Good Deeds: Norfolk Registry – The Gold Standard

By William P. O'Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds 

The mission of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds is probably the same today as when the first Register of Deeds, Eliphalet Pond, recorded the very first document back in 1793 when Norfolk County was established.  Although we have gone from the days of scrivners with quill pens to an era of computers and the internet the objectives are to record land documents and maintain the security, accuracy and accessibility of our communities' land records.

Why should anyone care what takes place at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds?  Well one compelling reason is that the biggest asset most of us have is our home and the Registry of Deeds plays a key role in authenticating the real estate title to your home.  As the Eleventh (11^th) Norfolk County Register of Deeds my commitment has always been to carry forward the traditions of the past and to modernize Registry operations, the facilities and the Registry services to meet the changing needs of the public.

The delivery of services in this technology centric world we live in today is so vastly different than the days when land records were delivered to the Registry of Deeds Building in Dedham by horseback.  In order to understand the importance of keeping technology vibrant at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds let us examine some of the modernization initiatives that have taken place at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  For the first time in Norfolk County's history there is internet on-line land records research at www.norfolkdeeds.org.  You can go to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds website to search and view all the land records back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793.  This modernization initiative via advances and improvements in technology brought Registry records directly into your home or business.  The records of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in its internet library of over 10 million documents are a click away because of technology.

Clearly key segments of our local and national real estate economy rely on the job that gets done at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds every day.  The staff at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds also takes great pride in the history and significance of the land records collected here.  You can search and view land records from your computer that relate to four Presidents of the United States born here in Norfolk County. 

There are individuals from all over the country doing genealogical and historical research.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds undertook a transcription project in order that its historical hand written records could come alive and be more easily read.  Over 450,000 recorded land documents hand written between 1793 to 1900 were transcribed and are available for viewing over the internet.  David McCullough an American historian and author wrote "I was fascinated and delighted to learn about the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and the Xerox Corporation are transcribing the historical deeds into easy to read computer text, and I say this as one who has spent a great deal of my working life struggling to read original letters and diaries and other old documents – you are making an important contribution and I send my warmest congratulations."

Improved technology and management of record levels of document filings have been a major focus for the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Did you know that the Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the second busiest registry out of 21 registries in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for each of the last three fiscal years?  Technology and modernization initiatives have included the implementation of upgraded computer and document processing systems; the development of a Disaster Recovery and Business continuity plan to protect Registry land records, data and operations; the ability to record documents electronically which allows a real estate closing to take place in a lawyer's office and the land documents to be transmitted for recording to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the first Registry in the state to make available electronic recording on the Land Court side as well as the Recorded Land side when recording documents.  There is so much more that can be written but a recent letter from Krysta Hendrix of Reliable Research Solutions, LLC in Pembroke probably sums it up best "I have experience working in every Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts and can say without hesitation that Norfolk County is the gold standard, most certainly in the technology department.  The implementations over the past 15 years with launching e-filing and the ease and rapidity of in-person filing is unmatched.  There is also always an informed and knowledgeable human to pick up the phone and with immediacy fix any mis-scanned or mis-indexed or Land Court document issues, which is truly un-paralleled throughout Registries within Massachusetts."

As Register of Deeds I have strived to have a financially sounds customer service-oriented operation.  The tremendous work that makes the Norfolk Registry of Deeds one of the best registries in Massachusetts gets accomplished with technology but also with the efforts of a dedicated work staff.  Government should be about serving the needs of the people.  To that end a Customer Service Center at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds was created where you can walk in, call or email with your real estate questions.  Here is what was written by Nicholas S. Renzulli, CPA "I recently recorded a Homestead at the Registry of Deeds.  As a non-lawyer who knew nothing about the procedure I entered the building with dread.  I thought that it would be difficult. Boy, was I wrong.  The employees in Customer Service could not have been more helpful and friendly.  After taking care of the business there, they showed me where to go to get the actual recording.  Once again the gentleman at the recording desk was great.  I was in and out in about 10 very painless minutes.  Thanks for running such a fine example of a government agency."

