tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62410052024-03-08T06:33:55.515-05:00LowellDeedsReal Estate news from the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds in Lowell Massachusetts.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.comBlogger1804125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-88338910429727023882022-05-23T09:52:00.000-04:002022-05-23T09:52:02.060-04:00Upcoming Holidays/Registry Closures<p>The Middlesex North Registry of Deeds and all state offices will be closed on the following dates:</p><p>May 30 - Monday - Memorial Day</p><p>June 20 - Monday - Juneteenth</p><p>July 4 - Monday - Independence Day</p><p>Sept 5 - Monday - Labor Day</p><p><br /></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-37389967119450678482022-04-18T06:51:00.000-04:002022-04-18T06:51:00.345-04:00Registry Closed - Monday, April 18, 2022<p> The Registry of Deeds and all state offices are closed today for Patriot's Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts. </p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-39288361196580916272022-02-24T15:55:00.002-05:002022-02-24T15:55:22.795-05:00Courts Closed - Friday, February 25, 2022<p>All courts are closed in Massachusetts on Friday, February 25, 2022 due to the snowstorm. The Middlesex North Registry of Deeds office will also be closed, however, we will process electronic recordings remotely and will reply to emails sent to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a></p><p><br /></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-43035174584420353192022-02-04T06:40:00.000-05:002022-02-04T06:40:02.682-05:00Courts Closed - Friday, February 4, 2022<p> All courts are closed in Massachusetts today due to ice storm. The Middlesex North Registry of Deeds office will also be closed, however, we will process electronic recordings remotely and will reply to emails sent to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a></p><p><br /></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-26001857703920081142022-01-07T06:48:00.003-05:002022-01-07T06:48:45.930-05:00Snow Closure - Friday January 7 2022<p> All courts in Massachusetts are closed on Friday, January 7, 2022. Since the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds is within a courthouse, the registry office will be closed too. However, we will be processing electronic recordings remotely during the day. We will also respond to emails sent to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>. All other matters will have to wait until the building reopens on Monday. </p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-50399395577987618652021-11-29T11:35:00.000-05:002021-11-29T11:35:05.933-05:00Registered Land Execution Date Requirement<p>We have rejected a number of registered land deeds and mortgages because they lack the execution date of the document. That date must be expressly stated either immediately before, or right next to, the grantor's signature. Neither the date that appears at the beginning of the document nor the date in the acknowledgement clause are sufficient. </p><p>Please remember that all registered land documents that you intend to submit to us for registration must first be emailed to us for pre-approval. Send your fully executed documents to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>. We will review the documents and email our determination that the documents may be submitted to us as is or we will specify any changes that must be made before sending the documents to us. </p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-3108354483417358072021-11-19T10:05:00.005-05:002021-11-19T10:05:49.991-05:00Holiday Schedule - Nov/Dec 2021<p>The Middlesex North Registry of Deeds will be closed on Thursday, November 25, 2021, for Thanksgiving.</p><p>Because the Christmas and New Years holidays fall in Saturdays this year, the Registry will not be closed on any other days due to holidays. Specifically, we will be open our normal hours on the following days:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wednesday, November 24, 2021 (day before Thanksgiving)</li><li>Friday, November 26, 2021 (day after Thanksgiving)</li><li>Friday, December 24, 2021 (Christmas Eve)</li><li>Monday, December 27, 2021</li><li>Friday, December 31, 2021 (New Years Eve)</li><li>Monday, January 3, 2022 </li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking Ahead to next December (2022)</b></p>Please note that under Massachusetts state law, if a holiday falls on a Saturday it is observed on that Saturday, not on the preceding Friday (employees receive a "floating" holiday). However, if the holiday falls on a Sunday, which will be the case with Christmas and New Years next year, the holiday is observed on Monday. So NEXT YEAR, the Registry will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022, and on Monday, January 2, 2023. <p></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-3459114980920806312021-07-12T15:15:00.000-04:002021-07-12T15:15:10.405-04:00Registry Reopening Update<p> </p><p>Effective July 12, 2021, the Trial Court has removed most of the
pandemic-related limits on access to courthouses (except for masks which still
must be worn by everyone). As a result, the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds will
