Register Ashe Reports on Hampden County Real Estate Transactions

The housing market in Massachusetts, while still struggling, has shown some signs of a more sustainable recovery in certain areas. The number of single family homes put under agreement in June 2011 went up for the second straight month compared to the same time in 2010, according to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. In Hampden County, we have both good news and bad news. The good news is the number of attachments, executions and foreclosures decreased in fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2010. A decrease in those three categories is indicative of an improving economy, yet not at a significant rate. The bad news is both the number of deeds and mortgages decreased in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, which is indicative of a decrease in home sales.....

Click here to read Register Ashe's complete Release and Forecast....

Registry Employee Joe Dowd, presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Register Ashe

On Wednesday, June 29th, Register Ashe presented Registry employee Joe Dowd with a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work performance and positive attitude. Joe arrives to work each day ready to give his all to the Registry, his fellow co-workers and the customers that he assists in the Photo Department. He greets all with a smile on his face and never has an unkind word to say to or about anyone. Joe's willingness to help out whenever he is needed and often when not even asked, is an inspiration to all of us here at the Registry of Deeds. We are honored to work along side Joe and want to congratulate him on this very well deserved recognition. Congratulations Joe and thank you for all that you do!

Register Ashe visits the Palmer Senior Center

On Wednesday, June 15th, Register Ashe had the opportunity to meet with residents of Palmer at their Senior Center. The Register gave a brief overview of the role that our office plays in real estate transactions that occur in Hampden County. Register Ashe also discussed how the homestead law has changed due to the recent legislative changes that took place on March 16, 2011. Caitlin and Laurette were on hand to assist those in attendance by providing them with basic information relative to their property, as well as record homesteads for those who were interested. Register Ashe would like to thank Director Erin Pincince for graciously welcoming us to Palmer's Senior Center and we look forward to visiting again in the future!

Westfield Office Open in the Midst of Tornado Aftermath Makes Headlines in Banker & Tradesman

Click on the article above to read the complete piece published in Banker & Tradesman.

Register Ashe's visit to the Greenleaf Community Center

On Tuesday, May 17th, Register Ashe was invited by Springfield City Councilor Clodo Concepcion to speak before the Sixteen Acres Civic Association. Register Ashe gave a brief history of the Hampden County Registry of Deeds and explained the operational functions of the Registry to those in attendance. At the event, Sixteen Acres residents were able to have some of their real estate questions answered, as well as learn a little bit about what we do at the Registry of Deeds. Register Ashe would like to thank Councilor Concepcion for inviting him to the Greenleaf Community Center and offering him the opportunity to meet with such a pleasant group!

Watch Register Ashe on 22 News warning homeowners of the State Record Retrieval Board's attempt to charge residents $87.00 for a copy of their deed

Officials warn of property deed scam: wwlp.com

Private Company with Government Sounding Name Soliciting Hampden County Homeowners

Donald E. Ashe, Hampden County Register of Deeds, reported today that a California-based company, State Record Retrieval Board, with a Boston, Massachusetts mailing address is offering to provide homeowners with a copy of their property deed and a property profile for a processing fee of $87.00.

Most, if not all, of the information in the property profile can be obtained free of charge from the local assessor’s office. The Hampden County Registry of Deeds charges a dollar a page for a certified copy of a property deed and since most deeds are only three pages, the total charge is $3.00.

Click here to read Register Ashe's complete Press Release...