Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert's Blog

How To Make Your Home Look Bigger When Selling Part One

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:38:56 -0700

Look at your walls. Take down all pictures except for one per wall or one per room and no pictures of family. Too many pictures take your eyes away from the room.

Clean out your closets. Pack up all your spring/winter clothes, like clothes you won't be wearing for this seaon. Less clothes will make your closets look bigger. The same is true for your shoes. Pack up any shoes you won't be wearing.

Look at each room and decide what you can pack up. Pack up all knic nacs and anything you can live without before you move. you want your home to look like a model home. For example on the fireplace mantel, have no more than 3 items. In your bathroom clean off everything from the counters and bathtubs. In the kitchen, put away everything on the kitchen counters. OK, you can leave one or two items out, but the rest put away or pack up..

Look at the furniture in each room. Less is better Is the furniture blocking the entrance to the room? Does the room look crowded? Is the furniture in good shape? All these questions, can either make the room look great or too small and dated.

Use lots of light to make your room shine. Have curtains and blinds open when getting ready for a showing. If no overhead lights make sure there are a number of lamps in the room. Putting a floor lamp in the corner and turning it on can add extra light.

More to Follow....

Foreclosure Rescue Services

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:18 -0800

Many people are having problems with their mortgages and because of this several companies have opened their doors to be "foreclosure rescue" companies. Buyer beware because some of them are scams. They charge fees and don't deliver. If you are thinking of using these companies, be very careful.

I would call your mortgage company first. Then I would call the lender who helped you get your loan. You should call them first to see if they can help you with your mortgage or if they can help you refinance your loan to make it more affordable.

Several of the "foreclosure rescue" companies here in Ohio were asked to shut down by the Ohio Attorney General's office. There are lots of reputable businesses out there that can help, but be VERY careful who you choose and do your research before you pick a company.

Indoor Golf Range in Girard Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:09:50 -0800

Now that I am addicted to golf, I had to find a place to practice after the snow started falling. I found Creekside Golf in Girard. It is a domed area that I can hit the ball 80 yards to the back wall. It also has a bullseye for hitting the ball up in the air. So far I have been practicing with my 8 iron and my pitching wedge and it is exciting to hit the back of the dome. This is a popular spot with lots of golfers practicing their swings. They even have 2 golf simulators you can sign up ahead of time to play. I still like the range better. They are open 9 to 9 everyday, but ask for a calendar as I arrived yesterday eve to practice and found that some eves they have soccer practice and the driving range is closed. I believe there is outdoor golf/driving range in the summer, but probably won't use it then as I have several courses closer to home. If you want more info on it give me a call or drop me an email and I will give you more info on how I like it. Here is more info:

1300 N. State St., Girard, 44420

Phone: 330-545-5000

Web site: http://www.creeksidesportsdome.com/

Six Reasons to Use a Realtor When Selling Your Home

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:24:22 -0800

1.Buyers want to save the commission when dealing with a FSBO. They think since you are selling yourself they can knock of the commission you would have paid to a realtor off the price. Be prepared to sell your home for under fair market value.

2. The more buyers that have access to your home, the more valuable a home becomes and the quicker it will sell. With 94% of buyers looking online for homes, listing with a well known real estate company will get your home out there in cyber space more quickly and to more websites. A For Sale By Owner website is only one site.

3. Waiting to sell takes time and money. If mortgage rates increase the less likely a buyer will be able to afford to pay your price for your home. With today's buyer incentives, it is imperative that you list and sell before those incentives are gone.

4. Listing your home with a big real estate company will assure you will have more aggressive marketing for your home. Howard Hanna has a big in house marketing department and a huge local image and presence in the market place.

5. I am a trained and capable negotiator. I have taken classes on negotiating. I have 7 plus years of negotiating for my clients. Experience counts when it comes to negotiating and working with other real estate agents. I know the market and the current prices of homes that have sold and homes that are the competition too.

6. When your home is listed with a realtor, the showings you get on your home is with a buyer who is ready to buy. Open houses and visitors to FSBO's are lookers and only a small percentage of them are buyers. Just ask me, I get frustrated with open houses as most of the visitors are just looking and may want to buy sometime in the future.

Call me today and let's get your home SOLD!

Selling Smart in Today's Market

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:02:15 -0800

In today's buyers market you can sell "smart" and feel good about your sale. Here are four tips to selling "smart".

First - "Stage Your Home to Sell". I help all my seller's "stage their homes to sell" for free. You may also pay a staging professional to stage your home. This is not the same as do interior decorating. You want to make your home look like a "model" home. You want to declutter your home and pack away all personal items. You are moving and what a great way to get started.