operate as follows:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Document Recording </strong>- Please continue to use electronic
recording or US Mail/Fedex whenever possible. If you must bring your document
to the registry for recording, you may drop it off inside the registry office
but please have your check made out in advance and bring a self-addressed
stamped envelope. (We will record the document after you leave).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Registered Land </strong>– Customers with registered land documents
must first email them to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>
for preapproval before dropping (or mailing) the originals at the registry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Recording a Plan </strong>– Customers with a plan to record must
first email a digital image of the plan to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a> for
preapproval before bringing it to the registry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Homeowners - </strong>If you have a permit or decision from the town
to record or if you need a copy of your deed or have any other questions,
please call us at 978-322-9000 or <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">email</a>
us BEFORE you come to the registry so we may review the process with you. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Customer Service (copies of deeds, plans, homesteads, etc.)</strong>
– All Customer Service will be conducted remotely. Please call or email us with
your questions (at 978-322-9000 or at <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>)
and we will assist you. We will email or mail to homeowners copies of documents
or plans at no charge. (We will not provide in-person paper copies). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Research Room/Research Computers</strong> – There is no dedicated
research room at the registry of deeds. There are no computers for public use.
Please use our <a href="http://www.masslandrecords.com/MiddlesexNorth/default.aspx">website</a>
for all of your research needs. (If you cannot find the document you seek on
our website please call or email us for assistance).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Real Estate Closings</strong> – There is no dedicated space for real
estate closings at the registry. (There are public spaces within our building
that might be used for closings but all of it is controlled by the Trial
Court). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Fedex/UPS/Couriers</strong> – The registry accepts packages
addressed to the registry, however, we will refuse any packages addressed to a
third party in care of the registry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Notary Service </strong>– The registry does not notarize documents.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Declaration of Homestead </strong>– Blank homestead forms are
available on our <a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/homestead-information/">website</a>
or will be mailed to you when requested by phone or email. Once you have filled
out your homestead and had it notarized you may mail it to us or drop it off
(include a check payable to Registry of Deeds for $35 for the recording
fee). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Corporate Certificates</strong> – Customers may order corporate
certificates from the Secretary of State’s website and have them sent to the
registry for printing and pickup. Before coming to the registry, please call us
at 978-322-9000 to ensure your certificate has arrived.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Oath of Office </strong>– Customers may MAKE AN APPOINTMENT to take
an oath of office at the registry. Call us at 978-322-9000 to make your
appointment.<o:p></o:p></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-37270820777507613702021-02-02T08:23:00.003-05:002021-02-02T08:23:57.082-05:00Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Schedule<p>The Middlesex North Registry of Deeds is scheduled to open at 10am on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, when all Courthouses in Massachusetts open. The delayed opening is due to the overnight snowstorm. </p><p>Call the Registry after 10am at 978-322-9000 if you have questions about Registry operations today.</p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-54770816631875661542021-02-01T10:36:00.003-05:002021-02-01T10:36:47.614-05:00Registry to Close at 1pm on Monday, Feb 1, 2021<p> Due to the impending snowstorm, all courthouses in the Commonwealth will close at 1pm today (Monday, Feb 1, 2021). Since Middlesex North is inside the Lowell Justice Center, we will close too.</p><p>However, we will remotely process electronic recordings during our normal business hours. </p><p>Given the weather forecast, it is likely the courthouse will be closed or have a delayed opening tomorrow, so please check back for updates. </p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-63256165223876176212020-12-17T09:56:00.005-05:002020-12-17T09:56:55.085-05:00Protecting Your Home Title from Theft<p> </p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This article originally appeared in the November 2020 edition of the Merrimack Valley Housing Review.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Protecting Your Home Title from Theft</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">By Richard P. Howe
