How the White House Rose Garden and its plantings have changed over the past century
By JESSICA DAMIANO Associated Press
PRESIDENT DONALD
Trump’s two makeovers of the White House Rose Garden, including converting its lawn into a patio, have drawn recent attention to one of the nation’s most iconic gardens.
The garden has seen many changes over the years; presidents and first ladies have planted, removed, redesigned and even fully revamped it.
Here’s a look at how the Rose Garden and its plantings have evolved.
Ellen Wilson and then Jackie Kennedy make changes
The Rose Garden was established by President Woodrow Wilson’s wife, Ellen Wilson, who worked closely with landscape architect George Burnap, in 1913.
It replaced Edith Roosevelt’s Colonial Garden, planted 11 years earlier. Before that, greenhouses occupied the space.
The original Rose Garden remained close to its roots for nearly half a century until 1961, when Pres-
ident John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy brought in their friend and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, neighbor, Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, to oversee a redesign.
Mellon, a horticulture expert, worked closely with landscape architect Perry Wheeler and White House
Head Gardener Irwin Williams on plans for the new Rose Garden, aiming to create an outdoor room where press conferences, meetings with dignitaries and ceremonies could be held. It was installed the following year.
The space included an expansive central lawn, inspired by the croquet-match passage in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” with magnolia trees planted at each corner.
Roses, interplanted with culinary herbs, spring-blooming bulbs, seasonal annuals and young Katherine crabapple trees, flanked the lawn in 12-foot-deep borders.
Since then, the space has hosted many historic events and has become known as a place where presidents deliver important speeches to the American people.
The garden evolves with new plants
Mellon’s style favored classic, muted tones, reflected in the roses she selected. But the crabapples turned out to be a misstep. As they matured, they became so large that they shaded the sun-loving roses they were intended to complement.
In 2003, some of those trees were removed to allow sunlight to reach the failing roses. Over the years, various perennials were added and replaced. Dying roses were removed, and the remaining trees continued to grow.
Boxwood shrubs bordering the beds became threatened by boxwood blight disease, and the lawn developed drainage issues that prompted frequent replacements.
The remaining trees’ roots had grown so large that it became difficult to plant annuals in the borders without disturbing them. In addition, as walkway repairs became necessary, portions had been replaced, piecemeal, with various slabs.
A 2020 restoration brings new roses and various upgrades
Then in 2020, first lady Melania Trump commissioned two archi-
Federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland, accompanied by former President Barack Obama, speaks as he is introduced as Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court during an announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on March 16, 2016. (ANDREW HARNIK / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)
tectural firms, Perry Guillot, Inc., of Southampton, New York, and Oehme van Sweden & Associates of Washington, D.C., to work with the Committee for the Preservation of the White House and the National Park Service to address those concerns and return the garden to its 1962 aesthetic.
This undated image provided by the Library of Congress shows the original White House rose garden in Washington, designed by George E. Burnap in 1913 and planted in 1914 during the Woodrow Wilson administration. Cover photo: Flowers in bloom appear in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington on June 12, 1996. (LIBRARY OF CONGRESS VIA AP/ AP PHOTO / RUTH FREMSON FILE)
Flowers bloom in the rose garden of the White House in Washington on April 19, 1963. (ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)
3 mortgage myths holding back aspiring homeowners
By Jeff O strowski Bankrate.com
MANY AMERICANS believe the dream of homeownership is out of reach, but a Bankrate survey revealed that at least some of those frustrations may be due to misconceptions that make homeownership seem harder than it really is. The public opinion poll, fielded earlier
this year, found that 41% of U.S. adults think now is a “bad time” to buy a home, and 26% say they’ll “never” be able to afford their dream home. It also showed that many have over-inflated perceived barriers to getting a home loan, such as less-than-stellar credit. Here are the most common myths revealed in the survey, and how they stack up to reality.
Myth: I need excellent credit to land a mortgage
The survey found 39% of Americans believe a home buyer needs “excellent” credit to get a mortgage. While it’s true that excellent credit will help you qualify for the best deal, it’s quite possible to land a mortgage
A quotation by Thomas Jefferson, “…the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another; and instead of one harvest, a continued one throughout the year,” is displayed in the White House Kitchen Garden during the White House Fall Garden Tour in Washington, Oct. 8, 2022. (CAROLYN KASTER
/ ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)
The shrubs were replaced with blight-resistant NewGen boxwoods.
They removed and relocated the remaining crabapple trees and replaced the dwindling plantings with pastel-colored roses, including the white, tall shrubby “White House Rose,” the cream-colored “JFK Rose,” the white hybrid tea rose “Pope John Paul II,” and the “Peace Rose,” a smaller tea rose with a pale-yellow center and light pink edges. The team also upgraded the garden’s infrastructure, adding electricity for TV appearances and uniform, 36-inchwide limestone walkways to accommodate wheelchair access and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Pavers replace the grass In 2025, President Trump revamped the space again, this time replacing the central lawn with a white limestone patio. He added solar-powered lighting, tables and umbrellas, and bronze statues of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. He has hosted dinners on the patio and has called the space the Rose Garden Club. And on the perimeter, the roses continue to bloom.
Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press. She publishes the Weekly Dirt Newsletter.
with a credit score of less than 700.
According to Equifax, credit score of 800 or higher qualifies as “excellent.” “Very good” means 740 to 799, which is still quite creditworthy. A credit score of 670 to 739 is considered “good,” while 580 to 669 is “fair.”
The reality is that borrowers with credit scores as low as 620 can qualify for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, while the requirements for loans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can go as low as 580.
LEE REICH | In the Garden
Time to plant the fall garden
MAKE BELIEVE IT’S spring. That’s what I’m doing this time of year as I drop seeds into mini-furrows of potting soil in seedling trays. It’s as if I’m getting ready to plant a garden — and, in fact, I am. The fall garden.
Having a fall garden is like having a whole other garden with no additional space needed. That’s why I’m sowing in seedling trays rather than elbowing my way into the present garden’s valuable real estate.
Today I sowed lettuce, endive, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower seeds. After a week or two of growth in a seedling tray, those seeds should have sprouted and seedlings will be large enough to “prick out” and carefully lift for “growing on” in individual, small pots or cells of multi-celled flats of potting soil. I prick out plants by sliding a knife or small laboratory spatula under a clump of seedlings or individual seedlings as I lift while very gingerly grabbing a leaf. Each seedling gets dropped into its own waiting hole in the pot or cell.
