Home and Garden, and Real Estate- January 01, 2023

Home & Garden

INSIDE

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: The perfect warm-weather classic, F4

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: A maple for the winter season that you can bring inside, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Art meets function in this piece for the dinner table, F6

MORTGAGE RATES: U.S. mortgage rates rise after six weeks of decline, F7

WMASS DEEDS, F7

PLUS: Christmas tree recycling is a good alternative to landfills, F10

Do the dishes better and faster with these easy tweaks

By M aya P ottiger The Washington Post

WASHING THE dishes tends to be something we do on autopilot — we’ve all developed our preferred methods and habits. And yet, if a simple tweak or two to your usual strategy could save you time and labor, you’d probably make them, right?

Doing a thorough job, says Carolyn Forté, the executive director of Good Housekeeping’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab, “is not rocket science.”

Indeed, we asked Forté and several other cleaning experts and dishwasher pros 10 fundamental questions about doing the dishes, and they were full of easy — and often surprising — advice. Read on for ideas that could elevate your washing game faster than a rinse cycle.

How much prewashing should I do before loading dishes into the dishwasher?

Not much, according to experts. The key thing is to remove food that’s really caked on, and rinse away large chunks so they don’t clog your dishwasher filter. You can save water by scraping these bigger scraps right into the trash can.

But beyond that? “Our recommendation is to scrape and load, and then use a high quality detergent,” says Brandon Schaefer, a director of product management at GE Appliances. “Then, really let the dishwasher take care of this chore for you.”

How full can I load the dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is too full, your dishes will not get clean. Once items are stacked on top of each other, the water won’t be able to reach everything, and you also might end up blocking the spray arms entirely. If you’re unsure whether you’ve gone too far, before you hit the start button, give the arms a spin

manually to make sure they don’t get caught on anything.

One tip: If you’re hosting a big dinner party, try to run a couple smaller loads of dishes throughout the evening, rather than waiting to cram everything in at the end of the night.

What’s the correct way to load silverware in the dishwasher?

Yes, there is a right way to fill up the flatware basket, says Forté. Load forks with the prongs upward for optimal cleaning. Knives, on the other hand, should go blades down for safety. Spoons should go bowl-side up, but make sure you alternate them so they don’t nest together. Otherwise, the suds might not be able to reach each bowl.

How do I get foggy glassware sparkling?

If your glasses are fogged up and you have a dishwasher, try adding a rinse aid to the cycle. You’ll find rinse aids in the same aisle as the dishwasher detergent, and your dishwasher should have a specific compartment for this booster (which comes in liquid or powder form) near the compartment for detergent. Adding a rinse aid will help combat spots left behind by hard water.

If you’re handwashing, enlist the help of distilled white vinegar. Simply soak your glasses in a basin filled with enough of it to cover about half the glass, says Forté, rotating them after about 30 minutes to

get the other side, then rinse and dry. To get rid of spots even faster, “I dip my finger in a little baking soda and

rub it on the spot, and then rinse it and buff it dry,” Forté says.

(COURTESY OF GE)

Glider is perfect warm-weather classic

APERENNIAL FAvorite for warm-weather relaxation, this twobench lawn glider swing is a do-it-yourself classic. The project will create an instant oasis — perfect for socializing, napping or just catching a breeze — adding a whole new dimension to your outdoor living space.

Although a relatively large-scale project, the swing is simple enough for an average do-it-yourselfer to finish in a weekend or two. It’s also inexpensive, utilizing standard cuts of fir lumber (other species will also work), plus four pieces of water pipe, nuts, bolts, screws and nails and finish of choice.

The design calls mostly for straight cuts, and all of the curves (like the armrests) are traced from full-size patterns. To build, simply cut everything out and

sand. Next, assemble the frame and the passenger car separately, using screws and bolts. To finish, combine the subassemblies and apply paint, stain or sealer.

The swing measures about 8 feet high by 8 feet long by 7 feet wide.

The Lawn Glider Swing plan, No. 276, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams and a shopping list and cutting guide.

Please include $3.95 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o (insert name of publication here), 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

Dishes

What should never go into the dishwasher?

You probably already know that cast iron should never go into a dishwasher (it can rust). Neither should anything wooden, or wine glasses, particularly ones with stems. Stemless wine glasses are less of a risk, but you should still put them in the dishwasher only sparingly. Otherwise, the glass may develop a blue haze, called etching, over time. If there are screen-printed mugs you’re attached to, keep those out of the dishwasher, too, or the design will eventually fade. Same with nonstick pans: a couple times through won’t hurt, but eventually, the dishwasher can break down their finish.

How do I get really stuckon food off pots and pans?

A regular sponge doesn’t always get the job done. Stock up on specialty tools, like a plastic scraper, scrub brushes and non-scratch scouring pads.

You can also use a ball of aluminum foil to scrub really stuck-on food off pots and pans (but never on white porcelain or surfaces prone to scratch marks).

If something is really burned onto the bottom of a pot, fill it with water and dish soap and set it back on the stove to simmer, says Forté. After the suds dissolve the residue, you should be able to scrub it right off.

Are brand name detergents worth the extra money?

Yes, according to cleaning experts. Nearly everyone we interviewed recommends Dawn, Cascade and Bar Keepers Friend in particular. Off-brand cleaners often don’t have as much surfactant, which helps remove oils, so they aren’t as effective.

“Investing in brand names, you’re going to get more bang for your buck, and you’re going to get those

It can be overwhelming to see that mountain of dishes after a big meal, but a little organization will help.

dishes cleaner faster,” says Grace Reynolds, a founder of the American House Cleaners Association.

What’s the best strategy for handwashing a sink full of dishes?

It can be overwhelming to see that mountain of dishes after a big meal, but a little organization will help. Start by corralling the flatware into a colander, says Becky Rapinchuk, the owner of Clean Mama. This will keep loose utensils from falling into the drain and rinsedoff food from clogging it, plus you won’t accidentally cut your hand on knives obscured by soap. Then, address the least dirty dishes

first and finish up with your pots, pans and greasiest items, says Reynolds. This will keep the water and your sink cleaner for longer, especially if you’re washing in a tub of water.

What’s the best way to dry dishes?

Drying your dishes is the final step in making sure they’re as clear and shiny as possible. Karizma Dickson, the owner of Washington, D.C., catering company Have Some Charisma, prefers to let dishes air dry, turned upside down so the excess water drips off instead of pooling at the bottom.

Brandon Pleshek, a cleaning expert known as CleanThatUp on Instagram and TikTok, keeps a microfiber towel over his shoulder when unloading the dishwasher, to wipe off excess moisture. “Microfiber does a great job polishing up any sort of glass or dish,” he says.