Jr.</h3><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
number of homeowners have recently called the Registry of Deeds to ask if the
title to their home is safe from online theft. Because my own social media
stream has been filled with ads from a company called Title Lock, I understand
why they are calling. The ads usually begin with something like this: “Alarming
FBI report shows hackers can steal the title to your home in minutes – without
you ever knowing it.” For $14.99 per month, Title Lock will provide its “basic
protection service” which monitors your title and notifies you if anything is
amiss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
is this a legitimate concern? Well like most things related to real estate law,
it's complicated. First, your “title” is not a thing. Instead, it is a legal
opinion based on a review of all the records at the registry of deeds about who
owns or has a legal interest in a particular parcel of real estate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
said, here is the scenario contemplated by Title Lock and its competitors, at
least as I understand it: A wrong-doer creates a deed that purports to transfer
ownership of your property from you to him, forges your name on the deed then
forges a notary public's signature and stamp on the deed; and then records this
forged deed at the registry of deeds. Next, the wrong-doer applies for a
mortgage that uses your property that now appears to be in the name of the wrong-doer
as security for the loan. The lender consults the registry records, sees that
the applicant owns the property, grants the loan, and records a mortgage in the
name of the applicant (not you) that encumbers the property. The
wrong-doer/applicant never makes a payment and the lender eventually begins
foreclosure proceedings against the property. The wrong-doer likely listed his
mailing address as something other than the property address so you, still
living in the house and unaware of all this, would not get any notices of the
foreclosure until one day when an auctioneer showed up on your front steps to
sell your house at auction.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sounds
pretty scary – rightfully so - but under Massachusetts law, a forged signature
does not convey ownership so the forged deed would be void as would the new
mortgage that is being foreclosed. The real risk is not that you will lose your
property, it is that you will be saddled with the hassle and cost of proving to
everyone that you did not execute the forged deed. Because of all the layers of
forgery involved (your signature, a notary's signature) it would not be very
difficult to prove that, however, the burden would be on you to initiate the
lawsuit needed to determine that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whenever
a document is recorded at the registry of deeds, we immediately add the names
of anyone listed on the document and the address of the property involved to
our computerized index. Much like the index at the back of a textbook, the
registry index is the key to finding relevant documents in the registry of
deeds records.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
this Home Title Lock service purports to do is to continuously scan the
registry of deeds index and anytime your name appears on a newly-recorded
document to then notify you of this fact. Because the registry of deeds index
is online and freely available to anyone, a homeowner concerned about this
could periodically enter his or her name in the registry website and perform an
identical check. That would take about 30 seconds but it would require you to
go to the website on a recurring basis. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also,
several registries of deeds in Massachusetts already offer a similar service
for free, however, most registries (including this one) are not yet able to
offer it. When the pandemic struck we were in the process of selecting and
installing an entirely new computer system with many advanced features
including this automatic monitoring capability but its deployment has been
delayed because of the pandemic. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
any case, whether you paid for Title Lock, had a registry-provided automated
alert, searched the registry records yourself, or just waited for the
auctioneer to show up, you would be in the exact same position: having to
initiate a lawsuit to expunge the fraudulent deed and proving that the deed was
forged. As I said, it should not be too difficult to prove the forgery but you
would still bear the cost of hiring a lawyer to handle the matter. Title Lock does
offer an enhanced “resolution service” to help with this but I am not sure of
the cost and coverage. Also, some title insurance policies would cover this,
but some do not – you have to read the fine print. (Most people obtain title
insurance when they buy or refinance the home but since it is hardly ever used,
few people are familiar with it).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All
this begs the question what does the registry of deeds do to prevent the
recording of forged deeds? The answer is not very much but that is a public
policy decision made at echelons of government high above the registry.
