According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, refinance activity rose 2.0 percent last week, reaching its highest level since April 19, 2009. The increase followed a 22 percent surge the week before and pushed the refinance share of total mortgage activity up to 81 percent. But, despite the gains in refinance demand, the Market Composite Index, which measures total mortgage loan application volume, was up just 0.9 percent due to a 3.0 percent drop in the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances was unchanged, resting at 3.74 percent. It is the second consecutive week that average mortgage rates were at all-time survey lows.  07/26/2012

Halos of Hudson 5K Family Fun Day Saturday, August 4, 2012, 8:00 am 100 Walnut St, Hudson, WI|Get Directions 2nd annual 5k Family Fun Day. Celebrate the lives of children! Halos of Hudson is a non-profit organization that helps support local families who have lost a child. If you have lost a child or a child close to you,  come be surrounded by a caring community of people who share your grief. Even if you don't personally know anyone who has lost a child, come support these families in your local community and celebrate the lives of children gone too soon! That's what comminities are for! * LIVE MUSIC * KIDS CARNIVAL * DUNK TANK * BOUNCE HOUSE * KIDS FUN RUN * FOOD * & MORE! Click here to see Halos of Hudson on FOX 9 NEWS! SIGN UP FOR THE 5K HERE! 07/26/2012

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, refinance demand surged last week as mortgage rates fell to yet another survey low. The Refinance Index rose 22 percent from the week before and is near its highest level this year. Michael Fratantoni, MBA’s vice president of research and economics, said refinance application volume increased to near peak levels as mortgage rates dropped due to growing concern about the economy. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances fell to 3.74 percent from 3.79 percent the week before. Because of the spike in refinance activity, the Market Composite Index, which measures total mortgage loan application volume, was up 16.9 percent from one week earlier. The seasonally ... 07/20/2012

Mortgage rates on 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to historic lows once again this week, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. The rate for a 30-year mortgage fell to 3.56 percent, down from 3.62 percent last week, Freddie Mac (FRE) said in its weekly report. The 30-year fixed rate has matched or hit a new low for 11 of the past 12 weeks. Last year, the 30-year fixed rate stood at 4.51%.   For more information visit:  http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/12/real_estate/mortgage-rates/index.htm 07/20/2012

The Phipps Center for the Arts Presents: Dances Chances Circumstances 8: Grimm *August 10th - 12th, 2012* When's the last time you got to see some pretty fantastic dancing? Watching  yourself in front of the bathroom mirror doesn't count. Nice try though.  It's time to get out and see a variety of dance styles like modern, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater, and jazz by trained dancers at The Phipps: Dances Chances Circumstances 8: Grimm! The dancing is all done in the interpretation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Experience "Once upon a time..." through dancing for a unique event the whole family can enjoy thanks to The Phipps Center for the Arts. Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students and youth. 07/20/2012

Thanks to improving home prices, fewer mortgage borrowers owe more on their homes than they are worth. More than 700,000 homeowners were no longer underwater on their homes during the first quarter, according to CoreLogic. According to the report, 11.4 million, or 23.7 percent, of mortgage borrowers were underwater on their homes at the end of March. That's down from the 12.1 million, or 25.2 percent, of borrowers who were underwater three months earlier.   To read more visit:  http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/12/real_estate/mortgage-borrowers/index.htm 07/19/2012

In the first half of this year, over 1 million U.S. properties received a foreclosure filing, according to a midyear foreclosure report released by RealtyTrac. The exact figure, 1,045,801, marks a 2 percent increase from the previous 6-month period and an 11 percent decrease from the first half of 2011. Foreclosure filings include default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. Second quarter foreclosure starts totaled 311,010 -- a 9 percent increase from the previous quarter and a 6 percent increase from a year ago. The increase is the first yearly rise in quarterly foreclosure starts since the fourth quarter of 2009.   To read more click:  http://www.dsnews.com/articles/-2012-07-11 07/18/2012

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Applications Survey, the Market Composite Index, which measures both refinance and purchase loan application volume, fell 2.1 percent last week. But, though the Refinance Index suffered a 3.0 percent decline from the previous week’s levels, the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased by the same amount, gaining 3.0 percent from the week before. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, hit new all-time lows. The average contract interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances fell to 3.79 percent from 3.86 percent. In June, the average loan size for home purchase was $240,897. Last week’s results contain an adjustment for the Fourth of July holiday. 07/18/2012

  Hudson Farmers Market   It's mid-July and I instinctively crave sweet corn. It's that time of year where all those delicious summer veggies are in season. I've been to every grocery store in the city and have been sorely disappointed with my "sweet corn" experience. I remember loving summertime dinners as a child because we used to get sweet corn and other delicious veggies from a local farmer. Problem solved. Next stop for sweet corn...the Hudson Farmers Market. There's nothing like fresh produce, flowers, jams and more, all offered by local farmers.   - BUY FRESH - BUY LOCAL - Saturdays: 9am -1pm June through October South Lot of Faith Community Church, Hudson WI 777 Carmichael Road 07/17/2012

In case you missed Yellowstone Trail Days, The Locust Street Classic Car Show returns to Downtown Hudson the second Friday of every month through October! Sponsored by Knoke's Chocolates, this fun family event is sure to please! Eat a slice of pizza pie, ice cream, chocolates, or munch on some caramel corn while viewing classic cars and trucks, and one of a kind automobiles from an era gone by!  Where: 216 Locust Street, Hudson, WI 54016 When: 7-13, 8-10, 9-14, 10-12 from 6-9 pm Start your engines!   07/05/2012