My dishwasher isn’t cleaning the dishes well. What’s wrong?

One common culprit for an underperforming dishwasher: a clogged filter, which is found at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, under the lower rack. Many homeowners don’t realize the filter should be cleaned at least once a month. It isn’t too difficult: Remove your dishwasher’s bottom rack, twist the filter and lift it out, then wash out trapped food and grime with a sponge and warm, soapy water. When you put it back, lock it into place.

Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

Lee Reich | In the Garden

A maple for the winter season that you can bring inside

THE DAZZLING

autumn leaves of sugar maples are now a mere memory.

So let’s turn our attention to another “maple,” this one a houseplant called flowering maple (Abutilon spp.).

Right now, flowers should be hanging like Lilliputian hoop skirts from these plants’ branches, with petals each about an inch long, and a column of powderpuff yellow stamens protruding from their common center.

Those petals are usually salmon-pink but are also available in white, yellow, or various other shades of red.

Even a casual glance at flowering maple’s blossoms brings to mind the similar blossoms of okra, hibiscus, and rose of Sharon. All these plants are in the same family, the mallow family, totally unrelated, incidentally, to our outdoor maple trees.

Despite those Lilliputian hoop skirts, flowering maples aren’t flamboyant plants.

Just like okra, which in my garden has only a few flowers (and pods) at any given time, flowering maples are never drenched in flowers.

However, flowering maple

these respects helps force the plant to divert more of its energy into flowering. This time of year, flowering

new growth which is needed for flowers.

By now, you may be wondering why flowering maple has “maple” in its name. The name comes about from the plants’ maple-shaped leaves.

They are relatively large for the usual proportions of the plant, making for a somewhat ungainly appearance.

repeated pinching of the growing tips is a must, so plants spread and fill the baskets.

I once had a flowering maple that I coerced into putting all its energy into growing just a single stem, straight upward. I did this by completely pinching off all side branches as they developed.

pruning, my plant became like a little tree having a trunk crowned with a head of leafy shoots not totally unlike real maples outdoors.

Epilogue: My flowering maple “tree” met an untimely end one summer day, an end that highlighted the lack of strength of these plants as compared with real maples.

does blossom reliably year ’round and every blossom is a welcome sight in winter.

Besides reliable bloom, another quality of this plant is that it’s so easy to grow. In fact, growth is so vigorous that a plant can quickly grow too large, so care must be taken not to use too large a pot or to overfertilize.

Once the plant is to size, a bit of restraint in both

maple deserves and needs a place in the sunniest possible window.

Spring is a good time to repot a flowering maple. Slice away part of the root system to make room for new soil if the plant is to be put back in the same pot.

Spring also is the time to severely cut back shoots to balance any root loss during repotting and to coax fresh

Leaves of some varieties of flowering maple are jazzed up with splashes of yellow. Perhaps someday someone will come up with a flowering maple having smaller leaves.

Training can counteract the plant’s ungainly growth habit to some degree. Pinching out the growing point induces branching. For plants in hanging baskets,

When the plant finally reached a couple of feet in height, I also pinched off the tip of the main stem, which then coaxed side branches to sprout towards the top of the stem.

Once I had this shape, each spring I would shorten only the side branches and their side branches as well as remove any new growth lower down along the stem.

With all this pinching and

A strong gust of wind severed my little tree right at ground level, lobbing the trunk and head of leaves right across to the other side of my deck.

Any gardening questions? Email them to me at garden@leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. Come visit my garden at www.leereich. com/blog.

Flowering maple resembles maple only in its leaves; its show is from its flowers (LEE REICH)

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Art meets function in this piece for dinner table

COLLECTORS KNOW that the line between artistic and utilitarian objects is not always clearly drawn. Some of the most famous designers made examples of both. This large, glazed earthenware plate with two stylized faces in profile sold at a Rago auction for $3,120. At that price, it’s more likely to go on display than on the dinner table!

The plate was designed by Viktor Schreckengost for Cowan Pottery in Rocky River, Ohio. Schreckengost worked for Cowan in 1930 until the pottery closed in 1931. He designed Cowan’s famous Jazz Bowl with blue and black art deco designs that create a stylized New York cityscape.

The Jazz Bowl is an art piece, but Schreckengost created plenty of practical and utilitarian items, too. He designed dinnerware for Limoges China Company, Salem China Company, Onondaga Pottery and others. Beyond ceramics,

CURRENT PRICES

he designed chairs, vehicles, toy pedal cars, oscillating fans, radar for pilots and more. One story about how he designed a metal chair for the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Co. shows his ingenuity. He turned a barrel upside down, covered the top (formerly the base) with soft clay and put plastic over it. He took his creation to the company’s cafeteria and offered a free cup of coffee to anyone who would sit on it. After more than 400 sitters, the clay was pressed into the shape of the average seat. Schreckengost used it to make a mold for his chair seat.

Q. I’d like information about this old Seth Thomas mantel clock. It has a partial label on the back that says “Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow, Conn.” Can you tell me how old the clock is and what size weights it needs?

A. Seth Thomas (1785-1859) began making clocks in Wol-

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, football cards, Topps 1988 NFL players, complete set, original box, $24.

Toy, cement mixer, metal, bright yellow, red slide, green wheels, crank with rope lowers chute, decal, Buddy “L,” 8 inches, $150.

Furniture, pair of chairs, teak, flared & flattened arms, floating upholstered back, teal fabric with multicolored suns, splayed tapered square legs, label, W.H. Gunlocke, Model 2207, 31 x 24 x 25 inches, $260.

Flatware set, Kongo pattern, Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, stainless steel, swollen black nylon handles, place settings for four include dinner forks, salad forks, spoons and knives, marked, c. 1954, 20 pieces, $345.

Lamp, pendant, Symfoni Origami style, black and white sheet iron diamonds, Preben Dal for Hans Folsgaard, Model P-018, labeled “Made in Denmark,” 14 x 15 inches, $515.

Art glass pitcher, water, Amberina, diamond quilted, enamel leaves and berries, beetles, insects, oval, cylindrical neck, colorless ribbed handle, signed, Moser, 7 1/2 x 6 3/4 inches, $630.

Wristwatch, lady’s, Daumier, square case, abalone dial, pearl border with four square sapphires, 14K gold rope twist edge, pearl and sapphire band, marked, 5-inch circumference, $840.

Marblehead pottery vase, etched stylized flowers and stems, blue glaze, tapered, flared rim, marked “MP” with ship symbol, c. 1915, 3 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches, $1,060.

