Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell appeared November 17th as guest speaker at the Dedham Retired Men’s Club. O’Donnell gave an overview of the Registry, the principal office for providing real property information in Norfolk County.
Register O’Donnell gave an overview of the Registry, spending time discussing improvements implemented at the Registry. “The modernization program implemented at the Registry, including the installation of a state-of-the-art computer system, more public terminals for online land document research, and an on-site Customer Service Center has allowed Registry staff to work smarter and more efficiently. Additionally, the Registry has completed a project to transcribe hard to read land documents written in cursive dating from 1793 to 1900. Both real estate professionals and users interested in historical and genealogical research will now be able to better comprehend these hard to read documents,” stated O’Donnell.
The Register also spent time warning his audience about an ongoing deed scam that is being perpetrated against all citizens in Norfolk County. “Norfolk County residents continue to receive direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an exorbitant fee ranging anywhere from $59.50-$83.00,” stated Register O’Donnell. “Don’t fall victim to this deed scam. These companies are making outrageous profits. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them a certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay these companies such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner’s deed by the Registry, usually two pages, is $3.00.”
Another important topic addressed was the benefits of the Massachusetts Homestead Act. “The Homestead Act,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.”
Concluding his remarks, O’Donnell stated, “I want to thank the Dedham Retired Men’s Club, and in particular president Art Lafave and program coordinator Chuck Brunner for their invitation to speak. The club is an outstanding organization that promotes friendship and camaraderie. Thanks to all the members for their attention and great questions.”
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/or 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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