Second - Make your home "fresh and bright". Neutral colors that are popular with today's buyers help make your home sell more quickly. I can tell you which colors today's buyers like.

Third - Check with your realtor and ask how they advertise your home. I spend most of my advertising dollars online. 94% of buyers look there and the first showings of your home are online showings. Buyers look online and look at all the pictures and descriptions of your home and then decide if they want to go look at your home. I only advertise in the paper for open houses. I haven't received phone calls from newspaper advertising in several years.

Fourth - Most Importantly price your home to sell! If you price your home too high, it will sit on the market for 3 to 4 weeks, then you will have to reduce your price and you may have lost the buyer that would have bought your home in the first couple of weeks. Time is money and losing a month may cost you more in the end than if you priced it correctly and sold in right away! You have a better chance of getting close to asking if you start at the correct price.

Get Your Property Taxes Reduced

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:04:12 -0800

Home values have decreaseded all across the US. Yet our property taxes have stayed the same in many areas. You can dispute your home's assessment with the county.

Call the county or visit their website and see if they have a form you can fill out.

Check to see what your home is assessed for. If it is higher than fair market value you should try and see if you can get the taxes lowered.

Make sure all the information is correct. For example, if it says you have a 4 bedroom and you have a 3 bedroom home, that can lower your taxes.

In Summit County, Ohio there is a form you can fill out to dispute your taxes.

Talk to your local real estate agent to see what homes have sold for in the last year in your neighborhood. You can use these comparables to send into the county assessor's office with your form.

Reducing your taxes is especially helpful if you are planning to sell your home as part of qualifying for a mortage is the purchase price plus the real estate taxes.

Live on a Golf Course in Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:43:20 -0800

Here is the condos at Fonderlac Village. The condos in this picture face the 15th green. All the condos have a view of the golf course. I love my view the best which is similar to picture below. You can see the golf course and Lake Evans in the background. I live in a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo with a gas fireplace. There is an attached garage with 2 parking places and some additional storage. The fireplace keeps me toasty warm on those cool winter nights. The only bad part of living here is no golfing in the winter. The condos are located down a private road. It feels so private. Lots of trees and birds and nature! I can go walking here everyday. The Lake Club is a private country club offering an exercise room, dining room, golfing and more.

If you would like to have a golf hideway and play golf on a wonderful golf course, contact me today. These condos are priced between $89,900 and $164,900 and there are several up for sale right now. This would make a perfect place to live or a wonderful vacation home. Call or email me today for more information!

Being an Honest Realtor

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:45:15 -0800

The other day I heard that realtors are crooks. I know that in every profession there are dishonest people, however, in every profession, there are many wonderful professionals. I try and explain to each and every client which things in the transaction are in my control and which things are not. I don't have any control over the mortgage company or the underwriters or the appraisers. I can try and help make the transaction go more smoothly by getting all the information needed that I can provide and by keeping calm and keeping the lines of communication open.

Honesty and Communication are the biggest key to keeping everyone calm and on the same page during a frustrating transaction. With mortgage companies - underwriters being more careful and conservative, we all need to work together to keep deals moving in the right direction. It is important to let my clients know that I don't have all the answers but I will get them. I am knowledgeable, honest and hardworking.

The most important idea I can transmit to my clients is that I am here to help them get the best deal they can get on their home whether buying or selling. I am here to HELP THEM!

Finding Out More About Living in Stow Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:36:47 -0800

The City of Stow has its own website at: www.stow.oh.us .

You can get information about their parks, golf course at Fox Den, community events, city council, utilities, city meeting minutes, mayor's office and other city offices, permits, how to open a business in Stow, Bow Wow Beach - dog park, playgrounds, campgrounds, local schools - public and private.. The list goes on and on. Check out their website. If you can't find what you are looking for, let me know and I will get you the information.

Try this Par 3 Course Golf Course at Leisure Time in Stow Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:31:22 -0800

This 18-hole par 3 course features 2,144 yards of golf for a par of 54. It is a great place for beginners and to practice your short game. I have found a number of lost balls when golfing here. I hit my ball in the woods one day and ended up with 10 balls, unfortunately, not my ball. I know I sometimes have a hard time giving up looking for my ball when it is in the woods or in the rough. I am sure I could find it, if I only look a little harder. I need a ball tracker! In 2009 they had a special on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for nine holes for $7.00. You don't have to be a member to play here. What a great time to play golf between showing homes and working at the office. It is only a few minutes from my office as well. I liked playing here regularly as I could see how much my score improved over the summer. No carts here, but what a great way to get some exercise walking the course carrying my golf bag, of course, you can always use a pull cart if you want.