Most important when pricking out is to avoid damaging the very fragile stem of the seedling. I grab each seedling only by its leaf. And once each stem has been lowered into a hole in its new home, I carefully close up the hole around the seedling, firming the potting soil in place by pressing downward rather than inward.
After a month or so in the pot or cell, seedlings are ready for transplanting out in the garden. But where? Early sown bush beans peter out after a few harvests. That’s a place. (Pole beans start bearing later, but take over production to carry the torch the rest of the season.) I make four plantings of sweet corn, each about two weeks apart. The earliest sowings of corn should be finishing up and ready for being cleared by then.
Late in August, where I’ve gathered up mature onion and garlic bulbs, perhaps dug up cucumber vines that finally have succumbed to bacterial wilt, is the time for another wave of fall planting. I’ll sow seeds of spinach, mustard, arugula, and turnips directly in the ground.
GARDEN NOTES
STOCKBRIDGE Music Mondays at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Hampden Garden Club guest speaker
Not every vegetable takes well to transplanting, yet some might warrant fall garden real estate, and need it now or soon. That would be carrots and winter radishes.
Chinese cabbages, both bok choy and napa types vary a lot in days to maturity. Either can be sown directly in the garden, space permitting, or in seed flats for transplanting as space opens up. Which is a good segue to timing. . .
To figure out when to sow any fall vegetable, look on the seed packet for the “days to maturity.”
Cool weather and shorter days are going to dramatically slow growth as fall approaches, so I count on any vegetable being ready for harvest around here about September 15th. After that, cooler temperatures and shorter days dramatically slow growth.
Counting back the “days to maturity” from September 15th tells me when to plant seeds. The exception is for vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, for example — that usually are transplanted. For them, days to maturity is counted from when they are transplanted, so add three to four weeks, which is the time they would need to grow to transplant size.
Before beginning to plan for a delectable harvest of fall vegetables, three commitments are needed. The first is to maintain soil fertility. Remember, you’re getting another growing season out of your garden, so apply fertilizer and liberal amounts of compost or other organic matter
to the soil. Fall’s predominantly leafy vegetables are hungry plants.
The second commitment is not to forget to water. Seedlings beginning life in midsummer can’t get enough water for themselves through typical summer heat and drought. When sowing seeds in dry soil, open up a furrow, drop in seeds, then water the furrow thoroughly before covering it and firming the soil. Sprinkle water right over where the furrow was every day or two until the seedlings emerge, then give the row a thorough soaking once a week unless heavy rains fall. Natural rainfall and lower temperatures will lessen or eliminate watering chores as fall approaches.
And third, weed. Summer weeds not only take up space that could be used for fall vegetables, but also steal water and nutrients from garden plants. A few minutes weeding on a regular basis is easier and takes up less total time than tugging and chopping at large weeds overgrown through neglect. Unlike the frenetic spring garden that rushes plants and gardeners along, the fall garden is a relaxed affair. Vegetables grow slowly to maturity, and rather than turning bitter and sending up seedstalks, remain in excellent condition for eating. Frosts don’t faze most fall vegetables; it even improves the flavor of many of them.
Okay, enough about fall. I’m going back now to enjoying blueberries, coneflowers, mulleins, tomatoes, and other treats of the summer garden.
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents Music Mondays on July 6, featuring The Eagles Trombone Ensemble, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live music drifting across the Garden grounds, bring a blanket, sip something cool, and let the sweet sounds of some of the region’s most talented musical performers set the tone for a perfect summer evening. Cost members: $15, non-members: $25. Online ticketing is available until 2 p.m. on the day of the show. Tickets are also available at the door. For more information, or to register visit www. berkshirebotanical. org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
HAMPDEN
Pioneer Valley Water Garden and Koi Club pond tour
The Pioneer Valley Water Garden and Koi Club is holding its 30th annual Pond Tour on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy 12 beautiful private koi ponds and gardens in the Massachusetts Pioneer Valley on this self-guided tour. The pond owners will be present at each location to discuss their ponds and answer visitors’ questions. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at pioneer valleykoipond.club for $25 per family or carload. The pond tour will be held rain or shine.
On Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m., the Hampden Garden Club will be hosting Chris Ferrero, a writer and consultant, who will be presenting her program “All About Hydrangeas.” Chris trained as a Cornell Master Gardener in New York. For 10 years, she led demonstration garden teams, plant propagation workshops, alternative-to-invasives work groups, and children’s programs. The program will be at the new meeting location at the Town Hall (formerly Thornton W. Burgess Middle School), 85 Wilbraham Road, Room A7. Guests are asked to use the library entrance. There is a $5 fee for non-members of the garden club. New members are welcome. Membership fee for the year is $15 and includes admission to all programs
GREENFIELD Seed Library
The Greenfield Public Library has officially launched its new Seed Library. Home gardeners are invited to visit the Seed Library, located on the second floor of the library at the Information Services Desk, to choose up to five packets of seeds for their gardens. A wide variety of vegetable seeds (arugula to zucchini), as well as herb and flower seeds (amaranth to zinnia) will be available. Borrowing guidelines will be provided, and gardeners are encouraged to return seeds after the harvest season ends. This program is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact Nancy Little at nancy.little@ greenfield-ma.gov or call 413-772-1544. Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@ repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
Left, lettuce and bok choy, growing in cells weeks earlier, were transplanted into the garden and are maturing in fall. Right, to maximize use of space in the fall garden, lettuce can share a bed with cabbage; they will be harvested by the time cabbages claim the space. (LEE REICH PHOTOS)
Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
These Federal mirrors are uniquely American
WHAT COULD BE more representative of early American furniture than a Federal mirror? While the term can describe several types of mirrors, including large rectangular mirrors in scrolled wooden, usually mahogany, frames, or a style with a decorated upper panel and often columns on the sides of the frame, the quintessential Federal mirror is round, convex, and housed in a giltwood frame with a spread-winged eagle perched on top. These mirrors are also called “bull’s-eye,” due to their round shape.
In the Federal period of American history, that is, the late 18th to early 19th centuries, these round mirrors had a practical value. The convex shape helped reflect as much light as possible, which was important in the days before electric lighting. Some styles have candle sconces, called girandoles, attached to the frame for additional illumination.
Of course, these mirrors weren’t just practical. The gilded frame and majestic eagle provide an air of grandeur. Today’s collectors may see the eagle as uniquely American, especially on Federal furniture, but its significance predates that. In fact, some Federal mirrors were made before the adoption of the eagle as an American symbol. Similar styles were made in Europe, and, although many were sold to Americans, today’s dealers and auction houses often describe them as “Classical,” “Neoclassical,” or, if made in England, “Regency” rather than “Federal.”
