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Toss your sponge — and maybe these other household items

YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY one under your roof that’s getting older. Your stuff is aging, too. We all have products that we continue to use, even though they’re well past their prime. It may be hard to let go of certain things, like the beloved towels you’ve washed too many times to count or your favorite oven mitts — burn marks and all. Go ahead, hang onto those.

But there are some household items you should replace, even if they’re not showing signs of excessive wear and tear.

It’s smart to do a room-by-room assessment periodically, with an eye toward figuring out what you need to toss before things lose their efficacy or even harm your health. Here’s what to look for.

The kitchen

Sponges: You can’t always tell by smelling or looking at them, but perpetually damp sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria that could make you sick, says Chuck Gerba, a professor of environmental science at the University of Arizona in Tucson. “In our research, we’ve found that the bacteria get to really high numbers in three to four days.” That’s why it’s important to disinfect sponges every day or two by putting them in the microwave for 30 seconds or running them through the dishwasher.

Even if you do that, replace sponges every one to two weeks, says Kris-

tin DiNicolantonio, senior director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute in D.C.

Mops: Their job is to clean floors, so you may expect them to be dirty. But it’s wise to replace mop heads every two to three months, because “dirty mops spread grime instead of removing it,” says DiNicolantonio. Toss it sooner if it smells bad or the fibers are worn down. To extend the life of a mop, rinse it thoroughly after each use and let it air dry.

Cleaning products: These lose their effectiveness over time, says DiNicolantonio, and they don’t always have an expiration date printed on the bottle. In general, cleaning products should be replaced after one to two years, she says. Toss them sooner if they show changes in color, smell, or texture.

Cutting boards: If they have lots of cuts or scratches, it’s time to replace them because those indentations can harbor bacteria that could make you sick, Gerba says. (You’ve probably heard that you should use separate cutting boards for meats and produce and that’s still true.) To prolong their lifespan, plastic cutting boards can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning; wooden ones can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant.

Nonstick pots and pans: Stop using them and toss them if the surface is scratched or flaking, says Ryan Sinclair, a professor of environmental microbiology at Loma Linda University. “Nonstick cookware con-

tains forever chemicals called PFAS that are potentially carcinogenic,” he says. “If the surface is flaking, microparticles can get in your food and stay in your body.” When it’s time to replace nonstick cookware, Sinclair suggests choosing cast-iron or stainless-steel pots and pans, which don’t contain chemicals that can flake off.

Plastic food-storage containers: If they’re changing color or texture or becoming brittle, it’s time to get rid of them, Sinclair says. The reason: As they degrade, many plastic containers shed oxidized compounds that can get into your food and hence your body. When it’s time to replace them, glass or metal food-storage containers are healthier options.

Fire extinguishers: They often have a manufactured date stamped on them, and they typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years from that date, says Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association. It’s wise

to check a fire extinguisher on a monthly basis to make sure it’s still pressurized (the needle should be in the green zone). And if you do use it, even for a small fire, you need to replace it.

Hallways

Smoke detectors: These should be replaced every 10 years from the date they were manufactured, not when you bought them, says McKelvey. Use one for too long and the risk is that it won’t effectively recognize smoke and activate the alarm when you need it.

Carbon monoxide detectors: Depending on the model, carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of seven to 10 years from the manufactured date. Here again, if you continue using it beyond that, it might not recognize a problematic level of this colorless, odorless, poisonous gas in your home.

Indentations in used cutting boards can harbor bacteria that could make you sick. (PHOTO / COVER PHOTO ADOBE STOCK IMAGES)
Stop using nonstick pots and pans if their surface is scratched or flaking. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)
At left, if you do use a fire extinguisher, even for a small fire, you need to replace it. Above, get rid of plastic food-storage containers if they’re changing color or texture or becoming brittle. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGES)

and the

I grew up in Ireland watching my father work hard and take pride in doing things the right way. He showed me early on that your word matters, that shortcuts aren’t worth it, and that good work speaks for itself. I came to America in the 1980s with $80 and my father’s work ethic. I’m thankful for the opportunities this country gave me, and proud to now call myself a "Yank."

The benefits of a cold frame

A“COLD FRAME” IS one of a few ways to add a new dimension — time — to gardening. Especially, for me, vegetable gardening. It inserts time where time does not exist. Instead of my gardening season screeching to a stop with a hard freeze sometime in late November or early December, a cold frame extends it a few weeks, possibly even more. And it can do the same thing at the beginning of the season, getting plants going and harvested sooner.

At its most primitive, a cold frame is nothing more than a clear plastic or glass topped box set directly on the ground, functioning in the garden as a

GARDEN NOTES

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham Garden Club meeting

The Wilbraham Garden Club will meet in the St. Cecilia Parish Center at noon on March 5. Betsy Szymczak, MA principle certified master gardner, will present an informative program on “Plant Parenthood.” Szymczak, will demonstrate propagation, pruning and grooming of houseplants, along with tips for growing her favorite summer bedding plants. A light luncheon will be provided. This program is free to members and there is a $5 guest fee. Contact Anna Howell at 413-537-5788 with any questions.

Wilbraham Garden Club scholarships applications

The Wilbraham Garden Club has announced that applications are now being accepted for two $1,000 scholarships. The club is accepting applications from graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and

graduate college students majoring in or who plan to major in, one of the programs listed below. Eligible student must be residents of Wilbraham or Hampden.

All applicants must be enrolled in one of these fields of study: botany, horticulture, conservation, environmental science, earth systems, forest management, natural resources, plant, soil and insect science, sustainable agricultures, sustainable horticulture, food and farming, turf grass science and management, landscape sesign and management technology, landscape architecture, oceanography, clean energy technology, floral design or land management.

Applicants must include a personal essay of 100-200 words, official high school or college transcript(s), two letters of recommendation, college acceptance letters(s) if available, along with the completed Wilbraham Garden Club Scholarship application. All required documentation must be received on or before April 30. Notifications will be made by mid-May, and the recipients will be awarded their scholarships at the annual meeting of the Wilbraham Garden Club on June 5. Schol-

miniature greenhouse. My simplest cold frame was made from four pieces of scrap pine boards notched together into a 3-foot by 6-foot rectangle. The covering was quarter-inch plexiglass whose previous incarnation was that of a floor runner beneath office chairs.