 Recognizing the dynamic world in which we live and expanding upon its commitment to public service the Norfolk Registry of Deeds implemented the first in the state Consumer Notification Service.  Consumer Notification allows residents of any of the County's 28 towns to "opt in" and participate in a free service whereby they can be alerted when any document, fraudulent or otherwise, is recorded against there name at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  This program recognizes that in this era of cybersecurity breaches and ransomware there are frauds going on that involve stealing the legal title to homes and property by cybersecurity predators and criminals.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds also initiated a Community Outreach Program.  Because of technology this program allows the Registry of Deeds records to be brought out to the town halls, senior centers and various community groups around Norfolk County in addition to valuable consumer protection information such as the Homestead Act.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds works with its partners and colleagues in government.  The Massachusetts Department of Revenue as well as Norfolk County gets sent a significant portion of the over 81 million dollars in revenue collected during Fiscal Year 2021 by the Registry staff using Registry technology.  The monies that get sent to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are used for local aid, public safety, education and social services programs.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds has been involved with the collection of Community Preservation Act monies which contribute to the funding of Community Preservation Act projects in our local communities.  Did you know the Norfolk Registry of Deeds works with your community's Board of Assessors and Assessor Departments to transmit critical records and data?  Donald Clarke Chief Assessor of the Town of Norfolk recently wrote a letter to the Norfolk County Commissioners which stated in part "I have recently become aware that the Abrahams study recommended the complete elimination of onsite IT at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is even more worrisome.  The coordination between NCRD IT and our IT personnel has been outstanding in regards to the safe and secure e-delivery of deeds and plans has which allowed this office to stay current in its ownership data and therefore in compliance with DOR regulations.  The timeliness of receiving the monthly recorded deeds and plans is essential to the operation of the Assessor's office.  Also, as the Town's IT department is regularly updating servers and other IT equipment they have dealt directly with the Registry CIO and staff numerous times in order to keep the flow of information from NCRD to the Town of Norfolk current."  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds over the years has also worked with the various historical commissions and societies as well as the local Treasurers always striving to be a resource and service to all.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds is facing challenges that will affect its ability to deliver services to the residents, users and businesses that rely on Registry operations.  It is my hope that the Norfolk Registry of Deeds does not get negatively impacted with unsound public policy decisions.  A user of Registry services, Attorney Thomas J. Flaherty of Bacon Flaherty in Randolph said it best when he wrote the following:

"As I am sure you are aware, for the past 20 years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been at the forefront of modernization efforts for Registries of Deeds across the Commonwealth.  As a practicing real estate attorney, I frequently work with all of these registries and in my opinion, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds consistently outperforms others in regards to its modernization and IT support; from advances in research to electronic recording and technology support, the Norfolk Registry has outpaced their peers in virtually all aspects of operation.  This has been especially true since the onset of COVID when all of us had to utilize on line e-recordings.

In my opinion and the opinion of many of my colleagues practicing real estate in Norfolk County, the Commissioners' decision to eliminate the on-site CIO and IT staff is a shortsighted one.  As you are aware, technology is constantly advancing, thus modernization efforts must continue.  A decision to eliminate these crucial services would make these continued efforts impossible.  Businesses and citizens of Norfolk County have come to rely on the Norfolk Registry staff for their service and professionalism."

 

Good Deeds: Norfolk Registry – The Gold Standard

Register O'Donnell Announces Toy for Tots Drive

Believing that the true spirit of the holidays is based on giving, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry will again be sponsoring its 14th Annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive.

Register O'Donnell noted, "Every holiday season, the Registry witnesses firsthand the many acts of kindness and Christmas spirit as numerous people drop off gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive.  It's truly wonderful to see so many people drop off gifts from Registry employees to title examiners to attorneys and from the general public. I fondly remember one year a local mother brought her young children who wanted to drop off toys," noted Register O'Donnell.

This year marks the 74^th anniversary of Toys for Tots.  The program was established in 1947 when the wife of a Marine major wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas, but couldn't find an organization to take it.  "Since that time this program has spread so much joy with the gifts that have been donated," noted the Register.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program's mission is to help less fortunate children experience the joy and happiness associated with Christmas. The program operates in 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states.

Donations of new toys and games for toddlers and children up to age ten can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High St. in Dedham from Monday, November 29, 2021 until Noon, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. A marked donation bin will be set-up in the lobby which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm.

Toy for Tots Drive

Register O'Donnell concluded "We all have the power to make a child's Christmas something special, and therefore giving to the Toys for Tots drive just might make it the best Christmas present you can give yourself this holiday season."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office invites all to "Holiday Happenings"

Hello from the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office,

I am writing to invite all members of your community to our Holiday Happenings, a series of free holiday events hosted by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. All details on the event can be found in the attached flyer. 

Please share this flyer with your communities, faculty, staff, students, and families and come join us for some frosty fun! Snacks, crafts, music and the jolly man himself will be available for all members of our County community to enjoy. 

If you, or anyone in your community has any questions please feel free to reach out, my contact information is included below. 

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!

 

Francis Olsson
Community Affairs Liaison
Department of External Affairs
Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
folsson@norfolksherrifma.org
Office: (781) 751-3414 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HBozucAqf9PPcIeirk5nMWqLxXQ6fHd7/view?usp=sharing

Norfolk Registry of Deeds: video on the IT Department issue (video)

November 22, 2021

Hello Friends of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds,
 
The 3 Norfolk County Commissioners are reviewing and will vote on adopting a paid consultant’s recommendation to eliminate the on-site Registry IT Technology Department that has worked with and for Registry staff, Registry users and stakeholders, municipal departments and the general public.
 
Attached is a video link https://youtu.be/luTAt2RfbGM on aspects of this IT Technology issue. Also here is a link https://chng.it/YY9MvxNqcq to an on-line petition on behalf of the Registry’s interests you may see fit to sign and/or circulate.  
 
The Norfolk Registry of Deeds needs to keep its current on-site Registry IT Technology Department. Technology has helped modernize Registry operations. Technology protects the land records which provides the real estate legal title to your home and facilitates the collection of revenues that get used in your community including funding your Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects.
 
