By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

The rate of new foreclosures in Marblehead was steady in April, new housing data shows.

Last month, banks began foreclosure proceedings against three homeowners, the same number as in April 2011, according to the Warren Group, which tracks housing figures state-wide.

Auctions of foreclosed homes increased from one last April to two this April. Deeds of foreclosed homes, the mark of a completed foreclosure, rose only slightly from one home deeded last April to two last month.

To see town-by-town listings of foreclosures in April, click here.

Marblehead seems relatively insulated from a statewide trend of ramped up foreclosure activity, after regulatory actions in 2011 brought much of the process to a halt.

"Foreclosure activity was so low last year that we're inevitably seeing a rise in foreclosures across the state," said Cory S. Hopkins, editorial director of The Warren Group, in a statement. "It's necessary for a wave of foreclosures to work through the system this year, but it shouldn't cause panic. In order to return to a healthier market, the backlog of distressed properties needs to be cleared from banks' books."

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

More than double the number of homes were sold in April in Marblehead than in the same month last year, but median prices for those properties dipped significantly, recent housing data shows.

In all, 20 homes went under agreement in the North Shore community in April, up from eight in April 2011, according to the Warren Group, which tracks housing data throughout the state.

The strong sales figures were accompanied by median prices that fell $43,750, to $411,500.

Condominium sales were scant, at three units under agreement in the month, up from one recorded last April. The median price for the condominiums was $173,800, but because so few units sold in the same period last month no comparable statistics were available for the change in price.

Statewide, April was the strongest month for home prices since October 2011, a sign of a rebounding market, Timothy M. Warren, CEO of the Warren Group, said in a statement.

"Low mortgage rates and an improving job market in the Bay State are encouraging buyers to enter the market," Warren said. "It looks like the months ahead will continue to be positive as the strong spring and summer market heats up. Typically, June is the biggest month of the year for real estate closings."

Marblehead residents Wes Styles and Sofia Goetz as they finish Project Bread’s 44th Walk for Hunger. They joined 43,000 other walkers and volunteers who raised $3.6 million to fund more than 450 food programs that protect the individual and strengthen our community food security.

The following was submitted by Project Bread - The Walk for Hunger:

To search for homes in the area, go to www.boston.com/realestate

Nancy Fromson

These 2011 volunteers helped make Performing Arts happen at Crocker Park.

The following was submitted by the Marblehead Festival of Arts (MFoA):

Before the musicians take the stage at The Marblehead Festival of Arts at Crocker Park, the stage has to be built. And before they utter a note, the sound and lights have to be up and running. These tasks, and many others, are the job of the volunteer Sound & Lights Crew & the Performing Arts Committee.

Performing Arts Chair Brian Wheeler explained that along with the regular crew, many of these volunteers are interns at or graduates of the New England Institute of Arts Audio and Media Technology Program in Brookline, MA. “Our connection with the school began over 10 years ago, and it is thriving today. Many of our previous classes of interns still come back every year … taking breaks from their jobs, camping out at Crocker for the week and teaching our new volunteers how to put up, run and take down a show. And, of course, it’s all under the leadership of our long-standing Sound Lights Committee chair and 35+ year Festival veteran Robb Macomber. It’s truly an amazing experience!”

This year’s Festival is set for June 30-July 4, with live entertainment at beautiful, historic Crocker Park, overlooking Marblehead Harbor, over five nights and three days. On Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, the Local Artists Showcase will feature our up-and-coming talent. On Saturday through Wednesday evenings, the Pros take to the stage. All the performances are free.

All over Marblehead, plans like these are underway; and volunteers are gearing up for one of New England’s premiere arts festivals. It’s an exciting week for our town, and it’s almost here. Visit MarbleheadFestival.org for details.