My most elaborate cold frame was a purchased structure, looking much like a miniature barn with a double-wall, polycarbonate plastic roof that folded open or closed along tracks in the eaves.

I got year ’round use from the various cold frames I’ve used. In winter they were home to such cool temperature vegetables as lettuce and spinach. I

got a jump on spring by sowing cold-hardy vegetables and flowers in the frames in March, then sowing cold-tender vegetables and flowers in early May.

Even in summer, a cold frame need not be idle: with a little shading from the sun, the humid atmosphere within is ideal for propagating new plants by leafy cuttings. In autumn, rather than sowing spinach and other cold-hardy vegetables again, I could use the space to hold potted bulbs for forcing or to overwinter plants just barely cold-hardy here.

The ideal site for a cold frame is a well-drained soil with a slope facing east or southeast.

arship applicants will be available at the Wilbraham and Hampden Public Libraries, Minnechaug Regional High School and Wilbraham Monson Academy. They can also be found on the Wilbraham Garden Club Facebook page. Please contact howella413@ gmail.com with questions or to receive an application.

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Garden Club upcoming programs

The Springfield Garden Club is hosting a series of programs for anyone interested gardens and gardening or just escaping the winter for an hour.

The programs will be held at The Monkey House in Forest Park at 10 a.m. Admission is free to all with paid park admission. More information can be found on the club’s website www.springfield gardenclubma.org or on Facebook.

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m., “Vegetable Gardening 101” presented by Gretel Anspach.

Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m., “Planning and Growing a Bountiful Flower Garden”

presented by Becky Sadlowski.

AGAWAM

Agawam Garden Club scholarship

Applications are now available for the Agawam Garden Club 2026 scholarship. To qualify for the scholarship students must be a graduating senior of Agawam High School or a college student who graduated from Agawam High School and is planning to attend an institution of higher learning in the Fall. Applicants must be majoring in or planning on majoring in one of the following: botany, environmental engineering, environmental science, earths systems, forest management, natural resources,

plant soil and insect science, sustainable agriculture, sustainable horticulture or food and farming, turf grass science and management, landscape design and management technology, clean energy, technology studies: waste water or other environmental related studies. The recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the clubs annual May meeting. Completed applications along with transcripts and references must be submitted to Denise Carmody, 40 Primrose Lane, Agawam MA 01001 by April 1. Applications are available through Agawam High School or can be found on the website at agawamgarden club.com.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

This homemade cold frame has a bifold door for venting and access. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

At the very least the site needs to receive full sun in winter. A cold frame will keep even warmer in winter if it’s snuggled up near a fence, wall, or dense, evergreen shrub on its north side.

The larger the cold frame the more even the temperatures remain inside, but the cold frame needs to be small enough so you’re able to reach the plants. After all, it’s a cold frame, not a greenhouse.

The traditional form for a cold frame is a box with a sloping roof. The roof is highest along its north edge and slopes down an inch or two for every foot from back to front,

Replace

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Bathrooms

Toothbrushes: The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three or four months, sooner if the bristles are noticeably matted or frayed. A wornout toothbrush won’t clean your teeth effectively, leaving you more vulnerable to plaque and cavities.

with the lowest point no less than a foot high.

The transparent cover for a cold frame is generally glass or plastic mounted in some sort of a frame. The clarity and permanence of glass is an advantage. Glass is also readily available, since people always seem to be discarding old window frames. But glass does break easily: I once had a cat that constantly walked — perhaps he pounced — on my glass frames and broke them.

Partly because of that cat, I came to prefer plastic for covering my cold frames. Plastics are lightweight and easily cut to fit makeshift frames. The light weight of plastic is a debatable advantage, as I learned one blustery spring morning when I found my

cold frame’s plastic cover in my neighbor’s yard. Plastic also deteriorates with age, becoming less transparent to light, though this problem is mitigated by storing the covers in the garage for the summer.

I made my most recent cold frame of wood topped with a double wall, polycarbonate roof sloping to the south and opening like a bifold door for venting and access.

Replace these about every six months or sooner if the bristles are bent. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)

Toilet brushes: Replace these about every six months or sooner if the bristles are bent or if there are signs of discoloration or lingering odor, DiNicolantonio says. “Worn brushes clean poorly and can harbor bacteria.” To prolong their use, be sure to disinfect and rinse toilet brushes thoroughly after each use and let them air dry, she says.

Shower curtain liners: Because of the moisture-rich environment they’re in, shower curtain liners can harbor mold and mildew growth, which can become airborne during a shower, potentially irritating your lungs or skin. Washing the liners regularly can help prevent that buildup, but if stains or odors persist, it’s best to replace them.

The bedroom

Mattresses: The typical lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 12 years, depending on the type and quality. But you don’t need a calendar to tell you when to replace it. If you regularly wake up with stiffness, soreness or lower-back pain, it’s time to consider getting a new mattress, says Michael Breus, a psychologist and founder of SleepDoctor.com. “A mattress has two functions — support, which is all about making your spine aligned so the muscles have a chance to relax, and comfort, which involves how long the product will keep you in that relaxed position.”

My cat takes the opportunity to enjoy the warmth along with the plants within this poly tunnel. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

Stop flushing ‘flushable’ wipes

Something’s in the water. And the Super Bowl made it worse.

MERE WEEKS AFter a collapsed pipeline spilled an estimated 234 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River, multiple bypass pumps were temporarily taken out of service by D.C. Water on Feb. 8, after being clogged by wipes. During a “high flow period” (that happened to coincide with the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots), several hundreds of thousands of gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Potomac, according to a statement from D.C. Water. Additional pumping capacity has been added at the Blue Plains treatment plant. But wipes — both those labeled “flushable” and not — are known as an issue in the wastewater treatment world.

“We have piles of them by our pumps,” said a spokesperson for D.C. Water. “That’s how we know that that has been the issue. That’s what we’re physically removing.”

It reopens a long-standing question: Are “flushable” wipes actually flushable? For over a decade, sewer utilities have been asking people to put those already-moist, personal wipes in trash containers. The problem intensified after a pandemic-induced toilet paper shortage, leaving wads of wipes collecting in home pipes and pumping stations. Here’s what to know about these “flushable” wipes.

Are ‘flushable’ wipes actually flushable?