There is a Norfolk County Commission meeting hearing on this IT Technology proposal scheduled for December 8, 2021. If you are as concerned about the negative effects of this proposal as I am or you have received good service from the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, please notify the Norfolk County Commissioners. Norfolk County Commissioners, Joseph P. Shea, Chair, Peter H. Collins, Richard R. Staiti 614 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or email them at: JandJSheaquincy@gmail.com, Petercollins@collinsandcollinspc.com Rrstaiti55@yahoo.com
 
I want to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
William P. O’Donnell

Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
________________________________
email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-461-6116
web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts letter endorsing the Norfolk Registry IT Technology Department -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVnOU-nvv_Kt3zBvLSzgcgMmig4JuFzV/view?usp=sharing

Register O’Donnell Announces 40,000th Book Printed at Registry of Deeds

Celebrating a significant milestone at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, Register William P. O’Donnell today announced the Registry recently completed printing its 40,000th book of recorded land documents.
 
Register O’Donnell noted, “The printing of our 40,000th book, which includes land documents such as deeds, homesteads, mortgages and mortgage discharges, is a significant event in the life of the Registry and a testament to the volume of work completed each and every business day here at the Registry of Deeds. The printing of Book 40,000 links us to the Registry’s rich history that dates back to 1793. 
 
“While the printing of books is ongoing, it is important to note the Registry continues to embrace and utilize cutting edge technologies allowing us to record land documents instantaneously. Documents are scanned and available for viewing within 24 business hours of recording at www.norfolkdeeds.org.”
 
“Our computer systems are backed up on a nightly and weekly basis. This redundancy allows the Registry to maintain a permanent record of all land document recordings in the event of a disaster affecting our building at 649 High Street, Dedham. Additionally, the Registry also microfilms all recorded land documents and ships the microfilm off-site to a secure location where it can be retrieved in the event of a catastrophe,” stated the Register.
 
Residents and those with an interest in Norfolk County property are encouraged to visit the Registry of Deeds. Users of the Registry have options to view land documents by whichever means they are comfortable. Either hard copy via books or on-line by one of our many computer workstations available to the public or from the convenience of their home or work computer.
 
Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “The core mission of the Registry of Deeds is to record land documents in a safe, secure and accessible manner. Part of this charge is to serve as a depository for over 9 million land documents recorded from the Registry’s beginning in 1793 right up to the present day. While we have embraced the latest technologies to improve efficiencies, the printing of books allows us to maintain a permanent hard copy record of each recorded land document on-site.”
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Announces 40,000th Book Printed at Registry of Deeds

GOOD DEEDS: Paid Consultant - Not a Cybersecurity Expert

GOOD DEEDS:  PAID CONSULTANT - NOT A CYBERSECURITY EXPERT

By William P. O'Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

 

This is part of a series of essays which demonstrate why a much heralded by some Abrahams Study when it comes to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and Registry Technology is flat out wrong.   Recommendations to eliminate the on-site Registry Chief Information (CIO) and the on-site Registry IT Technology Department which has been an integral part of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds operations for decades is not a sound policy.  These misguided recommendations from a paid consultant who never visited the Norfolk Registry of Deeds do not recognize the role the Registry IT Technology Department has had on modernization initiatives that have benefited Registry users and Norfolk County residents.

 

A Register of Deeds is tasked to run the Registry of Deeds by state law and the voters.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds is a place where land records from the deed to your home and business, from the homestead that protects your home to the mortgage discharge that tells the world your loan has been paid off all are recorded.  During the last fiscal year over 205,000 land record documents got recorded and processed by the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  These recordings could not be done without a dedicated staff.  But it also could not be accomplished without using technology as well as the expertise and knowledge of the Registry IT Technology Department.  As Register of Deeds it is my fiduciary duty to fight these bad policy recommendations on behalf of home and business owners who rely on the land records and data at the Registry of Deeds for the legal title to those homes and businesses.  There are frauds going on now as it is that involve stealing the legal title to homes and property. Imagine what would happen at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds if there was no on-site Registry IT Technology Department to at least battle the cybersecurity predators and criminals.

 

State law requires monies to be collected by all 21 of the Registries in Massachusetts.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds collected over 81 million dollars during the last fiscal year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  These monies got collected using technology.  If there is no on-site Registry IT Technology Department what could happen to this money which comes back to cities and towns in the form of local aid, public safety, educational reimbursements as well as social services programs?  If there is no on-site Registry IT Technology Department in the Registry building working with and helping Registry staff collect Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds through the use of technology what could happen to those Community Preservation Act projects in the cities and towns of Norfolk County?  Nothing good is coming out of this “Abrahams recommendation” as there are too many possible bad outcomes that could take place without a robust on-site Registry IT Technology Department.

