IN THE GARDEN: The benefits of homegrown popcorn, F4
ANTIQUES: Majolica pottery was an 1800s phenomenon, F6
Do any of those viral grout cleaners actually work? We put them to the test.
By Jolie K err
The Washington Post
TO A CLEANING EX-
pert, or to this cleaning expert, at least, grout cleaners are up there with oven cleaners on the list of Products I Just Wish Were Better. (That working title is a bit clunky, but its meaning is clear, I think.)
There are good options. But none of them are great, which means I’m always on the lookout for an agent, tool, technique, whispered incantation, etc. that may prove to be the One True Grout Cleaner. Fortuitously, we live in a time when every week, every day, every hour, there’s new content on TikTok touting just that — the final boss of grout cleaners — and I decided to try them so you don’t have to.
For this test, I pitted two tried-and-true grout cleaning methods against two of their viral counterparts. The good news is that they all work. Each one of these grout cleaners left my grout, well, clean. But they also all had drawbacks. Some were messy, some were smelly, some will try their best to maim or kill you. The best advice you’ll find in this guide is this: Pick the grout cleaning method you feel most comfortable with, the one that seems the least hellish to you personally.
A note on scrub brushes
You have, no doubt, seen those electric scrub brushes that are all over TikTok. They look very, very cool. Their good looks, however, belie the fact that they are absolutely terrible
at cleaning. I won’t go as far in my criticism of these horrible things as did my pals at the Wirecutter, who declared that electric scrub brushes are “the worst cleaning tool we’ve ever tested,” but that is only because I have met the Baffect Magnetic Window Cleaner and I know it to be much, much worse. For this testing, I used Libman scrub brushes; the set of three heavy-duty scrub brushes features five different bristled scrubbing heads, and different handle designs, which were nice for switching between different grout cleaning jobs (vertical surfaces, horizontal surfaces, tight corners, lipped edges). At $10 for the set, it is a good buy that I would recommend.
Method 1: Oxygen bleach + scrub brush + time
I think of this method, which relies on oxygen bleach, a gentler and slower-acting alternative to chlorine bleach, to break down and eliminate grimy buildup on grout, as old faithful: It always works, it is low-cost and environmentally friendly, and it requires only minimal effort compared to scrubbing grout with a toothbrush. It’s most effective on floors, but the solution can be decanted into a spray bottle for use on vertical grouted surfaces. It does, however, call for time, and during that time, the space will be out of commission. Keep that in mind if the grout in need of cleaning is in your only bathroom!
What you need
Powdered oxygen bleach
Hot water
A bowl, pitcher or cup with a spout
A scrub brush
Microfiber cloths or mop
Step-by-step instructions and notes on usage
• Make an oxygen bleach solution by dissolving it in hot
water (follow package instructions for measurements, typically one full scoop to one gallon of hot water).
• Starting in the back corner and working in sections toward the door, pour a thin layer of oxygen bleach solution on the floor, taking care not to cause a flood. To do this, it is helpful to mix the solution in a bowl, pitcher or cup with a spout. To clean a vertical surface, decant the solution into a spray bottle and saturate the grout.
• Working in sections, pour the solution onto the floor in an S-shape and use a scrub brush to distribute it evenly across the tile. As you move the solution across the grout, give a quick back-and-forth with the scrub brush, allowing the bristles to push the solution into the porous grout and agitate surface-level grime. This does not call for aggressive or lengthy scrubbing! A quick chh-chh is all that’s needed.
• Allow the solution to sit on the grout, undisturbed, for 30 to 60 minutes. Oxygen bleach is slow-acting, and the more time you give it to work, the better your results will be.
• Use a mop or cleaning cloths to mop up the solution, rinsing with clean water as needed so that no residue is left behind. The grout may not look substantially brighter at this point, and that is okay. Wet grout can look dingy and dirty, but as it dries you will begin to see a major difference and, once it is completely dry, it will look bright white (or bright whatever color it originally was).
This method is best for:
• Deep-cleaning dingy grout
• Floors
• People looking to avoid harsh chemical cleaners and tedious scrubbing
• People who are sensitive to smells
But skip it if:
• You’re short on time
• The space in need of cleaning is heavily trafficked, or cannot be out of commission for 30 to 60 minutes
• Joint or back problems make it difficult to bend and kneel
Method 2: Commercial spray cleaners for grout
Commercial spray cleaners formulated for use on grout, including Tilex and X-14, have two main advantages over gentler multipurpose cleaning agents and DIY solutions. The first is that they come ready to use — there’s no measuring and mixing required, you don’t need to provide your own container, and the bottle has instructions on proper use, storage and safety precautions. The second is that they work incredibly well, and very quickly.
The downside is the reason they’re so effective: They rely on strong chemical cleaning agents, which can be harsh on the skin, respiratory system and environment. To put it in more human terms, this stuff stinks - literally. It’s also worth noting that while these products were a standout on mold, mildew and Serratia marcescens, a.k.a. pink mold, in testing, they were less effective at lifting grime without the use of a scrub brush.
What you need
A commercial grout cleaner, such as Tilex or X-14
Cleaning cloths and/or scrub brushes
Step-by-step instructions
• First, always read the direc-
tions on the package to avoid costly and/or dangerous mistakes. Most commercial grout and tile cleaners are formulated with powerful chemicals, and misusing these products can cause significant damage.
• Spray the cleaner onto the grout. Allow it to sit, following the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 5 to 10 minutes; when working with heavy-duty chemical cleaners, it is important not to exceed the recommended time to avoid damaging surfaces, and to keep fumes from taking over the space).
• Wipe or rinse away the grout cleaner and let the grout dry. If stubborn stains persist, use a scrub brush for deeper cleaning, then rinse. Be sure to store your cleaners properly, based on the manufacturer’s guidelines; commercial grout products can pose a safety hazard.
This method is best for:
• Immediate results
• People who want the most effective and easiest to use product, regardless of safety issues
• People who do not want to fool with scrub brushes
• Remediating significant mold and mildew buildup
But skip it if:
• You have a respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD or emphysema
• You are sensitive to smells
• There are children or pets in the home
• The space you’re cleaning lacks ventilation
• The grout is more grimy than moldy
Commercial spray cleaners are effective, but they rely on strong chemical cleaning agents. (PHOTO / COVER PHOTO ADOBE STOCK IMAGES)
Scrub brushes work very well on grout. (ADOBE
BLACK FRIDAY BLOWOUT
BATHS, SHOWERS, WINDOWS & DOORS
YANKEE HOME’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!!!!
Dear Neighbor,
Black Friday isn’t just for TVs and toasters. This year, the biggest deal in town is happening in your own bathroom.
Right now – for a few short days only – you can save a staggering $999 on a brand-new bath or shower remodel from Yankee Home.
Black Friday isn’t just for TVs and toasters. This year, the biggest deal in town is happening in your own bathroom.
But here’s the kicker...
Right now – for a few short days only – you can save a staggering $999 on a brand-new bath or shower remodel from Yankee Home.
All work MUST be scheduled before year-end to qualify for these savings. Why? Because demand skyrockets before the holidays—and once our schedule is full, it’s FULL. No exceptions.
Right now, smart homeowners are booking ahead so their homes look great when guests arrive—and before prices inevitably rise in 2026.
50% OFF Installation Costs $0 Down, 0% Interest* $999 OFF YOUR PROJECT
All with NO pressure and a price locked in for a full year, even if you don’t buy on the spot.
But here’s the kicker...
But don’t wait—these savings disappear November 30th. Get ahead of the holiday rush today.
Helping you love your home, $999 OFF YOUR ENTIRE PROJECT
“Three years later, the brand new shower has been the greatest improvement in our house that we’ve ever done. Every day we say this was the best thing we did in our house. Totally worth the money! We’ve had a few things come up, and the service after the sale was superior!” -John & Debbie
All work MUST be scheduled before year-end to qualify for these savings. Why? Because demand skyrockets before the holidays—and once our schedule is full, it’s FULL. No exceptions.
