belt is designed to carry the grass while allowing juvenile fish to ‘fall through’ the grates back to the water, but especially dense areas of grass tend to block the grates, which prevents the fish from safely returning to the water. Should this type of harvesting be approved for Deep Creek, Lake Management and DNR would then need to decide how property owners would qualify, who is authorized to do the cutting, and at what depths it would be permitted, among other factors.
At this time, there are very limited options for homeowners to manage SAV. The most popular method is installing mats on the bed of the lake around the dock area, which keeps the grasses from tangling in boat propellors or legs. This process
requires prior approval from DNR and Lake Management prior to installation. To watch the full presentation from Lake Management, visit www. deepcreekwatershedfoundation.org or visit their YouTube channel.
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The Deep Creek Lake Resort Report
RailEy REalTy fulfillS MulTi-yEaR DOnaTiOn TO PERfORMing aRTS CEnTER
Railey Realty is proud to have been a contributing sponsor to the recently completed Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. Railey sponsored a portion of the multipurpose room, which has since housed awards events, concerts, community activities, presentations, and more. This state of the art facility has provided a much needed
community space and was designed with intention and purpose at every corner. From the backstage areas to the caterer’s facility to the rehearsal rooms, there is truly space and ease for performers and spectators alike. With this new setting, plays, musical acts, and other art features from the local community and beyond can be shared with audiences.
lOCal bOaRD Of REalTORS ESTabliShES affORDablE hOuSing gRanT
The Garrett County Board of REALTORS (GCBR) recently established a new grant program aimed at providing additional downpayment and closing cost assistance to first time homebuyers. The GCBR Homeownership Assistance Fund will provide up to $2,500 to qualified applicants and can be combined with most other downpayment and closing cost assistance programs. As affordable housing continues to be a nationwide issue, the local board felt compelled to help make the home-buying
journey more attainable. The fund is being managed by Community Trust Foundation, a local non-profit organization that manages funds and monies for dozens of charitable organizations. Community Trust Foundation will then issue funds to Garrett County Community Action, who will oversee the application and approval process. The local firsttime homebuyers grant program provided by the county only has so much funding, which normally runs out well before the renewal date. This additional grant will
RailEy REalTy wv PROPERTiES COnTinuES ExPanSiOn
The West Virginia sales team at Railey Realty continues to grow and expand their service areas. With 12 active agents, Railey WV Properties now covers nearly all of North Central West Virginia, covering popular areas like Summersville, Thomas, Canaan Valley, and Romney. While our West Virginia agents specialize in raw land, recreational
& hunting property, farms, and large acreage – they also have experience in residential areas like Fairmont, Morgantown, and Elkins.
The Railey WV Properties team has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, closing more than $46M in sales last year and bringing on five new agents.
You can view the profiles for our
allow those looking to purchase an extra option if other funding has been depleted or does not fully cover their initial expenses. Railey Realty has been actively involved in the creation of this grant and will remain a dedicated financial partner to maintain the fund for future generations of homebuyers. There will also be an option at local title companies for sellers or buyers to make direct donations to the fund at the time of closing.
Another Successful Deep Creek Dunk raised more than $200,000 this past February. This year was the first year they offered a ‘super dunk’ that had a dedicated group of dunkers entering the water every hour for 12 hours!
NEW Hearth & Hops Tavern
Formerly DC’s Tavern, this new restaurant at Wisp Resort has been renovated and offers a brand new menu, full bar, and perfect Apres Ski atmosphere.
Coming Soon New Royal Farms gas station and convenience store is set to open at the intersection of Rt. 219 and Glendale Rd. Construction is ongoing.
NEW Blair’s by the Lake is expanding to a new location at the lake! Look for them to open their new store this summer along Rt. 219 in McHenry.
West Virginia agents and browse West Virginia real estate on our website at www.Railey.com.
Upcoming Events....
Memorial Day – May 25
Fire on the Mountain - July 4
Victorian Chautauqua - July 11
Art in the Park - Early-Mid July
Garrett 250 Celebration - July 18
Garrett Co. Fair - Aug 1-Aug. 8
Mtn MD Dragon Boat Fest. Aug. 22
Labor Day - Sept. 7
Art & Wine Festival - Sept. 12
