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| open for registration Monday February 3 |
"Mark your calendar! Lifelong Learning Summer Programs will be open for registration Monday February 3rd at 8 AM.
Go to https://t.co/JDAzsuOAwC for more information."
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| Increase in Property sales for December 2024 |
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| SAFE Cafe features Chad Hollister & Primo on March 1 |
MUSIC @ SAFE! JOIN US - SATURDAY March 1st - 7:00-9:00 PM for the music of Chad Hollister and Primo!
Chad and Primo are Vermont natives who have been making music for over 25 years! Chad has opened for Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Paul Simon and has played with Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Warren Haynes and many others.
There is no charge for this event - Limited space, Registration required. Please register here - https://tinyurl.com/31safecafe
The SAFE Cafe will provide the community with safe, sober space for music, art, coffee, conversation and connection.
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| Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center - Feb 6 |
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| Register O'Donnell Sworn in as Norfolk County Register of Deeds |
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell was sworn into a new term on January 1, 2025, during a ceremony at the State House Library in Boston. Conducting the swearing in was Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin.
In order to execute a critical part of his official duties as Norfolk County Register of Deeds, Register O'Donnell was also sworn in as Norfolk County's Assistant Recorder of the Land Court by Chief Justice Gordon Piper of the Massachusetts Land Court at the Great Hall of the John Adams Courthouse, which is the original location of the Massachusetts Land Court.
Register O'Donnell a Norwood resident, who has been the Register of Deeds since 2002, was re-elected during the November 5, 2024 election.
"I would like to thank the residents of Norfolk County for the support and trust they have shown me over the years. It has been a privilege and honor to serve as your Register of Deeds. You can rest assured that the Registry of Deeds will continue to be an efficient customer-oriented operation, and that at the Registry of Deeds we are as committed as ever to sound management practices and service to the residents and businesses of Norfolk County," said Register O'Donnell.
Register O'Donnell, explained the role of Assistant Recorder of the Land Court. "Massachusetts has two classifications of land: recorded land and registered land. The Massachusetts Land Court is responsible for resolving disputes involving land or real property. Once the case is resolved by the Land Court, I, as Register of Deeds, am responsible for overseeing the recording and safe keeping of these registered land records in Norfolk County. The Land Court also sets out rules for the recording of Registered Land documents. This is why the Register of Deeds is required to be sworn in as an Assistant Recorder of the Land Court.".JPG "Land Court")
Land Court
In the case of Norfolk County, approximately 80% of the property is classified as recorded land and the remaining 20% is considered registered land or "Land Court property." Register O'Donnell noted, "Whether the land in question is recorded or registered land, I take my responsibilities as an Assistant Recorder of the Land Court very seriously. The citizens of Norfolk County can be assured that the county's approximately 13.1 million land documents are being recorded accurately, efficiently and are available online for viewing via our state-of-the-art computer system.
"Finally, I want to thank Secretary Galvin and Chief Justice Piper, and their staffs for their graciousness and kind remarks extended to me at the swearing-in ceremonies. The level of cooperation and mutual respect exhibited between the state and county has been critical to achieving our goals with regard to the recording and safekeeping of land documents."
If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.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, and 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.
Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Email alan.r.earls@gmail.com to request to add your name to the guest list (max request, 4).
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| The American Revolution As You’ve Never Imagined It! (pre-registration required) |
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| Registration Now Open |
➡️ Week 1: June 23–26 | $130➡️ Week 2: June 30–July 2 (Short Week) | $100➡️ Week 3: July 14–17 | $130
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| registration for Spring 2025 |
"Registration is now OPEN for the spring season!
Visit franklinyouthbaseball.com to sign-up today!"
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| registration open for Spring 2025 |
Haven’t registered yet? Head to www.fgsafastpitch.org and click on “Register” in the top right corner to get started.
Hurry - registration closes Sunday, January 26th (for all divisions except Instructional, which closes February 9th)
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| Annual Holiday Food Drive |
With the help of the local community, business owners, and staff, the Registry of Deeds collected more than 150 gifts during the drive.
"I would like to thank everyone who generously donated to the Registry's 17th Annual Toys for Tots Drive. We are grateful for the service of all veterans past and present and are, as always, honored to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in their annual toy drive, which helps make the holiday brighter for so many," said Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.
Since 2007, the Registry of Deeds has collected over 1,850 donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
"We can't possibly do this without the support of the local community, and seeing people come out to donate means everything," said GySgt Andrew Fetrow. "By doing an event like this, you get to witness the best side of people and know that these donations are going to give children, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity, a happy Christmas."
This year marks the 77th 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 accept it.
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 more than 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states. Since its start, the national program has delivered over 677 million toys.
Register O'Donnell expressed his gratitude for the generosity of county employees, title examiners, attorneys, and residents from across Norfolk County in contributing to this year's Toys for Tots Drive.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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, and 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.
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| Total Deed and Mortgage Recordings up in November, 2024 |
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| Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed" |
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| 2024 Toys for Tots Drive |
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the month of October 2024 indicate an increase in overall real estate activity, with increases in the total number of deeds and mortgages recorded as compared to October 2023.
The Registry of Deeds recorded 9,629 documents in October 2024. This was 5% more than in October 2023, and a 12% increase compared to September 2024.
"For the past four months we have seen a continued positive trend in real estate activity, which is largely due to a significant increase in the number of mortgages and deeds recorded each month this year from July through October compared to July through October 2023," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "This sustained increase in mortgage and deed recordings shows indications of growing real estate market activity. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues as we move further into the last quarter of 2024.
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| recordings for the month of October 2024 indicate an increase in overall real estate activity |
The total number of deeds recorded for October 2024, which reflects both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,434, up 10% from October 2023 and up 10% from September 2024. This October, 758 commercial and residential properties sold during the month, up 13% compared to October last year.
"The positive growth in both the total number of deeds recorded and the number of property sales compared to last year is certainly encouraging. This indicates that the real estate market is performing well, particularly in certain neighborhoods and property types in Norfolk County," noted Register O'Donnell.
In October, lending activity increased compared to the same month a year ago. A total of 1,518 mortgages were recorded in October 2024, up 30% from October 2023 and up 14% from the previous month.
"While average mortgage interest rates have started to creep back up from their late September low they are still below the levels seen this time last year. Despite the recent increase, the market continues to draw in prospective homebuyers and borrowers." Register O'Donnell added, "If we see hints of a continued decrease in the federal funds rate, we may see lending activity continue to rise, as the Federal Reserve's decision to lower the federal funds rate has an indirect impact on mortgage interest rates."
The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for October 2024 rose to $1,135,838, a 17% increase compared to October 2023 and an increase of 18% from September 2024. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is also up, increasing by 33% from last year and up 37% from last month.
"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and work, a credit to all the communities and the municipal staff and leaders who have created such a vibrant area," stated Register O'Donnell. "However, due to the limited inventory of available property not matching that demand, I think many would agree that it is a difficult market for buyers, especially first-time home buyers."
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In October 2024, there were 8 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, more than the 6 recorded in October 2023. In October 2024, there were 32 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, more than the 21 recorded in October 2023.
"We cannot begin to know all the causes that have contributed to these foreclosures and notices to foreclose, but what we do know is that a number of our neighbors have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes," said Register O'Donnell. "We all experience unforeseen events in our lives, and sometimes events beyond our control can have devastating emotional and financial effects, so I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org."
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.
"October was a great start to the third quarter of 2024, with the real estate market showing strong growth and demand, with a significant increase in mortgage and deed recordings," concluded O'Donnell. "In the coming months, the inventory of available property and mortgage interest rate levels will likely play a big role in determining the direction of the market. Buyers, especially first-time home buyers, may continue to face challenges in finding affordable properties due to the high demand and limited inventory."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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, and 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.
Many individuals and families in Norfolk County are finding it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities like food, particularly during the holiday season when the pressure to provide for loved ones intensifies. Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Wednesday, November 13th, and running through Thursday, December 19th.
"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county who are facing difficult situations. This year, we, as a community, have seen a rising demand for food assistance, and it is crucial that we come together to support those in need. By participating in the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, we can make a significant impact this holiday season," said Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.
2024 Holiday Food Drive
Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 17.9% of all households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 22.9% of households with children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity.
Register O'Donnell noted, "As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, and increased food costs. These increased costs disproportionately impact some Norfolk County families, causing them to worry about meeting their food needs during the holiday season. So, let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need 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.
"We (Interfaith Social Services) are experiencing an 87% increase in the demand for food assistance," said Rick Doane, Executive Director for Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. "We would be extremely grateful for any assistance that the local community could provide."
If you Can not get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry 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. "By supporting each other and being mindful of those in need we can help those struggling with food insecurity, because no one should go hungry, especially during this time of year. I ask that we all embrace the true meaning of the Thanksgiving by showing compassion and generosity towards all."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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, and 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.