Both American and European furniture in this time period drew influence from the art and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. The eagle was an important symbol then, associated with the Greek Zeus or Roman Jupiter, the king of the gods. Many Federal mirrors have
A. Lillian Vernon (19272015) was born in Germany, and her family emigrated to New York in 1937 to escape the Nazis. She started her eponymous giftware company in 1951, placing advertisements in women’s magazines for personalized goods.
The business grew quickly, and she released her first catalog in 1960. Products expanded to include ceramics, glassware, textiles, holiday decorations, toys, and more, and the company partnered with well-known manufacturers like Madame Alexander, Gobel, and Avon. Vernon is considered a pioneer among American women entrepreneurs, and many of her possessions, including the kitchen table where she started her business, are in the Smithsonian’s collection.
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. Pottery, midcentury, vase, vertical ruffled panels, pink and blue, flared neck, fluted rim, round base, marked, Hedi Schoop, Hollywood, 1940s, 7 inches, $30. Firefighting, helmet, yellow, shield on front, Engineer 1, plastic, marked, Cairns & Bro., 8 x 12 x 18 inches, $135.
Candy container, Liberty Bell, glass, metal cap, relief Liberty on base, U.S. Centennial, 1876, 3 inches, $200.
additional Classical imagery. One that sold for $1,125 at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries has a garland of oak leaves, another symbol of Zeus, in addition to its eagle crest.
Q. How can I find the value of a collection of comic books? There are Action Comics, Walt Disney, and more. They are very old and have tears in the corners.
A. Unfortunately, the torn corners mean that your comics are probably not worth very much, unless they are exceptionally rare titles. Condition is extremely important when it comes to comic books. Serious collectors have theirs graded. This is expensive, and usually not recommended unless you are certain the comics have high value.
Sources like CGC Comics (cgccomics.com) and Heri-
tage Auctions (ha.com) offer online guides to grading standards that cover factors such as wear and tear, paper color, and ink brightness. “The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide” by Robert Overstreet is considered the definitive guide to comic book values and lists nearly every title and issue. Look for a copy at your library.
You may also want to look up auction houses that deal in comic books. Some of them provide free appraisals or have online resources to help you value yours.
Q. Can you help me find out more about an unusual pair of china dishes? They are shaped like leaves, plain white, with a small hole for a handle at one end. There is a mark at the bottom of each one that reads “China / Lillian Vernon / 87” in blue print. Do you know what they might be worth?
The Lillian Vernon catalog is still in business. The marks on your dishes probably indicate where they were made (China) and the date (1987). Lillian Vernon dishes from this period usually sell for about $10 to $20 each.
TIP: Ordinary beer is great for cleaning a gilded mirror frame. Just pour it on a soft rag, rub gently, and dry.
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.
Furniture, table, sewing, American Empire, flame mahogany, two drawers, opalescent glass pulls, pendants at corners, carved baluster stand, four paw feet, c. 1840, 30 x 21 inches, $250.
Rug, Navajo, center serrated diamond, red, yellow, brown trim, light brown field, dark brown outer border, red inner border, c. 1930, 84 x 52 inches, $455. Porcelain-Chinese, cup, tea, multicolor enamel, figure riding mythical animal, allover engraved ground, flared lip, short foot, c. 1800, 2 3/4 inches, $705.
Textile, flag, American, 40 stars, parade, printed, cotton muslin, wood dowel staff, 1899, flag 12 x 17 inches, staff 27 inches, $830. Advertising, sign, Lee jeans, round, cowboy on horse, Authentic Western Pants and Jackets, Wear Lee Riders, brown ground, two-sided, tin, Stout Industries, 1960s, 18 inches, $890.
Stone, argillite, totem pole, carved, square base, signed, Glen Pollard, Haida, 15 inches, $1,025.
Furniture, stand, valet, Jacques Adnet, metal frame, light brown leather wrapping, rectangular tray top, three hangers, shoe rack on base, France, 42 1/2 inches, $1,920.
The round convex mirror with a giltwood frame crowned by an eagle captures the spirit of federal America with Classical symbolism. (THOMASTON PLACE AUCTION GALLERIES)
Average 30-year US mortgage rate falls to 6.43%
Rate at its lowest level in seven weeks
By A lex Veiga Associated Press
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell this week to its lowest level since mid-May, easing borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers.
The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.43% from 6.49% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.67%.
The average rate has been mostly hovering around 6.5% in the months since the war between the U.S. and Iran began in late February, disrupting the flow of crude oil from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide.
Deeds
AGAWAM
1094 Suffield LLC, to ChrisJoe Realty LLC, 1094 Suffield St., $1,450,000.
Brian Cote to Diana Mire, 20 Ottawa St., $365,000.
Jeffrey Govoni and Victor Michael Govoni to Serhii Makarov and Lillia Makarov, Willowbrook Drive, $400,000.
Marie Piccoli, estate, and Lisa Taupier, representative, to Kamil Lachut and Jennifer Lachut, 20 Hendom Drive, $370,000.
Mary Lou Elliot, representative, Patricia Hannah Page, estate, Patricia E. Page, estate, Patricia H. Page, estate, and Patricia Page, estate, to David Grushetskiy, 40-42 Henry St., $460,000.
Ortega LLC, to Leah McCarthy and Joel Cortes, 44 Spring St., $343,000.
Ronald J. Thibodeau to Brandon Laviolette and Brandon M. Laviolette, 84 Spencer St., $375,000.
Wal-Lee Enterprises LLC, to Michael Philip Doyle and Marya Casartello, 88 South St., $385,000.
AMHERST
Heather M. Roose, Heather M. Peterson and Robert J. Roose to Tyler Madison and Breanna J. Madison, 916 South East St., $800,000.
Debra R. Kolodny and Brio Kelly Howard to Jillian Menkes, 180 Summer St., $598,000.
Verity G. Norman-Tichawangana and Fungai James Tichawangana
That’s sent oil prices sharply higher, helping drive up inflation, bond yields and mortgage rates.
Despite the modest decline from last week, the average rate is now at its lowest level since May 14, when it was 6.36%.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixedrate mortgages, often sought by borrowers refinancing a home loan, also declined this week. That average rate fell to 5.79% from 5.84% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.8%, 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
to Mariah Dixon-Wheeler, 170 East Hadley Road, $299,700.
