Mickey Hayward's Blog

Kids' Fishing Derby at Martinak State Park - June 1st 9-12

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:42:32 -0700

Take your kids' fishing poles and $5.00. They provide the bait, crafts, lunch, prize drawings and awards ceremony. Sponsored by Caroline County Health Department, Martinak State Park and Caroline County's 4-H Extension Office.

Ages: 5 - 16

Cost: $5.00 at the event

Location: Martinak State Park

Mickey Hayward, CRB, CRS, MD & DE Farms Homes and Land Sales
Sunset Properties, 110 Market Street, Denton, Maryland 21629 Office Phone: (410) 479-9729 x 21, Cell Phone: (410) 924-2277 http://www.marylandanddelawarehomes.com

Horse Challenge Course to Benefit CASA

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:05:42 -0700

It's that time again for the CASA Horse Challenge Course. The event will be held at the Caroline County 4-H Park on May 12th, 2011, starting at 9 AM. There's food and fun for everyone. If you can't come, please make a donation or sponsor an event. For more information, call Debbie Oxnard at the CASA office, (410) 479-8301 or email carolinecasa@verizon.net .

Happy Easter Weekend Everyone !

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:05:14 -0700

Happy Easter Weekend to Everyone !

Sobering Land Sale Numbers for Caroline County, Maryland, For 2011

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:33:17 -0800

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.

Governor O’Malley announced his budget proposal which will reduce the deductions (Including Mortgage Interest) of all Marylanders who itemize and make more than $100,000.

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:29:07 -0800

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.

A Day For Veterans

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:38:39 -0800

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.

Support the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:24:56 -0700

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.

Caroline County, Maryland, Summmerfest

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:04:46 -0700

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

Happy Independence Day

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:46:11 -0700

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 !

What's Happening in Denton, Caroline County, Maryland

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:39:29 -0700

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.

Memorial Day 2011 Tribute

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:31:32 -0700

As a retired member of the United States Air Force, I salute my fellow brothers and sisters in all the military services, past and present. Thank you, one and all, for your many sacrifices and efforts in making, and keeping, the United States of America the greatest nation on earth. Let it be known to all that the nationalism that lives deep in, most of, our souls is directly rooted in the freedoms which we love so dearly; the freedoms which our veterans valiantly won for us. Let us never forget their noble efforts!

Horse Show To Benefit Foster Kids - Organized by the CASA Program

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:34:31 -0700

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 !

Support Your Local CASA Program

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:12:14 -0700

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.

Denton, Caroline County, Maryland, Spring Gala

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:23:07 -0700

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 7th, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, for Denton's annual Spring Gala. Festivities include Live Music, local artist demonstrations, and more. Call (410) 479-4305 to get additional information and to order tickets.

Caroline County, Maryland, First Quarter 2011 Home Sale Stats

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:29:09 -0700

Home sales in Caroline County are up by 38 % over the first quarter in 2010. Though this sounds like a huge increase in home sales it's really not. First quarter home sales in 2010 were only 39 compared with 54 this year. Of the homes sold in the first quarter this year, approx. 41 % were foreclosures and almost 19 % were short sales. So, almost 60% of homes sold here were short sales or foreclosures. Scary!

The "Buyers' Market" continues. There are 362 homes on the market now in Caroline County. At a consumption rate of just 18 homes per month (54/3) it would take an estimated 20 months for all homes in Caroline County to sell, even if no more homes come on the market.

New Restaurant Opens in Denton, Maryland

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:50:57 -0700

A new restaurant opened recently in the Denton, Maryland, area. It's called Pizza Empire and Restaurant and it's located on 23823 Shore Highway, Denton, Maryland 21629. They have a good-sized menu (not just pizza and pasta), prices are good, the food is delicious and the portions are big. You can eat-in on your way down Route 404, on your way to the ocean beaches in Maryland and Delaware. Or, if you're local, they also deliver to about a 10-mile radius. Their phone number is (410) 479-4444. Excellent !

Caroline County Humane Society Benefit - Longaberger and Vera Bradley Bingo

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:08:46 -0800

The Third Annual Katie Clancy, Longaberger and Vera Bradley, Bingo is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, 2011. Location is the Denton, Maryland, American Legion. Doors open at noon and the Games start at 2 PM. This is a benefit for the Caroline County Humane Society. For more information and for tickets call (410) 364-9012, (410) 310-0777, or (410) 820-1600.

Connecting With Veterans - It's a Great Thing to be a Veteran !

