Showing posts with label Norfolk County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Norfolk County. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2022

Register O’Donnell Delivers 2022 Third Quarter Real Estate Activity Report

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that 3rd quarter (July-September 2022) Norfolk County recording statistics indicate residential and commercial sale prices continued to level off, while the number of notices to foreclose rose sharply.

 

During the recently concluded 3rd quarter of the 2022 calendar year, the average Norfolk County real estate sales price for both residential and commercial properties increased 11% to $1,107,041. Total residential and commercial real estate volume was $3.26 billion, a 13% decrease over the same period in 2021.

 

“The rise in interest rates has had an impact on so many levels, in regards to the statistics at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds,” said O’Donnell. “Total document volume for the last three months, July, August, and September (2022), is down significantly. One of the components of document volume, the number of deeds recorded, indicates a decrease in property sales.”

 

For the 3rd quarter of 2022, the number of land documents recorded, such as (deeds, mortgages, homesteads, mortgage discharges, etc.), was 32,496, a 33% decline from the 3rd quarter of 2021. The number of deeds, both commercial and residential, recorded was 4,642, a 21% decrease over the same time span last year.

 

“With the increase in interest rates, consumers seem to be less inclined to borrow,” noted O’Donnell. “Norfolk Registry of Deeds statistics indicate nearly half the total number of mortgages were recorded compared to 3rd quarter numbers in 2021.”

 

There were 5,570 mortgages recorded at the Registry during the 3rd quarter of the calendar year 2022 compared to 10,869 in the 3rd quarter of 2021, a 49% decrease. Total mortgage borrowing was $3.67 billion in this quarter, compared to $8.9 billion during the same period in 2021.

 

“The economic concerns and problems that the country is facing now are spilling over and impacting the local real estate market.” O’Donnell added, “A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of pending foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market.”

 

In the 3rd quarter, there were 20 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, two more than in the 3rd quarter of 2021. Alarmingly, there were 91 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2022, up significantly from 30 in the 3rd quarter of 2021.

 

“The dramatic increase in the number of these notices is concerning. It indicates that more of our neighbors are facing financial challenges going forward,” said O’Donnell. “We will continue to track these numbers.”

 

O’Donnell stated, “While the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on solid footing, there are still those in Norfolk County experiencing economic hardship, in many cases through no fault of their own. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, (617-479-8181 x376), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, (508-587-0950) to help homeowners who may have received a Notice to Foreclose document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “The economy, particularly the employment numbers in eastern Massachusetts, appears to be strong. However, going forward, inflation, rising interest rates, as well as global and national economic factors, will likely result in a continued slowdown of the Norfolk County real estate market.”

 

To learn more about the Registry of Deed’s events and initiatives, like us on Facebook® at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on Twitter® at twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram® at 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 2022 Third Quarter Real Estate Activity Report
Register O’Donnell Delivers 2022 Third Quarter Real Estate Activity Report


Monday, October 17, 2022

Town Council Quarterbacking with Council Chair Tom Mercer - Recap of the Oct 5, 2022 meeting (audio)

FM #863 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 863 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Oct 5, 2022


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

Right of first refusal – Schmidt’s Farm

Norfolk County Commission Update

Special liquor license for Dacey’s Market

4 bylaws for parking changes downtown

How to address habitual offenders for Dean parking/Neighborhood Alliance

Gift acceptance to Police/Fire


Our conversation runs about 30 minutes:


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 13, 2022

Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-864-town-council-quarterbacking-10-13-22


--------------


Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf


My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube   https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8



--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 
The Town Council held a public hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding
The Town Council held a public hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

Good Deeds: Update On No More Direct Report Registry Info Technology (It) Staff

By William P. O’Donnell Norfolk Register of Deeds 

I want to give the residents and taxpayers an update as to where the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is relative to meeting its technology needs. Unfortunately, the assessment is a sobering one. The unsound decisions that continue today began back on June 30, 2021. On that date Norfolk County Commissioner Peter Collins and Joe Shea voted not to appoint a lawfully funded and approved Registry Chief Information Officer. “The understaffing issue in Information Technology (IT) by County Commissioners Collins and Shea is the definition of mismanagement. Today, the Registry of Deeds not only operates without its own Chief Information Officer (CIO) but does not presently have one single full time Registry direct report IT staff person or now “consolidated IT” staff employee to handle Registry operational needs.

 

The Registry of Deeds’ operation has been degraded by these poor decisions driven by the Norfolk County Commissioners. Promises that there will be a permanent County IT CIO hired by mid-July have not been kept. Here we are in October there is still no hired “consolidated County CIO”. The lack of a considered approach, no transparent collaboration and the absence of a sound business plan by County Director John Cronin in taking over Information Technology (IT) is a regression not a progression.

 

Contrary to what Commissioner Peter Collins has stated as he asks the voters to re-elect him as County Commissioner the Registry of Deeds and the Registry IT Department was highly successful and efficient with positive user experiences. Commissioner Collins needs to take ownership of his failure to recognize the ever-increasing cyber security risks and threats that are out there in today’s world. The elimination of an on-site direct report Registry IT staff is reckless and has made land records and money collections less secure.

 

Everyone is more vulnerable to hacks, breaches and ransomware attacks. A Boston NBC investigative report indicates 1 out of 6 communities have been hit by a ransomware attack.  Today, Massachusetts ranks 13th of any state in the Country in terms of monies lost to cyber-security attacks according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center.

 

Good Government process and sound decision making has been missing from Norfolk County Government. There is an old saying “you cannot fight City Hall.” At the Registry of Deeds all the staff can do is try its best to work through these challenges and of course keep you, the residents and taxpayers, informed.

 

Click link – video of answers to questions about Registry IT

https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/news-announcements/it-segment-from-october-5-2022-good-deeds-1737

 

To watch whole show on Real Estate Issues and statistics  QATV website  link:   https://www.qatv.org/?modal=345,episode,219150


Good Deeds:  Update On No More Direct Report Registry Info Technology (It) Staff
Good Deeds:  Update On No More Direct Report Registry Info Technology (It) Staff

Friday, October 14, 2022

Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 10/05/22 (audio)

FM #861 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 861 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers


Key events of the meeting

  • Public hearing on Right of First Refusal to purchase Schmidt’s Farm

  • Visit from Norfolk County Commission

  • Approval for change in liquor license for Dacy’s market to be submitted to Legislature

  • Discussion and vote to move to second reading an integrated set of 4 bylaws covering parking in downtown Franklin


The recording runs just over 3 hours, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on October 5, 2022.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-861-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-05-22



--------------


Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html 


My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing


The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube   https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8



--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


one slide from presentation on Schmidt's Farm purchase public hearing
one slide from presentation on Schmidt's Farm purchase public hearing


Tuesday, October 11, 2022

A Presentation of Norwood’s Notable Land Records

On Thursday evening, October 27, 2022, at Norwood’s Morrill Memorial Library, there will be a presentation by Norfolk Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell entitled “Norwood Notable Land Records: People, Places & Properties”. The program is a follow-up to a celebration held in June at the Norwood Town Hall commemorating Norwood’s 150th anniversary.

The “Norwood Notable Land Records: People, Places and Properties” storyboards will again be on display, highlighting Norwood’s rich history, its illustrious stories and the wonderful people that have made and make Norwood such a vibrant community. Documents recorded at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds connected to Norwood’s rich history and the notable stories and people behind them are the basis of a free booklet that will be available to those attending the event.

Norfolk Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell who is helping to organize the event explained, “The booklet tells a piece of the story of Norwood from its earliest days to the present. What has made Norwood such a great community are its people. The individuals highlighted in those records represent a cross-section of the community. Norwood is a special place and should be celebrated. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Register O’Donnell and the Norwood 150th Steering Committee hopes you can join them for the presentation on Thursday, October 27 from6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Simoni Room at Morrill Memorial Library. This event is free but registration is required. To reserve your seat, go to https://www.norwoodlibrary.org/morrillcalendar/ or call the library reference desk at 781 769-0200 x 2. 