Jo Ellen Warner to Matthew F. Severin and Alexis M. Severin, 9 Webster Court, $392,500.
Christopher P. Misra and Kimberly A. Misra to Nicholas Fanton and Madeline Fanton, 12 White Pine Road, $1,025,000.
Masoud Hashemi, trustee, Abolhassan Hashemi, trustee, Zohreh Hashemi, trustee, and Hashemi Family Living Trust to Whitney Kite and Eric Horton, 560 Middle St., $734,000.
Donna Mollard to Meredith Clermont-Ferrand, 24 Mcintosh Drive, $450,000.
Kathy M. Meyer and Ronald T. Lucassen to Kathy M. Meyer, trustee, Ronald T. Lucassen, trustee, and Meyer Lucassen Family Trust, 9 Palley Village Place, $100.
ASHFIELD
Mary L. Walker and Robert Walker, “aka” Robert E. Walker, to Colleen Walker and Kyle Walker, 892 West Road, $350,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, Bank of New York, trustee, JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, trustee, Terwin Mortgage Trust, Newrez LLC, attorney-in-fact, Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, attorney-in-fact, and Specialized Loan Servicing LLC, attorney-in-fact, to Joseph Marc Desrosiers, 16 Juckett Hill Drive and Juckett Road, $336,000.
Jennifer L. Faulkner, personal representative, Jeffrey A. Faulkner,
lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.46% at midday Thursday on the bond market, down from 4.48% late Wednesday.
Hope that the United States and Iran may ultimately end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers delivering crude has helped lower oil prices, helping ease some of the pressure on bond yields.
Bond yields remain elevated, though. The 10-year Treasury yield was at 3.97% in late February.
As recently as late February, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage had slipped just under 6% for the first time since late 2022. It’s hasn’t fallen below that threshold since. Five weeks ago, it reached 6.53%, its highest level since Aug. 28.
personal representative, and Linda A. Faulkner, estate, to Mary Olberding, 111 Daniel Shays Highway, $450,000.
Walter S. Nowak and Michele A. Nowak to Gregory A. Nowak and Michael S. Nowak, 73 Orchard St., $100.
Hilary M. Murnane to Casey Biagiotti, 2 Newton St., $575,000.
Richard F. Greene and Barbara A. Greene to Belchertown Town and Belchertown Town Conservation, Ware Road, $100.
BLANDFORD
Mark Cerilli to Conner Edmund Glebocki and Shyanne Glebocki, 49 Russell Stage Road, $310,000.
BRIMFIELD
Megan Caron, Megan Colantuoni and Michael Paul Colantuoni to Maria Vertkin, 20 Paige Hill Road, $455,000.
Robert G. Chenette to Brian Sheridan and Erin Sheridan, 125 Paige Hill Road, Lot 2, $65,000.
BUCKLAND
Deborah M. Decoigne and Douglas N. Decoigne to Jeremy N. Lanoue and Nelson E. Lanoue, 72 Charlemont Road, $157,000.
Debra J. Fiske and Mark C. Fiske to Diana Kocot and Paul Kocot, 143 Charlemont Road, $419,000.
CHARLEMONT
James Roy Schaefer to Pedro Vieira, 60 South River Road, $325,000.
While average long-term mortgage rates remain lower than they were at this time last year, uncertainty about their trajectory amid the war with Iran kept many would-be homebuyers on the sideline.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes declined in the first three months of the year compared to a year earlier, extending a nationwide housing slump that dates back to 2022 when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales were essentially flat in April, but accelerated in May to their fastest pace since December.
Still, sales of existing U.S. homes continue to hovering close to a 4-million annual pace, far short of the historic norm that is closer to 5.2-million.
CHESTER
Aaron Johnson to Miguel Rodriguez, Holcomb Road, $30,000.
CHICOPEE
Abdallah Mustafa to Bobbie Jo Simmons and Zachary Pimentel, 32 Chateaugay St., $405,000.
Christine Mary Garelli, Nicholas Lolos and Kathleen Helen Lolos to John George Lolos, 101 Delaney Ave., $165,000.
Christopher J. Graham to Jacqueline A. Seymour, 11 Rolf Ave., $244,000.
Dawn A. Faniel-Hall and Danny M. Hall to Jonathon Santiago and Jastryn Santiago, 58 Robin Ridge Road, 58, $225,000.
Edwan Alzuhairi and Hassan Saleh to Ageniea Effitoya Bryan, Eddie Thomas Crump and Stanley Michael Mann Jr., 72 Joy St., $550,000.
Jacob A. Ferry and Abbey M. Nachman to Jason M. Reed, 38 White St., $349,900.
James J. Galica, Cynthia Cannamela, Deborah Yensen, Gregory Galica and Daniel Galica to Steven Ture Dahlquist and Jaime Dahlquist, 151 Edgewood Ave., $340,000.
Jason M. Reed to Angel Manuel Rivera Jr., and Nicole Aileen Almodovar, West Street, $268,000.
Jennifer M. Gallant and Stephen P. Gallant to Tyler J. Schofield and Jane M. Schofield, 54 Helen St., $570,000.
Jerzy Cebula to Henry David Smola, 27 Old Chicopee St., $330,000. Moreau Real Investments Inc., to Tyler Moreau and Lauren Foley, 64-
66 Hampshire St., $425,000. Piotr Radawiec, Teresa J. Radawiec and Teresa Janina Radawiec to Caitlin Marie Hutter, 55 Empire St., Unit 10, $220,000.
William B. Dodd and Darlene V. Drinkwine-Dodd to Brittney Bristol and Eric Robinson, 70 Warwick Road, $340,000.
CONWAY
Janet R. Rice, trustee of the Rice Investment Trust, to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, East Guinea Road, $360,000.
Brian L. Heath and Mecaye A. Santos, personal representatives of the Estate of Sandra Leigh Heath, “aka” Sandra L. Heath, to the Caswell Investment Trust, 565 Reeds Bridge Road, $499,000.
CUMMINGTON
John C. Owen, Linda M. Owen and Linda M. Owen, power-of-attorney, to Linda M. Owen, trustee, and Owen Family Trust, Powell Road, $100.
DEERFIELD
Carolyn J. Smith, “fka” Carolyn J. Burns, to David Bevan and Mary Bevan, 21 Meadow Wood Drive, $549,650.
Gina Bordoni-Cowley and Peter Cowley to Nicholas Schiappa, 213 Greenfield Road, $442,500.
Patricia A. Diskin to Angel D. Ramos-Rodriguez, 10 East Prospect St., $336,000.