Manufacturers of these wipes have argued in the past that their products are safe for sewer and septic systems. But treatment plants and plumbers agree that fans of “flushable” wipes should deposit them in trash cans. Fairfax County, Virginia, echoed the sentiment in a post on social media, asking residents near Washington to

flush only toilet paper.

Can flushing wipes cause problems with toilets?

Toilets aren’t where you’ll find the issue with “flushable” wipes. Tim Carter, a former custom home builder who writes the Ask the Builder newsletter, said that these wipes move through the toilet itself with ease. But the drainpipe is where customers might run into trouble. “If there are years of buildup in the pipe and the pipes are not perfectly smooth,” Carter said, “then those wipes get hung up.” Older homes are especially at risk for problems, said a spokesperson for D.C. Water.

What can they do to the sewage system?

“Flushable” wipes have been a headache for the wastewater treatment industry for as long as they’ve been advertised. Part of the difficulty is these wipes don’t disintegrate over time like toilet paper does. As they build up, they can clog pipes or pumps throughout the sewer system. According to

before the

D.C. Water, they also act as a magnet for fats, oils and grease that ends up coming through the pipes.

“They’re not made of natural material, they don’t degrade in the water,” said Lucas Taden, who works at Stevens Company Plumbing. “That’s what causes the toilet paper to be flushable. It’s basically water-soluble. When it goes into the water, it ends up dissolving over time.”

Are wipes even necessary?

People have gravitated to wipes over the years, in part because they advertise a

more-thorough clean than toilet paper. A pandemic shortage of toilet paper saw customers resort to using “flushable” wipes. Carter, who has told his readers not to flush these thick, very-soft wipes, understands the appeal. Still, he cautions “flushable” wipe users to discard them like they would a diaper or another non-toilet paper product.

“You can flush gravel. You can flush sand. You can flush marbles. You can flush Lego blocks,” said Carter. “You can flush just about anything. That doesn’t mean you’re supposed to flush it.”

The simple trick that helps tough-coated seeds sprout faster

I’M CURRENTLY DUSTING OFF my seed-starting supplies and sorting through seed packets from years past. Seed starting is an annual ritual for many gardeners, but if you’re new to the party, it would be helpful to know that not all seeds should be treated the same way. Many seeds only require soil and

water to sprout. Others, however, have a harder coating that makes germination a bit difficult.

That’s because in the wild, they rely on birds and other wildlife that eat them to carry them far distances before dropping them.

It’s a good plan: The journey ensures biodiversity by introducing the species to another location. And the seed’s tough outer coating ensures its survival through an animal’s digestive tract, which erodes only enough of the protective layer to allow water to enter.

The remaining coating prevents the seed from waking up too early, which would otherwise spell death for tender sprouts in cold temperatures.

But nature’s survival plan creates a bit of a challenge for home gardeners because the hard coating prevents those seeds from sprouting easily. So, it’s up to us to mimic the effects of stomach acid to expose the seed’s inner layer so that moisture can pen-

etrate.

This is called scarification, and there are a few ways to do it, all of which are simple.

Sanding: Rub each seed lightly against medium-grit sandpaper, an emery board or a nail file until you see a hint of its paler inner layer. This method works best with larger seeds, but you can also tuck several small ones between two sheets of sandpaper and gently rub the sheets together. Just a little friction should do the trick.

Nicking: Sometimes I use small nail clippers intended for babies to snip a tiny sliver off the edge of the seed’s coat.

Soaking: If you have more time than wherewithal, this is the easiest method: place the seeds in a bowl, cover them with warm water, and let them sit for a few hours or overnight. They’ll swell slightly as they take in moisture, which is exactly what you want.

Some tips: Never use hot water;

cooked seeds won’t grow. Keep the temperature below 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). And whatever method you choose, do it right before planting. Once the seed’s inner tissue is exposed, it will begin to dry out.

Is scarification absolutely required? No. Seeds will often sprout without it, but it could take much longer, and you’ll likely end up with far fewer seedlings. Scarified seeds don’t have to wait around for their coats to break down under soil, which is a real advantage if your growing season is short, your elevation is high or you’re a procrastinator.

Edibles to scarify include all bean types, luffa, spinach, strawberry and winter squash.

Some of the really stubborn seeds — chickpeas, lima beans, nasturtiums — respond well to a one-two approach: a little nick or sanding, followed by a soak.

Years
recent sewage overflow into the Potomac River, wipes created problems at a wastewater pumping station in Anacostia, pictured here in 2021. (MATT MCCLAIN/THE WASHINGTON POST)
Poppy seeds undergo scarification in a bowl of warm water on Feb. 15, 2025.
(JESSICA DAMIANO VIA AP)

Grotesque glassware can be beautiful

THE WORD “GROtesque” has a few different meanings in decorative arts. It can be a general descriptor, covering anything strange and macabre. It can be more specific, referring to human faces with distorted features that appear as masks or adorn furniture or pottery. But would you use it to describe, say, a symmetrical glass vase standing on a round foot, with a flared, ruffled shape and a cobalt blue rim fading into the clear body?

That vase, which sold for $455 at an auction by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, came from the Grotesque glassware line made by Steuben in the 1920s to 1930s. Steuben glass may be better known for its iridescent Aurene and colorful Cluthra glassware or its crystal paperweights, but its Grotesque pieces are just as innovative and elegant. The wares are usually conventional vases and bowls, and they may be clear, opaque, a solid color, or shaded. The free-formed shapes of the pieces and their rippling textures make the line unique.

Q. I have an interesting pottery pitcher I bought at an estate sale. It’s glazed brown and has a texture like tree bark. The mark on the bottom looks like it says “Gonder” in cursive. I haven’t been able to find out anything about the company. Can you tell me anything about it, and what the piece might be worth?

A. Your pitcher was made by Gonder Ceramic Arts, Inc., which was founded by Lawton Gonder in Zanesville, Ohio, 1941 and operated until 1957. Gonder pottery was made in many popular styles of the time, including art deco, Hollywood Regency, and Modernist, and featured specialty glazes

Grotesque or gorgeous? Despite its name, the Grotesque line of Steuben glass demonstrates the beauty and expertise collectors expect from the company. (JEFFREY S. EVANS & ASSOCIATES)

like crackle, drip, lustre, and flambe. Your pitcher comes from the pottery’s Original line, which was introduced about 1950. Collectors categorize Gonder Original pieces by their mold numbers, which are grouped by series from 100 to 1200. Your piece comes from the 400 series. It is worth about $50. For more information about Gonder pottery, look for “The Collector’s Guide and History of Gonder Pottery: The Other Zanesville, Ohio — Art Pottery” by Ron Hoopes.