Jewelry, pin, reverse painted glass, fox’s head, yellow gold spiral frame, glazed compartment on reverse, Victorian, 1 7/8 inches, $1,500.

Candy container, football player, composition, painted features, jointed arms, cloth jersey and quilted pants, black boots, holds original football, 19 inches, $4,300.

cott, Conn., in the early 1800s. He worked with Eli Terry and Silas Hoadley beginning in 1808. Thomas started his own business in Plymouth Hollow in 1813. Seth Thomas Clock Company was incorporated in 1853. The area of town where Thomas’s factory was located was renamed Thomaston in 1875. The location listed on the label, “Plymouth Hollow, Conn.,” indicates the clock was made between 1813 and 1875. If you can read the name of the printer of the label on the clock, you should be able to find a more exact date. Take the clock to a professional clock maker, someone with experience in antique clocks, to find out what size weights it needs.

Q. I have a Gibson icebox, and I’m looking for the brass plaque that is screwed on the icebox. Any idea where to find one? I have exhausted the internet looking for one.

A. You can find places that sell replacement hardware for antique and vintage items online, but you probably won’t be able to find a brass plaque with the Gibson name on it unless it is on an old icebox that’s being sold for parts. You might be able to have a reproduction brass plaque made by one of the craftsmen on Etsy or similar websites.

Q. I have a graniteware hanging shelf with three large holes fitted with metal pots. They’re painted with blue flowers and leaves. The pots are labeled “Soda,” “Sand” and “Seife.” Can you tell me what this was used for?

A. The pots on this shelf held cleaning products commonly used in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It probably hung in the kitchen or laundry room. The word “seife” is German for “soap,” so this shelf was probably made in Germany. Soap was a luxury used mostly

by the wealthy until the mid1800s. Soda was used to clean glass and metal. Sand was used to scrub floors and pots. Soda and sand mixed together were used to clean wood. Sand was often spread on the hearth or floors to protect them from stray sparks from the fireplace and to absorb dirt and grease. The sand was swept out at the end of the week and replaced with new sand.

Q. I have my late grandfather’s old trumpet. It’s engraved “Emperor, Made by Boosey & Hawkes, London, Made in England.” Where can I get someone to tell me what it is worth?

A. Boosey & Hawkes started in 1930 when Boosey & Company and Hawkes & Son merged. Both companies made musical instruments and were music publishers. Boosey & Hawkes made musical instruments until 2003, when it sold that part of its business to The Music Group. The company still publishes music. The value of the trumpet depends on the desirability of the instrument, the type of metal, tone quality and condition. Take the trumpet to a music store that sells used musical instruments to see if

they can give you a value. If you intend to sell the trumpet, it’s a good idea to take it to more than one music store to get the value. Remember, they will offer you less than what they can sell it for since they need to make a profit.

TIP: Old clocks should be oiled every four to six years and cleaned every six to eight months.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels. com.

Viktor Schreckengost worked for Cowan briefly and created some of their most memorable designs. This earthenware plate shows the art deco style of the early 1930s. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

Mortgage rates rise after 6 weeks of declines

By C hristopher Rugaber Associated Press

THE AVERAGE LONGterm U.S. mortgage rate rose this week after falling for six straight weeks, adding to the challenges potential homebuyers face amid higher home prices and a limited supply of available houses.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30year rate increased to 6.42% from 6.27% last week. That is more than double the year-ago average rate of 3.11%.

The long-term rate reached 7.08% in late October and again in early November as the Federal Reserve has continued to crank up its key lending rate this year in an effort to cool the economy and tame inflation.

The big increase in mortgage rates has torpedoed the housing market, with sales of existing homes falling for 10 straight months to the lowest level in more than a decade.

While home prices are now dropping as demand has declined, they are still nearly 11% higher than a year ago. Higher prices and a doubling of mortgage rates have made homebuying much less affordable and a much more daunting prospect for many people.

Sales of new homes are also falling. Ratiu expects mortgage rates will remain above 6% next year and sales to stay low.

The Fed has hiked its benchmark interest rate seven times this year to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, the highest in about 15 years. It has signaled it may raise them another three-quarters of a point next year.

Deeds

AGAWAM

Bretta Construction LLC, to Sajid Khan and Aseena Bibi, 18 Damato Way, $740,000.

Jennie Usifer to Kristy M. Ritson, 20 Mansion Woods Drive, Unit E, $260,000.

John E. Currier to Alma Garcia, 52 Edgewood Lane, $379,900.

Joseph Rufino, Tiffany R. Rufino and Tiffany R. Holmes to Andrew Minicuccvi-Gold and Kelsey L. Buchanan, 13 James St., $279,500.

L. William Fradet, trustee, and L. William Fradet Trust, trustee of, to Sean K. O’Connor, 54 Hampden Lane, $395,000.

Laurence Ratner to Sandra Panchenko, 28 Regency Park Drive, Unit 28, $143,500.

Lawrence F. Army, Heidi L. Dintzner and Mark R. Dintzner to Heidi L. Dintzner, 976 Springfield St., $138,000.

Lawrence F. Army, Mark R. Dintzner and Heidi L. Dintzner to Heidi L. Dintzner, 960 Springfield St., $195,000.

Phyllis J. Harrison and Dean R. Harrison to Cameron Davidson and Alexis McElligott, 72 Granger Drive, $260,000.

Scott A. Wheeler to Elizabeth A. Davis, 44 North West St., $95,000.

AMHERST

Amity Real Estate Inc., to Lorraine W.B. Desrosiers, 24 Greenleaves Drive, $100.

Jaya Indu Mehta, personal representative, Sheila Indu Mehta, personal representative, and Surinder K. Mehta, estate, to Sophie Lippert and Noah Ives, 30 Hitching Post Road, $460,000, Aaron D. Rubinstein and Catherine M. Rubinstein to David Salutric and Elena Pepe-Salutric,

81 Memorial Drive, $487,000. Trustees of Amherst College and Amherst College to Jonathan Obert and Eleonora Mattiacci, 340 South Pleasant St., $321,750.

Namita Mazumdar to Namita Mazumdar, trustee, and Mazumdar Nominee Realty Trust, 26 Greenleaves Drive, $100.

Sea Gull Properties LLC, to 24 Dickinson LLC, 24 Dickinson St., $445,000.

Terry S. Johnson to Joseph Louis MacDonald and Catherine Sheehan MacDonald, 15 Teaberry Lane, $749,000.

Mark C. Moriarty and M. Patricia Bode to William Maurice Palmer and Sophie Nasti, 145 Glendale Road, $349,600.