Deeds
EAST LONGMEADOW
George D. Roumeliotis and Jennifer L. Biseinere to William R. Whitney III, and Victoria E. Knight, 75 Nottingham Drive, $980,000.
Mary Ellen Goodwin, estate, and Jon A. Goodwin, representative, to Ying Chan, 79 Gerrard Ave., $280,000.
Richard P. Baca and Theresa Baca to Alexandria Nuccio and Joshua McCrae, 217 Pleasant St., $605,000.
Robert E. Lajoie and Lori Mancuso Lajoie to Christopher Senecal and Marisa Freedman, 10 Tamarak Drive, $650,000.
Todd Peter Simon to Justin T. Bren, 61 Wood Ave., $326,500.
EASTHAMPTON
Margrette Twardowski and Sean Wang to Shira Meadows, trustee, Morgan Meadows, trustee, and Meadows Joint Living Trust, 12 Fox Run, $850,000.
Stephanie Marie Kvam Orion and Juno Rhane Kvam Orion to Nancy Gregory, 14 ½ Gaugh St., $320,000.
Alexander J. Castergini Jr., and Erika Castergini to James L. Cuomo, 36 Holly Circle and 36R Holly Circle, $1,299,000.
Dawn E. LaValley to Dawn E. LaValley and Kyle K. LaValley, 91 West St., $100.
Aloysius Davis III, to Aloysius L. Davis III, trustee, and Dr. Aloysius Davis III Trust, 46 Ashley Circle, $100.
ERVING
Anna Jarvis to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, West Main Street and Route 2, $66,000.
GOSHEN
Alison H. Bowen and Douglas Bowen, power-of-attorney to Laura Katz and Dan Berger, 250 South Chesterfield Road, $410,000.
Scott Matthew Dufour and Lisa Kristine Butler to Scott Matthew Dufour, 39 North St., $100.
Wayne Gaudrault and Angel Gaudrault to Matthew Wanat and Jennifer Drown, 317 Chicopee St., $650,000.
Jeremy N. Schmieding to Jeremy N. Schmieding and Laura Schmieding, 7 Jennifer Drive, $100.
Margaret R. Slate, Ronald J. Slate, attorney-in-fact, and Ronald J. Slate Jr., attorney-in-fact, to Todd Flick, 27 Lyman St., $435,000.
Michael J. Breault to Michael Breault, 253 Carver St., $216,250.
Michael J. Breault to Michael Breault, 253 Carver St., $227,500.
GREENFIELD
Carrington Mortgage Services LLC, to Naples Home Buyers Inc., 291 Chapman St., $171,250.
Dianne M. Porroveccio, trustee of the Helen C. Avery Investment Trust, and as trustee of the Michael Avery Sr. Investment Trust, to Emily Lanoie and James Vaughn, 208 Silver St., $295,000.
Kain N. Wileman to Almost in Florida LLC, 138 Elm St., $150,000.
Jason A. Staloff and Margaret G. Staloff to Caitlin Joanne Kidder and Robert Van Flaglor, 159 Chapman St., $406,000.
HADLEY
Irene M. Rule and Michael A. Forget to Irene M. Rule, trustee, Michael A. Forget, trustee, and Irene M. Rule Revocable Trust, 11 West St., $100.
J.M. Stowe, J.M. Stowe, personal representative, Edward F. Zalot, estate, Kristine M. Waskiewicz, Maxwell Fish, personal representative, Maxwell Fish, Joan M. Fish, estate, Lydia Varilly, Lydia Varilly, personal representative, Jessica Mae Zalot, Danna Opezio Collins. Elizabeth Zalot Cusimano, William J. Koski, Hilary Gordon and Philip C. Koski to Devine Brothers LLC, Roosevelt St., $175,000.
HAMPDEN
Kevin Roger Nichols and Jennifer Nichols to Stephen Sparks and Rachel Sparks, 77 Carmody Road, $540,000.
Laura N. Lambert to Greg Miner and Courtney Cadieux, 185 North Monson Road, $350,000.
HATFIELD
Gary P. Dazelle to Jordan A. Williams, 259 Straits Road, $335,000.
Matthew S. Crocker and Jennifer E. Crocker to Erica L. Bring and Andrew E. Bring, 26 Scotland Road, $923,500.
HEATH
Molly M. Benetti and Richard Benetti to
Julie A. Smead and Steven F. Smead, 51 Sherman Drive, “fka” 37 Sherman Drive, $80,000.
HOLLAND
Lynette Doris Peret and Lynette D. Peret to Kaylee Adams and Nathan Robidoux, 9 Lois Lane, $410,000.
Ralph Vincent Donadio and Nancy Ward Donadio to Jennifer Dawn Rogers and Christian Jennings Rogers, 19 Lakeridge Drive, $910,000.
Robert F. Baker and Eileen Crowley Baker to Jenavieve Anne Lyon, 49 Over The Top Road, $281,000.
HOLYOKE
Bear Properties LLC, to ISO New England Inc., 115 Whiting Farms Road, $2,900,000.
Kamil Bak to Lauron Jockwig Kehrer and Maria Cristina Fava, 16 Cranberry Drive, $445,000.
Margaret M. Gallagher to Rebecca Fisher Staley, 39 Pleasant St., $388,000.
Mark Perotti, trustee, Kelly Perotti, trustee, and Perotti Family Revocable Trust, trustee of, to 59 Crystal Street LLC, 154 Madison Ave., $388,800.
HUNTINGTON
Kevin Charlton to Bethzaida Rivera, 10 Crescent St., $250,000.
Tracey Marie Kellam-Masloski, trustee, Amanda Elizabeth Thayer, trustee, and Kellam Realty Trust to Lori Schaffer, 1 Searle Road, $299,000.
LONGMEADOW
Elio Trolio, Elio M. Trolio and Ello M. Trollo to Raymond R. Howard Jr., 103 Field Road, $453,000.
Laura C. Murphy and Brian E. Murphy to Jacob A. Dubois and Lauryn C. Dubois, 34 Tennyson Drive, $1,550,000.
Scott Lennart Peterson and Marianne Lise Perben to Jade McClenahan and Aaron Starke, 42 Hazelwood Ave., $650,000.
LUDLOW
Bruce Properties LLC, to Eric W. Flowers, 22 Essex St., $295,000.
Damaris Rivera and Jesus Pagan to Donna Lee Scott and David Bradshaw Scott, 10 Laroche St., $455,000.