I borrowed this picture from Leisure Time. This is hole number 9. On 10 watch out for the lake, it loves to eat balls. Be sure to check out their website at: http://www.leisuretimerecreation.com/

Golfers Try Brookledge Golf Course in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:09:12 -0800

Brookledge Golf Course is another course I were I have played. It is off of Bailey Rd. They have a driving range that is covered, so you can practice in the rain and has artificial turf. I think I get a false sense of hitting the ball well off plastic grass. They also have another driving range with real grass. This course is fun and I loved to play in the eve during twilight golf. This picture is of Hole number 1. The first time I played here the Canadian Geese were lined up near the tee box. I watched another golf take aim and he turfed it and unfortunately for the goose, instead of the ball sailing high into the air, it slammed into his neck. You can guess this goose was upset and me too. I was very relieved he didn't kill it. My daughter lost her Cleveland Indians golf ball in the woods and we still think someday we might find it.

For more pictures please look on the Cuyahoga Falls City website: cfo.cityofcf.com

Golfers Try Fox Den Golf Course Stow Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:58:54 -0800

I am still a beginner at the game of golf and I love trying out new golf courses. Five minutes from my office here in Stow is Fox Den. They have a driving range, which I use when I only have 30 minutes or so in between appointments. Practice, practice, practice. I have also played their 18 hole golf course. I really enjoyed it and it has some challenging greens. It has 6,441 yards of golf for a par of 72 with rye grass. Not that the type of grass will affect my game, but I have noticed that different courses play differently with different types of grass. The course is closed for the winter but will open in mid-March. I can't wait to get out there again. I have found several places that are open all year long and will take advantage of those courses weather permitting.

Save on Heating Bills With This Little Known Tip

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:59:18 -0800

Air Ducts are not easily visible, but uninsulated or leaking air ducts can cause you to lose up to 60% of your heat before it reaches the register. Check all visible air ducts for holes or for sections that have come slightly apart. If the sections are loose, used foil tape or a tape that is is approved for heat. You may want to insulate you heating ducts to save on heating and cooling bills. If you buy a new duct systemask for one that has insulation already installed. While insulating ducts, also insulate your water pipes as well. Get a professional to help you. Remember to have a vapor barrier on the outside of insulation on cooling ducts. That will help prevent moisture buildup. I never thought of checking my duct work, but what an easy way to cut back on heating and cooling bills.

Don't forget to install a carbon monoxide detector now that you have your furnace running. It is just as important as a smoke detector.

Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:15:22 -0800

So it is time to sell your home or just want to remodel your kitchen. Here are a few tips to fix up your Kitchen on a budget:

One way to open up your kitchen is to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room or remove half of the wall and turn the lower half into an eating bar with cabinets below. This will give you more counter tops and still allow you to have some cabinet space as well.

For kitchens that don't have much counterspace install appliances that mount under the countertop. I also heard of a special Rev-A-Shelf. It is a lift that you put your appliances on so you don't have to leave them on the counter.

Replacing counter tops with granite is the hot buttons for buyers today. As I mentioned in a previous post, quartz counter tops look like granite and are less expensive. You can also find thinner granite slabs. Most granite is 1 1/4" thick and if you shop around you can find a 3/4" version which is less expensive.

You can buy cabinets that need to be assembled or cabinets that need to be stained and finished. I chose to buy cabinets that were ready to be installed. I had a friend help me install them and saved the installation cost. If you shop around you may even be able to find them on sale and save another 10% or more. If you are on a really tight budget, paint the old cabinets which will give them a fresh new look.

Don't move the plumbing. It might be tempting, but moving the plumbing can add big bucks to your remodeling job.

Replace the old flooring with vinyl or ceramic tile flooring to finish off your kitchen remodel.

Why Use a Home Inspector

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:15:22 -0800

When you buy a home you should always get a home inspection. I have shown several homes to buyers that I thought were in good shape and yet, when the home inspector checked the house, he found a number of serious issues. You don't want to buy a home and then later when you go to sell find out it has some big issues that are very expensive to repair and would have been detected by a home inspector.

I always recommend ASCHI certified inspectors. They have to have 120 inspections under their belt before they can be certified. They will also give you up to a 27 page report listing all of the very small problems to very big problems that they find. Plus they always give maintenance tips as well. You should follow the inspector around as he does his inspection so he can show you everything he sees. Some items will be maintenance items you may need to take care of in a year or so.

If the home inspector finds a serious problem you may be able to ask for it to be repaired/replaced or get a price reduction on the house or in the worst case scenario, you may want to back out of the deal. One of my clients found that the foundation was in serious need of repair and were so happy they could back out and find another home that didn't need major repairs.