Specifically, our land records system relies on documents being rapidly
recorded. If the registry were to have to investigate every signature on every
deed to determine whether it was a forgery, the recording process would grind
to a halt and the multibillion dollar real estate economy would be severely
disrupted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
the incidence of this type of fraud may be on the rise, it is still very rare.
In my 25 years as register of deeds, I've never encountered a case where this has
happened. There have been a couple of forged deeds, but they involved family
members or friends of aged and incapacitated homeowners, not an anonymous
interloper on the internet. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-50636750224571512462020-12-16T15:37:00.003-05:002020-12-16T15:37:29.566-05:00Snowstorm closure on Dec. 17, 2020<p>The Lowell Justice Center, home of the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds, will be closed all day on Thursday, December 17, 2020, due to a major snowstorm. </p><p>During the closure, Registry personnel will continue to record documents submitted electronically, however, there will be no mail delivery and no ability to drop off. We do expect to reopen on Friday morning at 8:30am. </p><p>Also during the closure, you may reach us by emailing to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-51414127654199710562020-12-03T13:27:00.002-05:002020-12-03T13:27:36.613-05:00Scheduled outage of masslandrecords.com this weekend<p> Due to necessary maintenance, the masslandrecords.com website will be DOWN from 8pm on Friday, December 4 until 9pm on Saturday, December 5.</p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-61762667259414527172020-11-26T09:27:00.001-05:002020-11-26T09:27:45.572-05:00New Limits on Building Access<p>Due to rising infection rates, the Trial Court seeks to substantially curtail the number of people entering courthouses. Consequently, beginning on Friday, November 27 and extending at least until Friday, December 4, 2020, those delivering documents and plans to the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds for recording will be required to place the items to be recorded in the Drop-Box that is just inside the entrance to the Lowell Justice Center. </p><p>After dropping off your documents, please call us at 978-322-9000 to tell us so we may go out and retrieve them. </p><p>As soon as documents are recorded and scanned, they are available on the <a href="https://www.masslandrecords.com/MiddlesexNorth/" target="_blank">registry website</a> for viewing, printing, and download. </p><p>Members of the public who drop off documents for recording may email us at <a href="https://www.masslandrecords.com/MiddlesexNorth/">lowelldeeds@comcast.net </a>afterwards with the name and address on the documents and we will email a PDF copy of the recorded document to them. </p><p>Anyone seeking a copy of their deed, plan, or other document, should call the registry at 978-322-9000 or email us and we will assist you over the phone or by email. </p><p>Finally, any documents being dropped off for recording should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope so that we may return the original documents to you AND a check payable to Registry of Deeds in the proper amount for the recording fee. </p><p><br /></p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-11400654345535036712020-11-19T13:35:00.001-05:002020-11-19T13:35:55.324-05:00Emergency Shutdown Aftermath<p> At 12:30 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, a Court Officer notified me that Lowell Justice Center (home of the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds) would close that day at 2 pm and would remain closed until Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 8:30 am. The reason? A person working inside the building on Monday had tested positive for Covid-19.</p><p>Here's what the Trial Court issued on its MACourtClosings Twitter account:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lowell Justice Center is closed temporarily for disinfecting and will open on Thursday, Nov. 19. A Dept. of Mental Health clinician, who was at the courthouse on 11/16 & spent time in District Court & the lock-up, has tested positive for COVID-19.</span></p><p>At the Registry, we recorded all the documents that had arrived by mail that day, put a notice on our website, and changed the audio greeting on our phone system to one that explained when and why we were closed. At 2 pm we departed. </p><p>Despite the office being closed to the public, we were able to continue processing electronic recordings on Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday.</p><p>This morning, the building reopened as usual and normal operations resumed. </p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-49107822983410579562020-09-16T14:12:00.003-04:002020-09-16T14:12:53.091-04:00Lowell Justice Center closed Friday, Sept 18, 2020<p>The Lowell Justice Center and all state courts will be closed on Friday, September 18, 2020, due to the death of Chief Justice Ralph Gants of the Supreme Judicial Court. Because the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds is located within the Justice Center, it will not be open to the public that day. However, we do intend to process electronic recordings in our normal manner but all other recordings (mail, drop-offs) will be processed on Monday, September 21, 2020.</p>Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-68384549264026347352020-07-17T13:14:00.003-04:002020-07-17T13:14:40.968-04:00Reopening Update: July 17, 2020<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some observations on our first week of being open
