Register O’Donnell discusses how to record a land document

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reiterated to Norfolk County residents that while the register building remains closed to the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recording of land documents continues unabated.

“The registry’s process to record land documents is designed to make it as easy and seamless as possible,” said O’Donnell. “Whether the document in question is a deed, mortgage, homestead, mortgage discharge or any other type of land document, registry staff have been trained to record the documents in as expeditious and accurate a manner as possible.”

“As the depository of over 8 million land documents there are steps that need to be followed when submitting a land document for recording,” said O’Donnell. “First, the document needs to be associated with one of the twenty-eight Norfolk County communities. Also, the document must be an original; we will not record photocopies of 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,” said O’Donnell. “The Registry of Deeds is in the business of recording land documents only. If an individual is unsure if a drafted land document, particularly a deed, 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 for example 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, https://norfolkdeeds.org has a fee schedule that can be consulted for specific recording fee amounts. The registry accepts checks made out to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The Registry also accepts cash payment.

“Once you have a land document ready for recording and know the fee and type of payment,” said O’Donnell, “you can then choose how to actually get the document delivered to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Registry of Deeds building is currently closed to all members of the general public and real estate professionals alike. The options to get an original document and payment to the Registry of Deeds for recording are via regular mail, Federal Express or placing the document and payment in a drop-off box located just outside the main entrance to our building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, Massachusetts.”

“Our recording staff is trained to record your land documents in an expeditious manner once they arrive here at the registry,” said O’Donnell. “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, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, visit facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow at twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High St., 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 at https://norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101 or email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.