Mark C. Moriarty to William Maurice Palmer and Sophie Nasti, Glendale Road, $400.

Margaret Lowance Rorick, trustee, and Revocable of Trust of Mason I. Lowance Jr., to Stephen S. Fisher and Linda L. Fisher, 17 Bedford Court, $285,000.

Erik Scott Nelson, J. Todd Nelson, Kristen Nelson and Rudolph L. Nelson to Maryann T. Malo and Angela Scarpino, 39 Webster Court, $270,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Trexler M. Topping to James L. Beadle, 167-169 Warren Wright Road, $260,000.

Benjamin A. Graham to Stacey Kronenberg, 59 Springfield Road, $311,900.

Enix Zavala to Alison Montemagni, 11 Rita Lane, $308,000.

Jessica M. Daly to Katherine Nadeau, 181 Franklin St., $331,750.

Linda Tolpa and Joseph Tolpa to Sharon S. Carty, Upper Pond Road, $337,500.

BLANDFORD

Wilford A. Taylor III, and Jessica Taylor Ripley to Joseph Sanctu-

ary, 28 Herrick Road, $280,000.

BRIMFIELD

Felice C. Dimichele, Benedetto R. Dimichele, Peter J. Dimichele, Jennifer Gendron and Jennifer Dimichele to Vickie L. Pinosonnault and Joseph E. Pissonnault, 6A J, 22 Crestwood Road, $50,000.

Joanne M. Stuart to Genise Jackson, Lot 1C, Tower Hill Road, $100,000.

Wendy A. Remick and John M. Remick to Robert Petrie, 133 Little Alum Road, $13,000.

CHICOPEE

Adam Eckert, Casey L. Eckert and Casey L. Kuzinar to Rachael Kaplan, 24 Beesley Ave., $255,000.

Angel A. Laboy and Emma R. Laboy to Emilie Laizer, 1095 Pendleton Ave., Unit 6045D, $190,000.

Anthony Gallant and Maureen C. Gallant to Brent Shy and Courtney Gillam, 135 East St., $310,000.

At Home Properties LLC, to Kristin McCoy, 70 Arthur St., $240,000.

Caroline E. Dziel to Priscilla F. Rucks-Smith and Abigail S. Murray, 172 Rimmon Ave., $246,000.

Diane E. Page and Stacey E. Elliott to Ilya Matiach, 26 Sampson St., $239,900.

Donald B. Pringle Jr., to Malia Homebuyers LLC, 100 Manning St., $120,000.

Edwin J. Malikowski Jr., and Anita M. Malikowski to 84 E Meadow St. LLC, 84 East Meadow St., $350,000.

Mortgage Equity Conversion Asset Trust 2011-1, trustee of, and U S Bank, trustee, to Kmak LLC, and Ryan Randall Realty LLC, 70 Honeysuckle Drive, $118,750.

Joanne Szafranowicz, John Szafranowicz, David Ashton, Kimberly J. Ashton and Glenn Ashton to Maryanne Fesko and David Fesko, 210 Johnson Road, #5, $273,000.

Leoni Wire Inc., to Griffith Road Property Owner LLC, 0 Griffith Road, $8,500,000.

Maureen A. Gagne, William A. Carroll Jr., David F. Carroll, Daniel P. Carroll, Diane M. Dean, Kelley A. Bassett and Timothy J. Carroll to Revampit Holdings LLC, 8-10 Leclair Ave., $150,000.

Michael S. Duffus to Landny Khampaeng, 123 Wheatland Ave., $281,000.

Naser Thajeel and Madeeha Al Barrak to Abdullah Mutar, 25 Clinton St., $140,000.

Nicole M. Lopez, Nicole M. Beaupre and Jabet Lopez to Nathan B. Shaheen, 49 Washington St., $244,000.

Rachael L. Kaplan to Victoria M. Gagnon and Tina L. DeFranco, 126 Mountainview St., $364,000.

Robert D. Mashia and Jacqueline M. Mashia to Ryan W. Jopson and Alicia M. Jopson, 119 Jamrog Drive, $250,000.

Tina L. DeFranco, Tina Louise DeFranco and Tina Merced to Angela D. Soto, 100 Northwood St., $218,000.

Vitaly Dzhenzherukha to Siarhei Zubik and Natalya Volkova, 133 Leona Ave., $70,000.

Walter A. Dziok and Danuta Jaracz to Abdullah Lafta, 11 Dublin St., $70,000.

CUMMINGTON

Bruce W. Harrison and Kathryn A. Harrison to Ryan J. Rida, Dodwells Hill Road, $70,000.

Ryan J. Rida to Thomas McConnell Jr., Dodwells Hill Road, $35,000.

Cristi K. Lindblom to Harrison

amount of $165,000

WASHINGTON

Datkowitz and Kathryn Anne Villar-Datkowitz, 59 Dodswell Road, $345,000.

DEERFIELD

John Bysiewski to Alexandria Chaddock Heller and James Heller, North Main Street, $220,000.

John Bysiewski to Alexandria Chaddock Heller and James Hellerer, 144 North Main St., $510,000.

Justine Pasiecnik, personal representative of the Estate of James M. Pasiecnik, to Bar-Way Farm Inc., Mill Village Road, $139,000.

Fenwick LLP, to trustees of Deerfield Academy, 46 Old Main St., $1,750,000.

Alison Bartlett-O’Donald, conservator for George Trenholm, to Michael A. Costa and Susan A. Costa, 4A Evans Lane, Unit 12B Mill Village East Condominium, $290,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Gary R. Underhill and Florence E. Underhill to Matthew K. Smith, Kelley H. Smith, Matthew Kyle Smith and Kelley Hannah Smith, 20 Hampden Road, $270,000.

John L. Agnoli to Manchester Enterprises LLC, Fernwood Drive, $35,000.

Marissa Nicole Rocha and Gerardo Acosta Barreto to Vanessa Byrnes, 37 Taylor St., $299,900.

Michael R. Greene and Sophia A. Greene to Juliana M. Evans and Tureginald W. Evans, 10 Callender Ave., $275,000.

Michelle Segura to Teodoro Torres III, and Elisha Torres, 393 Pease Road, $495,000.

MTGLQ Investors LP, to Angel Luis Serrano-Rios, 16 Maynard St., $245,000.

Nancy Weithofer to Leah M. Kenney and Leah Marie Kenney, 15 High Meadow Circle, $880,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Antonio Langevin to Christopher Langevin, 17 Hill Ave., $200,000.

Philip F. Civello to Alberto Perez, 13 Carillon Circle, $381,500.

Linda Carol Vogel, trustee, and Linda Carol Vogel Living Trust to Janet Dawson, 41 South St., $215,000.

