Thursday, March 24, 2011

Public Service Announcement - Deed Service

Donald E. Ashe, Hampden County Register of Deeds, announced today that a Deed Service is offering to provide a certified copy of a deed for the price of either $59.50 or $69.50. The Registry of Deeds is the only source for providing certified copies of deeds and it charges $1.00 per page which for most deeds amounts to a total of $2.00.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Legislative Changes to the Homestead Act

As of March 16, 2011, legislative changes made to the Homestead Act will take effect. An estate of homestead is a type of protection for a person’s principal residence. There is an automatic homestead protection of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) with respect to a home that does not declare a homestead exemption with the Registry of Deeds. It is not likely to be sufficient coverage to protect the full value of your home. In order for homeowners in Massachusetts to protect the value of their property for five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), you must file a new document called a “Declaration of Homestead”.

This form can be downloaded from the Hampden County Registry of Deeds website, picked up at our office or mailed upon request. The form can be filled out individually and can then be filed at the Registry of Deeds in the county or district where the property is located, referencing the title/deed to the property. A sole owner, joint tenant, tenant by the entirety, tenant in common, life estate holder, or holder of a beneficial interest in a trust may all be regarded as owners. Additionally, manufactured or mobile home owners are also eligible to declare homestead protection under the provisions of the new statute.

*This information is not designated to provide any legal advice or address the practical effect of an estate of Homestead. As in all areas of the law, to fully understand your rights, you should consult an attorney of your choice.*

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Register Ashe shares his secret for keeping up with Registry employee and VFW Post 3236 Ladies Auxiliary President, Mary Gurski



At the recent banquet hosted by the Polish American Citizen's Club, Register Ashe quipped that in order to keep up with Registry employee, Mary Gurski, he needed to take a double dose of Citizen of the Year and former pharmacist Ed Szela's "energy pills" (M&M candies). Mary, who will be turning 100 in November, is not only an asset to this office, but also to her community. Her tireless efforts to raise money for America's veterans, as well as her church, are very much needed and appreciated. Thank you, Mary!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Article from The Republican covering Register Ashe's Release and Forecast for Calendar Year 2010



Click here to read Jim Kinney's article in The Republican....

Register Ashe's Release and Forecast for Calendar Year 2010

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON REAL ESTATE IN HAMPDEN COUNTY DURING THE CALENDER YEAR 2010 WAS $992,908,000.00, A -7% CHANGE FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. THE NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECORDED DURING 2010 WAS 82,677, A -9% CHANGE FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. THE TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED DURING 2010 WAS $12,505,087.23, ALSO A -9% CHANGE FROM THE PRIOR YEAR.


Click here to read the entire Release and Forecast....

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Register Ashe visits the Hungry Hill Senior Center


Register Ashe with the Director of the Hungry Hill Senior Center, Mary Troy.

On Tuesday, November 9th, Register Ashe visited the Hungry Hill Senior Center in an ongoing effort to inform the County's citizens of the importance of Homestead protection. At that time, we were able to sign up many people for the recording of a Homestead, as well as offer peace of mind to those that weren't quite sure if one was ever filed in their name. Mr. Ashe enjoyed his visit very much and would like to thank Mary Troy for her kind hospitality!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mary Gurski!


Hampden County Registry of Deeds employee, Mary Gurski, turned 99 on November 3rd. Register Ashe praised her industrious work ethic both in and out of the Registry. Her tireless volunteer work with the Christ King the Church, Club Polanie, Polish National Club and the Ladies Auxiliary V.F.W. Ludlow has touched the lives of so many and for that, we thank her! Celebrating her special day is an event that Registry employees look forward to each year. Once again, Happy Birthday, Mary!