Q. How much would it cost to get a formal appraisal for my family’s antique furniture set?

A. Formal appraisals are expensive. Different appraisers charge different prices,

value they set; they are likely to undervalue your items so they can buy them at the lowest possible price. If you are simply curious about the value of your furniture set, a formal appraisal is usually not necessary. There are plenty of ways to estimate the value of an antique. You can check antique stores in your area and talk to dealers. Look online for similar items that sold at auctions. Many auction houses will estimate the value of an item if you send them photos, even if you are not selling the item through them. However, remember that the item’s condition and other key factors to its value are not always obvious in a photograph. And, of course, you can look up prices in Kovels’ Price Guide and sales reports in Kovels Antique Trader!

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.

Sports, soccer, ball, red and yellow, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Sidekick, plastic bag, box, 1990s, pair, $50.

Bank, top hat, upside down, red top, coin slot, embossed lettering, Pass Around the Hat, black base, cast iron. 2 inches, $130.

Pyrex, bowl set, Cinderella, Butterprint, turquoise, nesting, largest 4 quarts, four pieces, $155.

but $150 per hour is typical. Remember that you are paying for the appraiser’s time, research, and expertise. If the appraiser comes to your home, you are paying for their travel time as well. If you need a formal appraisal, such as for insurance or tax purposes, a good way to find a qualified appraiser is through a professional association like the American Society of Appraisers (appraisers.org), International Society of Appraisers (isa-appraisers.org), or Appraisers Association of America (appraisersassociation.org). Look for one who specializes in furniture. You may want to contact multiple appraisers before deciding which one to hire and be sure check reviews or references. Watch out for appraisers who charge based on the value of the antique or who offer to buy it at the

TIP: Antique glass should be handled as if it has been repaired and might fall apart. Hold a pitcher by the body, not the handle. Pick up stemware by holding both the stem and the bowl. Hold plates in two hands, not by the rim.

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 close-up 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.

Pottery-contemporary, jar, blackware, burnished, feathers around shoulder, round, tapered, flared lip, signed, Hilario Quezada, Mata Oritz, 7 x 8 1/2 inches, $320.

Tole, chandelier, six-light, lyre center, yellow, black painted leaves, scrolling vines, flowers, electrified, France, early 1800s, 18 x 18 inches, $525.

Advertising, tin, Thomas’ Indelible Ink, rectangular, yellow, black lettering, slide lid, flower border, black cat on base, sitting, Ask For Me., 3 x 2 inches, $585. Furniture, chair, rocker, Wegner, J16, black lacquer, spindle back, jute cording seat, stretcher base, arms, FDB Mobler, c. 1944, 42 inches, $660. Porcelain-Chinese, vase, bottle shape, red flambe glaze, mottled, short foot, blue six-character mark, c. 1900, 8 inches, $720.

Rug, penny, rectangular, rows of multicolor concentric circles, small circles around edge, red inner border, black ground, c. 1930, 48 x 71 inches, $1,245.

Lamp, electric, glass base, aventurine, green, gold inclusions, applied bumps, asymmetrical, cylinder shade, silk, Murano, Barovier & Toso, c. 1930, 30 inches, $1,995.

Average US long-term mortgage rate dips below 6 percent

Rate now at lowest level since 2022

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week below 6% for the first time since late 2022, good news for home shoppers as the spring home-buying season gets rolling.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 5.98% from 6.01% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.76%.

The average rate has been hovering close to 6% this year. This latest dip, its third decline in a row, brings it to its lowest level since Sept. 8, 2022, when it was 5.89%.

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 Treasury yield was at

Deeds

AGAWAM

Betty J. Jamroz and Steven Murawski to Jeremy Torres, 47 Butternut Drive, $379,900.

Cheryl A. Howes to Patricia Salvatore, 37 Corey Colonial, Unit 37, $240,000.

Joseph D. Baldarelli to Ky Shawn LLC, Rear Silver Street, $416,000.

Monique Lauren Malvezzi and Bryan Arthur Camuse to Hector Emilio Brookman Jr., 138 Suffield St, $367,500.

Uhia Willis, Noemi Willis and Noemi Amaris to Yesenia Marin and Guadalupe Henriquez, 267 Rowley St, $335,000.

AMHERST

Amhad Development Corp., to Joanne H. Shea, 28 Greenleaves Drive, $300,000.

Rachael B. Goren, Rachael B. Goren-Watts and Julie Callan to Leonor Stephens and Andrew Stephens, 28 Kettle Pond Road, $682,000.

Susan Han, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Susan Han to College Street 1957 LLC, 0 West St., $100.

4.02% at midday Thursday, down from around 4.07% a week ago.

Mortgage rates have been trending lower for months, helping drive a pickup in home sales the last four months of 2025, but not enough to lift the housing market out of its slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes remained stuck last year at 30-year lows. And more buyer-friendly mortgage rates this year weren’t enough to lift home sales last month. They posted the biggest monthly drop in nearly four years and the slowest annualized sales pace in more than two years.

However, with the average rate on a 30-year mortgage now below 6% as the annual spring home-buying season begins, it could encourage prospective home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates to shop for a home this spring.

“Assuming rates stay below 6%, buyers and sellers are going to start getting back into the market,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. “March is when the

Susan Han, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Susan Han to SH Taylor LLC, 290 West St., $100.

Winnifred H. Manning and Edward Craig Manning, attorney-in-fact, to Amherst Community Land Trust Inc., 61 Fearing St., $500,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Gerard H. LeBlond and Jeanne M. LeBlond to Gerard H. LeBlond, trustee, and Jeanne M. LeBlond, trustee, and LeBlond Family Trust, 25 Forest Road, $100.

Derek J. Stebbins and Jillian L. Brunell to Tang Properties LLC, 108 Shea Ave.,$120,000.

Anne M. Mercier to Thomas Sheldon, 10 Moss Lane, $390,000.

Jeffrey L. Martins and Melissa R. Martins to Michael J. O’Brien and Vicki L. O’Brien, 0 Aldrich St., $100.

