Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded residents that the Registry process to record land documents is designed to make it easy and as convenient as possible. “Whether the document being recorded is a deed, mortgage, homestead, mortgage discharge or any other type of land document, we are here to make the experience a positive and productive one for the customer,” noted O’Donnell.
Register O’Donnell further noted, “As the depository of over 8 million land documents, there are certain basic steps that need to be followed when submitting a land document for recording. First and foremost, the document needs to be associated with one of the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County. In addition, the document must be an original; we will not record photo copies or documents submitted via fax. Please note in many cases, land documents require signatures be notarized before they are recorded.
“It should also be noted that the Registry does not draft land documents. The Registry of Deeds is in the business of recording land documents only. If an individual is unsure if a drafted land document is in proper order, it may be prudent to have a lawyer familiar with real estate law review the document for its accuracy. A simple mistake on a deed could lead to a major problem.”
Another important point to note is that there are various fees set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts associated with the recording of land documents at the Registry. Recording fees vary depending on the specific land document type. The Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org has a fee schedule that can be consulted for specific recording fee amount. The Registry accepts checks made out to the Norfolk County Registry of Deed as well as cash payment.
“Once you have a land document ready for recording and know the fee and type of payment,” stated O’Donnell, “you can then choose how to actually get the document delivered to the Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026. These options include submittal via regular mail, Federal Express or UPS. In addition, residents and institutional users can have their land documents recorded in person at the Registry of Deeds. Our recording hours are from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday.”
O’Donnell concluded by stating, “Our trained recording staff is glad to take your land documents for recording, as well as answer any basic questions you may have on the subject. The document is recorded on the same day it arrives here at the Registry. It should also be noted that institutional users such as lending institutions and law firms have the additional option to submit documents electronically via our two e-file vendors, Simplifile and ePN. Finally, if you have any questions about land documents in general, please call our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101.”
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.
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