Jordan A. Liszka and Julia M. Liszka to James M. Lage and Cynthia S. Lage, 128 Williams St., $413,000.
Patrice Bednarczyk to Andrew J. Loin and Alexa N. Brown, 35 Richmond Road, $440,000.
MIDDLEFIELD
Rickey J. Beckett Jr., to Nicola Lightner, West Hill Road, $160,000.
MONSON
James A. Richmond and Constance Brooks Richmond to Monson Town, Off Reimers Road, Lot 1, $250,000.
Sandra J. Pixley to Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, 10 Park Ave., $100,000.
SR Homebuyers LLC, to Erin Tatro and Ryan Tatro, 84 Bethany Road, $440,000.
MONTAGUE
Krystle Kus and Ryan D. Kus to Eric Skuse, 65 Turners Falls Road, $170,000.
Colby S. Norwood and Thomas S. Norwood Jr., to EDS Enterprises LLC, 35, 37 and 39 North Leverett Road, $885,000.
Diana M. Allen to Amy Elizabeth Segal and Peter John Tatarian, 24 Union St., $410,000.
Sharon M. Andrew, trustee of the Campbell Irrevocable Real Estate Trust, to Nicholas Kimball and Andrea Martin, 31 O Street.
$280,000.
Jane A. Scott to PAH Properties LLC, 493A Federal St., $150,000.
Raymond H. Hildonen Jr., to PAH Properties LLC, 493B Federal St., $200,000.
NEW SALEM
Deutsche Bank National Trust Co, trustee of the Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust Series INABS 2007-B, to Christal Lynn Cutler, 70 North Main St., $185,000.
NORTHAMPTON
Kenneth Lee, Suzanne Kamala Lee and Kamala Lee to Kenneth Lee, Suzanne Kamala Lee, Kamala Lee and Jason Hartong, 485 Bridge Road, $100.
Alan B. Weiner and Mary E. Whiston to Alan B. Weiner, trustee, Mary E. Whiston, trustee, and Weiner Whiston Family Trust, 3 Laurel St., $100.
Patricia Powers, Patricia E. Powers, Patricia Sommer, Joseph W. Gulley Jr., Joseph Powers, Paula Powers Bogue, Paula Bogue, Joseph W. Gulley III, Matthew S. Gulley, Patricia E. Powers, personal representative, and David S. Powers, estate, to Shannon Coskran and Jessika Murphy, 20 Winslow Ave., $448,500.
Tracey A. Scalzo to Naples Home Buyers Inc., 54 Ryan Road, $315,000.
Cheryl A. Butler and Stephen Butler to Bryan Sverchek and Laura Gomez, 94 Vernon St., $1,110,000.
Jeanne S. Johndrow to Scott J. Johndrow, David M. Johndrow and Amy B. Johndrow Kostek, 989 Burts Pit Road, $100.
Tracy Magdalene, personal representative, and Steven A. Rood, estate, to Logan Cate and Caroline Reagan, 63 Lilly St., $419,200.
Sean Clawson and Tasia Clawson to James T. Murphy and Catherine Bass, 81 Sandy Hill Road, $475,000.
Elizabeth J. Lombard and John C. Lombard to Elm Bkcc LLC, 296 Elm St., $820,000.
Stuart F. Solomon, Caroline M. Donnellan and Caroline M. Donnellan, power-of-attorney, to Caroline M. Donnellan, 202 Chestnut St., $100.
Christine Aubrey to Christine Aubrey, trustee, and Christine Aubrey Family Trust, 28 Warburton Way, $100.
NORTHFIELD
Karin Browning and Samuel Browning, Jr., to Scott Zilinksi, Millers Falls Road, $80,000.
ORANGE
Johnathan Lucht and Leo Wood to Johnathan Lucht and Shannon Lucht, 14 Stone Valley Road, $59,000.
Patrick Temple to Michael LeBlanc, 37 Bacon St., $370,000.
Virginia Realty Inc., to David L. Gynan, 37 Dexter St., $350,000.
GRANBY
Deeds
PALMER
Andrea Lopez to BHO Realty LLC, 69-71 North St., $215,100.
First Landing Investments LLC, to AXG Business Ventures LLC, 3011 Spring St., $67,500.
Frederick P. Ziwot, trustee, Deborah A. Ziwot, trustee, and Lillian Gill Ziwot Living Trust, trustee of, to First Landing Investments LLC, 3011 Spring St., $35,000.
James E. MacDonald to Ori Klibansky, 61 Fuller Road, $399,900.
Michael David Laventure, Maryann Carter-Laventure, Suzanne Elizabeth Markham, Eric Markham and Sallyanne Evelyn Laventure to Tan Huynh and Thao Duong, 14 Beech St., $480,000.
Sonya C. Penoyer to Dnepro Properties LLC, 3055 Pine St., $265,000.
PELHAM
John F. Ahern, trustee, Sean E. Ahern, trustee, and John F. Ahern 2021 Trust to Jack E. Schneider and Katie A. Henderson, 11 Gulf Road, $586,000.
Anna M. Aaron, personal representative, and James Summers Aaron, estate, to Amherst Town and Amherst Town Water, Shutesbury Road, $355,000.
PLAINFIELD
John A. Zalenski and Arline A. Zalenski to Michael Zalenski, trustee, and Zalenski Irrevocable Trust, 153 North Central St., $100.
RUSSELL
Patricia M. Hebert, Patricia Anne Hebert, Diana M. Mire and Diana Marie Mire to Riley Heeter, 87 Highland Ave., $347,000.
SHELBURNE
Patricia Yacovone-Biagi to Lauren Lamont Kenney, 474 Little Mohawk Road, $1,596,000.
Albert E. Gray Jr., and Angela M. Jann to Katherine Capcara, 139 Main St., $405,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Brittney M. Stedman to Jennifer Gallant, 39 Hillside Ave., $399,900.
Scott Family Properties LLC, to Adam M. Lutz and Calley D. Lutz, 293 Morgan St., $400,000.
Andrew A. Carney to Maura Cassells, 107 Lyman St., $415,000.
Elizabeth A. Montemagni to Nicholas J. Bova, 45-47 High St., $340,000.
Russell McKenna Jr., to Joy DeSousa, 174 Pine Grove, $359,000.
Susan R. Carson to Ericka Jennings,
trustee, John Eric Hoffman, trustee, and Jennings Hoffman Family Trust, 96 College St., $575,000.
Margaret E. Perri to Katherine Batten and Andrew McDermott, 36 Noel St., $420,000.