Dancing at the Grotto in Tallmadge Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:43:55 -0800

The Grotto has a nice restaurant and popular bar. The bar feautures different bands and I was there to see Blue Eyed Souls, a band that sings Motown, Funk, Rock and Country. They were great and enjoyed listening to them. There is also a dance floor and as you can see by the picture everyone got up to dance and enjoy themselves. Here is a picture of the band. I took these pictures with my iphone, no flash but not too bad for a phone camera.

Heating Tips for Winter

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:59:41 -0800

With cold weather upon us, it is time to start thinking about saving on heating costs. Here are a few tips to help keep your gas bill under control.

Set your thermostat as low as you can stand it. Get a programmable thermostat and set it to go down at night when you go to sleep and then up again just before you get up in the morning. I also set mine to go down while I am out working during the day.

Remember to check your furnace filters every month and replace as needed.

Clean your warm air registers. They can get full of dust. Also make sure furniture is not blocking the warm air registers.

Don't leave the exhaust fans in the bath or kitchen running longer than necessary

Keep curtains or drapes open on south facing windows during the day as the sun will warm up those rooms. I always notice that my living room is a couple of degrees warmer when the sun is out. Converserly close drapes at night to keep the warmth in. For colder climates, you can buy lined drapes that help keep the warmth in and the cold out.

Remodeling Basements and Attics

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:33:20 -0800

Basement and attic remodels are good ways to increase the value of your home. Attic remodels can recover as much as 60 to 75% of the cost of the remodel. For example if it cost you $53,000 to remodel your attic, you may sale your home for an additional $35,000 on the sale of your home. This is a national figure and could be different for each area you live in. I would be happy to help you determine what remodel jobs will result in the increase of the value of your home. Definitely having work needing to be done can reduce the value of your home.

One owner painted the paneling in her basement, making it look fresh and bright and getting rid of the old dark paneling look of the basement. New carpet is a great plus. Putting in new windows or glass block windows is another plus.

Attics can be turned into offices or bedrooms. Finish the ceiling and put down carpet or paint over a wood floor. Curtains and neutral colors can also add warmth and make a room really sparkle. With today's federal credits you can also add insulation to the attics.

New light fixtures can be purchased at a minimal price and can make a home look updated.

Top Remodeling Projects For Selling Your Home

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:33:38 -0800

If you want to sell your home these are the top projects you should tackle. I have listed them from less to more expensive.

1. Paint interior of your home in neutral colors, don't use white or off white. Light beige colors are warmer.

2. If needed, get new carpet. Many stores will do 12 months same as cash, so you don't have to have the money to pay for it now. I did the 12 months same as cash and paid for the carpet when I sold my home and paid for it from the proceeds of my sale.

3.If your basement isn't finished a nice coat of paint on the walls and floor really brighten up the basement. Be sure to use concrete paint.

4. Restain the Deck and/or replace any rotting wood.

5. Trim bushes outside to make the exterior look more appealing.

6. If needed, paint the outside of your home or put on new siding. You can recoop up to 80% of the cost when reselling your home.

7. Kitchen remodel: If you don't have a lot of money, upgrade the sink and faucet, paint cupboards and put on new knobs. Polished pewter/silver knobs are currently fashionable and also neutral. New Counter tops and or new cupboards if necessary. There are a number of formica counter tops that look like granite and will make your kitchen standout. If your home is over $300,000 you will want to install granite counter tops. A new product just out is quartz counter tops. They are less expensive but look similar to granite. What about the kitchen flooring? Does it need to be updated? What about your appliances? How old are they? Do they need to be replaced?

8. Replace old windows. There may be a credit for the government on this project.

I am happy to talk to you about which projects would most effectively sell your home. Just email or call me. The idea is to fix up your home at the least amount of cost with the highest return on your remodeling investment.

Picking out a Real Estate Agent For Buying A Home

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:21:44 -0800

There are several questions you should ask when picking out a real estate agent.

Ask how much experience they have and if they are a full time agent. A full time agent will be with you every step of the way and at all times of the day as well. The word experienced speaks for itself.

Experienced agents have testimonials from past clients. You may even get a referral from friends or neighbors.

Look online and see if the agent has a website and if you google them, where do they place in the search engine rankings. Check out their website to learn more about them.

You will want to talk to the agent and see if you feel comfortable with them, do they seem knowledge, helpful, friendly.

Ask what type and how much continuing education classes they have taken. I think it is very important to keep up to date on all the issues going on in the real estate world.