“Three years later, the brand new shower has been the greatest improvement in our house that we’ve ever done. Every day we say this was the best thing we did in our house. Totally worth the money! We’ve had a few things come up, and the service after the sale was superior!” -John & Debbie
You’ll get:
Right now, smart homeowners are booking ahead so their homes look great when guests arrive—and before prices inevitably rise in 2026.
Popcorn helped usher in the first Thanksgiving
IWAS SURPRISED AT THE DIFferent colors of my ears this fall — popcorn ears, that is. ‘Pink Pearl’ popcorn lived up to its name, yielding short ears with shiny, pink kernels. Peeling back each dry husk of ‘Pennsylvania Dutch Butter Flavored’ popcorn revealed rows of creamy white kernels. The surprise came from some ears from either bed whose kernels were multi-colored, each in a different way, with some kernels mahogany-red, some pale pink, some dark pink, and some lemon yellow.
I plan to bring some of these popped kernels to Thanksgiving dinner, just as Native American chief Massasoit’s brother, Quadequina, brought along a sack of popped popcorn to the first Thanksgiving feast almost four centuries ago.
Popcorn predates that first Thanksgiving in America by thousands of years. Kernels have been found in the remains of Central American settlements of almost 7000 years ago. The Quichas of Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico grew red, yellow, and white popcorns. Even after that first Thanksgiving dinner, popcorn was eaten by settlers in the Northeast as a breakfast staple with milk and maple sugar or floated on soup (very good!). Beginning in the last century, movie and television viewing caused a resurgence in popcorn consumption.
I can just hear some “rational” person explaining to me why popcorn isn’t worth growing in a backyard garden. After all, you can pick up a whole pound of popcorn for couple of dollars from a supermarket shelf. And not just any popcorn, but “gourmet” popcorn that makes tender and large popped kernels
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming programs: On Friday, Nov. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., “Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop.” Hilary Collingwood of Moonflower Farm will guide you step-by-step in designing a stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece. Whether you’re
(with an expansion ratio of forty-four to one, for the technically minded).
If you buy popcorn, you also don’t have to set aside a separate portion of the garden for it. Popcorn has to be isolated from sweet corn or else cross-pollination between the plants will make popcorn less poppable and sweet corn less sweet. In my garden, a distance of about fifty feet has been enough to keep popcorn and sweet corn to themselves. (I have two vegetable gardens, affectionately and jokingly referred to as le potager du nord and potager du sud.)
Likewise, if you want each kernel of Pennsyvania Dutch Butter Flavored
hosting dinner or simply want to bring a little autumn magic into your home, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind arrangement and the skills to make more. All vessels and plant materials are provided. Cost $90 members, $110 nonmembers.
Saturday, Nov. 22 or Sunday, Nov. 23, “Crafting a Holiday Wreath from Fresh and Dried Botanicals.” This three-hour program on your choice of Nov. 22 or Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will combine a classroom introduction with guided handson practice using 14-inch
popcorn to be white and each one of Pink Pearl to be pink, you need to isolate these varieties from each other. My surprise ears arose, no doubt, from the insufficient isolation of the two varieties from each other. Depending on where they are in the rotation of beds in le potager du sud, the two varieties might be as close as eight feet or as far a twenty five feet apart.
Another rationale against growing backyard popcorn is the trouble of weeding and keeping pests at bay. I did weed, but there were no pest problems. And then, if you grow popcorn, you have to go to the trouble of harvesting
balsam wreath forms, after which you will take home your own decorated holiday wreath. Chris Ferrero will lead this class, starting with a slide program introducing principles, techniques and creative ideas. Then participants will be assigned workstations in the same studio used by BBG’s wreath designers, several of whom will be on hand to help you select materials and practice optimal construction skills. Experience with a hot glue gun is recommended. Cost is $100 members, $130 nonmembers. To register
the ears and preparing the kernels for popping. On a dry, sunny day back in October, I went out to the garden and snapped each ear off its stalk. I sat down on an overturned crate next to my basketful of popcorn ears, and as the autumn sun warmed my shoulders, I pulled back the dry husks to expose the ears, then tied them together in bundles by their husks. All this “trouble” was not what I would call unpleasant activity. Most of the bundles now are hanging –and decorating – a rafter in my kitchen. To ready the corn for popping, I snap a few kernels off an ear to make some empty space, then grasp the ear in both hands and twist it in opposite directions. When it comes to actually popping the corn, you can have confidence that almost every kernel of store-bought popcorn will pop. Water — just the right amount (13 to 14.5%, once again, for the technically-minded) — is the secret to getting popcorn to pop. I’ve heard of gardeners trying to get their harvested popcorn to the right moisture level by either sprinkling the kernels with water or by spreading the kernels on trays to dry in the sun. An old gardening book recommends letting popcorn “dry in a loft for a season or two. Dry two-yearold corn pops best.” I couldn’t confirm that because each season’s harvest is pretty much eaten when the next batch is ready to store here. Don’t let fear of non-popping dissuade you from planting popcorn next May. By leaving ears on the stalks until fully ripe, then hanging them in a dry location indoors (my kitchen), my popcorn’s poppability (percent of kernels popping) almost matches that of store-bought.
for either class, visit www. berkshirebotanical.org. For more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road. Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
Lee reich | In the Garden
Popcorn ears hanging from a kitchen rafter are decorative and it also lets them dry for good poppage. (LEE REICH PHOTO)
Grout
Method 3: Viral grout cleaner recipe
Recipes for DIY grout cleaners have been around for ages. This one caught my eye when a writer at Better Homes & Gardens (where I am also a contributor) tested it after seeing a viral Instagram post touting its efficacy. While it worked, it’s the method I’m least likely to recommend. I found it messy and a slog, and it’s not something that I feel the need to do again, to myself or to my grout.
What you need
¾ cup baking soda
¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap
8-ounce or larger squeeze bottle
Scrub brush
Cleaning cloth
Step-by-step instructions
• Mix ingredients together and pour them into the squeeze bottle. Do not secure the top, and leave plenty of headspace in the bottle, as the chemical reaction between the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide creates foam and
expands. Ask me how I know this.
• Squeeze the paste onto the grout. Be aware that because of the foaming chemical reaction, the paste is likely to come out in spurts, blobs and other eruptions.
• Allow 15 minutes for the paste to penetrate and break down the grime on the grout. Then use a scrub brush to scour the grout, lifting grime out of the pores.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe the paste off of the grout, rinsing the cloth as needed and wiping until no residue is left to prevent haze. Allow the grout to dry completely. This method is best for:
• Those looking for alternatives to commercial cleaning agents
• People who are sensitive to smells
• Cost-conscious cleaners
• Cleaning grimy grout
• Cleaning grouted backsplashes
But skip it if:
• Literally any of the other options here seem appealing to you
Method 4: Viral steam cleaner
When I reviewed the Bissell Steam Shot, I declared that it was “the tool for scrubbing
grout.” I stand by that, but after more than a year with what is a very cool little machine, I have more to say about it.
The first is that when testing it in February 2024, I flagged that burn risks are a big safety issue with these types of tools and, yep, in July 2024 Bissell issued a recall of the Steam Shot due to burn hazards. The second is this: It’s true that I fell deeply in love with the Steam Shot during testing, but the romance proved fleeting
and I have barely used it since. It’s a great tool, but I almost never want to go through the whole routine of taking it out of storage, filling it up, plugging it in, heating it up, attaching the little brushy parts, cleaning my grout without melting off my manicure or flesh, wiping up all that water, unplugging the machine, letting it cool down enough that it won’t spew scalding water on my face, emptying the chamber, disassembling
the pieces, letting them dry, putting them back in the box … well, you get the idea. With that said, if you love a power tool or gadget and don’t mind the setup and breakdown, steam cleaners are highly effective at what they do and very fun to use. They’re also powerful cleaners that don’t require harsh or heavy-duty cleaning agents to get the job done — just water and electricity.
I admit that my popcorns’ expansion ratios are only a measly twenty to one, but this ratio depends more on what variety is grown than on horticultural skill.