Kelly Richardson, Christopher Smith and Donald Christopher MacDonald Smith to Nicholas Bain and Natalie Bain, 35 Chestnut Hill Road, $510,724.
James M. Niedbala and Sharon J. Niedbala to Sharon J. Niedbala, 15 Strong Farm Lane, $100.
SOUTHAMPTON
Matthew Cole and Alyssa Cole to Gordon Richards Jr., 152 County Road, $150,000.
David Dellatorre and Rebecca Dellatorre to Refined Design Homes Inc., 215A Pomeroy Meadow Road, $140,000.
SOUTHWICK
Aleksandr Ptseinikov and Rimma Ptseinikov to Dominica L. Rice, 5 Pauline Circle, $485,600.
Andrew D. Leblanc to Hedwig M. Miller, 24 Shore Road, $619,900.
Betty L. Lempke, trustee, and Betty L. Lempke Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, to Christina Francoeur, 1 Brayton Drive, $400,000.
SPRINGFIELD
215-219 Berkshire Inc., to Tomasa Gladis Henriquez, 215-219 Berkshire Ave., $200,000.
Arline M. Walker, estate, and James W. Gelinas, representative, to Elite Real Estate Investment Group Inc., and Pro Reforms Inc., 20 Hawthorne St., $130,000.
Brendan C. McCarthy to Coriann R. Willingham, 91 Braddock St., $276,000.
Brickhouse Homes LLC, to Gilbert Ocasio and Linda M. Chase, 39 Kings Lane, $280,000.
Carlos Ariel Cordero Cintron and Yaritza Figueroa Miranda to Waletxis Ortiz Rodriguez and Yeimily Fernandez Orama, 119 Acrebrook Road, $415,000.
Cheryl Dionisi, trustee, and My Girls Realty Trust, trustee of, to Michael Debidart and Krystal Debidart, 77 Dorset St., $310,000.
Christopher J. Senecal and Marisa J. Freedman to Dominic Beck and Olivia Yarrows, 106 Maebeth St., $360,000.
David W. Kelley to Alixan Eugenio, 500 Newbury St., $295,000.
Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Cioccolate Realty Trust, trustee of, to Elizabeth Cruz, 172 Belmont Ave., $435,000.
Eduardo Infante to Adrian Acevedo, 22 Pheasant Drive, $365,000.
Farah Liz Rodriguez to Lani Nga Nguyen and Johnny Manuel Rodriguez, 100 Belvidere St., $317,000.
Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Juana C. Novo Ramos and Stacy Romano Novo, 68 Central St., Unit 405, $206,000. Gilberto Vargas-Dalmau, estate, and
Maceli Cruzado, representative, to Pierre Families Properties LLC, 18-20 Talcott St., $350,000.
Gina Brengi to Kimberly Peterson, 41 Euclid Ave., $290,000.
Glenda D. Stitt to Thomas Fotiathis and Linda Fotiathis, 24 Parkwood St., $140,000.
Jeffrey M. Cohen, trustee, Cheryl R. Cohen, trustee, and Harriet R. Cohen Revocable Trust Agreement, trustee of, to Springfield Spirit LLC, 0 SS Fremont St., $450,000.
John L. Irving, Eliza Irving and Bernitta Burnett to De Jesus Property Group LLC, 31 Suffolk St., $305,000.
Kobe J. Givans, Layla Danielle Marie Givans, Siam Williams Investment Group LLC, and Kobe Givans to Shakina Perry and Demetruis Perry, 1220 Bay St., $529,000.
Leland Joseph Zak to Briana Jimenez and Gina Jimenez, 4 Jean Drive, $320,000.
Levonne B. Wilson and Johnny M. Wilson Jr., to Melissa Tartt, 22 Rosedale Ave., $397,500.
Malia Homebuyers LLC, to Timothy A. Taylor, trustee, and Timothy A. Taylor Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, 1175 Dickinson St., Unit 1175, $293,000.
Maynard Hamre Investments LLC, to Joel Thomas and Ian Thomas, 64-66 Ferris St., $410,000.
Michael Shelburne and Jocelyne Shelburne to Laslyn Gilles, 162 Bowdoin St., $84,044.
Nelida Rivera Negron to Julianies Cruz Hernandez, 21 Chester St., $300,000.
Nick Zaporozhchenko to Nathan Luis Massa and Shalyn Franco, 41 Loretta St., $300,000.
Nigel D. Greaves and Keisha L. Green to Alanis M. Perez Cruzado, Shawn Cruzado and Angel Perez, 30 Bangor St., $410,000.
Pablo Diaz, trustee, Ines Diaz-Rodriguez, trustee, and Diaz Family Trust, trustee of, to Miguel Angel Rivera and Belmary Velazquez, 78 Prospect St., $305,000.
Paul Nevins, representative, Mark William Nevins, estate, Mark W. Nevins, estate, and Paul R. Nevins, representative, to Erica Ware, Joel Ware and Raymond D. Dalinsky, 16 Teakwood Road, $364,000.
Rivera Springfield Homes LLC, to 65-67 Mansfield St. LLC, 65-67 Mansfield St., $555,000.
Robert L. Dambrov, trustee, and Edward B. Cooley Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to Wendy Pelletier, 235 State St., Unit 313, $245,000.
Robin F. Palm and Martha W. Palm to Corey Palm, 53 Leatherleaf Drive, $305,000.
Seaside Capital LLC, to Global Homes Properties LLC, 20-22 Acushnet Ave., $38,000.
Selpan Holdings LLC, to James M. Ferris, trustee, and James M. Ferris Revocable Trust, trustee of, 878-880 St. James Ave., $375,000.
Timothy Fitzemeyer and Ashley Melania Brickhouse-Fitzemeyer to Sarah A. Fefer and Thomas Longo, 35 Shefford St., $635,000.
Timothy J. Martin to Andrew Brisport, 878 Berkshire Ave., $280,000.
Timothy Spruell, representative, and Pamela E. Bryant, estate, to Arolka J. Mercado Casailla, 47 Arbutus St., $220,000.
Viktor Savonin to Derek D. Boateng and Clarence Boateng, 39 Wallace St., $429,900.
Yezenia Mantilla and Antonio Mantilla to Melissa Rena Lacapra, Fordham Street, $280,000.
SUNDERLAND
Pamela S. Loveland-Spinale and Paul F. Spinale to Mmaserame Gaefele and Jeremiah Onwuzurumba. 358 South Silver Lane, “aka” 358 Silver Lane, $812,000. Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, to PAH Properties LLC, 243 Amherst Road, $275,000.