 

The report of consultant, Mark Abrahams, who never came by the Norfolk Registry of Deeds as part of his study, just does not properly recognize the role of the Registry IT Technology Department has in the overall scheme of operations at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Does anyone think in five years there is going to be less technology in protecting the land records that authenticate the title to your home or in providing services to Registry users, departments in county municipalities and the general public?  Technology will continue to transform and be an integral part of our day to day society.  Another question that needs to be answered is why make a recommendation to get rid of a 2 permanent person Registry IT Technology Department in this age of cybersecurity attacks and ransomware? There is a newly appointed legislative committee at the Massachusetts State House that is examining cybersecurity and the tremendous costs in terms of money and operations on towns, businesses even a local ferry system that have been victims of cybersecurity intrusions and breaches. Paid consultant Mark Abrahams missed the boat on his study of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and its IT Technology Department.  It is crucial that the Norfolk County Commissioners recognize this and do not implement the Abrahams recommendations as it relates to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

 

Another compelling reason to totally disregard Mark Abrahams’ IT Technology recommendations is that right in his report Mr. Abrahams states “IT security is not part of our scope.” How can someone in this day and age of cybersecurity breaches and ransomware be making any IT Technology recommendations when you did NOT look at IT security? It would be a dereliction of duty amounting to negligence some may argue gross negligence to act on IT Technology recommendations at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds made by a paid consultant where “IT security is not part of our scope.” What is at stake is the land records and data that are used to authenticate the legal real estate title to your home as well as your business.  The biggest asset most of us have is our home.  This asset is too valuable to act on recommendations of a paid consultant who also wrote “…we are not security experts, however cybersecurity and disaster recovery came up in our interviews and meetings.”  Mark Abrahams and his assistant who looked at “Information Technology” are not proficient in cybersecurity why should their IT Technology recommendations be followed?

 

Some may argue you should not be even making any IT Technology recommendations in this day and age without assessing cybersecurity.  In courts of law individuals come in to offer opinions on various subject matters.  However, before these persons give an opinion to a jury a judge would examine their credentials to be an “expert” and give an opinion.  Who can forget the trial court scene when Joe Pesci as criminal defense attorney Vinny Gambini was trying to qualify Marisa Tomei as Mona Lisa Vito as an automobile expert in the comedy movie “My Cousin Vinnie.”  Unlike Mona Lisa Vito in the movie however, Mark Abrahams and his opinions on Information Technology should be disqualified.  This paid consultant is not qualified to give an opinion on Information Technology.  It is not just an unsound decision to just accept Mr. Abrahams IT Technology recommendations, it borders on reckless given all the possible negative impacts and bad outcomes that could take place in implementing Information Technology (IT) recommendations made by this paid consultant. 

 

The Abrahams IT Registry technology recommendations are not about saving money. The Norfolk Registry IT Technology Department is a 2 permanent persons operation.  Mark Abrahams writes in his report “We feel that from a management perspective, the IT operations are being well run considering the limited staff.” All things being fair and equal those words should end any debate about eliminating the on-site Registry IT Technology Department working at the Registry building for and with Registry staff, Registry users, Norfolk County municipal governments and the general public.

 

If you are as concerned about this matter as I am or have received good service from the Norfolk Registry  of Deeds, please feel free to sign the online petition linked here https://chng.it/YY9MvxNqcq.  

Please contact the three Norfolk County Commissioners that will make this decision. Norfolk County Commissioners, Joseph P. Shea, Chair, Peter H. Collins, Richard R. Staiti 614 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 

Or email them at: JandJSheaquincy@gmail.com, Petercollins@collinsandcollinspc.com Rrstaiti55@yahoo.com

 

Thank you.

GOOD DEEDS: Paid Consultant - Not a Cybersecurity Expert

Register O'Donnell Announces 2021 Holiday Food Drive November 22 through December 29

Register O'Donnell Announces 2021 Holiday Food Drive

November 22 through December 29

Noting that some Norfolk County families are more worried about putting food on the table this holiday season, Register of Deeds William O'Donnell is asking people to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Monday, November 22 and running through Friday, December 29, 2021.
 
"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a destination place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county that are truly hurting. Just looking at our monthly foreclosure numbers, we at the Registry of Deeds can see firsthand how people are being adversely impacted. Misfortune can strike anyone in a number of ways, from a job loss to a medical catastrophe to an elderly person on a fixed income."
 
Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is considered food insecure. Furthermore 1 out of every 7 children in the state is also considered food insecure.   In fiscal year 2017 Project Bread received more than 28,000 calls for food assistance.
 
Register O'Donnell noted. "As we near the holiday season, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel and also food bills are higher with kids home during school vacation.  Let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may be in need of our help."
 
Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper products.
 
If you can't get to the Registry to drop off food, you can check their website.at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community. "Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell.
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

2021 Holiday Food Drive  November 22 through December 29

Register O'Donnell Sees Decline in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported an across-the-board decline in real estate activity for Norfolk County in October 2021. Declines were seen in both real estate sales and in mortgage lending. 

"The Norfolk County real estate market" noted Register O'Donnell, "has started to slow down and decline.  There were 14,433 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 20% decrease over last year's October document volume." 