Taste differences between popcorns are more significant, and I believe that my popcorn tastes better than store-bought, richer and “cornier.” I once thought that this was perhaps an example of the “halo” effect, in this case my growing the popcorn makes me believe it tastes better than the bought stuff. But a few years ago, a neighbor grew his own popcorn and volunteered that he agreed. (Two “halo” effects. Perhaps. Try a blind tasting.)
All winter, whenever I
pop popcorn, I drop a few seeds from each ear into an envelope, a separate one for each variety to provide seed for the next season’s garden. Collecting a few seeds from many plants, according to Carol Deppe’s excellent book “Breed Your Own Vegetables,” prevents inbreeding depression that corn, which can self-pollinate, is very subject to. Inbreeding depression leads to, as Carol writes, plants that “germinate poorly, grow poorly, yield poorly, and die (or yield nothing at all) at the slightest excuse.” All in all, it seems to me that the main rationale against growing popcorn is having to decide whether to eat or to admire the colorful ears hanging from the kitchen rafter.
Have a happy Thanksgiving.
Terry
& Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
19th-century majolica ceramics are often sought by collectors
MAJOLICA, THE famous tin-glazed earthenware pottery, gets its name from Majorca (Mallorca), the Mediterranean island off the east coast of Spain. Tinglazed pottery was brought to Spain by the Moors and spread to Italy as early as the 14th century, then to the rest of Europe. By the 1800s, majolica was a phenomenon in Europe. Potteries throughout the continent were making pieces with brilliantly colored glazes, often with realistically molded flowers, plants, and animals. Collectors seek these 19th-century ceramics by celebrated makers like Wedgwood and Minton in England or Sarreguemines in France. Portugal may be lesser known among locations for majolica makers, but it had some, too. Caldas da Rainha is known for its elaborate Palissy-style pieces with realistic three-dimensional decorations. Simpler majolica pieces are made, too, and can be a good option for bargain hunters. This hand-painted ruffled bowl is marked for another Portuguese city, Alcobaca. While the city has a long history of ceramics, especially terra-cotta sculptures, this bowl was made in the 20th century and sold for $31 at an auction by Nye & Company.
Q. I have a postcard to my grandfather with a Ben Franklin 1-cent postage stamp. It has a 1911 Iowa postmark and is in good condition. Can you tell me what it is worth?
A. It takes an expert to evaluate a stamp. Its value is not just a matter of its age and condition. All kinds of factors, like the type of print, watermarks, whether the stamp was printed on a
Some antique art forms are still ongoing. Portugal has a long history of making majolica, but modern pieces, like this ruffled bowl from Alcobaca, are often inexpensive. (NYE & COMPANY)
sheet, booklet, or coil, and even the perforations, can affect a stamp’s value.
We recommend looking into more specialized resources to help you identify your stamp and find out what details to look for. The American Philatelic Society (stamps.org) is an excellent place to start. You can also check your local library for books on stamp collecting.
Based on the date of your postmark, we are guessing that your stamp comes from the Second (1902-1908) or Third Bureau Issues (19081922). Both issues included a 1-cent Ben Franklin stamp. (After all, Franklin was the first American postmaster general, so his portrait frequently appears on stamps.) Both are green, but the different issues have distinct designs.
The stamp issued by the Second Bureau can be recognized by “Series 1902” printed at the top. The portrait of Franklin is flanked by two figures seated on pillars with the numeral “1.” The Third Bureau issue has a simpler design, with an oval portrait of Franklin in
profile surrounded by a leafy wreath.
If you believe your stamp is a rare, valuable one, you may want to contact a specialized stamp dealer to help determine a specific value. Some coin dealers also buy and sell stamps. And don’t forget about the value of the postcard itself! Check for an artist’s signature or publisher’s information. A famous artist, rare design, or details like moving parts or unusual materials can increase its value.
Q. How can I find out the value of a bracelet I inherited? It is 14K gold and has a Bliss Brothers mark.
A. For jewelry made of precious metals like gold, it’s important to know the melt-down value. This is the wholesale value of the metal (and gems, if there are any) if the piece were destroyed and the material were sold for scrap.
You can find online “karat calculators” where you can enter the weight of your bracelet (most give the
option of grams or ounces) and the purity of the gold (in your case, 14K) to find its melt-down value. The value depends on the weight of the jewelry and the current price of gold. Never sell a piece of jewelry for less than its meltdown value.
There are gold buyers who will buy jewelry for its meltdown value, but dealers who sell estate jewelry often pay higher prices.
The workmanship and historic value of a piece of antique jewelry often make it worth more. A known maker’s mark usually increases the value, too.
Bliss Brothers is a wellknown jewelry maker. The company started in 1873 as Bliss Brothers & Everett. The name changed to Bliss Brothers Co. about 1887. They are known for their enameled compacts and gold-filled jewelry, but they also made some solid gold jewelry.
TIP: Most old majolica pieces have a colored bottom. The newer pieces have white bottoms.
Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions. Scale, beam, brass, two hooks, incised measurements, signed, L. Locke, 1800s, 25 1/2 inches, $30. Silver-sterling, cruet set, two glass bottles, faceted stoppers, scrolled frame, top handle, raised leaves and flowers, rectangular base, four scrolled feet, 10 x 7 inches, $60. Art glass, centerpiece, iridescent, flared ruffled rim, purple threading, squat base, polished pontil, art deco, 4 x 9 1/2 inches, $125. Toy, train, Hornby, locomotive, tender, two open cars, clockwork, track, box, 1930s, $180.
Furniture, cupboard, chimney, Hepplewhite, pine, paneled door, overhanging top, three interior shelves, shaped bracket base, c. 1840, 80 1/2 inches, $220. Textile, tapestry, Mille Fleurs Armoiree, flower ground, heraldic animals, center crest, stylized landscape, hills, buildings, mixed fibers, label, France, mid-20th century, 52 x 4 1/2 inches, $350. Herend, tureen, Chinese Bouquet, oval, dome lid, bird finial, light blue flowers, applied roses, gilt trim, twist handles, footed, underplate, scalloped rim, tureen 11 x 14 1/2 inches, $750. Silver overlay, pitcher and cups, pierced panels, white enamel, colored enamel geometrics, globular pitcher, lid, six cups, footed, handles, early 1900s, pitcher 9 inches, seven pieces, $960. Coca-Cola, sign, bottle graphic, enamel on tin, frame, mid-20th century, 36 x 18 inches, pair, $1,185. Glass-Bohemian, punch bowl, dome lid, finial, underplate, blue, cut panels, enamel flower medallions, gilt scrolling trim, 10 1/2 x 12 inches, $2,175.
US long-term mortgage rate rises again
Rate inches up to 6.24%
By A lex Veiga Associated Press
The average rate on a 30year U.S. mortgage edged higher for the second week in a row, though it remains near its low point so far this year.
The average long-term mortgage rate ticked up to 6.24% from 6.22% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.78%.
Just two weeks ago, the average rate was at 6.17%, its lowest level in more than a year.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, edged lower this week. The rate averaged 5.49%, down from 5.5% last
week. A year ago, it was 5.99%, Freddie Mac said.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.
The 10-year yield was at 4.10% at midday Thursday, up slightly from a week ago.
When mortgage rates rise they reduce homebuyers’ purchasing power. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has been stuck above 6% since September 2022, the year mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. The housing market has been in a slump ever since.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last year to
AMHERST
AGAWAM
Allen E. Dunbar and Valleria R. Dunbar to Muhammet John Oflu and Meryem Oflu, 15 Bailey St., $420,000.
Beaver Real Estate LLC, to ATM Commercial LLC, 721 Springfield St., $500,000.
Cheryl A. Woods and William Woods to Ortega LLC, 44 Spring St., $210,000.
Eric D. Peterson and Jeffrey R. Peterson to Denis W. Punch and Katherine O. Punch, 12 A Castle Hills Road, $335,000.
Greg Burkovskiy and Nadezhda Burkovskiy to Kimberly I. McIntyre, 27 Coyote Circle, $692,500.