_____________________________________________________ $5 OFF Fresh & Natural Foods, Hudson WI Fresh & Natural Foods is an independent natural and organic grocery store offering a comprehensive line of products to meet customer needs. I'm continually mortified these days as research  shows just how damaging artificial ingredients, preservatives, nitrates, chemically treated, and genetically altered food/products are. It's hard to read all the labels and figure out what is OK and what isn't at the grocery store. Fresh & Natural Foods works to offer customers the most natural, nutritious, locally grown food as possible at an affordable price so you can have the peace of mind that you are giving your family the very best nutrition.  Use this coupon when you shop at our local Hudson Fresh &... 07/02/2012

Welcome to our new website:  http://www.Hudsonwirentals.com   Property ExecutivesRealty Buy/Sell/Lease Property Management & Real Estate Services Thank you for visiting our website. Property Executives Realty offers full service property management and Real Estate services for Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. Our management services are comprehensive and innovative. Specific services can be expanded, contracted, or otherwise altered so that the management system put into effect can be tailored to you and your property. Our staff consists of a Real Estate Broker and licensed Realtors to assist you with all of your management and Real Estate needs. 07/01/2012

Are you thinking of renting your home? Contact us TODAY for a free consultation and ask about our 6 month GUARANTEE! We'll show you how our team of Brokers and Realtors, with 30 plus years of experience, can help you with your next real estate investment!   715-381-8297 or visit our website @ http://www.Hudsonwirentals.com   07/01/2012

  Fannie Mae interviewed approximately 1,000 survey respondents for its May National Housing Survey. Most Americans interviewed by Fannie Mae believe home prices will increase at least 1.4 percent over the next 12 months, the government-sponsored enterprise said.   Of those who responded, 34 percent — the highest level since March 2011 — said home prices will rise over the course of the next 12 months. In addition, 41 percent of respondents believe home mortgage rates will likely go up over the course of the next year, an increase from the previous month.   To read more visit:  http://www.housingwire.com/content/average-americans-expect-14-increase-home-prices     06/28/2012

Caminito Art Studio: Come Tango with the Clay! Yet another fantastic Art Studio in Hudson WI! This one's a little saucy if I do say so myself. Inspired after the intensely colorful Caminito Road in the neighborhood of La Boca in Argentina, Caminito Art Studio is a vibrant space offering clay and pottery classes/workshops for adults & children. They host special events for birthday parties etc. They have a "Mud'N Grubb" event with wine and food, as well as "Claytunes!"  jam session, open mic, and clay! Check out the video below of a "Claytunes" session.  For more info on this fantastic studio click here! Go Tango with the Clay!: 06/27/2012

  Mortgage Rates End Streak of Record-Setting Lows Average fixed-rate mortgages ended their recent streak of record-setting lows, according to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey. Still, mortgage rates remain near historic lows, helping to keep homebuyer affordability high and providing an incentive to refinance. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.71 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 14, up from the week prior when it averaged 3.67 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.5 percent.       To read more visit:   http://www.housingwire.com/content/mortgage-rates-end-streak-record-setting-lows   06/21/2012

Mortgage Rates End Streak of Record-Setting Lows Average fixed-rate mortgages ended their recent streak of record-setting lows, according to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey. Still, mortgage rates remain near historic lows, helping to keep homebuyer affordability high and providing an incentive to refinance. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.71 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 14, up from the week prior when it averaged 3.67 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.5 percent.   To read more visit: http://www.housingwire.com/content/mortgage-rates-end-streak-record-setting-lows 06/21/2012

Carnival, Parade, Live Entertainment, Fireworks...need I say more? Get the family out for some fun and entertainment! There's something for everyone at the annual Hudson Booster Days. Rides, Kid's Tractor Pull, Kid's Fishing Contest, Hot Dog Eating Contest, K-9 Demonstration, Bingo, Bean Bag Tournament, & more!! Thursday June 28th - July 1st There's so much fun & entertainment packed into 4 days  you have to check out the detailed itinerary here! Here's a little clip of the fun!: The Hudson Boosters are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer and civic organization that provides athletic and non-athletic activities for youth and citizens of the Hudson School District.  Be sure to join in the fun! 06/19/2012

Hudson Area Library: It's Story Time... We've expressed our love for the library before, but we've got some upcoming events to talk about that are great for every age!  I remember rainy days at the library as a child. There was a magic about it, going into such a large space filled with shelves of books that seemed to go on forever. All those books, each holding a different tale, another world my imagination could escape to. I remember it, just as it still feels now, sitting down in a comfy chair with my book, leaving my cares behind momentarily to experience someone else's. Sure some may be reading books on Kindle or an I-pad & other's prefer hard covered books with thick pages to turn,  but the experience is still the same, allowing us to learn, imagine, and dream. Bring yourself, yo... 06/17/2012

FREE CONCERTS: HUDSON, WI CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES 2012: If you live in Hudson I'm sure you're familiar with the beautiful scenic Lakefront Park on the St. Croix River. Mix the beauty of the St. Croix, with LIVE music from the incredibly talented Minnesota Orchestra, River City Choral etc. etc. and I'd say you have yourself a date night, family night, or maybe an "away from the family night" if you know what I mean.  The 2012 Concerts in the Park Series has a great variety of performers ranging from orchestra, jazz, bluegrass, Hawaiian to funk, rock and roll and more. Check out the scheduled performances for 2012 here!  Check out the Hudsonites (especially the dancing kids) gathering for a Concert in Park!:  and the beat goes on...   06/12/2012