to the public:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are only open for limited purposes. Please consult the <a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/reopening/">REOPENING</a> page on our
website for details on the services we offer and those we cannot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The primary reason people have come is to drop off documents
for recording. If you have Registered Land or Plans, you must still email them
to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a> for
preapproval before bringing them here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have Recorded Land documents, you may email them for
preapproval although that is not required. However, you must have your
documents, check and return envelope fully ready before you arrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a homeowner with an Order of Conditions,
Certificate of Compliance, or other document from Town Hall, please call us at
978-322-9000 before coming so we can explain the procedure and answer any
questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are also able to administer oaths of office for those
with new or renewed notary commissions. You must call in advance and schedule
an appointment. Call 978-322-9000.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, all of our documents, plans, and certificates of
title are scanned and freely available on our <a href="http://www.masslandrecords.com/MiddlesexNorth/">website</a>. If you
believe something is not there, please read our <a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/search-records-instructions/">Search
Records Instructions</a> page which explains how to find everything, especially
our oldest documents. After reading these instructions, if you still cannot
find something, please email us at <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a>
and we will assist you in obtaining the document you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-50206020095472782132020-07-10T13:58:00.001-04:002020-07-10T13:58:15.450-04:00Reopening the RegistryOn Monday, July 13, 2020, courthouses across the Commonwealth will reopen to the public <b>on a limited basis. </b>This means the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds will also reopen to the public <b>on a limited basis</b>.<br />
<br />
Please visit the registry's "<a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/reopening/" target="_blank">Reopening</a>" page for a description of how we will operate starting on Monday. Here are the main points:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Walk-in Recordings will be "drop off" recordings. Customers will leave their documents, checks and envelopes at the entrance to the registry. After the customer leaves, registry personnel will retrieve and record the documents. </li>
<li>Registered Land and Plans to be recorded must still be sent by email to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a> for pre-approval. Pre-approval means don't send the physical documents to us until you have received approval from us by email.</li>
<li>No paper copies of documents or plans will be provided in-person. We urge customers to obtain documents from our <a href="http://www.masslandrecords.com/MiddlesexNorth/" target="_blank">website</a> but if paper copies are required, they may be <a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/copies-of-documents/" target="_blank">requested by mail.</a> </li>
<li>Registry employees WILL NOT notarize documents</li>
<li>We will administer Oaths of Office, however, the person taking the oath must make an appointment in advance.</li>
</ul>
In other words, how we will operate after the building reopens will not be much different than how we have been operating throughout the pandemic. Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-16496629059232118622020-05-18T16:17:00.001-04:002020-05-19T08:19:42.596-04:00Looking Ahead at the Registry of DeedsLast Thursday (May 14, 2020) the Chief Justices of the Supreme Judicial, Appeals and Trial Courts issued a <a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/letter-from-judiciary-leaders-on-path-forward-during-the-pandemic-may-14-2020/download" target="_blank">letter</a> on "the path forward during the pandemic." Here are some of the things that stood out when I read it:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>"We anticipate that our courthouses will likely remain physically closed in June . . ."</li>
<li>"We expect that courthouses will physically reopen this summer, but only in stages and only for certain matters that require in-person appearances.</li>
<li>"We hope that in September, if schools reopen, we will once again begin to conduct jury trials."</li>
</ul>
And regarding the rapid progress the courts have made in shifting to video conferences in place of in-person hearings, the Chief Justices wrote, "even when this pandemic is behind us, we do not believe we will or should go back to doing things as we did in February." <br />
<br />
The reason I mention all of this in a post about future operations at the Registry of Deeds is that this Registry of Deeds is physically located within a courthouse and is therefore dependent on the courthouse being open for us to be open to the public.<br />