"During the month of October in 2021, a total of 1,590 residential and commercial real estate sales were recorded countywide, resulting in a 15% drop from the previous year's October numbers. Additionally, the total dollar volume of these residential and commercial sales decreased by 22% to $973.1 million year over year, as well as declined in the average sale price by 1% to $1,009,538." noted the Register.

Although there were less mortgages recorded the total amount of money borrowed for mortgages County wide was over 2.5 billon, a 13% increase compared to October 2020.  "While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, other mortgages are due to refinancing existing mortgages.  Individuals have different motivations to refinance.  Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures" said Register O'Donnell. 

One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures.   A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020.  This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market.  O'Donnell stated, "During October of 2021 there were only 1 foreclosure deed recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County.  

However, there were 15 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County in October of 2021.  A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on.  During October of 2020 there were 3 Foreclosure Deeds and 2 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages filed as opposed to this year's 15 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages."  "These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges", said O'Donnell.  "We will continue to monitor these numbers."

Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell stated, "If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance."

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in October.    There was a 22% decrease in homestead recordings in October 2021 compared to October 2020.  "A Homestead," noted O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Without question October was a disappointing month for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  Available real estate inventory continues to be a constant source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially been a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. Also, things may be slowing down compared to past real estate indicators.  The Registry of Deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic.  The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business, however that is being evaluated as the COVID-19 developments unfold.  The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building for the time being will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable in entering the Registry of Deeds Building.  Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA."   

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell Sees Decline in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

Good Deeds: IT Technology Report

GOOD DEEDS: IT TECHNOLOGY REPORT  A FLAWED PROCESS

By William P. O'Donnell – Norfolk Register of Deeds

The much-heralded by some individuals Abrahams Study was delivered to the Norfolk County Commissioners recently.  This paid consultant who has been working on this study since September 2020 never studied ANY Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts or anywhere else.  Mark Abrahams never visited the Norfolk Registry of Deeds yet he delivered a disastrous recommendation as it relates to the Registry operations and to all who rely and use Registry services.  Mark Abrahams recommended that the on-site permanent Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) be eliminated. Furthermore, Mr. Abrahams is also recommending that the on-site Registry IT Technology Department that for decades has worked with and for Registry staff, Registry users, Norfolk county municipalities and the general public also be eliminated from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

As Register of Deeds, I strongly believe I have a fiduciary and statutory duty to protect each and every document recorded by and on behalf of the residents of Norfolk County, especially those land records evidencing the fundamental and constitutional right of property ownership.  In this digital age, access and protection of your land records are inextricably tied to a strong, secure and vigilantly maintained Registry IT Technology Infrastructure.

The Abrahams study concluded "We feel from a management perspective, the IT operations are being well run considering the limited staff."  That sentence alone should end any consideration of the paid consultant Mark Abrahams' recommendation to eliminate the permanent on-site Registry CIO and Registry IT Technology Department.  This essay will focus on some of the flaws in the process committed by Mark Abrahams as it relates to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and its IT Technology Department.

One flagrant flaw is that Mark Abrahams nor anyone from his team came to visit the Norfolk Registry of Deeds as part of this study.  There was a report in a local newspaper, that this paid consultant engaged and hired by the Norfolk County Commissioners since September of 2020 was paid $175,000.00.  For that type of money I would expect some "due diligence" that would have included observing operations of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  There was no such observation nor visit.  What kind of consultant who recommends the total elimination of the on-site Registry IT Technology Department does not come by the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and the Registry IT Technology Department as part of that consultant's paid study?

Mark Abrahams was hired back in September 2020 so there was plenty of time to gather facts, visit the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and make certain assessments.  Mark Abrahams never spoke with me prior to his recommendation not to fill the Registry CIO which was conveyed to and influenced county decision makers.  I wrote a letter to Mark Abrahams on July 14, 2021 seeking to discuss at the time his recommendation not to fill the Registry CIO budgeted position even though he had not spoken to me about any Registry of Deeds operations. Also, in this letter is the following sentence.  "This lack of communication, poor process and lack of insight into Registry operations make the decision not to fill the Registry CIO position more perplexing, troubling and frustrating."  Nothing that has taken place since July of 2021 as to the process used by Mark Abrahams has changed since that sentence was written. I wrote still another letter dated July 29, 2021 to Mark Abrahams that again expressed my frustration with the flawed process and lack of transparency of the study by Mr. Abrahams that was taking place as it related to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Do you know when I got my next telephone call from Mark Abrahams?  It was on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. less than 24 hours before Mr. Abrahams delivered his report on the Norfolk Registry of Deeds to the Norfolk County Commissioners on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

The lack of transparency, flaws in process and mistaken methodology did not get better between the summer of 2021 and when the Abrahams study reports were recently delivered.  I specifically wrote to Mr. Abrahams on September 20, 2021 pointing out once again the many operational reasons as well as concerns about cybersecurity risks of not having an on-site Registry CIO.  I specifically asked for any reports, preliminary or otherwise, involving or affecting the Registry IT Department and/or the Registry CIO position.  I am still waiting for Mark Abrahams to send me that report.  Certainly, it would have been courteous and should be part of any process to have a copy of this report sent because it means so much to the Registry of Deeds and its users.  This paid consultant and his team had never studied a Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts or anywhere else.  To not visit the Norfolk Registry of Deeds since being hired in September of 2020 is inexcusable.  The above flaws in this study are matched by Mr. Abrahams not specifically listing within his scope of analysis Massachusetts State Law M.G.L. Chapter 36.  This is a failure of Mark Abrahams that should call into question his recommendations as it relates to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and the Registry IT Technology Department.  This state law deals with Registries of Deeds and the laws that govern their operations.  This lack of familiarity and knowledge with recording law and Registry of Deeds operations by the paid consultant is due to a terrible process, lack of transparency, little or no communication and poor methodology on the part of the recommending consultant.

