It's hard to believe that, according to MRIS MLS for Caroline County, Maryland, only 15 unimproved properties sold during the entire year of 2011.  I was seaching the mls for sold building lots to use as comparables for a potential listing.  When I searched the range of .1 to 2.0 acres I found that there were no (0) sales for the entire year.  The land/farm listings which did sell, all 15 of them, ranged from 2.248 acres to 259 Acres.  Very sobering data and another reflection of the lack of new home construction in this area.

The Governor is including this in the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, which means that there will be no hearing or testimony on this specific provision.

·The proposal to reduce deductions for Maryland taxpayers will disproportionately burden Maryland homeowners.

·The two most important deductions for Maryland homeowners are the mortgage interest deduction and state and local property tax deduction.

·Over 50% of Maryland taxpayers itemize, the highest proportion in the country.

·Maryland has the highest percentage of taxpayers, almost 38%, claiming the mortgage interest deduction.

·The mortgage interest deduction and real estate taxes account for almost 70% of total deductions for Maryland taxpayers.

·In 2008, almost 1.1 million Maryland taxpayers claimed the mortgage interest deduction.

·That same year, over 1.1 million Maryland taxpayers deducted property taxes.

·Real estate accounts for over 20% of Maryland’s gross state product.

·Housing and real estate are one of the most heavily taxed sectors of the economy, and Maryland has one of the most aggressive real estate tax structures in the country.

·Maryland property owners already carry a significant tax burden, contributing the majority of revenue to local jurisdictions as well as 4.6% of state tax revenues. The average percentage of state tax revenue from real estate nationally is only 1.8%.

* Data provided by the Coastal Association of Realtors.

To all my military brothers and sisters of the past and to those who still carry the torch . . . where ever you may be . . . this day's for you!  Happy Veteran's Day. 

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program (CASA) is an organization which supports children who are in foster care. This coming Friday, September 30th, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the Caroline County CASA organization is having a fund raiser at the Food Lion Parking Lot on 5th Street, in Denton, Maryland 21629. They are offering Beef and Pork sandwiches with a roll, chips, and a drink for $8.00. Proceeds will support the Caroline County CASA program. If you call in your order (or email it) by Wednesday, September 28th, your order will be ready and waiting for you to pick up.   Call (410) 479-8301 or email carolinecasa@verizon.net to place an order or to get more information about the CASA program.

It's time again for Caroline County's annual Summerfest.  It's held on Market Street in downtown Denton, Maryland.  This year, it starts on Friday, August 19 (5 PM to 10 PM) and runs through Saturday, August 20 (12 PM to 9 PM).  The rain date for Saturday's activities will be Sunday, August 21st.  For a list of events and times go to http://www.carolinesummerfest.com    

When Thomas Paine, wrote, "These are the times that try mens' souls," he was speaking of the turmoil in the American colonies which was going on at the time.  Our ancestors were fighting for independence from British rule.  Because of their struggles, independence was won and on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed.  That is what we are celebrating today.

Though these are still "times that try mens' souls," we enjoy  "unalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," like nowhere else on earth. Millions of people in other parts of the world can't say that.  We are so lucky to be independent and free.

Happy Independence Day !

On Saturday, June 11, from 2 to 4 PM, The Foundry will host a Batik painting demonstration by artist Lisa Martin. The Foundry is located at 401 Market Street, Denton, Maryland 21629.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is an organization which helps children who have been placed in foster care.  Members are appointed by the courts to act as advocates on behalf of those children.  Advocates do exactly what their title says... they advocate for children.  If you have some free time, like to help children, think you have what it takes, and are not afraid to really advocate for children, leave a comment on this blog, call me, or email me, and I'll do my best to answer your questions about becoming a CASA.

Caroline County, Maryland, CASA is organizing a horse show to raise money for the local CASA program.  The horse show will be held at the Caroline County 4-H Park on May 14th, 2011.  The 4-H Park is located on Detour Road, off Harmony Road (Rt. 16), just a couple of miles outside the town of Denton, Maryland.  Your donations will be greatly appreciated and if you can sponsor the event that will be awesome.  Any sponsors donating twenty five dollars ($25) or more will get their names on the show's program, have their names announced throughout the day, and will have their names posted on signs near obstacles.

If you would like to sponsor the event, or make a donation, call Debbie at (410) 479-8301 or email carolinecasa@verizon.net .  All donations, of any amount, will be greatly appreciated, even if you can't attend the event.  You can even donate an item or gift certificate, to be raffled at the event.  Please send all checks, made payable to CASA of Caroline, Inc., to 114 Market Street, Denton, Maryland 21629.

Help your Karma.  Help a Kid !

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program (CASA) is an organization which supports children who are in foster care.  This coming Friday, April 29th, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the Caroline County CASA organization is having a fund raiser at the Food Lion Parking Lot on 5th Street, in Denton, Maryland 21629.  They are offering Beef and Pork sandwiches with a roll, chips, and a drink for $8.00.  Proceeds will support the Caroline County CASA program.  If you can call in your order or email it in by tomorrow, April 27th, your order will be ready and waiting for you to pick up at the time of your choice, between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, on Friday.  Call (410) 479-8301 or email carolinecasa@verizon.net to place an order or to get more information about this fundraiser and/or in becoming a CASA for children.