Barbara Ann Baranowski to Adam Lind Kinnard, 18 Maine

Ave., $250,000.

ERVING

Town of Erving to Millers Falls Realty LLC, 18 Pleasant St., $10,000.

Town of Erving to Millers Falls Realty LLC, 17 Moore St., $5,000.

GILL

Joseph M. Parzych to Daniel R. Flagg and Erika L. Heilig, 184 Main Road, $89,175.

GRANBY

Mark S. Sawicki, personal representative, and Thaddeus J. Sawicki, estate, to Harold A. Chua, 144 Carver St., $380,000.

Barbara A. Martino, trustee, and Barbara Martino Revocable Trust to Jonathan W. Larder and Jacklyn D. Larder, 549 Amherst Road, $294,000.

Megliola Realty LLC, to Michael Pancione and Shayne Pancione, 601 Amherst Road, $163,000.

GRANVILLE

Granville Town to Chris Haddad and Tina Haddad, 574 South Lane, $97,500.

Rita Martin to Peter B. Crowley and Anne Marie Torizzo, 1012 Main Road, $370,000.

GREENFIELD

George Marchacos to Premier Self Storage LLC, Newton Street and Rugg Place, $500,000.

Jeffrey Phillips and Minnie MJ Phillips, “fka” Myoung Ja Phillips, to Karen Calderon, 151 Wells St., $125,000.

David J. Larue and Kate C. Woodmansee, “aka” Kate Chandra Woodmansee, to 407 Water Street LLC, 147-151 Conway St., 153 Conway St., and 16 Grove St., $905,000.

Janet M. Perry, personal representative of the Estate of Judy Adele Gagnon, to Constant S. Poholek Jr., 42 Briar Way, Unit

6G Briar Knoll Townhouse Condominium, “nka” 42 Briar Way, Unit 42 Briar Knoll Townhouse Condominium, $230,000.

Christopher J. Ethier, “aka” Christopher Ethier, to Sophia Sarigianides and James B. Stillwaggon, 76 & 84 Hope St., $640,000.

R. Gwen Kohler to Walter Pacheco, 80B Laurel St., Unit 8B Pine Hill Park Condominium, $180,000.

HADLEY

Carol L. LaBelle to Elizabeth A. Gaskins, trustee, and 9-04-70 Family Irrevocable Trust, 125 West St., $100.

HAMPDEN

Thomas Joseph to James W. Fiore, 319 Main St., $126,500.

HAWLEY

Angela M. Clark to James McNaughton, 17 Bozrah Road, $341,500.

Williams C. Cosby, Gordon M. Parker, Jennifer S. Parker, Elizabeth T. Pyle and Mary P. Stejskal, Trustees of the Singing Brook Farm Trust to Duncan W. Gillan and Ruth S. Gillan, Trustees of the Gillan Family Trust. Middle Road. $10,000.

James R. Schaefer and Jonathan C. Schaefer to Timothea A. Brewer and William Brewer. East Road. $95,000.

HOLLAND

Michael S. Melville and Nicole L. Melville to Noelle Bonnevie, 97 Sandy Beach Road, $425,000.

Positive Spin Real Estate Inc., and Positive Spin Real Estate Investments Inc., to Justin David Kelsey, 29 Kimball Hill Road, $600,000.

HOLYOKE

Anna C. Colvin to Steven Flynn, 40 River Terrace, $373,000.

Grace S. Daunheimer, estate, Erin E. Cubi, representative, Andrew J. Kelly, representative, and Grace E. Daunheimer, estate, to Cecily Selden, 1059 Homestead Ave., $298,000.

Holyoke City to East Side Holyoke LLC, trustee, and 185 Pine Street Realty, trustee of, Appleton Street, $6,000.

Joanne J. Finck, Deborah J. Barry and Anna P. Jordan to Perry R. Dulude, Jodi A. Dulude and Nickolis P. Dulude, 24 Rugby St., $310,000.

Kenneth A. Foley and Jodi Lyn Cutler to Rachel Sadler and Christopher Wilson, 90 Pleasant St., $655,000.

Laurie A. Gaulin to Liam Fitzgerald and Lauren MacDonald, 155 Huron Ave., $278,000.

Patriot Property Management Group Inc., receiver, to Phantom Holdings LLC, 979 Dwight St., $242,060.

Scott A. Taupier and Maura E. Taupier to Lucy K. Kaminsky, 15 Steiger Road, $314,000.

HUNTINGTON

National Farm & Forestry LLC, to Jesse Forrestall, Goss Hill Road, $90,000.

National Farm & Forestry LLC, to Brian Forrestall, Goss Hill Road, $90,000.

LEVERETT

Arlyn Diamond to Arlyn Diamond, trustee of the Arlyn Diamond 2022 Trust, 14 Teawaddle Hill Road, $100.

LONGMEADOW

Ann L. Shriver, trustee, and Regina M. Shriver Revocable Indenture of Trust of, trustee of, to Richard Plaut and Carol Plaut, 125 Meadowbrook Road, $640,000.

Chun K. Wun, Eileen Wun and Joel Wun to Kylee C. Granfield, 32 Meadowlark Drive, $401,450.

Deborah L. MacDonald to Stanislav Yagudaev, 29 Eunice Drive, $435,000.

Marc E. Sandler and Donna M. Sandler to Matthew Fratini and Chelsea Fratini, 113 Franklin Road, $362,500.

Maryann Elizabeth Moquin and Maryann E. Crochetiere to Jackie Tang and Xueling Tang, 209 Birch Road, $276,000.

Matthew K. Smith and Kelley H. Smith to Susanita Carvajal, 61 Birch Road, $430,200.

Peter Novak, Catherine Novak and Kasia Novak to Christopher J. Seeley, 104 Ardsley Road, $1,100,000.

LUDLOW

C&J Realty LLC, to Deliso Development LLC, 42 Perimeter Road, $600,000.

Daniele A. Decesare to Ryan J. Kazeroid, 37 Massachusetts Ave., $445,000.

David F. Huot to Julima Property Management LLC, 257 State St., $530,000.

J A Properties LLC, to Miguel Goncalves, 346-348 West Ave., $290,000.

Megliola Realty LLC, to Greg Lesniak, 160 Pine St., $275,000.

Peter E. Miccoli and Tamara J. Miccoli to Brianna Novaris and Kyle Benoit, 160 Pinewood Road, $500,000.

MONSON

Brittany Anne J. Williams and Lucas D. Caricchio to Priscilla Chan, 4 Fern Hill Road, $320,000.

