Continuing a trend seen over the past several months, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported a significant increase in deed recordings and mortgage lending in Norfolk County in June.
The register noted that a noticeable uptick in both real estate sales and lending transactions happened in the month.
“Specifically, during the month of June, Norfolk County real estate sales, both residential and commercial, totaled 2,222, a healthy 46% increase year over year from 2020 to 2021,” O’Donnell said. “The Norfolk County real estate market continues to be strong. There were 17,977 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in June which is a 14% increase over last year’s June document volume. Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 13% over 2020 to $896,372.58. Low inventory of properties for sale are keeping prices for real estate up. Low interest rates are helping buyers afford the home prices of these properties. It is pleasing to see that the real estate market has been solid and steady.”
Even though there was a considerable increase to the monies for mortgages, the number of mortgages recorded decreased over the previous year’s numbers. There were 3,997 mortgages recorded during the month which is a 5% decrease over 2020. Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages countrywide was more than $2 billion, a 75% increase compared to June 2020.
“While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, there are a large number of individuals and families taking advantage of historically low interest rates by refinancing existing mortgages,” O’Donnell said. “Individuals have different motivations to refinance. Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures.
“There has been a strong demand for housing, single family housing in particular, coupled with a limited supply of available housing stock and historically low interest rates which could be motivating buyers to do what is necessary to secure housing. Lending activity was up. The growth in numbers seen in 2020 continues into 2021.”
A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on Oct.17, 2020. This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market.
“During June of 2021 there were four foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County,” O’Donnell said. “Additionally, there were 15 notices to foreclosure mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County. A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on. June of 2020, there were no notices to foreclosure mortgages and six foreclosure deeds. Though it is great to see that the foreclosure deed numbers have decreased, it is troubling to see the notices of foreclosure have increased so much. We will continue to monitor these numbers.”
Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181, ext. 376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950, to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division at 617-727-8400.
“If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance,” O’Donnell said.
Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums continue to increase this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in June. There was a 42% increase in homestead recordings in June 2021 compared to June 2020.
“A homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” O’Donnell said. “It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes. I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so. Please visit the Registry website at http://norfolkdeeds.org to get more information on homestead protection.
“Many small businesses and specific sectors of our economy, such as restaurants and hospitality, have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. One sector that continued to thrive during the pandemic is the real estate market, particularly the residential market. There have been many factors that have kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable. The registry of deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic. The registry of deeds continues to be open for business. Come on by. As society begins to reopen, restrictions are lifted and emergency COVID-19 orders expire, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is open to the public for business. The drop-off box located outside the main entrance of the registry building for the time being will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the registry of deeds building. Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High St., Dedham, MA.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like them at http://facebook/com/NorfolkDeeds or follow them on http://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and http://Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is 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, http://norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the registry of deeds customer service center via telephone at 781-461-6101, or email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
