Sunday, May 10, 2015

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2015 Real Estate Activity

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P.O'Donnell reported robust increases in total volume of real estate sales and average real estate sales price but a relatively flat number of real estate sales in the Norfolk County real estate market for April 2015.

"The April 2015 real estate figures for Norfolk County clearly show a seller's market with average sale price of commercial and residential property increasing year over year by 23% to $776,760. Total volume of commercial and residential sales increased 16% to $537 million compared to April 2014 numbers. However, the total number of real estate sales only increased by 1% compared to one year ago. This was due to continuing issues with real estate inventory. Buyers in Norfolk County are competing amongst themselves for a limited number of properties. One of the issues causing the reduced inventory is the harsh winter that was experienced resulting in some homeowners having to make significant repairs to their properties before putting them on the market. Good news for the home improvement industry but bad news for real estate buyers; particularly first time buyers," noted Register O'Donnell.

A continuing bright spot has been the steady recovery of the mortgage market. Total number of mortgages recorded increased 36% compared to the same time last year. Total mortgage indebtedness also increased 32% year over year. O'Donnell noted, "The mortgage numbers are a clear indication of an improving economy in Norfolk County. Homeowners are taking advantage of increased equity in their homes to access financing for home improvements and other critical needs."

Homestead recordings, which provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence up to $500,000, increased 2% from April 2014 to April 2015. A total of 905 Homesteads were recorded versus 888 during this comparative time period. Information regarding the Homestead Act can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Foreclosure activity in Norfolk County showed signs of improvement. The Notices to Foreclose recordings totaled 36 for April compared to 47 filings in April 2014. Foreclosure deeds recordings were also flat in April 2015. 16 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month, the same number as April 2014. Register O'Donnell stated, "While one foreclosure deed is one too many, the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose filings is a sign that at least in Norfolk County, the worst of the foreclosure crisis recently experienced appears to be behind us. With that said, my office continues to watch these numbers closely and work with other government agencies and programs to assist homeowners who have received a Notice of Foreclosure."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Without question, the total real estate sales number for April 2015 was less than expected. However, I am a firm believer this number will improve once inventory levels rise as the weather continues to improve and in some cases, homeowners complete necessary repairs to their residences caused by the harsh winter months. Norfolk County continues to be a destination location for individuals and families to live and work."

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

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336

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Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831




screen grab of Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
screen grab of Norfolk County Registry of Deeds


Saturday, May 9, 2015

@RattleCity tweeted: It's official, best fans in the state. Parade and banner ceremony date to be determined #MIAABOTF

From the Twitter feed we find another award for Franklin to celebrate this week. Rattle City, the student cheering section has been recognized as the best in MA by the MIAA







And the video that won for Rattle City:



View the MIAA twitter feed for additional submissions and tweets with the tag #MIAABOTF

You can folllow Franklin Matters on Twitter  https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters

You can follow Rattle City at https://twitter.com/RattleCity

screen grab of Rattle City Twitter profile page
screen grab of Rattle City Twitter profile page

Friendly reminder - Comment policy

The comment policy was established in Dec of 2007 and it's time for a friendly reminder.
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I welcome your comments here at Franklin Matters. To maintain a respectful dialogue, I've posted the guidelines of the comment policy below.

  • Stay focused. All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain on the topic set by the original blog post, discussion question or other type of initial entry.
  • Be respectful. Ad hominem or personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are prohibited. Instigating arguments in a disrespectful way is also prohibited.
  • Tell the truth. Spreading misleading or false information is prohibited.
  • No spam. Repeated posting of identical or very similar content in a counter-productive manner is prohibited – this includes posts aggressively promoting services or products.


I retain the discretion to determine which comments violate this comment policy.

I reserve the right to remove violations.

I expect all contributors to be respectful.

This comment policy is valid for all discussions hosted on this Franklin Matters website and/or the Facebook Franklin Matters page.

Thank you for taking the time to review our comment policy. I encourage your participation in a healthy and respectful discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.




The comment policy is also located here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/comment-policy.html

Dean College Commencement - May 9th

The schedule of events for the Dean College Commencement can be found here
http://www.dean.edu/commencement_may2015.aspx#

Best bet would be to avoid the Dean/Main St area between 10:00am and 1:00pm

Dean College gets ready for commencement 2015
Dean College gets ready for commencement 2015

To the Dean graduates, best wishes on the road you choose to follow!


Listen to your mother



Dear StoryCorps Friend,    

Sunday is Mother's Day and the perfect gift is already right in your hand! Why not take a short break from the brunches and barbecues and record a conversation with your mother using the new StoryCorps app? You can download the app here.

Together, you'll create a lasting memory that you can preserve forever.  


Ask your mom...
 
How has being a mother changed your life?

What are some special memories you have of your mom?

What are your hopes and dreams for my future and yours?

What songs did you sing to me as a child?