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:02:06 -0800

It's so great to be in a large group of people where I don't know anyone and to be able to just walk up to someone with a military cap on or shirt on and connect with them. I retired from the United States Air Force. It's such a great feeling to be able connect with other veterans. I was at a political gathering two weeks ago and noticed a guy in the group who had an Army t-shirt on which had a military unit and insignia on it, an Air Force guy with an Air Force cap on, and a Navy guy with a cap on that had Naval ship information on it. Eventually, I wandered over and introduced myself to each of them, separately. All three were older guys. I asked what unit they served in, how long they had been out of the military, and how long and where they had served. We connected and shared stories and had a great experience. I am so proud of my military service. It's so nice to be a member of such a large fraternity of military brothers and sisters who are mostly always willing to connect and share life stories. It's a great thing to be a veteran!

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children - Fundraiser

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:19:13 -0700

On Sunday, October 24, 2010, Queen Anne's Co High School, 1:00 PM, CASA is having a Fundraiser for kids. Having been a CASA, I know personally that being a CASA can be very rewarding in itself, not to mention that a CASA's efforts may have an indelible affect on kids' lives. Click here to find out more about the upcoming fundraiser and to get more info about becoming a CASA:

Queen Anne's County Fundraiser and CASA Website: www.casaqackent.org/new_events.html

Caroline County CASA Website: http://www.carolinecasa.org/volunteer.html

Walk to Cure Diabetes - Junior Diabetes Research Foundation International

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:06:44 -0700

Many of us and/or our families have been touched with diabetes. It's a terrible disease which is even more oppressive when contracted as a child (Type-1). Help find a cure! Come out and/or support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. If you can't make it, maybe you can sponsor someone, as I did, or make a donation. Here's where it's happening:

Dover International Speedway in Dover, DE

Venue: Dover International Speedway

Date of Walk: 10/10/2010

Registration Start Time: 10:00 AM

Walk Start Time: 12:00 PM

Length of Walk: 1 mile continuous loop.

For more details or to register: http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=walk.walk&eventID=6469&chapterid=4109

Support Your Local CASA Program

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:15:34 -0700

September 24, 2010: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, on 5th Street, across from the Denton, Maryland, Fire House - Support the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children Program. CASA will offer Beef or Pork on a roll, with chips and a drink for $8.00. If you are really busy and don't have time to stand around and wait for preparation, call in your order (by Wednesday 9/22) to (410) 479-8301 or email in an order at Carolinecasa@verizon.net . CASA is an excellent, not-for-profit, agency that provides advocates for the abused and neglected children of Caroline County. Visit their website http://www.carolinecasa.org/

Denton, Caroline County, Maryland - August Happenings

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:23:51 -0700

August 18th - Twilight Tunes at the Caroline County Courthouse Green, in Denton, MD, starting at 5:30 PM, right across the street from my Sunset Properties Real Estate Office, which is at 110 Market Street, Denton, MD, 21629

August 20th and 21st - Caroline Summerfest, Friday 5 to 10 PM and Saturday 2 to 10 PM. Fun, food, booths, musicians, entertainers, and fireworks. This is a free, annual, event. Much of Market Street is closed to vehicle traffic. Come out and have fun!

If you are from out of town, call me for directions or just plug my office address into your GPS and you will find these events nearby.

Events in Denton, Caroline County, Maryland, 7-12-2010 through 7-18-2010

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:58:38 -0700

July 18th at 6:30 PM at the Courthouse Green in downtown Denton - Romeo and Juliet - the Maryland Shakespeare Festival. Presented by Caroline County Recreation and Parks and affiliates.

Denton, Caroline County, Maryland, July Events

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:22:57 -0700

July 10th - Saturday at the Foundry, 401 Market Street, Denton, MD. Local artists demonstrate their talents.

July 17th - Annual Community Block Party, downtown Denton, MD, 5 to 9 PM

July 21st - Twilight Tunes at the Caroline County Courthouse Green, in Denton, MD, starting at 5:30 PM, right across the street from my Sunset Properties Real Estate Office, which is at 110 Market Street, Denton, MD, 21629

If you are from out of town, call me for directions or just plug my office address into your GPS and you will find these events very close nearby.

Independence Day - What's it all About?

Sunset Properties - Maryland and Delaware Farm & Land Sales — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 09:56:04 -0700

Many years ago, one of my heroes, Thomas Paine, wrote, "These are the times that try mens' souls." He was speaking of the turmoil in the American colonies, at the time, among our ancestors in their struggle for independence from British rule. Because of their struggles, sacrifices, and hard-fought battles the outcome is now history . . . on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed and we have long since enjoyed its "unalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

Today, during all of our partying and festivities, let's not forget why we are celebrating. Please take just a couple of seconds and say a short prayer of thanks to all of those who made our great journey of "freedom, life, liberty, and our pursuits of happiness" possible.

Though our current times "try our souls" it's the 224 years of freedom which give us our sense of pride and nationalism . . . and make us so strong.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !