Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell (right) answers property questions asked by Needham resident Philip Murray, during the Registry of Deeds office hours at Needham Town Hall February 28th.
Needham, MA- Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell and his outreach team held office hours Wednesday, February 28th, at Needham Town Hall as part of his ongoing efforts to bring the Registry of Deeds directly to the residents of Norfolk County.
The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County, cataloging and housing more than 10 million land documents dating back to 1793. The office hours were held to assist residents with any questions or concerns regarding real property records or land documents.
“The office hours were great, I just had a couple of questions I wanted to get answered and it was really convenient that the Registry was able to visit Needham,” said Needham resident Philip Murray.
Register O’Donnell and his staff met with local residents and answered questions on a wide range of property owner issues, including mortgage discharges and the benefits of the Homestead Act.
“Homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Declaration of Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts. This is especially important when you consider that for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset,” said Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.
Registry staff was able to provide certified copies of land documents, including deeds, and were also able to bring original land documents back to the registry for recording, saving local residents time and expense.
The Register expressed his strong belief in the benefits of bringing the Registry directly to Needham. “These office hours,” noted the Register, “allow us to bring the services of the Registry of Deeds directly to the citizens of Norfolk County without the inconvenience of having them travel to the Registry’s central office in Dedham. I was very appreciative that Needham residents came to our office hours and our team was able to assist them with their questions.”
“I want to thank the Needham Select Board, Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, and the entire team at town hall for their generosity in allowing us to hold office hours and bring the registry directly to the citizens of Needham,” said O’Donnell.