Jeremy James Tyler to Kristen L. Racine-Melendez, 63 North Washington St., $355,000.

Michael J. O’Brien and Vicki L. O’Brien to Jeffrey L. Martins and Melissa R. Martins, 0 Aldrich St., $26,000.

Samantha A. Capistrant to David Flaherty and Marie Roberge, 147 Stebbins St., $355,000.

spring home-buying season typically begins to ramp up and with rates at a three-and-a-half year low, it could be a barn burner of a spring home-buying season.”

A sharp run-up in home prices, especially in the early years of this decade, and a chronic shortage of homes nationally worsened by years of below-average home construction have left many aspiring homeowners priced out of the market.

That’s put the focus on mortgage rates, which can boost home shoppers’ purchasing power when they come down, but also reduce how much homebuyers can afford when rates rise.

Depending on a borrower’s income, credit and other factors, they may qualify for a rate on a 30-year mortgage that is below or above the current average.

Still, mortgage rates may have to fall further to motivate homeowners to sell now if they locked in or refinanced their mortgage earlier this decade to a rate far below current rates.

Consider, nearly 69% of U.S. homes with an outstanding mortgage have a

Erik P. Ferenz, Erik P. Ferenz, personal representative, Catherine R. Ferenz, estate, and Stacia K. Sasso to LaFleur & Son Inc., and L J Development LLC, 280 Ware Road, $310,000.

BERNARDSTON

David H. Howe and Joann T. Howe, “aka” Joanne T. Howe, to Brian Patrick McCarthy and Lisa Katherine McCarthy, 83 Eden Trail Branch Road, $1,100,000.

CHESTER

Chester Marks to Matthew S. Leahy and Carianne Leahy, 0 Round Hill Road, $22,500.

Witman Properties Inc., receiver, Massachusetts Comm Attorney General, and Jacqueline Marie Lajara to Jackson Cunningham, 171 Prospect St, $27,500.

CHESTERFIELD

Joseph A. Cliché and Bobbi Jo A. Cliché to Jordan Rowe Baldwin-Page and Michael Lawrence Bodman, 5 Bofat Hill Road, $550,000.

Richard A. Donath to Joseph A. Cliché and Bobbi Jo Cliché, 345 Ireland St., $700,000.

fixed-rate of 5% or lower, and slightly more than half have a rate at or below 4%, according to Realtor.com.

Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, rose this week. That average rate rose to 5.44% from 5.35% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.94%, Freddie Mac said.

Homeowners have increasingly opted to refinance as mortgage rates have eased, a trend that continued last week.

Mortgage applications edged up 0.4% last week from the previous week, with much of the increase due to homeowners applying for loans to refinance their existing mortgage, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Applications for mortgage refinancing loans made up 58.6% of all applications, up from 57.4% the previous week.

More home shoppers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, which typically offer lower initial interest rates than traditional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages. ARMs accounted for 8.2% of all mortgage applications last week, the MBA said.

Finance of America Reverse LLC, Richard W. Purrington, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., Compu-Link Corp., attorney-in-fact, and Celink, attorney-in-fact, to Finance of America Reverse LLC, 316 Main Road, $237,590.

CHICOPEE

Anita Fleckenstein to Robert Marowski, 56 Amherst St., $100,000.

Anita Seidnitzer, trustee, Thomas Lacaprucia, trustee, Louis Lacaprucia, trustee, and Libra Trust, trustee of, to William C. Lacaprucia, 19 Edbert St., $315,000.

Berkshire Retail-C LLC, to Chicopee TD Realty LLC, 185 Exchange St., $4,500,000.

Brico Properties LLC, to Mireille Laure Ngwelebe, 1012 Chicopee St., $460,000.

Debra A. Johnson to Paul M. Hughes and Darlene S. Lyko, 55 Dowds Lane, $512,500.

Edward W. Freeman, estate, and Kathryn Anne McGraw, representative, to Eleven Million Olive Trees LLC, 90 McKinstry Ave., Unit 117, $125,000.

Gregg A. Konieczny to Kelly T. Melnyck and Eric Pappas, 355 New Ludlow Road, $350,000.

Karen L. Crawford, estate, and Freddie Pokrzywa Jr., representative, to Justin M. Grenon, 86 Collins St., Unit H10, $215,000. Marybeth Fullerton, representative, and Gail J. Archambault, estate, to Emily Fullerton, 25 Grifford St., $310,000.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., to Randy Amadis, 129 Edgewood Ave., $269,900.

Roberta A. Van Kruiningen, trustee, and Roberta A. Van Kruiningen 2012 Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to Brian Pincomb, 17 Randall St., $280,000.

Tara K. Carter, Wolf Laguerra and Brenda Laguerra to Grant Herman, 82 Mitchell Drive, Unit T10, $250,000.

CONWAY

C. Conrad Case III, trustee of the Andrew E. Desguin Revocable Trust, to Andrew Robert Pigott and Jacqueline Chieh Pigott, 473 North Poland Road, $725,000.

DEERFIELD

Ann Savage Clift and Mike D. Clift, “aka” Michael D. Clift, to Gillian Marie Lanou and Kodi Dalton Lanou, 33 Eastern Ave., $299,000.

Deeds

Douglas A. Ducharme to Haley A. Dumas and Emma K. Johnson, 13 Captain Lathrop Drive, $410,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Deborah A. Basile, trustee, and Basile Family Realty Trust, trustee of, to Frank Baltazar and Lindsay Baltazar, 35 Pembroke Terrace, $190,000.

John S. Manarite, estate, John D. Manarite, estate, and Diane Shepard, representative, to Ian A. Daye and Keisha M. Herbert-Williams, 98 Brookhaven Drive, $475,500.

Mark C. DiFranco and Lisa D. DiFranco to Mark Melikian and Channing Melikian, 75 Marci Ave., $700,000.

Tara Murphy, John M. Murphy Jr., and Mary C. St. George to Tara Murphy, 49 Bayne St., $378,000.

ERVING

Jeffrey J. Cullen to Allison N. Boswell and Mark A. Wightman, 8 Semb Drive, $297,000.

GILL

Richard C. French and Emily Samuels to Jacob Rowe and Emily Tourigny, 10 Center Road, $290,000.