Most individuals who have dealt with the Norfolk Registry of Deeds would find it incredibly shortsighted for Mark Abrahams nor his team not to speak to former First Assistant Register of Deeds Richard Kennedy.  This long time 36 year employee who graduated from Boston University Law School started working at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in 1985 and retired during this study but still works part time at the Registry of Deeds today.  His tenure as First Assistant Register of Deeds begin in 1991 long before I became Norfolk Register of Deeds.  It is incredibly arrogant for the well paid consultant not to seek information, advice and perspectives on Registry operations especially when that consultant does not know anything about Registry operations.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds has had 2 persons working on its IT infrastructure for 20 years.  There has been a Registry IT Technical Assistance Administrator at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds for 11 years.  Dan Caparrotta who is the Registry IT Technical Assistance Administrator and he was not spoken to by Mark Abrahams.  Neither Mr. Abrahams nor his assistant spoke to Dan Caparrotta of the Registry IT Technology Department prior to making this reckless decision to "consolidate" which is code to eliminate the on-site Registry CIO position and the on-site Registry IT Technology Department that plays such a key role in delivering innovative and modern services to Registry users.

A faulty or flawed process leads to poor conclusions and outcomes.  Mark Abrahams and his team as it relates to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and the Registry IT Technology Department in the Abrahams study oversaw a flawed process.  Out of this flawed process and poor methodology comes at best a sloppy report and at worst an unprofessional report as it relates to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and the Registry IT Technology Department.  The recommendations to eliminate the on-site CIO and eliminate the on-site Registry IT Technology Department will be an absolute disaster.

If you are as concerned about this matter as I am or have received good service from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, please feel free to sign the on-line petition linked here https://chng.it/YY9MvxNqcq .  This IT recommendation should not be and cannot be implemented.

Thank you.

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Due to the generosity of countless Norfolk County residents, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently delivered a clothing donation, through its Suits for Success program, to InnerCity Weightlifting.
 
Register O'Donnell stated, "On behalf of the many kind and generous Norfolk County citizens, Registry staff and real estate professionals who contributed clothing, it was my pleasure to deliver these critically needed items to InnerCity Weightlifting." The clothing donations included men's clothing, shoes and ties.
 
InnerCity Weightlifting, founded in 2010, is a program designed to keep young people off the streets by using its weightlifting and gym facilities to create a community and network of support that encompasses education, job training and employment in the field of personal training.
 
On October 7, 2021 Reginald Talbert, Khyzhaun Peete and Nolisha Greer from InnerCity Weightlifting accepted a donation of men's clothing and accessories to help individuals pursue their career opportunities from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Nolisha Greer, InnerCity Weightlifting Student Engagement Manager noted, "Today in society, we only get to see kindness on a rare occasion. Today I met two people who made a bunch of young men smile. Young men they have never met."  
 
The goal of the Suits for Success program is to help men and women reach economic independence and personal self-fulfillment. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the program at the Registry of Deeds. During that period Register O'Donnell has delivered more than 7,500 pieces of clothing. Besides InnerCity Weightlifting, other non-profits who have benefited from this program include Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & Mainspring of Quincy and Brockton and the Boston Veterans Administration Healthcare System Service program.
 
Those interested in making a clothing donation can schedule a drop off of new or gently used business appropriate clothing, professionally cleaned, Monday through Friday between 9:00AM-4:00PM at the Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.
 
Register O'Donnell concluded by stating, "I again want to thank everyone for their continuing generosity in supporting the Suits for Success program. Having something in your closet that you no longer wear can make a world of difference in the life of someone else. It may just be the item that helps them get ahead in life."
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

October 15, 2021

Dear Friend of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and Registry Users,

RE:      Registry CIO and Registry IT Department

The Abrahams study delivered recently to the Norfolk County Commissioners recommended not to keep the on-site Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) that has been funded and in existence at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds for over 20 years.  This paid consultant is also recommending eliminating entirely the on-site Registry IT Technology Department.

These recommendations will be a disaster to the operations of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  It will be such an unsound public policy decision to not have an on-site in-house permanent Registry CIO and a Registry IT Technology Department working in the Registry building for and with the Registry staff, Registry users and the general public.