<br />
That said, even when the courthouse reopens to the public, I'll borrow a line from the justices and say we will not go back to doing things as we did before the pandemic struck. Here are some of the things that are likely even after the building reopens to the public:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Walk in recordings will be limited to dropping documents at the entrance to the registry</li>
<li>Customer will not be permitted near the section of the registry counter where the recording terminals are located</li>
<li>For registered land, we will still require you to email us the documents you intend to register for pre-approval before we will accept the documents being dropped off</li>
<li>Same for plans</li>
<li>There will be no real estate closings within the registry space (this was going to be the case anyway since there is no such space in the new registry)</li>
<li>There will be no opportunity to do research within the registry space (this was going to be case anyway since there is no such space in the new registry)</li>
<li>There will be no public computers for pre-recording rundowns. The building has WiFi so if a rundown is important, bring your laptop and do it from outside the registry</li>
</ul>
<div>
In addition to the above, we are still researching how to safely provide some of our other services such as providing over sized prints of previously recorded plans; administering oaths of office; and allowing corporate certificates to be sent directly to this office. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the future, as now, we hope to use the telephone, email and our website to provide customer service rather than doing it in person. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's it for now. I'll provide more updates as they become available.</div>
Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-12684594014071028022020-05-08T08:41:00.002-04:002020-06-05T08:41:23.633-04:00Middlesex Probate Courthouse in Cambridge Closed TemporarilyLast evening the Trial Court closed the Middlesex Probate Courthouse in Cambridge. Because the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds is located in that building, it also will be closed. It's my understanding that Middlesex South will be able to process electronic recordings remotely but the ability to process other recordings and to perform other tasks may be disrupted during the closure.<br />
<br />
As of now, no reopening date has been set.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE on June 5, 2020</b>: The Middlesex South Registry reopened for limited operations soon after this post was published. The Middlesex South Registry continues to accept documents recorded electronically and those sent to the registry via the United States Postal Service.<br />
<br />
For more information on the status of Middlesex South, please consult that registry's <a href="http://www.middlesexsouthregistry.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-5035955245615110092020-05-04T13:21:00.002-04:002020-05-04T13:59:31.062-04:00MassLandRecords outageThe masslandrecords.com website has been malfunctioning since late last night. It is affecting most but not all registries of deeds across Massachusetts including this one (Middlesex North).<br />
<br />
The problem has also affected our incoming electronic recordings.<br />
<br />
The Secretary of State's IT Department is aware of the problem and has been working on it since overnight but as for 1:20 pm the outage persists.<br />
<br />
This post will be updated when additional information becomes available.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE:</b> At 1:45 pm, it appears that Masslandrecords.com is back in operation. We also have received some e-files but there may still be a problem with some submitters.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-325003568499613822020-05-01T14:47:00.002-04:002020-05-01T14:47:48.935-04:00Sales and Foreclosure ReportsWe have posted our Sales Report for April. You can find it and other monthly reports for this year on the main page of the LowellDeeds.com website. Just scroll down to the Quick References section and look for links to:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/sales-reports/" target="_blank">Sales Reports</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://massrods.com/middlesexnorth/foreclosure-reports/" target="_blank">Foreclosure Reports</a><br />
<br />
Please note that there were no new foreclosures to report in April due to the Covid-19 emergency foreclosure moratorium.<br />
<br />
As for our volume of documents, the number of deeds recorded in April was down 27% compared to April 2019, while the number of mortgages was up 67% over the same period.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-81723809262918755212020-04-30T09:21:00.003-04:002020-04-30T09:21:55.981-04:00Help for borrowers and tenants in arrearsThe Hampshire Gazette newspaper has <a href="https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-column-by-Mary-Olberdiing-34082346" target="_blank">published on Op-Ed</a> from Mary Olberding, the Hampshire County Register of Deeds, that explains recent legislation at the state and federal level intended to assist tenants and home owner/borrowers who are in financial distress due to the Covid-19 emergency.<br />
<br />
Here's the article:<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Guest column by Mary Olberding, register of deeds:
Help for those who can’t pay mortgage or rent </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Published: 4/29/2020 3:35:52 PM</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During these unprecedented times,
federal and state legislators are working on relief packages for those
financially impacted by COVID-19, including protections for those struggling to
make their mortgage or rent payments. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the federal level, the $2
trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) includes a
moratorium on foreclosures and allowing forbearance for mortgage payments of up
to one year. Massachusetts’ version approved last week puts a moratorium on
evictions and foreclosures during the crisis.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are steps that property owners
and renters can use for direct assistance, but consumers need to know what
these bills do for them. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Massachusetts, no evictions or
foreclosures can take place for 120 days after the bill was enacted on April
20, or 45 days after the state of emergency has been lifted, whichever is
soonest. And, if necessary, the governor can extend the expiration date.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Renters, either small businesses or
residential tenants, cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent except in cases
of criminal activity or for health and safety reasons. Nor can tenants be
charged late fees. The law does not forgive payments or prevent landlords from
later recovering monies owed. Rather, tenants must notify landlords in writing
of their COVID-related circumstance no later than 30 days after a missed
payment. Landlords may access deposit payment of tenants’ last month’s rent to
meet their property-related expenses. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For homeowners, it is important to
note that the federal CARES Act only covers mortgages that are federally
guaranteed like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, while the law in Massachusetts
applies to all mortgages. The federal CARES Act moratorium began on March 18th
and extends for 60 days. Notably, the federal moratorium includes a halt to
foreclosures initiated prior to the act, where state law is more ambiguous on
this point.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In all of these cases, creditors are
prohibited from reporting delinquencies to credit agencies and the request to
miss any payment obligations rests with the debtor. Both laws allow for a
period of forbearance for residential property up to 180 days. Forbearance is a
suspension of payments, not forgiveness of debt.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are some critical distinctions
between these laws:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CARES allows borrowers to request a
second forbearance of up to 180 days, where the Massachusetts law stops with
only one 180-day forbearance period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">■CARES does not prohibit balloon
payments, meaning someone may owe all of their missed payments at one time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">■Massachusetts law specifies that
additional interest or fees beyond what is initially owed in the forbearance
period are not allowed and payments subject to forbearance will be added to the
end of the term of the loan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">■Better still, Massachusetts law
provides for the opportunity to enter into alternate payment plans for those
subject to forbearance. That means homeowners can negotiate how they want to
make the missed mortgage and interest payments. For example, they can spread it
over the life of the loan, make interest-only payments or prepay loans when the
economy returns. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How difficult it is to obtain
forbearance remains an open question. Banks and other mortgage servicers appear
to have sole authority to grant the forbearance and for how long. The Consumer
Finance Protection Bureau suggests that homeowners able to pay their mortgage
should do it. Those that can only pay part should contact their lender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Much of the financial fallout from
COVID-19 is unknown. We can use the housing crisis of 2007-2012 as a guide to
prevent some unnecessary turmoil. During that time, banks did not have proper
documentation before initiating foreclosures and they were therefore unlawful.
Many safeguards have been since put in place, but none of the current
legislation requires documentation for forbearance of mortgage payments by
either borrower or lender. That opens both parties up for disputes of the
agreed upon terms and conditions and possible default action later by the
mortgagee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I strongly encourage anyone seeking
forbearance to put all requests in writing — and get it from a lender too. I am
also advocating for legislation at the state and federal level for more
reporting and accountability by mortgagees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One remedy would be a notice of
default sent to the borrower, much like that required now by the Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act, to give people an opportunity to prove their COVID-19 hardship.