Using the app's step-by-step directions, it's simple to honor your mother while preserving her wisdom, memories, and voice forever at the Library of Congress.  

If you're unable to be with your mom this weekend, get together with a sibling, friend, or spouse and share some stories about a woman who means a lot to you. Listen closely--you never know what you'll learn about the extraordinary women in your life!

Warmly,

Robin Sparkman
Chief Executive Officer
 
P.S. Click here to listen to some amazing Mom stories other StoryCorps app users have shared!

P.P.S. In honor of Mother's Day, please add the tag thanksmom to your stories. 

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StoryCorps | 80 Hanson Place | Brooklyn | NY | 11217

Friday, May 8, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/8/15 - THU 5/14/15

FRI 5/8   1:30pm   Adult Coffee and Craft: Zentangle. Franklin Public Library
FRI 5/8   2:30-4:30pm   Game Day at the Franklin Public Library (Wii, board games, crafts) - all ages
FRI 5/8   6:30pm   Mother Daughter Fancy Tea Party at The Cake Bar, registration required
FRI 5/8   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 5/9   8am-1pm   FHS Bottle and Can Drive to benefit All Night Party, FHS parking lot
SAT 5/9   9am-12pm   SNETT Cleanup Day, meet at South School in Bellingham, bring gloves. Come learn about the rail trail and help out. Great way to earn community service hours too.
SAT 5/9   10am-3pm   Stamp Out Hunger Drive - leave non-perishable items by your mailbox or visit Franklin Food Pantry to drop off
SAT 5/9   10am   Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race & Walk, Elks Lodge, Franklin
SAT 5/9   1-3pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
SAT 5/9   8pm   Rebecca Loebe and Jesse Terry Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

TUE 5/12   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WED 5/13   7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers Club Monthly Meeting at ‘3’ Restaurant with a special guest Jeff Nutting. Prospective members welcome!

THU 5/14   6pm   Kindergarten Info Night at Kennedy and Parmenter Schools
THU 5/14   7pm   Small Shop Co-Op Meeting at The Cake Bar

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Sidewalks, beer/wine license, and RFPs draw large crowd to Town Council meeting

There was almost a full house at the Town Council Meeting on Wednesday evenings. The coincidence of the agenda drew many members of the community for their particular interest along with the major department heads for their capital budget needs.

Neighbors along Chestnut St who had signed a petition looking for sidewalks got a commitment to be included in the design process. Sidewalks were approved for Pleasant St (from St Mary's down to Miller). The design study would look at a sidewalk from Griffin all the way up Chestnut to 140. Another phase of work would look at sidewalks along Washington St. These sidewalks were all identified as desired in the Master Plan published in 2013

Neighbors along Pond St gathered to see the discussion and vote by the Town Council to approve two RFP's. One to offer the land for lease for a potential solar farm. The second would be offering the land for sale for a multi use development including some residential but not apartments. Both RFPs were approved. This is the first of about an 8 step process according to Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. Responses to the RFPs will be reviewed by the Economic Development Committee before being brought to the Council for discussion and decision.


National Small Business Week
National Small Business Week

The Lenzi family and supporters of small business also gathered to participate in the discussion around a beer/wine license for the Big Y. After hearing arguments for an against the proposal, the Council voted 8-1 to award the license to the Big Y. Councilor Dellorco was the only 'no' vote. The 'yes' votes were essentially won over by the financial benefits that the Big Y has brought to Franklin (new construction, road improvements, and substantial tax contribution) as well as the license is only for beer/wine. The other two small businesses (Franklin Liquors and Davitas) have full liquor licenses. The argument of providing a convenience to the Big Y customers won the day. The Big Y is a MA based family owned company.

For the other license transactions on the agenda, British Beer Company did not show up so their item was continued to the next meeting. Guru now doing business as Chinese Mirch received approval for their DBA change.

The Council spent less time approving $1.7 million dollars for a variety of capital improvements. This continues the financial practice of using 'free cash' to fund the capital needs of Franklin. From putting money aside for new fire truck, adding money to the fund to replace the turf fields, to funding the removal of the modular units at Davis Thayer, protective vests for the police, emergency air units for fire fighters to highlight a few. In Capital Subcommittee Chair Matt Kelly's words, it was like Christmas morning. Everybody got something on their wish list.

In the last minute juggling of the agenda to make progress while waiting for the 7:10 time for the public hearings to begin, Alan Mercer provided an update on the Franklin Cultural District and this summer's Franklin Cultural Festival. 

Franklin TV was also scheduled for an update on the cable operations and ended up rescheduling for next time.

Tucked among the action items is a surprise rate reduction for the Trash/Recycling. The current rate is $216 and it will be reduced to $200. All the work with the single stream trash/recycling is continuing to pay off. Literally in our case with the savings coming to the rate payers. This is the lowest the rate has been in years. It may still go up some time in the future but not some much each time and maybe not for a couple of years. We all can enjoy the savings in the meantime!

My set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here