U S Bank, trustee, and RMAC Trust Series 2016-CTT, trustee of, to Christine Mary Mannis and James Alexander Mannis, 77 May Hill Road, $350,000.

William F. Lemon III, to Benjamin K. Barton and Cheranjana Thuyacontha Barton, 120 Stebbins Road, $335,000.

MONTAGUE

Laurie F. Devino and William P. Devino to Brian J. Derry and Laurie F. Devino, 62 Montague St., $175,000.

Martin E. Boulanger and Michael R. Boulanger to Robert L. Boulanger. 51 Swamp Road. $325,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Michael J. Simolo to Julia L. Riseman and Nicholas J. Horton, 82 Williams St., $356,000.

Scott R. Hodges to Luca Capogna, 23 Fort Hill Terrace, $530,000.

Dorcal Associates to Northampton City, Coles Meadow Road, $47,022.

Mary Jane Dupont, trustee, and John G. Tenczar Real Estate Trust to Jeffrey T. Massimino, 34-36 Fort Hill Terrace, $262,400.

Michael R. Morawski Jr., to Seven Bravo Two LLC, Cross Path Road, $35,000.

Roger E. Finck to Rojo Holdings LLC, 63 Main St., $100.

E. Paul Brown Living Trust and E. Paul Brown, trustee, to Goodmarket Properties LLC, 1-5 Market St., $1,500,000.

Sylvia A. McMahon, personal representative, Nancy Reil, estate, and Nancy H. Reil, estate, to Talmas LLC, 128 Cross Path Road, $255,000.

Paul Stracco and Helene Stracco to Jon-Paul Stracco and Sarah Stracco, 21 Harold St., $300,000.

ORANGE

Kathryn M. Ahearn to David Andrew Gintner and Robyn Lee Gintner. 77 High Street. $260,000.

PALMER

David R. Pasquini and Patricia Laprade Pasquini to Jeho Shin and Jungrim Yea, 3057 Foster St., $31,000.

James B. Howard Jr., representative, James B. Howard, estate, and James B. Howard Sr., estate, to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee,

and Jehoram Realty Trust, trustee of, 0 Center Street, $109,000.

Monique Vadnais to Dwayne Jolicoeur and Debbie Jolicoeur, 68 Flynt St., $283,290.

PELHAM

Chelsea E. Grybko and Michael V. Grybko to Chelsea E. Grybko, Michael V. Grybko and Lynda J. Grybko, 59 Arnold Road, $100.

SOUTH HADLEY

Leo E. Fugler Jr., to Joshua L. Fugler, 17 Grandview St., $100.

Voldimyr Duzhko and Maria V. Arsenieva to Richard Jolivet and Sheila Jolivet, 9 Olde Plains Hollow, $330,000.

Stephen P. Fitzell to Michael J. Fitzell and David J. Fitzell, 75 Pine Grove Drive, $100.

Lisa S. Judkins, personal representative, and Robert C. Johnson, estate, to Jacob Bacis, 93 Pittroff Ave., $212,000.

Trustees of Mount Holyoke College and Mount Holyoke College to Allyson J. Saul, Morgan Road, $20,000.

Nancy C. Holden and Nancy C. Holden-Avard to Nancy C. Holden-Avard, trustee, Frederick G. Avard, trustee, and Frederick G. Avard Revocable Trust, 4 Wellesley Circle, $100.

SOUTHWICK

Hamelin Framing Inc., to Ashish Patel and Sushma Patel, Lot 15, Sawgrass Lane, $697,600.

R M Blerman LLC, to Sean Bienvenue and Sean M. Bienvenue, 83 College Highway, $325,000.

Richard P. Marshall and Cindy Marshall to Ann Marie Goucher and Pete H. Goucher, 45 Coes Hill Road, $380,000.

SPRINGFIELD

A L D D Real Estate LLC, to Van Tran, 6 North Chatham St., $189,900.

Alfred B. Roy Jr., to Strategic Homes Inc., 28 Van Buren Ave., $127,500.

Alyson Pirio, representative, Melissa Higgins, representative, Diane Lynn Higgins, estate, and Diane Higgins, estate, to Ariaun Stewart, 235 State St., Unit 223, $145,000.

Andrew M. Siano to Qais Mohammed Malalla, 27 Castle St., $280,000.

Brian K. Scott, Elizabel M. Scott,

Elizabeth Melendez Scott and Elizabeth M. Scott to Megliola Realty LLC, 5 Wilshire Road, $205,000.

Brian Thai to Felix Gyabaa and Ebony Gyabaa, 179-181 Massasoit St., $315,000.

Cory L. Phillips to Rafael A. Bordado Rodriguez, 165 Brewster St., $262,000.

Danoma DG LLC, to Rury A. Vasquez Juarez and Romario Vasquez Juarez, 59-61 Willard Ave., $290,000.

Denise Wilson, representative, and Haygood Wilson, estate, to Silversnake Properties LLC, 151 Switzer Ave., $110,000.

Equity Trust Co., custodian, Robert Lareau IRA, and Robert Lareau to Miriam Ortiz and Jennifer Valentin, 30 Wallace St., $230,000.

Hien P. Nguyen, Nga M. Kelley and Lan T. Phan to Amber Jaeger and Jason Jaeger, 391 Kent Road, $345,000.

Home LLC, to Angel Rios and Diana M. Ramirez, 24-26 Grove St., $210,000.

Iris N. Baez to Carlos Vargas and Adriana Vargas Perez, 59 Ashley St., $250,000.

James Broderick Jr., and Nancy J. Mathras to Yadira Rivera, 117 Cheyenne Road, $200,000.

James J. Bennett Sr., to Ryan Randall Realty LLC, and Kmak LLC, 288 Quincy St., $80,000.

Jeffery S. Bohnet, trustee, and D & V Realty Trust, trustee of, to Daniel R. Dacruz and Kaylie M. Giberson, 98 Patricia Circle, $290,000.

Jessica Demarco and Jessica L. Ball to Forest Orchard LLC, 371 Dickinson St., $125,000.

JK Wave Inc., to Nalani Capital LLC, 486-494 Belmont Ave., $850,000.

Joao A. Bernardo and Rodolfo A. Bernardo to Miguel Vazquez and Manuel L. Vazquez, 326 Goodwin St., $265,000.

Joshua M. Gibbs, Joshua Gibbs and Lynn Kolb to Raymond G. Turcotte Jr., 78 Coral Road, $225,000.

Julian Colo, Jilda A. Barcalow and Jilda Barcalow to Deon Charles and Dayshialee Hall, 1447 South Branch Parkway, $268,000.

Kelnate Realty LLC, to Anthony Gibbs Jr., 116-118 Johnson St., $325,000.

Blythewood Property Management LLC, to Jacob Martinez, 50 Macomber Ave., $270,000.

Long K. Tran and Quang K. Tran to Jose L. Santiago Alicea and Luis Rivera, 62-64 Groveland St., $277,000.

Luis Rosa and Shantelle Davila to Daniel Torres and Myrna L. Gonzalez, 376 Dwight Road, $255,000.

Madelaine Roig, trustee, Joshua Roig, trustee, and Christopher G. Roig Special Needs Trust, trustee of, to Daniel P. Candido, 25 Hilltop St., $245,000.

Mark A. Phaneuf to William T. Raleigh, 47-49 Campechi St., $184,000.

Naylor Nation Real Estate LLC, to Exavier Joel Adorno, 20 Wallace St, $209,000.

PAH Properties LLC, to Patricia Patterson and Rosemarie Graham, 110 Mill St., $360,000.

Robert J. Schroeter to Yadira Rivera, 47 Kulig St., $225,000.

Ronnie E. Crapps and Sarah Barber-Crapps to Bertha Mahue and Richard Mahue, 103 El Paso St., $227,000.

Rose A. Owen to Jasmine Owen, 47-49 Silver St., $190,000.

Rose M. Soto to Alexandra L. Ortiz and Javish N. Rivera Collazo, 111 Elijah St., $220,000.

Steven W. Lewis to Chanel Gamble, 7 Gilmore St., $210,000.

Tara T. Woods to Jeremy A. Powloka and Mary A. Gomez, 31 Wilton St., $232,500.

Yvonne I. Langhoff to Juan Ernesto Zavala, Sonia D. Zavala and Kenneth G. Adams, 83 Villa Parkway, $56,200.

SUNDERLAND

William Case, conservator of Dorothy L. Case, to Michael T. Sheridan, Susan M. Sheridan and Thomas J. Sheridan, 100 Bull Hill Road, $234,000.

Ferdene I. Chin-Yee and Scott Reed to Christopher Haas, Rachel M. Haas and Ronnie K. Haas, 197 River Road, $420,000.

WALES

John Grasso Jr., and Shanon Grasso to Sonja Jo Majstoravich, 185 Union Road, $700,000.

WARE

MRT Development LLC, to Monica L. Thompson and James C. Thompson, 27 Coldbrook Drive, $50,000.

Bruce W. Granger and Valerie E. Garceau Granger to Bruce W. Granger and Valerie E. Garceau Granger, 44 Walker Road, $100. Clifford D. Heaton and Diane G. Heaton to David Swirk and Rhonda Swirk, 19 Horseshoe Circle, $636,000.

MRT Development LLC, to Evergreen Design Build Inc.,

Coldbrook Drive, $52,500. M&G Land Development LLC, to Jacob Mingels and Hannah Swain, 8 Highland St., $350,000.

Melha Temple Holding Corp., to David P. Bourdeau Realty Corp., 126 West Main St., $160,000.

Christopher T. Power, estate, and Meghan E. Power, personal representative, to Allen C. Edwards, 1 Anna St., $285,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

West Springfield Animal Hospital Inc., to Westfield Street Group LLC, 288 Westfield St., $425,000.

Ebi Poudyel and Phul Bhattarai to Zeiad Zaitoun and Baraa Zaitoun, 440 Massachusetts Ave., $290,000.

Jerrold F. Granger to Nicole C. Brochu and Christian Santiago, 1240 Piper Road, $265,000.

Joseph V. Russo to Alicia M. Jaundoo, 47 Colony Road, Unit 1B, $95,000.

Michael Vincent, Mark Vincent, Patricia Bergland and Danielle Borsari to Jennifer Curtis and Courtney A. Finnigan, 92 Bonnie Brae Drive $314,900.

Samantar Muse to Samantar Muse, Mohamoud Yusuf, Jamila Ahmed and Anisa Muse, 162 West Autumn Road, $100.

WESTFIELD

Andrzej Rokicki and Anna Rokicki to Jennifer A. Mason, 9 Charles St., $320,000.

Charles McNutt, Charles William McNutt, Kimberly Shawn McNutt and Kimberly S. McNutt to Kayla A. Beany, 32 Cleveland Ave., $323,000.

John P. Wiechec Jr., Eileen R. Wiechec and Eileen M. Wiechec to Kathleen S. Wiechec, 9 Bates St., $195,000.

Jose A. Figueroa Jr., to Ihor Sazhai, 19 Rider Road, $260,000.

Kathleen M. Szerlag to Kathryn D. Szerlag, 110 Lockhouse Road, Unit F, $280,000.

Marian T. Okrongly, trustee, John F. Okrongly, trustee, Great Brook Trust, trustee of, John S. Wysocki Jr., Patricia Wysocki and John S. Wysock Jr., to John R. Ciampaglia and Marie Ciampaglia, 70 West Silver St., $242,000.

Sean F. Smith, Laura Smith and Laura A. Miacola to Mitchell R. Barnes and Jennifer A. Boyd, 30 Tanglewood Drive, $364,000.

Valerie M. Cabral and Andrew K. Hall to Shanil Bhujel, 145 Miller St., $245,000.

WESTHAMPTON

David R. Morin and Nancy A. Morin to Gary Wickland, 356 Northwest Road, $189,000.

WHATELY

Francis E. Niemiec, trustee of the Niemiec 2014 Revocable Trust, to Ruchi Grover LLC, 6163 Old State Road, $570,000.

WILBRAHAM

Brian S. Lashway and Heidi Lashway to Marcel Nunes, 166 Manchonis Road, $255,000.

Edwin Misiaszek to Teodosia Carmen Sanchez, 78 Stony Hill Road, $240,000.

Richard Butler and Eileen C. Butler to Megan F. Hill and Keith R. Hill, 15 Maplewood Drive, $415,000.

Todd N. Ashford to Brittany M. Dussault and Brittany Dussault, 6 Birch St., $315,000.

Todd R. Burke and Deborah M. Burke to John F. Gamba and Melissa C. Gamba, 463 Springfield St., $339,900.

WILLIAMSBURG

Luciano E. Barrios, Luciano Barrios and Adia N. Wright to Robert B. Longley Jr., and Chrystine Longley, 88 Old Goshen Road, $475,000.

Donald C. Owens to Deborah B. Ogulnick and Robert G. Ogulnick, 33 Kingsley Ave., $100. 5 Main Street LLC, to Tangle Chocolate LLC, 5 Main St., $425,000.

WORTHINGTON

Martha Sloper to CE & APA Inc., Huntington Road, $50,000.