GREENFIELD

M. Hunter Kratt, “aka” Mary Hunter Kratt, to Mark A. Skinder, 249-251 Chapman St., $240,000.

HADLEY

Paul J. Bertrand and Joyce H. Bertrand to Diane E. Nielsen, 2 Scott Lane, $615,000.

HATFIELD

John S. Henderson-Adams and Mariel E. Lima to 186 North Hatfield LLC, 320 West St., $100.

Damaris N. Rowland to John Larareo and Cynthia Larareo, 115 Elm St., $451,000.

Irene C. Knowlton to Stanley J. Pitchko Jr., and Patricia J. Pitchko, 22 Sunset Ave., $310,000.

HOLLAND

Steven W. Fontaine Jr., representative, and Debra L. Fontaine, estate, to Bramwells LLC, 3 Sunset Lane, $408,000.

HOLYOKE

David Gruszka to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 414 South St., $120,000. Eastwood Realty Inc., to OneHolyoke Community Development Corp., Samosett Street, Par II, $100,000.

German A. Mejia-Gonzalez to Christina Caraballo, 77 Newton St., $100,000. Michael McHugh to Edward McHugh, 71

Reservation Road, $125,915.

Morgan F. Whiting and Matthew E. Whiting to WMass Land Acquisitions LLC, 0 Homestead Avenue, $400,000.

HUNTINGTON

Theresa M. Dahill to Pamela J. Tarnawa, trustee, Douglas S. Tarnawa, trustee, and 144 Norwich Lake Realty Trust, 144 Norwich Lake, $220,000.

LEYDEN

David H. Howe and Joann T. Howe, “aka” Joanne T. Howe, to Brian Patrick McCarthy and Lisa Katherine McCarthy, 83 Eden Trail Branch Road, $1,100,000.

LONGMEADOW

Bay Path University to Hannah K. Dunphy and Sean P. Dunphy, 33 Emerson Road, $402,000.

Edward Leonard Dickman III, and Christy Lee Dickman to Daniel Manferdini and Kelly Manferdini, 115 Wenonah Road, $515,000.

Yeslin B. Gonzalez and Elcia Chaj Tomas to Jean R. Mojica-Rivera and Sally K. Mojica, 49 Wimbleton Drive, $416,000.

LUDLOW

Annette M. Polansky to Kaitlin Rose Morris, 353 Fuller St., $349,000.

Antonio Carvalho to Brianna M. Gladu and Andrew E. Coblyn, 424 Chapin St., $419,000.

Lee A. Fernandes and Claudete M. Pereira-Fernandes to Danyun Huang, 81-83 Motyka St., $389,000.

Mary L. Rice to Jeremy J. Tyler and Alycia C. Tyler, 956 Poole St., $689,000.

Noreen M. Tilden to Sarah Gurney, 665 Center St., Unit 705, $284,000.

Rebecca Carlson and Andrew Carlson to Brianna Koref and Nolan Arbuckle, 183 Ventura St., $353,000.

S & C Investors LLC, to Antonio Carvalho, 371 Miller St., $230,000.

Sunha Chung to Stephen Lamoureaux and Rhea Lamoureaux, 37 Wyndermere Place, $627,000.

Turan Gun, Turan Gul and Inci Gul to Ronaldo Meza Olivares, 24 Elm St., $450,000.

Turning Point Properties LLC, to Matthew Menard and Ashley Martins, 63 Helene St., $435,000.

MIDDLEFIELD

Sara E. Martineau, Marissa P. Martineau, Laurie Jean Martineau-Gemelli, estate, and Laurie J. Martineau, estate, to John Fable, 0 Skyline Trail, $32,900.

MONSON

Hedge Hog Industries Corp., to Jonathan Verda and Lori Verda, 186 Upper Hampden Road, $650,000.

Palmer Road LLC, to 151 Realty LLC, 151 Palmer Road, $290,000.

Sammi Liang to Robert Frisco, 221 Moulton Hill Road, $395,000.

NEW SALEM

Mary Charlotte Mars and Charles MarsMahlau to Kristopher Michael Burgess and Nathaly Burgess, 72 North Main St., $352,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Dorrie A. Bluemer to Dorrie A. Bluemer, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Dorrie A. Bluemer, 36 Indian Hill, $100. Dufrayne LLC, to Laura A. Battles, 67 Park St., $800,000.

Steven P. Belmore, Steven D. Belmore and Delores M. Belmore to Lucia Q. Lomax, 41 Old Ferry Road, $320,000.

Robert G. Ethier and Lisa C. Chase to Gabriel Pilar and Elizabeth Pilar, 114 Pine St., $1,050,000.

Johanna Atkinson to Carlo A. Lascala, 30 Cherry St., $805,000.

ORANGE

Evelyn D. Testerman, personal representative of the Estate of Kay F. Johnson, to Brandi King, 9 Sunset Drive, $289,900.

Annette J. Allain and Thomas H. Allain to Lacey Allain and Alexander P. Taylor-Turcotte, 92 Wheeler Ave., $303,000.

PALMER

Amanda Lynn Higgins and Jon Jason Higgins to Angelika Maria Enamorado, 3 Sylvia St., $305,000.

Barbara F. Hall and Eric W. Hall to Blake L. Gratton, 9 Jim Ash Road, $485,000.

Bernice A. Bassilakis and Bernice A. Bassilakis-Wegrzynek to Harry Kastrinakis, trustee, Deborah M. Kastrinakis, trustee, and Marie Family 2025 Revocable Trust, trustee of, 1 Pioneer Drive, $455,000.

SHUTESBURY

Dolores M. Conway to Elizabeth R. Devine and Robert P. Levine, January Hills Road, $165,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

James Ribadeneyra and Amber Ribadeneyra to Amber Ribadeneyra, 14 Willimansett St., $60,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

James L. Patterson and Sandra J. Patterson to Nelson Beckwith and Maria Cusano, 29 Rattle Hill Road, $885,000.

SOUTHWICK

Andrew Felix to Cameron Vivenzio, 276 South Longyard Road, $335,000.

Jada Homes LLC, to Vitalii Yakymchuk, 3 Tall Pines Trail, $177,000.

Ronald G. Hannah and Kimberly A. Hannah to Kelly M. Letourneau and Jonathan A. Le-

tourneau, 2 John Mason Road, $595,000.