As an independently elected official legally tasked with running the Norfolk Registry of Deeds I feel it is my duty to point out that the Abrahams recommendation fails to recognize that the Registry IT Technology Department has been instrumental in implementing numerous modernization initiatives at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Technology drives services to Registry users and also protects the security of the data and land records that are used to authenticate the legal real estate title to your home and property.  The solid foundation of technology at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds will crumble without a permanent on-site Registry CIO and without a Registry IT Technology Department.  The Abrahams recommendation fails to recognize how essential and critical to the functioning of an independent and modern Registry of Deeds that an on-site Registry CIO and on-site Registry IT Department are.

The Registry IT Technology Department prior to the interference and influence of this Abrahams study had 2 full time permanent persons.  Registry operations and Registry users deserve to have a permanent on-site Registry CIO and a Registry IT Technology Department physically at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds working on IT issues that come up on a daily basis.  Not to fill permanently an on-site budgeted and existing Registry CIO in place for over 20 years and now to eliminate completely the on-site Registry IT Technology Department is unimaginable in this day and age of technology as well as cybersecurity risks and ransomware.  It just makes absolutely no sense.

There will be disastrous operational results if the Abrahams IT recommendation is implemented that will negatively impact those that depend on the Registry for service – real estate brokers, banks, engineers, home appraisers, builders, title examiners, lenders, attorneys, home owners and the general public.  Without a Registry IT Technology Department there are countless bad outcomes that can take place.  If you are as concerned about this matter as I am, please feel free to contact the people who will be considering the Abrahams study recommendations.  Attached is a contact list for the Norfolk County Commissioners and the Norfolk County Advisory Board which represents each of the 28 communities of Norfolk County who will be considering these IT recommendations.  Also, please feel free to contact your select boards, town councils and mayors who appoint these voting representatives to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.

This paid consultant and his team had never studied a Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts or anywhere else.  Furthermore, since October of 2020 when Mr. Abrahams was engaged by the Norfolk County Commissioners neither him nor his team ever even visited the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Mark Abrahams as a consultant deals mainly with schools.  This lack of familiarity and knowledge with Registry of Deeds operations is concerning as evidenced by Mr. Abrahams troubling conclusion to eliminate the established Norfolk Registry IT Technology Department and the dangerous negative impacts of that recommendation.

Let us hope better decisions and policies will come out of a full and vigorous vetting of the recommendations to eliminate the Registry CIO and the Registry IT Technology Department.  Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as the Norfolk Registry of Deeds deals with this unfortunate situation.

Sincerely yours,

William P. O'Donnell

 

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminds consumers if they have a Registry question, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

“The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions,” said O’Donnell. “These questions can vary such as confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property’s mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. We are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone.”

Register O’Donnell further noted, “The department can also inform customers about the various cost for filing and receiving land documents. Upon a customer’s request -whether it’s by visiting us here at the Registry or by a direct mail request - we can provide copies of documents to you for a fee of $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover the cost of postage.”

The Registry only accepts cash or check payments. In addition, the Customer Service Center staff is happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

O’Donnell went on to say, “For many, trying to ascertain information about land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our trained customer service staff is well-versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions.”

Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. “All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver’s license or passport,” said O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry’s mission to serve the public. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are glad to be of service to you.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org

 

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Register O'Donnell Reports Steady Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported the Norfolk County real estate market more than held its own during the month of August 2021.  He also reports a continued strong showing in sales highlighted Norfolk County real estate market activity for the month of August.    

Register O'Donnell stated, "The Norfolk County real estate market continues to be steady.  There were 16,282 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 1% increase over last year's August document volume.  There were 1,999 deeds recorded out of this document volume, representing a 7% increase over August of last year.  Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 3% over 2020 to $903,842.69." 

Even though there was a considerable increase to the monies for mortgages the number of mortgages recorded decreased over the previous year's numbers.  There were 3,665 mortgages recorded during the month which is an 11% decrease over 2020.  Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages county wide was well over 3 billon, a 62% increase compared to August 2020.  "While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, other mortgages are due to refinancing existing mortgages.  Individuals have different motivations to refinance.  Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures" said Register O'Donnell. 

Register O'Donnell went on to state, "There has been a strong demand for housing, single family housing particular, coupled with a limited supply of available housing stock and historically low interest rates which could be motivating buyers to do what is necessary to secure housing.  The growth in some real estate indicators seen in 2020 continues into 2021."

One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures.   A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020.  This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market.  O'Donnell stated, "During August of 2021 there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County.  Additionally, there were 15 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County.  A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on.  August of 2020 there were no Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages and 5 foreclosure Deeds.  "These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges", said O'Donnell.  "We will continue to monitor these numbers."

Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell stated, "If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance."

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in August.    There was a 2% decrease in homestead recordings in August 2021 compared to August 2020.  "A Homestead," noted O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Available real estate inventory continues to be a constant source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially been a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. However, there is a silver lining in the August real estate statistics and that is based on the optimistic lending numbers that we've seen. These figures are very encouraging and tell us competitive interest rates and a robust eastern Massachusetts economy are having a positive effect on the Norfolk County region.  The Registry of Deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic.  "

"The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business, however that is being evaluated as the COVID-19 developments unfold.  The drop-off box located outside the main entrance of the Registry Building for the time being will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable in entering the Registry of Deeds Building.  Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA."   