L-R: Norwood Selectman Helen Donahue, Ollie Abdallah first women elected to Norwood office, "John Adams", Norfolk Registrar William O'Donnell
L-R: Norwood Selectman Helen Donahue, Ollie Abdallah first women elected to Norwood office, "John Adams", Norfolk Registrar William O'Donnell

Monday, October 10, 2022

Register O’Donnell Reports on September 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the September 2022 numbers relative to Norfolk County recordings indicate a continuing decrease in overall real estate activity, particularly mortgage activity, as compared to the September 2021 numbers

“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate numbers in September demonstrate a continued slowdown in the market compared to 2021 and for the first time it appears that the average sales price is leveling off,” noted Register O’Donnell. “There were 9,972 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in September, a 35% decrease from September 2021 and a decrease of 14% from August, 2022”.

“The number of deeds for September 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, show a decrease of 23% from September, 2021 and a decrease of 16% from the previous month of August, 2022. Sale prices for September appear to have leveled off when compared to September 2021. The average sale price in September was $1,082,714, a decrease of 1% compared to September 2021. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 24% from one year ago and decreasing 16% from last month,” noted the Register.

Overall lending activity show a continued trend downward for the month of September. A total of 1,693 mortgages were recorded during the month, a significant decrease of 55% compared to a year ago and down 15% from August, 2022. “It appears that the sharp increase in the mortgage interest rates has significantly impacted mortgage activity,” noted O’Donnell.

A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of pending foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In September, there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, one less than in September, 2021.  However, there were 37 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in September, up significantly from the 10 recorded in September 2021. “The dramatic increase in the number of these notices is alarming. It indicates that more of our neighbors are facing financial challenges going forward”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to track these numbers.”

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 again this month at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds. There was a 21% decrease in homestead recordings in September 2022 compared to September 2021. “The reduction in recorded Declarations of Homestead is not too surprising where the sales of homes continue to level off, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want 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. The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “September real estate activity in Norfolk County continues to show a decline from last year. In comparing the numbers with last year, it appears the market may be starting to cool off.”

To learn more about Registry of Deed’s events and initiatives, like us on Facebook® at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on Twitter® at twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram® at 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 on September 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
Register O’Donnell Reports on September 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Monday, September 12, 2022

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage or facing foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out. There has been a noticeable increase in notices to foreclosure and foreclosure deeds recorded in 2022.

Register O’Donnell stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic caused a great deal of upheaval in all our lives. Some more than others. Some of our neighbors have been furloughed or lost their jobs all together due to the economic impact resulting from the pandemic. In the beginning of the pandemic, policy makers at the state and federal levels recognized the impact the pandemic was having on the ability of many to pay their mortgages and rents. A moratorium was put in effect which suspended foreclosure. The moratorium expired in October 2020 but unfortunately the number of recorded foreclosure notices continues to increase”.

To help those facing issues paying their mortgage, the Registry of Deeds has partnered with several non-profit agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure programs. Homeowners can contact Quincy Community Action Programs, (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (508) 587-0950 x-46. Another option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400. Making use of funds from the recent nationwide state-federal settlement over unlawful foreclosures, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office implemented a statewide foreclosure prevention and borrower support initiative entitled the HomeCorps. If you are facing foreclosure, the HomeCorps program may be able to help. The HomeCorps Hotline at 617-573-5333.

O’Donnell stated, “All of these agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process, providing legal services, and offering credit counseling. For more information on these and other support options, go to the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org, click on the Support tab and then click on the subtab that mentions Foreclosure Assistance. The state website also has a page devoted to foreclosure assistance at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/preventing-foreclosure”.

Register O’Donnell also warned homeowners against falling prey to for-profit companies who offer loan modification and credit counseling services but charge an exorbitant fee. “Even in these times, unscrupulous for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification companies are in some cases preying on vulnerable homeowners. They make unrealistic promises and charge a lot of money for doing so. If one of these companies is telling you something that is too good to be true, it probably is. Please check out any for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification company before entering into a contract with them,” noted O’Donnell.

Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “With the foreclosure moratorium rescinded, many individuals and families are still faced with some very difficult decisions. It is truly tragic that so many are having issues paying their mortgages and facing foreclosure through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one are in this situation, it would be prudent to sit down with a reputable non-profit agency such as Quincy Community Action Programs, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office to discuss what options are available. The Registry is always glad to help those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure crisis by directing them to one of these fine agencies. Each of these organizations are there to serve your needs in a professional and honorable manner.”

To learn more about Registry of Deed’s 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 Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs
Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Monday, September 5, 2022

Register O’Donnell Reports on August 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the August 2022 numbers relative to Norfolk County recordings indicate a notable decrease in overall real estate activity, particularly with mortgage activity, as compared to the August 2021 numbers, but continue to show an increase in average sale prices from a year ago.

“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate numbers in August demonstrate a continued slowdown in the market compared to 2021 but a slight increase from the month of July,” noted Register O’Donnell. “There were 11,640 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in August, a 29% decrease from August 2021 but up 7% from July, 2022”.

“The number of deeds for August 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, show a decrease of 16% from August, 2021 but an increase of 5% from the previous month of July, 2022. Sale prices climbed again when compared to 2021. The average sale price in August was $1,107,598, a 13% increase compared to August 2021, but surprisingly show a 17% decrease from July. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 5% from one year ago and decreasing 13% from last month,” noted the Register.

Overall lending activity show a continued pronounced trend downward for the month of August. A total of 1,991 mortgages were recorded during the month, a significant decrease of 46% compared to a year ago but slightly up 6% from July, 2022. “It appears that the increase in the mortgage interest rates and the fact that many consumers have already refinanced continue to impact mortgage activity,” noted O’Donnell.

A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of pending foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In August, there were 7 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, one more than in August, 2021 and two fewer than in July.  However, there were 33 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in August, up significantly from the 15 recorded in August 2021. “The dramatic increase in the number of these notices is alarming. It indicates that more of our neighbors are facing financial challenges going forward”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to track these numbers.”

 

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 again this month at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.   There was a 13% decrease in homestead recordings in August 2022 compared to August 2021. “The reduction in recorded Declarations of Homestead is not too surprising where the sales of homes continue to level off, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want 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.  The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “August real estate activity in Norfolk County continues to show a decline from last year. We still see the increase in sale prices from last year as indicating a continuing lack of available real estate inventory but in comparing the numbers with last month’s, it appears the market may be starting to cool off.”

To learn more about Registry of Deed’s 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.


Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County - August 2022
Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County - August 2022

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

I attended a public meeting of the Norfolk County Commissioners last night (Mon Aug 29, 2022).  The main topic was the solar panel project that the commissioners propose for the Norfolk Aggie campus, which would entail cutting down seven acres of forest.  

To an outsider like me, the arguments in support of the project were utterly demolished by an entire room full of impassioned and well informed citizens.  If the commissioners go ahead to approve this project in the face of such clear public opposition, the voters of Norfolk County are entitled to their cynicism.  

In that case, those voters should certainly remember to vote against Commissioner Collins for reelection this fall.

Colin Cass
Franklin, MA 02038 


Norfolk County Commissioners meeting agenda for the 8/29/22 meeting as mentioned -> https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/Norfolk_County-08-29-2022%20Walpole_Public_Hearing_Revised_Notice%20Final.pdf

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project
Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

Monday, August 29, 2022

Norfolk Register of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

Taking note of publicity relating to “deed theft”, Norfolk Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the Registry’s Consumer Notification Service.

Deed theft can take different forms. The most common type of fraud preys on people who are in danger of losing their property, usually rental property, through foreclosure. The owners are told that they qualify for a “short sale” – a process where the foreclosing lender settles for less than the amount owed or the mortgage – and that if they sign the deed over to a third party, they can avoid the foreclosure. The owner signs a deed over to the third-party scammer, not realizing they are still responsible for the debt, and the scammer, rather than negotiating the short sale, collects and keeps the rental payments until the lender eventually forecloses. Another form of deed theft preys on the elderly homeowner who, subject to undue influence often by a family member, signs over their property, not realizing what they are signing.