Once you pick out an agent, stick with that agent. Don't call or go look at other homes with other agents. Your agent will know exactly what you are looking for and will have all of your information and criteria for homes. Your agent can show you any home, not just a home from their company. Remember your agent doesn't get paid a penny until you buy a home and it closes. If you look with a secondary agent, the first agent will not get paid anything. So if you see a house you like don't call the number on the sign, call your agent. If they are like me, they will have their iphone or blackberry handy and can look up the information on that home in few seconds.

If you decide you don't like your agent, send them an email or text and let them know you are switiching agents, that way they won't keep pestering you about other homes for sale and they can move on to another customer.

As a realtor, I want to help my buyers get a great deal on a wonderful home with the minimum of hassle. Let me guide you through the complexities of buying a home!

Homes for Sale in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:53:58 -0800

Today there are 174 homes for sale in Cuyahoga Falls. There are 40 homes that are pending and 40 homes that have sold in November. You may think there are alot of homes for sale here, but there are also a large number that are selling every month. Cuyahoga Falls has some excellent bargains for people who are willing to fix up a home and I have seen some wonderful bargains on homes that are all fixed up too! Remember those homes selling at bargain prices are going quickly, ask how I can help you find out about those homes first.

1952 12th St is a colonial with 2 full bathrooms and a first floor family room, which are both bonus's for homes in the Falls. It has 3 bedrooms and a 1 car garage and over 1400 square feet. It is listed for $134,900. If you would like more info on that home or any other home for sale in Cuyahoga Falls, email me and I would love to help you.

Homes For Sale in Stow Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:25:20 -0800

There are 141 homes for sale in Stow. 13 Homes went pending in the month of November and 12 homes sold. The prices for homes for sale are from $64,900 to $529,900. There are a number of great deals out there.

One special home is a ranch on 2747 Progress Park listed at $164,900 with 3 -4 bedrooms, one side of this home is handicap accessible. It was completely remodeled and updated in 2004. It has a beautiful maple kitchen with Ceramic tile floors. For more infomation please email me and I will send you all the details or ask me about other homes for sale in Stow.

What To Know About Short Sales If You Are a Buyer

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:11:06 -0700

So you have been looking at homes and the one you love says "short sale". A short sale means the owner owes more money to the bank than they are selling their home for. You write up an offer, make it your best offer as it takes weeks, even months to get a response from the bank. If you are the bank's first offer, you will have to wait for the bank to assign a negotiator. Then the bank will send out an appraiser and possibly ask the listing realtor to send in comparable sold homes. After all this is done the bank will consider your offer. I have a short sale listing with an offer in May and it took until August to get the approval from the bank. Be prepared to wait. If an offer has already been submitted and rejected or the buyer gave up waiting, you may be able to be approved within a month or less if you are lucky. There are some great deals to be made on a home with a short sale but be prepared to wait, wait, wait.

Rockin On the River in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:45:23 -0700

A very popular activity in Cuyahoga Falls is the Rockin on the River concerts. They are held during the summer every Friday night. There are very good memory bands that come and play. One of the most popular is the Led Zeppelin memory band. It is usually very crowded that night. There are two bands that play. There is some seating, but you will need to get there early to get a seat. Most of the people that come stand in the courtyard and listen to the music while having a beer or wine and enjoy the food vendors. This year there were more food vendors. You can see many people there from young to old enjoying the music and taking a stroll along the river. Local charitable organizations serve beer to make money for their charities. What a way to bring people together!

Fun Things to Do in Hudson Ohio

Susan Sawyer, Hudson Ohio Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Chervenic Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:38:41 -0700

There are some fun activities to do in Hudson. One is Art on the Green which takes place every August. There are a a number of artists that show their work ranging from oil paintings to jewelry. Kettle corn is always popular and there are several organizations such as the Masons and Rotary Club that serve lunch. I have seen woodworkers and pottery designers there as well. The weather is usually nice at that time of year as well. It is held across the street from the clock tower and a good time is had by all.

A Taste of Hudson is held on Labor Day weekend at the First and Main shopping area. You pay for a cash card and then go around to local restaurants and give them your card to enjoy a taste of their food. I found it interesting to see what the foods tasted like. There was one restaurant I always wanted to try and since they were there took advantage of trying their foods. There was a new restaurant there too and I really enjoyed their food. I won't mention any names as you need to try it for yourself. This year Acme was there giving out food samples and I got to taste some new brands of tortilla chips, crackers and even some cheese. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Here is the card you get:

On Memorial Day there is a parade through downtown Hudson. It is about 30 minutes long and is very enjoyable. The Hudson Band marches. They are always a treat to hear. There are old cars, firetrucks, dancers, sometimes even horses. My children always enjoyed going.