SPRINGFIELD

716 Spring Valley LLC, to Modern Creative Contractor Inc., 910-912 Belmont Ave., $300,000.

740 High Street LLC, to Lorenze Beltran, 24 Cunningham St., $480,000.

Alice Baiyee to Relax Realty LLC, 44 Belmont Ave., $345,000.

Angel R. Villar to Ziruo Zhuang, 50-52 Maynard St., $430,000.

Caring Health Center Inc., to H&F Properties Inc., 860 Boston Road, $455,000.

Carlos Antonio Rivera Jr., to Christopher Alexander, 78 Lowell St., $216,000.

Clifford Holensworth to Robert E. Rentschler II, and Kiarah F. Rentschler, 27 Rockland St., $358,000.

Daniel E. Burroughs, representative, Daniel Earle Burroughs, representative, David Bambrick Morton Jr., estate, and David B. Morton, estate, to William G. Barrett, 45 Nassau Drive, Unit 45, $195,000.

David C. Harvey and Sara J. Harvey to Camille Halfman, 51 Candice Circle, $468,000.

Deluca Development Corp., to Round Two LLC, 52 Thompson St., $115,000.

Earl Andrews, trustee, and E A B Family Realty Trust, trustee of, to GT Blue Martin LLC, 66 Foster St., $106,000.

Ellen M. Guyer and Ellen Margaret Minnie to Emmanuel Filpo Javier and Yanibel Agosto Flores, 223 Cabinet St., $355,000.

Erskine Eugene Chaffin Jr., estate, Erskine E. Chaffin, estate, and Matoaca Hardy-Fletcher, representative, to Emtay Inc., 220 Ambrose St., $30,000.

Gabriel I. Vazquez-Negron to Georgia A. Edwards, Leyah A. Edwards and Leon A. Edwards Jr., 274 Pine St., $295,000.

Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Betsaida Medina, 88 Central St., Unit 307, $206,000.

Gerald R. Zanarini and Linda M. Zanarini to Myriam Vega, 884 Parker St., $375,000.

Greenberg Blatt Children LLC, to Hancock Dollar LLC, 247 Hancock St., $1,667,422.

Hassle Free LLC, to Rafael Urbina-Reyes, 38 Tyrone St., $320,000.

Hedge Hog Industries Corp., to Post Investment LLC, Baltimore Avenue, Lot 7, $90,000.

Jean L. Saint Louis and Fanise Pucard to Juanita Henderson-Strickland, 58 Willard Ave., $325,000.

Jennifer Tatro to Brital1987 LLC, 21 Davis St., $197,000.

John J. Bonneau and Janet E. Bonneau to John D. Slavick, trustee, Wanda Juliet Slavick, trustee, and Slavick Revocable Trust, trustee of, 53 Chilson St., $310,000.

Jonan Manuel Liriano Jimenez to Jose J. Alvarez Pagan Sr., 72 W Bay Path Terrace, $270,000.

Juanita Edwards, John David Burwell, Connie M. Burwell, Connie Mae Burwell and Joseph Burwell to Joseph Nguyen and Aiphuong Tu Lai, 140 Northampton Ave., $215,000.

Kassandra Lee Velez to Samantha Michelli Rivera, 36 Emily St., $230,000.

FROM PAGE F5

The hinges of the roof not only allowed easy venting, opening, and closing, but also kept it from blowing off in strong winds.

For extra heat retention, a cold frame might have soil banked up against its sidewalls. Same goes for using a double layer of plastic or glass.

Dug down so its ground level is a foot or more below the outside level, a cold frame provides even cozier winter quarters. Covering the plastic or glass with some insulating material on cold nights helps hold in the day’s heat. European gardeners would make straw, rollup mats for this purpose.

A well-sealed cold frame needs close attention to ventilation to keep plants from cooking. My homemade cold frames were always admittedly leaky:

the covers didn’t fit tightly, and cold air blew in through cracks at the joints. The advantage of all this leakage was that I didn’t have to worry about the cold frame overheating if I forgot to vent it or if I was away from home when a cloudy day turned sunny. I’ll admit to no longer having a cold frame. After many years of use, excess rot finally rendered my last frame hardly functional, so I dismantled it. No matter: I still get to insert that

Deeds

Kelley S. Roark and Mohammad S. Raghfar to Nabiha Zaeema Hossain, 855 Belmont Ave., $499,900.

Kim Cuc Pham and Renee Pham to Mohammad Tahmir, 140-142 Dickinson St., $385,000.

Mark N. Koschwitz to West Jam Man LLC, 129 Cooper St., $260,000.

Mars Real Properties Inc., to Samantha James, 63 Parker St., $410,000.

Morrell Thomas to Rosemonde Samson, trustee, and Samson Trust, trustee of, 32 Clifford St., $305,000.

Nap Properties LLC, to Mireille Laure Ngwelebe, 797 Carew St., $442,000.

Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Naula Global Investments Corp., 88 Marble St., $180,000.

Natanael Crespo to Alan W. Smith, 140 Chestnut St., Unit 204, $94,000.

Nescac LLC, to Amanda Lily Orszulak and Justin Adam Orszulak, 203 Denver St., $230,000.

Nicholas R. Paquet to Emmanuel Alvarado, 136 Joan St., $285,000.

Springfield Redevelopment Authority, to Sergey Dikan, North Side Tyler St., $8,000.

P&R Investments LLC, to Jonathan Scott and Alexis Scott, 18 Lawton St., $310,000.

Patricia L. Booth to U S A Housing & Urban Development, 53 Texel Drive, $278,480.

Paul B. Presil to Ortins Capital Partners Group LLC, 42-44 Dearborn St., $225,000.

Phantom Holdings LLC, to Kevin J. Baez Paulino, 81 Hayden Ave., $232,000.

Roberto Leclair and Thomasina A. Frimpong-LeClair to Hiep Nguyen and Phuong Nguyen, 134 Granger St., $385,000.

Sareen Properties LLC, to Latoya Lynch, 25 Malden St., $405,000.

Scott Meadows to Kevin Mark St. Clair Lawrence and Marsia D. Lawrence, 290 Newton Road, $335,000.

Squire Investments LLC, to Alexlinat LLC, 427 Orange St., $626,500.

Suranthey Panton to TJS Ventures LLC, 769-771 Belmont Ave., $310,000.