Christmas tree recycling is a good alternative to landfills

By John R aby Associated Press

TAKING DOWN THE Christmas tree is only one task after the holiday season.

For those with a real tree, figuring out what to do with it can be as easy as placing it by the curb. In most states, it can be the gift that keeps on giving.

Discarded Christmas trees can be picked up curbside for recycling through regular trash-collection services in various cities. The trees are often shredded for use as compost or mulch that is offered back to residents and non-profit groups free

of charge for gardening and landscaping. In many states, natural resources workers collect whole trees at predetermined drop-off points to be placed in lakes and waterways as fish habitat.

In parts of Louisiana, for example, Christmas trees are used to shore up coastal areas hit by erosion and to rebuild wetlands. In Jefferson Parish alone, about 5,000 trees are collected each year for such efforts.

Some zoos, including petting zoos, accept chemicaland ornament-free Christmas trees to feed to some animals, such as goats, pigs and elephants, and for sensory and entertainment purpos-

es for others, like kangaroos, lions, camels and rhinos. Or, there’s no place like home. Discarded trees can get their final resting place in a corner of the backyard as a shelter and feeding area for birds. Be sure to remove the ornaments, lights and tinsel. Placing a tarp around the tree before taking it back outside will spare frustration in having to vacuum up the pine needles afterward.

Some websites offer a way to search for local tree recycling programs. Home Depot stores in select areas also hold tree collection events.

But don’t wait too long after Christmas because driedout trees can be fire hazards.

It’s also dangerous to try to use a fireplace or wood stove to burn parts of the tree because the oils in them could cause chimney fires.

Perhaps the worst place to send discarded live Christmas trees is a landfill because

materials buried there break down into the greenhouse gas methane, considered more harmful than carbon dioxide.

For more AP Lifetyles stories, go to https://apnews.com/ hub/lifestyle.

Some winter projects for a happier home

By B rigitta Shannon Rose Tribune Content

WINTER IS AN excellent time for making improvements to your home. Temperatures might be cooler, but contractors’ schedules are lighter. And the season is perfect for making changes to your home that improve your comfort as well as your resale value. Here are six ways to bring more comfort to your home and give you better chances to sell during the homebuying — and selling — season.

• Updating/replacing wood floors

Wood floors provide a timeless, classy look to any home. Plus, they’re built to last; a well-cared-for wood floor can be a beautiful part of your home for more than 100 years! These floors also collect less dust and debris than carpets, which is good news for allergy sufferers. If you already have wood floors, having them refinished gives them that new boost and liveliness and will run you around $1,0002,500, depending on its size. If

you choose to have a professional to install for you, you should plan on investing about $6,000-12,000 per 1000 square feet.

•

Appliances

A relatively inexpensive upgrade would involve replacing your kitchen appliances. Not only will you enjoy the streamlined look of matching and more energy-efficient appliances, but you can also see about a 3-7% increase in home value. This upgrade usually costs roughly $3,000-8,000, depending on how many pieces you replace, what brands you choose, and whether you DIY or have them professionally installed.

• HVAC system

If energy efficiency makes your home life more comfortable (and puts more money in your pocket), consider upgrading your HVAC unit. New requirements have emerged for air conditioners, so newer models are more efficient than previous ones. You might also catch a tax break by updating your HVAC, but you’ll want to check with your state to see if you qualify. While you can install a water

heater on your own, it’s best to hire a professional when working with a furnace or AC unit. While a new HVAC unit can run anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, Money Magazine reports you can get a 5-10% return on your home value. That’s definitely worth the peace of mind — and lower energy bills.

• Increasing accessibility Increasing accessibility can improve your house value and comfort at once. The wider hallways (which allow wheel-

chair accessibility) appeal to buyers of many ages. And accessibility is about more than bars on the bathroom walls. It can also include walk-in tubs, showers without step-downs, walking rails in hallways, and lifts and elevators for two-story homes (or ranches with basements). The costs can run from $800-8,000 (and perhaps more for that elevator), but the return is worth it for this increasingly popular living concept.

• Finished basements

Finishing your basement can give your home the extra space you need. You can add bedrooms or a playroom while increasing your home value. According to HGTV, you can get about a 70% return on investment for your basement remodeling costs. If you want to see this type of return, keep the cost of this remodel to about 5-10% of your house’s current value.

• In-law suites

One great use for your basement is to create an in-law suite (or use/build an outbuilding to provide this extra living space). This allows you to take care of aging family members, have additional storage space, or generate more income through shortor long-term renting. These suites can be pricey, costing anywhere from $40,000$75,000, but homes with these suites tend to list higher than homes in the same neighborhood.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. ©2022 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

9:00 AM - WESTFIELD 40 Murray Avenue sgl fam, 936 sf liv area, 0.23 ac lot, 6 rm, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampden: Bk 22182, Pg 586

11:00 AM - SPRINGFIELD

139 Balboa Drive sgl fam, 905 sf liv area, 0.18 ac lot, 5 rm, 3 bdrm, 2 bth, Hampden: Bk 20800, Pg 224

12:00 PM - CHICOPEE

175 Beauregard Terrace sgl fam, 1,185 sf liv area, 0.172 ac lot, 7 rm, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampden: Bk 17631, Pg 571

10:00 AM - NORTHAMPTON

17 Glenwood Avenue sgl fam, 1,700 sf liv area, 0.11 ac lot, 7 rm, 4 bdrm, 1.5 bth, Hampshire: Bk 9200, Pg 174

12:00 PM - SPRINGFIELD

156 Saffron Circle sgl fam, 960 sf liv area, 0.3 sf lot, 5 rm, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampden: Doc. #170908, Cert. #29601

1:00 PM - CHICOPEE

116 Bostwick Lane sgl fam, 1,360 sf liv area, 0.23 ac lot, 6 rm, 3 bdrm, 2 bth, Hampden: Bk 12228, Pg 584

TERMS: Cashier’s or certified check in the sum of $5,000.00 as a deposit must be shown at the time and place of the sale in order to qualify as a bidder. NO CASH No personal checks will be accepted. Cashier/certified checks should be made out to whomever is going to bid at the auction. The balance to be paid within thirty (30) days at the law offices of Korde & Associates, P.C. 900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102, Lowell, MA 01851, Attorney for the Mortgagee.

NORTH CHELMSFORD (978) 251-1150 www.baystateauction.com MAAU#: 1029, 2624, 2959, 3039, 2573, 116, 2484, 3246, 2919, 3092, 3107, 0100030, 3099

Saturday,

Monday,

Tuesday, January 3

Wednesday, January 4