They would have a prescribed number of days to respond to the notice and could
make an appearance in court to demonstrate the forbearance to avoid
foreclosure. The lender would bear the burden of recording that order at the
Registry of Deeds and providing public notice. Not only would this prevent
unnecessary and unlawful foreclosures, it would give clear chain of title for
the property for future sale, either by mortgagor or mortgagee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Already, the Registries are seeing
an uptick in foreclosure-related activity. The moratorium prevents mortgage
banks and servicers from taking any action on foreclosures, but with no penalty
or enforcement provisions in the legislation, outside of legal action, there is
no remedy for homeowners that the moratorium is designed to help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have contacted Congressman Jim
McGovern’s office, our state legislators and the Consumer Protection Division
of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office to work on increased
protections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the Great Recession, we learned
how devastating it can be to property owners and to the economy if banks are
not accountable for complying with protections. There is potential for the
pandemic to cause long-term financial hardship. Unlike the foreclosure crisis
of 2008, which largely effected homeowners, the current crisis also impacts
renters, landlords and small businesses — anyone with a mortgage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some resources: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">■The CARES Act can be found at
financialservices.house.gov</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Information about obtaining a
forbearance and CARES can be found at consumerfinance.gov</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mortgage information may be found at
MassLandRecords.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please note: While this is a summary
of new legislation, it should only be used as guidance and not as financial or
legal advice. Contact a professional financial advisor, attorney, or other
expert for individual advice. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mary
Olberding is the Hampshire Register of Deeds.</span></i></div>
Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-5838099435345709872020-04-22T09:58:00.002-04:002020-04-22T09:58:37.253-04:00Middlesex Probate Courthouse in Cambridge Closed Until FridayThe Trial Court has announced that the Middlesex Probate Courthouse in Cambridge is completely closed to staff for the next 48 hours. The Trial Court <a href="https://www.mass.gov/alerts/temporary-middlesex-probate-and-family-court-cambridge-closure#1510806" target="_blank">website states </a>that staff will be allowed back into the building on Friday, April 24, 2020.<br />
<br />
Because the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds is located in the Probate Courthouse in Cambridge, I assume that registry is closed to employees coming onsite which has implications for recording mail and dropped off documents.<br />
<br />
I'll post updates as I get them.<br />
<br />
For now, this office is running as normal (as in normal for the pendemic) so we're recording e-files, mail and dropped off documents.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241005.post-46232202061501115862020-04-21T16:13:00.002-04:002020-04-21T16:13:34.248-04:00Registry Update: April 21, 2020We had a busy day today with 398 documents recorded. Mondays are usually our busiest day due to a high volume of mail, but Tuesdays that follow a Monday holiday (Patriots Day) are even busier.<br />
<br />
Electronic recording is our biggest source of documents by far. However, we still get a considerable volume of mail and Fedex and UPS both routinely make deliveries. The Justice Center is closed to anyone who is not an employee, including mail carriers and delivery people, but the Court Officers staffing the entrance will take deliveries just outside the front entrance and we've had no problems getting packages intended for us.<br />
<br />
This is also the case with documents that are dropped off for recording. We do ask you to call us to let us know you are coming or have just been here.<br />
<br />
If you have Registered Land, we do require you to email your documents first to <a href="mailto:lowelldeeds@comcast.net">lowelldeeds@comcast.net</a> so we can review them before you send them or drop them off. This makes it easier to make the minor technical corrections that are frequently necessary for Land Court registrations. Once we review the documents, we email you back with any needed fixes or with the go-ahead to get us your original documents.<br />
<br />
We have the same requirement for plans. Take a picture of what you intend to record and email it. Once you get a reply from us, you can send or deliver your plan.<br />
<br />
Finally, during the pandemic emergency we have stopped recording at 4pm rather than our normal 4:15. Please keep that in mind if you're rushing to get something on record by the end of the day.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13384070121091883552noreply@blogger.com0