Kerrie A. McKinstry and Christopher Jett to Brian Pepe, 135 Corey Colonial, $260,000.
Kim A. Anderson, James D. Anderson, William R. Anderson and Joann Balakier to Tami Maurice, Castle Hill Road, Unit 4H, $320,000.
Kim A. Rafay and Mark S. Rafay to Annamaria C. Roberson, 11 Stanley Place, $305,000.
Nathan Potts and Ashleigh Potts to Adjani Peart, 14 N Alhambra Circle, $315,000.
Ruslan Shumeiko and Lyudmila Shumeiko to Amjad Real Estate LLC, 30 Kathy Terrace, $265,000.
Skyspec LLC, to Anthony Basile, 14 Granger Drive, $480,000.
Tyler M. Lafleur and Emily R. Koehler to Christin Wilson, 121 Reed St., $373,000.
William Martin Delaney to Joan S. Morey, 33 Dogwood Lane, Unit 33, $280,000.
their lowest level in nearly three decades. Sales have been sluggish this year, but accelerated in September to their fastest pace since February as mortgage rates eased.
“Lower rates could finally be prompting some buyers to get into the market, which could lead to a surprisingly busy November and December, a time of the year when home sales activity usually slows,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS.
Applications for loans to buy a home jumped nearly 6% last week to their strongest pace since September, even as mortgage rates ticked higher, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
The late-summer pullback in mortgage rates has also benefited homeowners eager to refinance their current home loan to a lower rate. Applica-
Steven J. Atlas and Lestra M. Litchfield to Steven Julius Atlas, trustee, Lestra Margaret Litchfield, trustee, and Atlas Litchfield Family Living Trust, Southeast Street, $100.
Roberta Ruth Warshaw and Alan Monchick to Neil M. Broome and Joseph A. Graziano, 27 Greenleaves Drive, $365,000.
Kevin Michael Boissonnault to Jessica Ruth Poser, 76 Stony Hill Road, $184,500.
Amhad Development Corp., to James M. Kane, 28 Greenleaves Drive, $352,000.
Sara Ellen Ziff and Donald A. Ziff to NgocQuynh Chu, 24 Moorland St., $442,740.
Mary M. Zakhary and Wagdy Y. Zakhary to Samantha Marie Harris and Jesse Allen Harris, 63 Larkspur Drive, $785,000.
Therese B. Donohue to Tyler J. Sewak and Brittney Lybarger, 17 Juniper Lane, $585,000.
Sergio Kerr, trustee, and Prosperity Trust to Colonies Property Solutions LLC, 18 North Prospect St., $100.
Greenfield Savings Bank, personal representative, and Corliss M. Elizabeth, estate, to John A. Morin and Martha L. Morin, 24 Greenleaves Drive, $227,500.
Judith Brodsky, trustee, Judith M. Brodsky, trustee, and Brodsky Living Trust to John A. Morin and Martha L. Morin, 26 Greenleaves Drive, $265,000.
ASHFIELD
Sherri L. Fuller and Michael Ramon to Joel Hunter Smiaroski, Dyer Road, $95,000.
Gregory Shea to Michael Dull and Erica Nader, 581 Pfersick Road, $595,575.
tions for mortgage refinancing loans accounted for about 56% of all mortgage applications last week, down slightly from the previous week.
Mortgage rates began declining in July in the lead-up to the Federal Reserve’s decision in September to cut its main interest rate for the first time in a year amid growing concern over the U.S. labor market.
The Fed lowered its key interest rate again last month, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that further rate cuts weren’t guaranteed.
Wall Street traders have reduced their bets that the Fed will cut its main interest rate at its next meeting in December, now seeing a 53% of that, down from nearly 70% a week ago, according to data from CME Group.
The central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, and even
Matthew Wiedenhoeft, trustee of the Susan W. Wade Revocable Inter Vivos Trust, to Jordan Branson and Jocelyn R. O’Shea, 81 Smith Road, $700,000.
Elizabeth A. Helliwell, “fka” Elizabeth A. O’Leary, and Gregor A. Helliwell to Al McKusick Rosewood and Phoenix Rosewood, Bug Hill Road, $135,000.
Trustees of the Smith College to Glen Ayers and Mary Chicoine, Cape Street, $475,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Stephen M. McKelvey and Elizabeth D. McKelvey to Stephen M. McKelvey, trustee, Elizabeth D. McKelvey, trustee, Stephen Michael McKelvey Revocable Trust and Elizabeth Diane McKelvey Revocable Trust, 169 Sheffield Drive, $100.
Anthony J. Auclair and Kathryn L. Auclair to Sean Woods, Sean P. Woods and Candice H. Lundy, 8 Hemlock Hollow, $512,000.
Joseph Maggi and Jocelyn Maggi to 442 State Street LLC, 442 State St., $812,500.
Doreen J. Stanuch to Marie M. Tanguay, 111 Daniel Shays Highway, $430,000.
BRIMFIELD
Joseph C. Sloan and Bridget K. Sloan to Brian Maynard and Marissa Maynard, 92 Wales Road, $566,000.
Wilbraham Builders Inc., to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Bogdanow Realty Trust, trustee of, 22 Knollwood Road, $70,000.
Wilbraham Builders Inc., to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Bogdanow Realty Trust, trustee of, 73 Cubles Drive, $257,000.
when it cuts its short-term rates that doesn’t necessarily mean rates on home loans will necessarily decline.
Last fall after the Fed cut its rate for the first time in more than four years, mortgage rates marched higher, eventually reaching just above 7% in January this year.
At that time, the 10-year Treasury yield was climbing toward 5%.
Despite the pullback in mortgage rates from their 2025 highs at the start of the year, affordability remains a major hurdle for many aspiring homeowners following years of skyrocketing home prices.
The Trump administration recently said it is considering backing a 50-year mortgage to help alleviate the crisis, though the announcement drew swift criticism from many economists and policymakers.
CHARLEMONT
Jean T. Bruffee and Lawrence R. Bruffee to David Michael Kearney, 2129 Route 2, “aka” 2129 Mohawk Trail, $410,000.
Rotima S.A. Inc., to Amy O’Neil, 1769 Route 2, $555,000.
CHICOPEE
Annamaria Roberson to Addison Degree, 141 Boulay Circle, $350,000.
Carlos G. Dias, Maria Dias, Nicolette Mushenko and Mark Mushenko to Sofias Place LLC, 760 Memorial Drive, $500,000.
Cedar Investment Group LLC, to Maria E. Vizcarrondo Perez, 21 Meeting House Road, $320,000.
Christopher L. Paton to Dominic Santaniello, trustee, Lucas Giusto, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, 566 Broadway St., $155,000.
Cig2 LLC, to Mark Maldonado, 88 Wheatland Ave., $437,000.
Edward A. Jerusik to Federico Zuccarelli and Jenna M. Tiago, 163 Saratoga Ave., $270,000.
Erika Arrastia and Erika H. Arrastia to Nakia Meadows, 48 Colonial Circle, Unit D, $155,000.
Grandview Development Associates LLC, to Premier Home Builders Inc., Mayflower Avenue, Extn., Lot 1, $300,000.
Jennifer Jodoin, Denise A. Londraville and Edward A. Londraville to Mario Juan Bernal, 75-77 Madison St., $495,000.
Deeds
Joseph R. Wohlers and Stephanie R. Wohlers to Joseph Evborokai Franklin and Kayanna Rose Franklin, 13-15 Rose St., $495,000.
Malia Homebuyers LLC, to Noelan Chabot, 31 Sophia St., $329,500.
Michele L. Alves to Jeffrey Batchelder, 46 Honeysuckle Drive, Unit 46, $218,000.
Nereyda Real and Heberth J. Real to Alejandro Jimenez and Venus Jimenez, 44 Charpentier Boulevard, $320,000.
Nikolay Nesterchuk to Christopher M. Hernandez and Rosemary R. Hernandez, 280 College St., $435,000.
Richard Starsiak to Derek Haywood, 124 Deslauriers St., $260,000.