TOLLAND
John A. Alia to William N. Magni Jr., and Nichol P. Magni, 630 Colebrook River Road, $150,000.
William N. Magni, William N. Magni Jr., and Nichol P. Magni to Jessenia Falom Cabral, Slope Road, $35,000.
WALES
C & K Holland LLC, to Red Collar Properties LLC, 16 Holland Road, $410,000.
WARE
Kenneth M. Wolanin, trustee, James J. Gibney, trustee, and Mt Pleasant Realty Trust to Wheres Ware LLC, 43-45 Cherry St., $335,000.
M.R.T. Development LLC, to Brian O’Leary and Judith Duffy, 29 Coldbrook Drive and Colebrook Drive, $50,000.
Thomas F. Fountain, Thomas F. Fountain, personal representative, and Lorriane M. Fountain, estate, to Cristy Bertini, 4-6 Gilbertville Road and 4 Gilbertville Road, $25,000.
WENDELL
Rachel Patterson and Andrew Spurgeon to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Old Farley Road, $27,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Denise Hannoush to Brian A. Cashin and Jean L. Peretti, 9 Jennifer Drive, $467,500. Desiree Law to Desiree Pelletier, 182 Ely Ave., $338,000.
Gary A. Moller and Donna M. Moller to Stefan Schneider, 300 Circle Drive, $370,000.
Jag Investments LLC, to Bianca Buildings LLC, 62-64 Westfield St., $280,000.
Richard L. Ladendecker to Nathaniel A. Martin and Kimberly A. Martin, 76 Edgewood Road, $525,000.
“Someone with a 620-credit score or higher is eligible for many of our first-time homebuyer programs,” says Scott Linder, senior vice president at TD Bank.
You will pay more as a borrower with a lower credit score – FHA and VA loans carry higher fees than conventional loans. But you still can qualify for a mortgage with a score well below the excellent range.
Myth: You need 20% down
With home prices still at record levels, many potential buyers are pessimistic they can afford down payments and closing costs. According to Bankrate’s survey, 39% believe a buyer needs a 20% down payment.
A 20% down payment indeed helps qualify you for the best combination of mortgage rate and fees, but many people qualify for a mortgage with less than 20% down. FHA loans require just 3.5% down, while VA loans require nothing down. You can get a conventional loan with less than 20% down, although you’ll have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) in that case.
That’s good news, because the typical home price nationally is around $400,000, and most first-time buyers don’t have $80,000 to devote to the down payment.
It’s possible that Americans know they can qualify for a loan with less than 20% down but simply don’t think it’s wise, says Brad Case, chief residential economist at Homes.com.
“People have different ways of interpreting the question,” he says. “It may be that 19% of them think that’s a requirement, and the other 20% think they shouldn’t buy with less than 20% down. You’re signing up for the biggest loan you’ll ever take, and it lasts for 30 years. So, you’re taking on a lot of risk.”
Myth: Owning is cheaper than renting
Unlike the other two, this last myth doesn’t speak to the barriers of home-
A
ownership as much as it illustrates a general misunderstanding about financing a home purchase.
According to the survey, just 18% of American adults agreed that renting is cheaper than owning a home, even though it’s generally the case in much of the country. According to Realtor. com’s March Rental Report, renting is more affordable than buying in all 50 of the largest U.S. metro areas, with an average monthly savings of $920 compared to buying.
In some places, the gap is massive. In Northern California, you’ll spend about $6,000 more a month owning versus renting, according to Bankrate data. In only a couple of metro areas is the math even close: In Detroit, where the average rent was $1,481 and the average homeownership cost was $1,515 last year, and in Pittsburgh, where the typical rent was $1,452 a month and the typical homeownership cost was $1,601.
That doesn’t mean homeownership is not a valid goal. You could view savings from a rental as an opportunity to build toward tomorrow’s purchase. “Renters who are intentional about saving have a real opportunity to build
toward a down payment faster than they might think,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.
One reason to buy a home: Households that purchase their first home by age 30 see a 22.5% higher net worth by midlife compared to those who wait until their 40s, according to Realtor. com. That corresponds with the wellworn notion that renting amounts to throwing away money each month, while owning is akin to paying yourself.
Methodology
This study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a national, twice-per-month, probability-based survey. Data collection was conducted from January 16 – January 20, 2026, among a sample of 1,007 respondents.
The survey was conducted via web (n=977) and telephone (n=30) and administered in English. The margin of error for total respondents is +/-3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus data are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.
Deeds
FROM PAGE F9
WESTFIELD
Deborah Anne Duarte Defeo to Tang Properties LLC, 180 Gun Club Road, $90,000.
Henry L. Dubay Jr., to Mejias LLC, 21 Green Ave., $165,000.
Jenny Chen Maus to Rebecca Brown and Marshall MacKinnon, 17 Toledo Ave., $370,000.
Karen E. Eaton and Andrew P. McArdle to Gina M. Crossetti, 25 King St., $322,000.
Michael Schmerling, Menachem Habibian, Avraham G. Mehl, Boruch L. Bartfield, Moshe Israel, Or Cohen and Dovid A. Marasow to Park Ave Holdings LLC, 27 Washington St., $3,325,000.
Servistar Industrial Way Property LLC, to Anvil Rock LLC, 191 Servistar Industrial Way, $865,000.
Vantage Home Buyers LLC, to Luba Alkazwini, 11 West School St., $470,000.
Viktorian Estate LLC, to Steven Sullivan, 88 Woodmont St., $375,000.
XYZ Construction LLC, trustee, and 134 Russellville Realty Trust, trustee of, to Brandon Schechter and Jessica Schechter, 134 Russellville Road, $735,000.
WESTHAMPTON
Donald R. Kelley and Sarah J. Kelley to Angelique Labonte, 71 Mine Road, $999,950.
Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., to Westhampton Town, 1804 Tob Hill Road, $905,000.
WHATELY
Deborah E. Baronas-Spiess, “fka” Deborah E. Baronas, to Yanir Stein, North Street, $23,000.
WILBRAHAM
David N. Kravchuk and Tatyana Kravchuk to Gray Bae Group LLC, 76 Stony Hill Road, $325,000.
Shawn N. Pace and Carey B. Pace to Elizabeth Anne Greaney and Nicholas William Stufano, 20 Red Gap Road, $910,000.
Susan L. Robinson, trustee, and Susan L. Robinson Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Deanna Laffan and Thomas Menard, 236 Three Rivers Road, $280,000.
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