Norfolk County Register Encourages Use Of Registry Social Media Sites

DEDHAM, MA – Moving forward into what appears to be another busy year at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, Register William P. O’Donnell restated the importance he places on the Registry’s use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County.

“Communication with our users,” noted O’Donnell, “is a priority at this Registry of Deeds. Our doors may close at the end of the business day but that doesn’t mean the Registry stops working. Our website www.norfolkdeeds.org allows users to look up and view scanned images of over 8 million land documents dating back to the Registry’s beginnings in 1793. Users can also access our website to learn about our latest consumer protection programs and news relating to registry business. Our information is accessible not only from workstations and laptops, but also from smartphones and tablets.”

O’Donnell noted that a declaration form of the popular Homestead Act can be downloaded, filled in and printed. A homestead declaration provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000 or $1,000,000 for two owners if both owners are over the age of 62.

The Registry of Deeds also provides a free consumer notification service. This program alerts a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be accessed, researched and tracked. Anyone interested in the number of residential and commercial properties sold or the average prices of property sold can find that information.

Besides the Registry website, the other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook and Twitter.

“The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has utilized Facebook and Twitter to provide information to the general public," O'Donnell said. "By utilizing these platforms, Norfolk County residents can learn more about home ownership and other important consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against deed scam rip-offs.”

The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements which are available on the Registry’s website and YouTube. These PSA’s have touched on a variety of relevant issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender.

“At the Registry of Deeds, we recognize the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents," O'Donnell said.

As important as he said these social media offerings are, he also noted that the Registry of Deeds has a customer service center at 781-461-6101 where members of the public can seek assistance and speak directly with a member of our staff during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.