Ronald J. St. Pierre to Benjamin Scott Chaney, 64 Dowds Lane, $380,000.
Sara E Lee and Scott Lee to Odeisha Brown-jones, 39 Fernwood St, $415,000.
Thomas B. Yarrows and Geraldine A. Yarrows to Laura Noyes, 87 Partridge Lane, Unit 6087D, $220,000.
U S Bank, trustee, and RMAC Trust Series 2016-CTT, trustee of, to Ruddy Cortes, 625 McKinstry Ave., $280,000.
Westmass Area Development Corp., to Grace Slavic Pentecostal Church, Robbins Road, Lot 2C, $450,000.
DEERFIELD
Kathleen H. Elkins and Steven L. Elkins to James K. Edzwald, trustee of the James K. Edzwald Investment Trust, and Joan C. Edzwald, trustee of the Joan C. Edzwald Investment Trust, 2 Robs Way, $909,000.
Michelle Lavallee to Gina Sobalvarro, 40 Hawks Road, $410,000.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Kerry S. Goguen and Darren N. Goguen to Jennifer M. Manning, 404 Parker St., $460,000.
Paula M. Wilke to Moltenbrey Builders LLC, 580 Parker St., $210,000.
Thomas Anderson and Cynthia Anderson to Thomas J. Bonita III, and Elizabeth F. Bonita, 2 Melody Lane, $450,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Cynthia L. Capeloto to Edgar M. Londono and Ana F. Londono, 6 Ashley Circle, $725,000.
Patricia L. Crowley, trustee, Anna
M. Corti, trustee, and Robert J. Crowley 2018 Trust to Susan E. McKenna and Elizabeth Hynes, 1 Autumn Drive, $749,900.
Richard M. Houston and Sheila R. Houston to Stacey M. Pacheco, trustee, and Houston Family Irrevocable Trust, 28 Carillon Circle, $100.
Abigial I. Goman, trustee, and Abigail I. Goman Living Trust to Yael London, trustee, and Revocable Trust of Yael London, 43 Loudville Road, $420,000.
Roger W. Salloom to Dennis Powers, 157-159 Pleasant St., $415,000.
Roxanne C. Mariani-Prall and Sarah D. Prall to Julian J. Sieser, 60-62 Maple St., $585,000.
ERVING
Selene Finance LP, to Elvis Josue Solano Carmona and Jose Armando Solano Carmona, 91 Mountain Road, $210,000.
GOSHEN
David Kaufman and Jodi Kaufman to David Kaufman, trustee, Jodi Kaufman, trustee, David Kaufman Revocable Trust and Jodi Kaufman Revocable Trust, 5 Adams Road, $100.
George R. Collison to Selena Goldberg and Thomas Jenkins, 115 Aberdeen Road, $495,000.
GRANBY
Roland R. Chagnon and Pamela A. Chagnon to Kurtis Holden, 81 Morgan St., $399,900.
GRANVILLE
Ryan C. Kane to Angelica Chepurin, Main Road, Lot 6, $40,000. Weatherwax LLC, to Veniamin Kovylyak, 614 Main Road, $230,000.
GREENFIELD
Maureen L. Johnson to Rebecca Belizaire, Country Club Road, $5,000.
Lee Ann Warner and Stuart Warner to Sylvia Hyejin Ban and Myeong Hyun Chae, 9-11 Phillips St., Unit 1 Heartways Condominium. $550,000.
Edward B. Watt to Hannah M. Glaser, 87 Oakland St., $306,000.
PJC Realty MA Inc., to 107 Main MA LLC, 107 Main St., $650,000.
Mary D. Goodell to Laura J. Bell, 58B Laurel St., Unit 3B Pine Hill Park Condominium $254,500.
HADLEY
Donald C. Sadler to Christian J.
Cassini, Marjorie Alexandra Cassini and Camila Alexandra Cassini, 204 River Drive, $362,500.
William J. Dion to Kathleen M. Dion and Daniel Dion, 24 Roosevelt St., and 26 Roosevelt St., $100.
HAMPDEN
Diane L. Fales, estate, and David Taupier, conservator, to Gail Bourcier, 21 Old Orchard Road, $310,000.
Robert J. Downey and Monique C. Downey to Andrew Cimino, 7 Spring House Road, $370,000.
HOLLAND
Nomi C. Levy-Carrick, trustee, Richard D. Carrick, trustee, and Levy-Carrick Family Trust, trustee of, to David Micucci and Emily E. Micucci, 44 Mashapaug Road, $707,500.
Olga Yeliseyeva to Benjamin Landry and Kaylie Gonya, 54 Mashapaug Road, $410,000.
HOLYOKE
Brian Leong to Briley Revocable Living Trust, trustee of, Brian Leong, trustee, and Lypor Tea Leong, trustee, 69-71 Linden St., $100.
Federal National Mortgage Association and Fannie Mae to AJ Capital Inc., 26-28 Canby St., $142,140. Edaron Reh LLC, to JMAL LLC, Rear Appleton St., $2,000,000.
Karl F. Miller, Karl Miller and Emma Lao to Desiree Cossette, 9-11 Bay State Road, $50,943.
Kathleen O’Sullivan, Albert E. Paone, estate, and Brenda A. Paone to Vila Nova Properties LLC, 807 High St., $700,000.
Neil Wong to Eneida Alvarado Diaz, 9-11 Oakwood Ave., $375,000.
Nicholas A. Duclos and Jessica Bresnahan to Adriane L. Racine, 9-11 Arlington St., $423,000.
HUNTINGTON
Mary E. Parzych and Kenneth M. Parzych, estate, to Susan M. Scott and Hugh C. Scott III, Norwich Lake, $100.
Jerry R. Long and Wendy V. Long to Joshua Klaubert, 6 Brookside Glen and 290 Brookside Glen, $460,000.
LEVERETT
Jenelle M. Wilkins, “aka” Jenelle M. Denehy, and Kurt H. Wilkins to James John Byrne Jr., Laurie Byrne and Darren Fisher, 7 Jackson Hill Road, $600,000.
LONGMEADOW
Goldrup Family Trust, trustee of, Patrick D. Goldrup, trustee, and An-
drea L. Goldrup, trustee, to Boston Kelly, 95 Field Road, $410,000.
Megan C. Piccus and Andrew A. Piccus to William Rosen and Danielle Rosen, 441 Longmeadow St., $640,000.
Roberta C. Geiger to Alyse Etheridge and Michael Etheridge, 218 Bliss Road, $649,000.
Sandra B. Haskin, trustee, Bruce J. Haskin, trustee, and Sandra B. Haskin Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, to Orange Park Management LLC, 59 Lawrence Drive, $580,000.
LUDLOW
Barbara E. Wisner to Safa Halim Jawad, 356-358 East St., $440,000.
Charlene M. Suzor to Theodore A Suzor Jr., 21 Ronald St., $50,000.
Erik Bastos and Jessica Bastos to Joseph Dias, 65 Pine St., $370,000.
Joel E. Fournier to Robert J. Boilard, 532 Winsor St., $415,000.
Laurie-Ann Walas and Andrew W. Walas to Taylor Colkos and John Colkos, 25 Lyon St., $345,000.
Maureen J. Gauvin, Sean P. Gauvin and Michael J. Gauvin to Linda M. O’Malley, 353 Fuller St., Unit 22, $350,000.
Michael Parker, Carolyn J. Parker and Carolyn J. Kolodziey to Carolyn J. Kolodziey, Gregory J. Kolodziey, Christopher J. Kolodziey and Jacqueline H. Kolodziey, life estate, 37 Laconia St., $325,000.
Raymond Valadares and Alicia Valadares to Samuel B. Flaherty and Kayla Von Hildebrand, 348 Miller St., $331,000.
Seanna E. Isaacs to Joseph P. Desilets and Caitlin Henderson, 27 Greenwich St., $310,000. Vernadette King-Hayes and Vernadette Ortiz to Michael A. King, 98 Pondview Drive, $191,000.
Yocasta Lara and Fernando Lara to John Mercier, 43 Pleasantview St., $305,000.
