See Register Ashe speak with WGBY's Jim Madigan about the current conditions of the real estate market within Hampden County

Housing and the Economy from WGBY on Vimeo.

Register Ashe Meets with Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo

Register Donald E. Ashe with Sheriff Michael Ashe, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, State Representative Brian Ashe and State Representative Angelo Puppolo.

 

 

News Alert on Recent Legal Actions Pertaining to Foreclosure Properties

Two foreclosure-related rulings by Massachusetts' highest court, the Supreme Judicial Court, should serve to alert buyers of foreclosed properties that ownership of certain properties may be in question.

In January 2011, the Court affirmed a lower court’s ruling invalidating two mortgage foreclosure sales because the banks, in their capacity as trustees for mortgage securities, did not prove that they actually owned mortgages at the time of foreclosure. (see U.S. Bank v. Ibanez)

On October 18, 2011, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that individuals who purchased foreclosed homes from lenders who seized the property without first obtaining a clear title many not be the legal owners. (see Bevilacqua v. Rodriguez)

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a civil action suit in the Suffolk Superior Court on December 1, 2011, against Bank of America, BAC Home Loans Servicing, BAC GP, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citibank, CitiMortgage, GMAC Mortgage, Wells Fargo Bank, Mortgage Electronic Registration System and MERSCORP. In this action, Attorney General Coakley identifies the following examples of misconduct that lead to this filing:

1. Engaging in unfair and deceptive foreclosure practices by conducting foreclosures when the defendants lacked the right to do so and misrepresenting to homeowners their roles as mortgagees or as the holders of the mortgages;

2. Engaging in false documentation practices to facilitate their foreclosure practices;

3.Deceiving homeowners in the course of servicing mortgage loans by misrepresenting to borrowers regarding its loan modification programs, acting deceptively in implementing loan modifications and deceiving borrowers regarding foreclosure proceedings; and

4. Failing to comply with Massachusetts’ registration statute.

For more information or questions relative to home ownership/foreclosures, contact the Attorney General’s office at (413) 784-1240 or visit her website at http://www.mass.gov/ago/

Assistant Registers Donna Brown and Mary Caron attend the Hampden Senior Center Health & Wellness Fair

On Saturday, October 22nd, Assistant Registers Donna Brown and Mary Caron were present at the Hampden Senior Center Health and Wellness Fair. The even drew a great crowd and Mary and Donna were able to assist many people with questions relative to their individual properties. Thank you Hampden for including us in this great event. We look forward to attending next year!

Assistant Register Donna Brown

Assistant Register Mary Caron

Register Ashe and Staff Visit Longmeadow and East Longmeadow Senior Centers

On Thursday, September 22, Register Ashe visited the Longmeadow Senior Center as part of his ongoing effort to reach out the citizens of Hampden County. The Register was on hand to address questions and concerns relative to their real estate. The visit was a huge success and Register Ashe and his staff were able to assist many residents of Longmeadow in filing homesteads and answering general questions about their property.

On Tuesday, September 27th, the Hampden County Registry of Deeds also made a trip out to the East Longmeadow Senior Center. Representing Register Ashe was Assistant Register Donna Brown who addressed a large group of the Town's residents and was able to clarify this year's changes in the homestead law. Those in attendance were very pleased with the convenience of having their important questions answered all while remaining so close to home.

Register Ashe and his staff would like to thank the towns of Longmeadow and East Longmeadow for their hospitality. We look forward to our next visit!

Questionable Documentation Has Property Owners Wondering Who Actually Holds Their Mortgage

Attorney General Martha Coakley is currently investigating fraudulent real estate banking practices taking place within the Commonwealth. Watch Channel 22's story on invalid mortgage assignments that have clouded property ownership in western Massachusetts. If you have purchased a home or refinanced your mortgage within the past six years, you might want to check with your mortgage lender relative to what entity holds your mortgage. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office.

The Polanie Club Celebrates its 80th Anniversary

(L-R) Club Members Joan Lupa and Mary Gurski, Register of Deeds Donald E. Ashe and Club President Loretta Goyette gather together at the Polish American Citizens Club in Ludlow.

The Polanie Club was organized on May 22, 1931 to promote religious, civic, patriotic, cultural and educational purposes. Through the years, the Club has supported a number of charitable, civic and cultural activities and organizations. The Club supports the Shriners Hospital, Baystate Breast Cancer Program, March of Dimes, the Polish National Alliance Youth Camp, the Ronald McDonald House and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to name a few.

Club members have knitted sweaters and socks for the Red Cross and purchased surgical instruments for cornea transplants. The Club's largest fundraiser is the annual Fashion Show, whereby it is able to provide a minimum of three scholarships per year to college students.

Register of Deeds and guest speaker, Donald E. Ashe, commended Club President Loretta Goyette and its membership for its many contributions to the people in Hampden County and beyond for the past 80 years.

Register Ashe presented proclamations to three of the Polanie Club members who have or will become 100 years old this year. The three individuals are Mary Gurski, Jean Podosek and Margaret Popko, all of whom have been active members of the Club since its inception 80 years ago.

We would like to wish the Polanie Club many, many years of continued success and thank them for their tireless commitment to our community!