Suzan M. Dumas and Angela Rodriguez to S S J Enterprises LLC, 252 Parker St., $175,000.

Tara A. Bressette and Kerry Smith to Sandra Ostromecky and Kyle Allen-Michael Esparza, 74 Judith St., $280,000.

Wesley Swan and Shalimar Swan to Melania Gilzene, 882-884 Liberty St., $393,900.

Wilma I. Rosado-Arroyo to Andrea Del Pilar Alban Sanchez, 78 San Miguel St., $225,000.

SUNDERLAND

Julia D. Kulessa and Peter A. Kulessa, trustees of the Julia D. Kulessa Living Trust, and Peter A. Kulessa and Julia D. Kulessa, trustees of the Peter A. Kulessa Living Trust, to Heather Willard and Todd F. Willard. 297 Montague Road, $700,000.

WARE

Audra Ekmalian to Audra Ekmalian, trustee, and Audra Ekmalian Living Trust, 1 Briar Circle, $100.

Marianell Castillo to Brittaney Kinosian, 114 North St., $299,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Barry Bradford Maxwell and Megan E. Maxwell to Francesca Depergola and Alessio Salvatore Papallo, 60 Morningside Terrace, $365,000.

Centura Bay LLC, to Abdul Hakim Al Alloun, 524 Westfield St., $285,000.

Chenal LLC, to Wytas Properties LLC, 2131 Riverdale St., $585,000.

JT Realty Associates Inc., to Victor Shibley III, and Erin St. Onge, 16 North St., $350,000.

Maria L. Rivera to Devin Riddle and Thomas Zulch, 31 Stone Path Lane, $330,000.

Philip A. Greene, Phillip A. Greene, Richard P. Greene and Lori E. Gallerani to Lori E. Gallerani and Richard P. Greene, 23 York St., $100.

fourth dimension into my garden year. Right out in some beds in the vegetable garden, various “tunnels” of wire hoops supporting plastic film have taken over the job of the cold frames. The benefit the hoop tunnels is that they both are temporary, easily dismantled for compact storage through the summer.

The cold frame’s significance also withered away once I built a greenhouse

Psalms Properties LLC, to Cotton Jennings Hewes and Abigail Hewes, 37 Plateau Circle, $289,000.

WESTFIELD

Alexandra M. Govine, Daniel Wesley Janisieski and Alexandra M. Janisieski to Jennifer Carellas and Samuel Desrochers, 323 Southwick Road, $319,000.

Danny Santos Medina and Marsha Jean Medina to David Anglade and Seay Chap, 53 Scenic Road, $605,000.

Darryl A. Bonner and Tonia A. Bonner to Devin Miles and Megan Miles, 17 Jeanne Marie Drive, $585,000.

First Tee LLC, to Prapti LLC, 459 Russell Road, $1,100,000.

Fumi Realty Inc., to Edna Coleman and Paul Coleman, 66 Stony Lane, $393,413.

John J. Beltrandi III, to Vyacheslav Malancha and Svetlana Malancha, O Shaker Road, $4,000.

Lisa Bihler Lyle, William Lyle Jr., and William T. Lyle to Matthew Bagg, 40 Skipper Lane, $565,000.

Patrick K. Nimchick to Margaret Giancola, trustee, and Kathleen Murphy Supplemental Needs Trust, trustee of, 82 South Maple St., Unit 33, $150,000.

Paul G. Blais, representative, Cecile Aurore Blais, estate, and Cecile A. Blais, estate, to Lyle Washington and Kerri Washing-

ton, 419 Southwick Road, Unit C-12, $325,000.

Sergey Savonin to Emily Coderre, 275 Western Ave., $410,000.

Simone M. Vaccaro to Robert Hayes, 86 Beveridge Boulevard, Unit 86, $315,000.

Valentina Hasjanova and Ramay Khasyanov to Patrick Nimchick, 118 Woodside Terrace, $340,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Wayne T. Parks and Elizabeth Ostrowski-Parks to Katelyn Thompson, 0 Mine Road, $165,000.

WHATELY

Gary R. Kloc and Marilee P. Kloc to Lisa C. Gustavsen, 116 Christian Lane, $395,000.

WILBRAHAM

AC Homebuilding LLC, to Karen J. Braden, trustee, and Karen J. Braden Living Trust, trustee of, 2 Bayberry Drive, $480,000.

Jackie M. St. Lawrence to B&B Realty Partners LLC, 19 Linwood Drive, $235,000.

Michael Marion, Joann M. Marion, Michelle Haroules Cox and David Cox to Nancy Sarlan and Valarie Boucher, 57 Beebe Road, $600,000.

Patricia M. Murphy, representative, and Patricia Catherine McGranaghan, estate, to Anthony Moriarty and Tammy L. Moriarty, 54 High Pine Circle, $492,000.

PUBLIC AUCTION

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4, 2026

9:00AM - SPRINGFIELD, MA 51-53 LANSING PLACEDEPOSIT $10,000

FRIDAY MARCH 6, 2026

10:00 AMSOUTH DEERFIELD, MA 79 LONG PLAIN ROAD, WHATELY, MA A/K/A 79 LONG PLAIN ROADDEPOSIT $10,000

TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026

2:00 PM - FLORENCE, MA 42 CLARK STREETDEPOSIT $10,000

MONDAY

MARCH 16, 2026

9:00 AM - PALMER, MA 205 BRECKENRIDGE STREETDEPOSIT $5,000

TUESDAY

MARCH 17, 2026

2:00 PMHUNTINGTON, MA 14 PLEASANT STREETDEPOSIT $5,000

TERMSOFSALES:DEPOSITSINTHEAMOUNTS SPECIFIEDABOVEARETO BEPAIDBYTHEPURCHASER(S)ATTHETIME ANDPLACEOFEACH SALEBYCERTIFIEDOR BANKCHECK.ALLBALANCESDUEARETOBE PAIDWITHIN30DAYSOF EACHINDIVIDUALSALE. OTHERTERMS,IFANY, TOBEANNOUNCEDAT EACH SALE. CALL OUR AUCTION SCHEDULE LINE AT (617) 964-1282 FOR A LIST OF THE CURRENT DAY’S AUCTIONS AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.commonwealth auction.com FOR CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED SCHEDULING INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH AUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC. (617) 964-0005 MA

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