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.  

Register O'Donnell Reports Steady Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Good Deeds: Technology Drives Change

 Good Deeds: Technology Drives Change

By: William P. O'Donnell
Register of Deeds

Growing up my beloved Uncle Ray would say, "There is nothing as constant in life as change."  We all have a beloved relative or parent or friend whose words of wisdom we often think of, act upon and repeat.  Well for this article I found out the sentiments expressed by my uncle were that of an ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus who has been quoted as saying, "The only constant in life is change."

There have been a number of modernization initiatives implemented at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  What has driven those modernization initiatives?  It has been technology and the advances in technology which has been the foundation for change at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

My grandparents were immigrants that came from Ireland.  I think of my grandmother who came to this country at 17 years of age in 1923 and lived to be 106 years old and all the changes she witnessed in her lifetime.  Some of that change was driven by technology- radio, television, color television and the space program that landed an astronaut on the moon in 1969.  It got me to think of changes driven by technology that we take for granted in our day to day lives.

Did you know on September 21, 1983 Motorola made history when the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approved the world's first commercial portable cell phone?  Although the cell phone was approved in 1983 it took years of technology and technological improvements to get where we are today with cell phones and cell phone use.  For you young readers you may not be aware of the "facsimile machine" which scanned printed textual and graphic material and then transmitted the information through the telephone network to similar machines where facsimiles were produced close to the form of the original document.  The technology for "fax machines" was invented a long time ago.  However, it was not until advances in technology and technological improvements took place that fax machines became popular with consumers and businesses in the 1980's.

Did you know on December 3, 1992 Neil Papworth a 22-year-old software programmer sent the first ever text message by typing, "Merry Christmas" on a computer and sending it to a cellphone of Vodafone director Richard Jarvis?  Again it took technology and advances in technology to get to where we are today in using and relying upon text messages for communication.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds is an arm of government that deals with the biggest asset most of us have- our homes.  As the eleventh (11^th) Norfolk Register of Deeds I take great pride in preserving these land records that were first recorded for the communities of Norfolk County dating back to 1793.  The mission of recording land documents may be similar to the days of scriveners and quill pens at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  However, the delivery of services in this technology centric world we live in today is so vastly different than the days when land records were delivered by horseback to Dedham where the Norfolk Registry of Deeds is located.

As I reflect on my tenure as Norfolk Register of Deeds the delivery of quality recording services to the Registry stakeholders and citizens of Norfolk County has vastly changed.  The quality services provided by and through the Norfolk Registry of Deeds like so many other sectors in our society is driven by technology and advances in technology.  There was no internet land record research at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds when I became Register of Deeds in 2002.  Speaking of the internet, did you know January 1, 1983 is considered the official birthday of the internet which allowed various computer networks to communicate with each other?  Now because of technology you can go to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds website at http://www.norfolkdeeds.org and search the county's land records.  A lot of businesses and government entities like the Registry of Deeds did not have websites, something that is commonplace now.  What happened?  It was the technology.   The advances in technology and improvements in technology continue at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  The Registry's records  in its internet library of over 15 million scanned images have been brought into homes and businesses because of technology.  You can search and view land records from your computer including those records related to four Presidents of the United States born in Norfolk County.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds undertook a transcription project which transcribed over 450,000 recorded land documents hand written between 1793 to 1900.  David McCullough an American historian and author wrote, "I was fascinated and delighted to learn about the way the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and the Xerox Corporation are transcribing the historical deeds into easy-to-read computer text, and I say this as one who has spent a great deal of my working life struggling to read original letters, and diaries, and other old documents… you are making an important contribution and I send my warmest congratulations."  It was technology and advances in technology that made this historical and impactful undertaking come about.

I could go on and on about other modernization initiatives that have been implemented at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  These initiatives were driven by technology.  There is electronic recording which was how most of the 205,000 land documents recorded last fiscal year at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds were recorded.  A closing can take place in a lawyer's office and the land documents to be recorded are transmitted for recording to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Technology and abuses of technology in the form of cybersecurity risks drives developing plans to deal with disaster recovery, business continuity and the protection of Registry data and operations.  Because of cybersecurity intrusions and technological scams, the Norfolk Registry of Deeds makes available to consumers a "Consumer Notification Service."  This Registry of Deeds service allows residents of Norfolk County to be notified if there is some type of document recorded at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in that consumer's name.  The "Consumer Notification Service" is a tool made available through technology to fight and be notified of fraudulent scams that could affect one's title to property.  It is technology and advances in technology that allows these services and programs to be made available to the stakeholders of the Registry of Deeds and residents of Norfolk County.

Technology and advances in technology in our society and world will continue.  Technology and the need to deal with technology as a way to deliver quality service by the Norfolk Registry of Deeds needs to continue.  To those who may think otherwise I will harken back to my Uncle Ray's words, "There is nothing as constant in life as change."      

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Good Deeds: Technology Drives Change