MONSON
Brian D. Smoley and Carol C. Smoley to Edward W. Harbert II, and Linda S. Harbert, 66 Ely Road, $510,000.
Carl E. Graveline to AJV Investments LLC, 24 Flynt Ave., $200,000.
Elizabeth Ann Hinckley and Elizabeth Fontaine to Christopher Bushey and Deidre Marie Steward, 56 Waid Road, $775,000.
William W. Jurczyk Inc., to Randy P. Pascale and Kim K. Pascale, 19 Oak St., $720,000.
William W. Jurczyk Inc to Randy P. Pascale and Kim K. Pascale, Oak
St., Par A, $100.
MONTAGUE
Allen E. Ripingill Jr., “aka” Allen Edward Ripingill Jr., and Barbara A. Ripingill, “aka” Barbara Ann Ripingill, trustees of the Allen E. Ripingill Jr., and Barbara A. Ripingill Revocable Trust, “aka” Allen Edward Ripingill Jr., and Barbara Ann Ripingill Revocable Trust, to Carol Conragan, 18 Crocker Ave., $465,000.
NEW SALEM
Judith D. Jewett and Michael S. Jewett to Cory Bitney and Lucy Eaton, 67 Shutesbury Road, $545,000.
Betsey L. Vinciulla and Thomas G. Vinciulla to Sarah Johnson and Sven Johnson, 219 West St., $425,000.
NORTHAMPTON
Ann G. Wilson to Hannah Wilson, 204 Spring Grove Ave., $100. Karine Roesch to Lisa Holton and Sydra Mallery, 21 5th Ave., and 21 Fifth Ave., $765,000.
Stanley J. Kochapski Jr., personal representative, Stanley J. Kochapski Sr., estate, and Gary P. Kochapski to David Andrew Reynhout and Teri Tower Reynhout, 12 Orchard St., $600,000.
Sovereign Builders Inc., to Charlotte Elizabeth Falk and Daniel Herman, 152-154 South Main St., and 24 Nagle Court, $899,803. Stephen Tirrell and Molly Pickett to Gregory J. Chiara and Ann W. Chiara, 90 Fox Farms Road, $650,000.
Jesse Allen Harris and Samantha Marie Harris to Benjamin M. Gaddes and Dale Gaddes, 213 Spring Grove Ave., $560,000. Community LD LLC, to Elliot Taylor Adams, Main Road, $55,000.
Whitney Wilson to Elisabeth M. Infield, 89 Main St., $495,000.
Lori B. Divine-Hudson, trustee, and Lori Divine Hudson Revocable Trust to Susan G. Fentin, trustee, Gary S. Fentin, trustee, and Susan G. Fentin Trust, 20 Bridge Road, $849,500.
Sovereign Builders Inc., to Evelyn M. Betz and Jon Jeffrey Starn, 26 Nagle Court and 152-154 South Main St., $784,900.
NORTHFIELD
Martha E. Stinson to Timothy Birks and Shari Libby, 116 South Mountain Road, $310,000.
Susan D. Gershwin to Aubrey Shea Heon, 92 East St., $265,000.
Deeds
ORANGE
Steven Godinez to Kenneth Hurtle and Yarely Lizeth Guerrero Sanchez, 31 Prescott Lane, $455,000.
White Birch Lore LLC, to Mark Drowne, 37 Mechanic St., $450,000.
PALMER
Andrey Novenko to Vitality Novenko and Angela Novenko, Longview Street, $52,000.
A to Z Property Management & Renovations LLC, to Than Dao and Trung Tran, 1045 Pine St., $270,000.
Jeffrey Sterner and Sheila Nothe-Sterner to Wanza Adell and Nitradawn Margaret Adell, 14 Squier St., $385,000.
John Mercier to Kevin Jusko and Sherri Lajzer, 158 Chudy St., $360,000.
Lawrence Snowden Jr., and Lori A. Claxton to Daniel Elkin, 36 Jim Ash Road, $318,500.
Martin Opoku Kyere and Ganiatou Lassissi to Tyrone Osoimalo, 20142020 Palmer Road, $414,000.
RUSSELL
AK Remodeling Inc., to Justin Dauplaise and Michaela Dauplaise, 36 Woodland Way, $680,000.
Haskell Holdings LLC, to Daniel Murphy, 510 Pine Hill Road, $400,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Joan M. Sobon, personal representative, Mark Christopher Sobon, estate, and Mark C. Sobon, estate, to Jason J. Paadam and Jasmine Paadam, 1 White Brook Lane, $1,015,000.
Constance J. Osborne and Constance J. Dufault to Richard A. Dufault Jr., 41 West Summit St., $100.
Neil M. Broome to Joseph A. Graziano to Karen K. Murphy, 70 Pine Grove Drive, $504,000.
Robin M. Westcott to Martha Swartz, 101 Alvord Place, $398,000.
James J. Reardon and Beth R. Reardon to James J. Reardon Jr., and Laureen A. Reardon, 8 Ranger St., $100.
Elaine E. LeFrancois to Lynn Izatt-Morin and Deborah Thomas, 146 Old Lyman Road, $100. Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Bogdanow Realty Trust to Thomas James Andrzejczyk, 32 North St.,
$30,000.
Pamela L. Dalton and Kenneth C. Lacoste to John T. Pecia and Lou Ann Pecia, 45 Pine St., $330,000.
Renae Brodie to Mwangi Wa Githinji and George Mwangi Githinji, 17 College View Heights, $144,363.
J. Barbara Magnuson and Richard Eric Peacock, attorney-in-fact, to Jacob Remillard, 11 Sycamore Knolls, $464,500.
Joseph M. Rzeszutek and Ann Marie Rzeszutek to Susan Descarage, 60 San Souci Drive, $700,800.
SOUTHAMPTON
Michael Wojtowicz to Jacqueline A. Gaw and Mary T. Hart, Gilbert Road, $2,000.
Lora A. Fillion and Lora Ann Fillion to Rene Gauthier, 34 Cook Road, $587,500.
SOUTHWICK
Daniel G. Cook, representative, and Ellen M. Cook Miles, estate, to Karl Stinehart and Madison M. Stinehart, 304 North Loomis St., $420,000.
Kenneth J. Johnson to Scott M. Richards and Avery J. Sheehan, 12 Granaudo Circle, $450,000.
Lisa M. Ruddock to Edward L. Pinney III, and Stella Pinney, 70 Rosewood Lane, Unit C-11, $265,000.
Nicholas Paul Taylor and Lynne Whitfield Taylor to Lake Island Way LLC, 25 Island Way, $405,000.
Tanya St. Pierre and Dennis R. St. Pierre to Kenneth Johnson, 175 Berkshire Ave., $309,900.
AJ & Sons Properties LLP, to Joshua McIntire and Cara McIntire, 128-130 Commonwealth Ave., $465,000.
Allison Weissman to Duy Le, 53 Bronson Terrace, $350,000.
Anibal Salgado to Louis Bonavita, 29 Vinton St., $32,500.
Anthony S. Basile to Sylvia A. C. Harewood, 98 Rollins St., $275,000.
Brian Henderson and Rachel Bateman-Henderson to Courtney C. McCool and Liam J. McCool, 63 Bridle Path Road, $375,000.
Brian Leong to Brian Leong, trustee, Lypor Tea Leong, trustee, and Briley Revocable Living Trust, trustee of, 104 Bancroft St., $100.
Brian Leong to Brian Leong, trustee, Lypor Tea Leong, trustee, and Briley Revocable Living Trust, trustee of, 23-25 Cleveland St., $100.
Brian Leong to Brian Leong,
trustee, Lypor Tea Leong, trustee, and Briley Revocable Living Trust, trustee of, 51 Wellington St., $100.
Carlos Landrau Jr., and Madeline Landrau to Arismendy Canela Espinal, 133 Massasoit St., $475,000.
Carolyn L. Adair and Steven J. Adair to 1 Root Kids Club, 101 Mulberry St., Unit 506, $90,000.