Less common is forgery, where a scammer fakes a homeowner’s signature on a deed and records it in the registry of deeds. A forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender rely on a forged deed and don’t do their due diligence on a property’s title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. Forgery is a felony in all fifty states, punishable by jail time and heavy fines. The court may also require restitution for damages caused by the forgery, such as the costs of clearing the title.

There are companies that now offer paid subscription services that will periodically monitor the public records and notify an owner if a deed has been recorded transferring the ownership of their property. It is not title insurance and usually will offer no additional services if a fraudulent transaction has taken place.

Commenting on the issue, Register O’Donnell stated, “Our mission at the Registry of Deeds is the safety and security of all property records. We recognize that there are unscrupulous individuals that may try to take advantage of the property rights of others. We have initiated a Consumer Notification Service at the Registry, a free service whereby subscribers sign up to be notified when any document is recorded under their name. While I can’t speak to the paid subscription services, we have confidence in our “alert” or notification system.”

Information on “Consumer Notification” can be found on the Registry website, www.norfolkdeeds.org  under the heading, “Services”. The Registry Customer Service Department can assist anyone who would like to set up the notification for their property.

Register O’Donnell concluded, “I want to reiterate that our free notification service, like the paid services, does not protect against fraud but will at least alert an owner if a fraudulent deed has been recorded. Owners should be always be aware of what they are signing when it comes to any document that may affect the title to their real estate and should scrutinize any company that promises to alleviate debt if you sign over a deed to them. In Massachusetts a deed should always be signed in front of a notary public. Massachusetts notaries are obligated to request identification from the party signing the deed.”

If you have any questions about the notification service, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. Our trained staff are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.”

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.

Norfolk Register of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes  Consumer Notification Service
Norfolk Register of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes  Consumer Notification Service

Monday, August 22, 2022

Norfolk Registry Of Deeds: Update On Information Technology

The IT dispute of not having a direct report Information Technology (IT staff) began back on June 30, 2021 when Norfolk County Commissioners Peter Collins and Joe Shea voted not to sign a Registry personnel paper. The understaffing issue in Information Technology (IT) that began with this unsound decision continues today, There was an Attorney General's Office finding that the County Commissioners violated the open meeting law in the meeting involving a "hiring freeze" that was used as a pretext to prevent the Registry from filling an approved and budgeted position in the Registry of Deeds budget.

This is an update to the Notice sent out after the May 11, 2022 vote to eliminate all direct report to the Register Information Technology (IT) staff at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds. (See May 27 Notice => https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/good-deeds-no-more-on-site-direct.html).

 
The Norfolk Registry of Deeds should have an onsite direct report IT staff to the Register and Registry workers. This has worked exceptionally well dating back to the 1980's. Many of you who voiced your disagreement with Commissioners Collins and Shea did not get a response or answer to the letters, petitions and emails you sent. I hope you get answers from the incumbent Commissioner Peter Collins who has been part of the County for 28 years dating back to 1994 who is up for election this year. The other Commissioner Joe Shea in the 2 to 1 vote has been around for 7 years.

We all get there are appropriate times to make changes. Look at all the modernization changes made over the years at the Registry of Deeds because there was an on-site direct report IT staff. Well not having an on-site direct report IT staff is not a smart change.

The lack of transparency and getting answers from Norfolk County as this "Consolidated County IT Department" transition takes place continues. Promises that there will be a permanent County CIO hired by mid-July have not been kept.

This is not government working like it should. This is not government running like a business. The actions and inactions at Norfolk County only increase the chances for negative operational outcomes at the Registry of Deeds. The considered approach to this County IT transition that Registry users, Registry stakeholders and the residents and property owners of Norfolk County deserve is not taking place.

Some change is fine and needed. Some change is bad. The Registry of Deeds will keep working through these challenges and changes.
Norfolk Registry Of Deeds: Update On Information Technology
Norfolk Registry Of Deeds: Update On Information Technology