Cesar Ruiz Jr., trustee, Lisa Santaniello, trustee, and 38 Center Square Realty Trust, trustee of, to Newlife Shared Living LLC, 222 Carew St, $2,000,000.
Congamond Management LLC, to Ana Liriano and Christopher Williams, 7-9 Hastings St., $539,000.
Danielle R. Henry, Charles C. Henry, Denzel O. Henry and Carleana M. Henry to c Unlimited Property Services LLC, 78 West Bay Path Terrace, $172,500.
Dorothy J. Hill to Natalie Nganga, 40 Rittenhouse Terrace, $446,000.
R & R Home Improvement & Remodeling LLC, to Clarivel M. Marte De Aquino, 26 Miner St., $325,000.
Evan Anair and Emily Anair to Laurie Ann Walas, 98 Granger St., $295,000.
Felix Mensah to FM Properties LLC, 75-77 Mooreland St., $100.
Fumi Realty Inc., to Gleny Vargas, 15 Southern Road, $305,000.
Gabriel Martinez to Alex Ettenne and Mapendo Zihisire, 25 Dawes St., $344,000.
Guy Meyitang to Omid Madani and Samira Faegh, 132 Alderman St., $365,000.
Hernando Torres to Guadalupe Ramos, 186-188 College St., $282,800.
Homestead J&T LLC, to Yanaira Liz Valentin, Yanaira Liz Valentin Santos and Freddy Valentin, 110 Homestead Ave., $265,000.
J. Garry Heiney and Alexandra A. Heiney to Bridget Kelly Sherman and Darlene Kelly, 128 Sherwood Road, $389,000.
Jeffrey S. McIntyre to Frank DeBenedetto, trustee, and DB Realty Trust, trustee of, 114 Aldrew Terrace, $200,000.
Jerrilynn C. Weller to Campagnari Construction LLC, 157 Penrose St., $90,000.
Jessica Perez and Angel S. Perez to NRES LLC, 67 Villa Parkway, $130,000.
Jill M. Giard to 35 Island Pond Road LLC, 35 Island Pond Road, $250,000.
JJJ17 LLC, to Emerson R. Arthur, 95 Victoria St., $270,000.
Joaquin C. Suttles and Erica Rivera-Suttles to Lucas Giusto, trustee, Dominic Santaniello, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, 354 Greenaway Drive, $150,000.
Jonathan Whyte and Violet Whyte to Felix Mensah, 75-77 Mooreland St., $355,000.
Jose A. Hernandez and Yolanda Hernandez to Luis Angel Marte Vasquez and Sergio Terraro Cuevas, 41-43 Whittier St., $450,000.
Lee Dutil and Jamie M. Dutil to Kyle Pingree, 217 Hanson St., $400,000.
Luis Diana to Julian Solano and Joely Ventura, 188-190 Northampton Ave., $250,000.
Michelle Vernon and Raymond Lee Hackman to Veteran Stan LLC, 4648 Suffolk St., $252,000.
Nancy A. Connaughton, representative, and Constance Mary Clark, estate, to Carmen Milagros Diaz, 129 Mooreland St., $246,000.
Gandara Mental Health Center Inc., to Ying Chan, 27-29 Allison Lane, $372,000.
Nelson Perez to Portia Asomani, NS Corthell St., Lot B, $375,000.
New Vision Realty LLC, to Springbay Properties LLC, 96 Bay St., $345,000.
Nick Hurley and Melrose Hurley to Makayla Ayanna Cruz and Maxiel Torres, 1060 Liberty St., $281,000.
Patricia J. Conz to Nancy-Jean Larned, 22 Hartwick St., $360,000.
Robin Pulliam, Beverlyn Pulliam and Beverlyn A. Pulliam to Sell 2 Us LLC, 16 Amherst St., $300,000.
Round Two LLC, to Onstar Properties AA LLC, 202-204 Oakland St., $432,000.
Springfield City to Freedom House of God Church, NS Quincy St., $10,500.
Springfield City to Icarian Real Estate Advisors LLC, 60 Byers St., $1,000.
Springfield Home Realty LLC, to Elizabeth Gonzalez Hernandez, 289-291 Lexington St., $390,000.
St. James Place Properties LLC, to Church Progressive Community Baptist, 0 St. James Avenue, $350,000.
Steven Scliopou, Marsha Scliopou, James E. Scliopou and Stefany F. Scliopou to Jane Kawash, 19 Dunbar St., $240,000.
Tanvitha Palace Realty Trust, trustee of, and Vignesh Nehru, trustee, to Florise Jules, 440 Sumner Ave., $469,000.
Terry-Lee A. Bryan and Terry-Lee A. McCarthy to Wilhelmina Ansah Kyei, 156 Gardens Drive, $350,000. Vaycheslav Foksha to MLB Property Management LLC, 430 Plainfield St., $385,000.
William R. Thayer, estate, and Patricia Morley, representative, to Brian Matve and Sabrina Matve, 43 Magnolia Terrace, $325,000.
Z M G LLC, to Marmel Holdings LLC, 267 Allen St., $425,000.
SUNDERLAND
Daniel H. Deschaine to Bryan K. Deschaine, Russells Hill, $15,000.
TOLLAND
Gerald M. Landry and Joseph P. Landry to David Loring and Marjorie Loring, 191 Moreau Road, $1,196,000.
WARE
Gevork G. Anderyassian to Frank Irving Knowlton and Sarah Adele Knowlton,111 East St., $339,000.
Edward Voiland to Brad Bumpus, 130 Eagle St., $245,000.
Kevin Roux and Fay Roux to Blayzenforest Barnes and Jessica L. Barnes, 339 Monson Turnpike Road, $444,900.
Felicia Demore to Van Gruska, 20 Benham Ave., $280,000.
Patti-Lu Ouimette to Stephen Forest, 23 Old Belchertown Road, $369,900.
Diana Castiello to Nicole Castiello and Zachary Ford, 53 Church St., $100.
Janet E. Knowlton, trustee, and Knowlton Irrevocable Trust to Brett Dehey and Samantha Dehey-Darling, 231Osborne Road, $279,900. Jacob P. Meshlovitz, Jacob P. Meshlovitz, personal representative, and Mary Lou Meshlovitz, estate, to Ronald R. Deas III, and Aisha T. West, 4 Crescent Terrace, $350,000.
WARWICK
Lois P. Wells, trustee of the Agnes H. Piscopo Family Trust, to Erica Leahy and Stephen Leahy, 44 Hemlock Lane, $390,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Cig4 LLC to Emahnie Maldonado, 1010 Main St., $443,000.
Diana M. Anziano, trustee, Norman B. Wagner, trustee, and Anziano/ Wagner Joint Trust, trustee of, to Erica Rivera-Suttles and Joaquin C. Suttles, 144 Ohio Ave., $451,000.
Eckert Family Trust, trustee of, Daniel F. Eckert, trustee, and Janet P. Eckert, trustee, to Pamela Pratt, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Lot 299, $315,000.
H & P Realty LLC, to Zahoor Ul Haq, 218-246 Memorial Ave., $800,000.
JT Realty Associates Inc., to John Bartolucci and Courtney Lynn Czeremcha, 369 Cold Spring Ave., $282,000.
Transform fallen leaves into valuable leaf mold for your garden this fall
By Jessica Damiano Associated Press
THERE ARE A LOT OF LEAVES OUTside my window, and I’m guessing your view might be similar. This carpet of dead foliage is often viewed as a nuisance, but it can be an important component in the garden.
I’ll push a 3-inch (7.6-centimeter) layer of them into beds and borders to serve as root-protecting and insect-sheltering winter mulch. When they decompose, they’ll also add nutrients to the soil, which will fortify my plants in spring.
Others will make it into the compost pile, which, along with food scraps, weeds and spent annuals and perennials, will cook into what we gardeners call “black gold.” But there’s another use for fallen leaves that might have escaped your notice: leaf mold.
The benefits of leaf mold
Simpler than compost but similarly beneficial, leaf mold contains only one ingredient — leaves. It helps increase moisture retention in sandy soil, improve drainage in clay soil, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds when applied over the soil in beds and borders.
As far as nutrients go, compost wins, but leaf mold is no slacker. It supports earthworms, beneficial insects and soil microbes, and boosts the health and vigor of plants.
Nearly any type of leaves can be used to make leaf mold. Smaller ones, like beech and maple, break down in just a few months, whereas larger, thicker leaves, like those of oak, can take as long as two years.
Avoid using black walnut leaves, which contain a chemical called juglone that is toxic to some plants. Although fully composted black walnut leaves are generally safe to use, the compound might persist in leaf mold, which doesn’t age as long.
Grout
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F5
What you need
A hard-surface steam cleaner
Water
An electrical outlet
Cloths
Step-by-step instructions
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble, fill and heat the steam cleaner.
Partially decomposed leaf litter appears in Long Island, N.Y., on Nov. 3. (JESSICA
How to make leaf mold
Before making leaf mold, you’ll have to decide where to contain it. You can enclose leaves in a chicken-wire surround, pile them into contractor-grade, black plastic trash bags in which you’ve poked a bunch of holes for air circulation, or place them in an ordinary compost bin. Regardless, add leaves lasagna-style, alternating with a sprinkling of water and, optionally, a light application of nitrogen fertilizer, which serves to speed up the process (ordinary lawn fertilizer will do). Check the leaf pile every couple of weeks and water as needed to keep it lightly moist. In spring, it should resemble humus, the dark, crumbly, nutrient-rich organic matter that serves as a protective layer on the forest floor. Spread your leaf mold throughout your beds and borders as you would mulch or compost, and add some into the potting mix in your containers. It will release nutrients into the soil that will benefit your plants throughout the growing season.
Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.
Deeds
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F9
Kevin T. Stevenson and Nicole K. Stevenson to Mehmet Ucpinar and Sebile Ucpinar, 89 Vincent Drive, $410,000.
Laura Motyl, representative, and Raymond M. Tanguay, estate, to Anastasiia Fur and Vitail Constantinov, 40 Wilfred St., $350,000.
Michele Bernier and Robert Bernier to Bo Wu, 12 Cedar Ave., $330,000.
Neera Ghaley and Chandra Giri to Tedros Yohannes Berhe, 76 Armstrong St., $285,000.
WESTFIELD
Catherine D. Procopio, trustee, Catherine D. Procopio 2007 Trust, trustee of, David P. Procopio, trustee, and David P. Procopio 2007 Trust, trustee of, to Malerie Hinckley and Corey Hinckley, 197 Loomis Ridge, $870,000.
Elysa L. Piccirilli, Elysa L. Urkiel and Alexander Urkiel to Alyssa Leigh Plassman and Lee Scott Jackson, 26 Deepwoods Drive, $440,000.
Equity Trust Co., custodian, Robert Lareau IRA, and Robert Lareau to Nicholas Pettit, 40 Prospect St., Unit F2, $200,000.
Helena K. Mochak, Francis J. Mochak Jr., Francis J. Mochak III, and Mary A. Mochak to Eric J. Johnson and Rosaria M. Johnson, 20 Cross St., $395,000.
Ievgenii Gusiev to Terry-Lee Alexandria Bryan, 360 Falley Drive, $479,000.
Jacqueline S. Lynch and Pamela J. O’Connell to Andrii Lushchynskyi and Olga Lushchynska, 69 Beveridge Boulevard, $331,000.
WESTHAMPTON
Community LD LLC, to Elliot Taylor Adams, Main Road, $55,000.
WHATELY
Ronald Harland Graves to Christopher Green and Katelynn McKinnon, Haydenville Road, $110,000.
WILBRAHAM
Unlimited Property Services LLC, to James Lee, 882 Glendale Road, $480,000.
Cynthia A. Bolger, Cynthia Roulier and Stephen Roulier to Colleen Grady and Olivia Howry, 263 Main St., $353,760.
Donald V. Killinger and Sharon L. Killinger to Walter Sundheim and Krystal Sundheim, 41 Weston St., $263,000.
Janice M. Wajda to Edward Jerusik, 36 Burleigh Road, $410,000.
Kristin A. Lynch to Daniel F. Masse and Eliza Katey Atlas, 18 Bittersweet Lane, $630,000.
Mark E. Kline and Cynthia A. Kline to Dylan Robert Vedovelli and Mairead Kealy, 27 Forest St., $150,000.
WILLIAMSBURG
Corinne M. Chandless and Corinne M. Linscott to Molly A. Stebbins, 15 Cole Road, $725,000.
Miana Hoyt-Dawson and Terry Dawson to Carolyn Lee-Davis, 3 Williams St., $388,500.
WORTHINGTON
Marie J. Wolf to Marie J. Wolf, trustee, Marie J. Ragan, trustee, and Marie J. Ragan Revocable Trust, 169 West St., $100.
• Use a dry cloth to wipe water and grime off of the grout, then let it dry completely.
This method is best for:
• Those looking for alternatives to commercial cleaning agents
• People who are sensitive to smells
• Cleaning grimy grout
• People who enjoy cleaning with power tools
• Attach the grout brush to the steam cleaner, release the steam onto the grout, and scrub the grout. If you are cleaning a floor, work in sections from the back of the room toward the door; to clean vertical surfaces, work from the top down.
But skip it if:
• You have a physical impairment or dexterity issue that could make using this tool an accident waiting to happen
• There are young children in the home who might mistake it for a fun toy
• You’re short on storage space
• You’re looking to cut back on unnecessary purchases
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the best-selling book “My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag … And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha.”
Jamie E. Pimentel and Rafael A. Pimentel to Marshall A. Seibold III, 205 Russell Road, $320,000. Kale William Carter, Toni Lynne Carter, Kale Carter and Toni Carter to Seamus Henry McManus, 346 East Mountain Road, $340,700.
Kyle P. Kelleher and Cesira L. Kelleher to USNE Westfield LLC, 138 Main St., Unit I3, $296,200.
Marie M. Tanguay to Matthew Woollacott, 52 Simmons Brook Drive, $455,000.
Michaela Dauplaise and Justin Dauplaise to Courtney Adams and Brandon Miemiec, 162 Honey Pot Road, $540,500.
Zuleika DeJesus and Carlos DeJesus to Anna Balaeva, 53 Yankee Circle, $540,000.
James R. Queen, personal representative, Patricia A. Queen, estate, and Patricia A. Nestor, estate, to James R. Queen, 118 Starkweather Road, $318,000.
Claus Colin Von Agris and Kimberley Jean Von Agris to Connor Payson and Carolyn Thayer, 643 Old North Road, $309,000.
2 fam, 2,671 sf liv area, 0.15 ac lot, 12 rm, 6 bdrm, 2 bth, fpl Hampden: Bk 17084, Pg 373 2:00 PM - GRANBY 332 Batchelor Street
sgl fam, 1,136 sf liv area, 0.63 ac lot, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampshire: Bk 9022, Pg 26
Terms: Cashier’s or certified check in the sum of $5,000.00 as a deposit must be shown at the time and place of the sale in order to qualify as a bidder. No CASH. No personal checks will be accepted. Cashier/certified checks should be made out to whomever is going to bid at the auction. The balance to be paid within thirty (30) days at the law offices of Korde & Associates, P.C. 900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102, Lowell, MA 01851, Attorney for the Mortgagee. Auctioneer makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information contained herein.
Including furniture, glass & china, small antiques, artwork, frames, sterling, jewelry, Strich & Zeidler N.Y. upright piano, and more. Estate firearms, ammo, sporting goods, knives, hunting & fishing, and more.
Gernerac Power System Generator 45KW Gas QT 04554 GNSNA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 202 5 12 PM 782 Newbury St and Parcel 089800082 W S Newbury St, Springfield, MA
Terms of Sale: Deposit by bank check required to register to bid at time of sale. Visit: currentauctions.towneauction.com or call. Balance to be paid 30 days from sale date. Other terms announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations to the
Be prepared before the next power outage.
Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535.
