Southern Essex Registry of Deeds

08/31/2026

Massachusetts law provides an automatic homestead exemption for a homeowner’s principal residence—but recording a Declaration of Homestead may provide a higher level of protection for the home’s equity.

A properly recorded Declaration of Homestead can protect up to $1 million in equity, compared with the automatic protection of up to $125,000 available without filing.

Not sure whether you already have one on record? You can search your property records through our website and look for a document titled Declaration of Homestead. Because your home may be your biggest asset, it is worth knowing what protections are already in place.

Certain debts and situations are excluded, so a homestead is not complete protection against every claim. Registry staff can help with recording and search information, but cannot provide legal advice. For questions about how homestead protection applies to your circumstances, consult a qualified attorney.

08/28/2026

📣 Notarial mistakes can delay an entire transaction. Make sure your team knows what to look for.

Join the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds for Common Notary Mistakes, a practical training focused on the errors our recording staff sees most often—and how to prevent them before a document is submitted.

We’ll cover common problems involving acknowledgments, signatures, dates, representative capacity, incomplete certificates, and other issues that can lead to avoidable recording rejections.

This program is especially valuable for attorneys, paralegals, closing staff, notaries, and anyone responsible for preparing or reviewing documents for recording.

📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
🕘 9:00 A.M.
📍 Community Conference Room, Suite 221-E
100 Cummings Center, Beverly
For easiest access, enter the 100 Building through Door 120A, take the elevator to the second floor, and turn left.

Registration is recommended. RSVP to [email protected].
Thank you to the Essex County Bar Association for sponsoring this program!

08/28/2026

📄 Does “recorded” mean “approved”? Not exactly.

When a document is recorded, it means the document met the applicable requirements for acceptance into the public land records. It does not mean the Registry has verified every statement in the document, confirmed that every claim is accurate, or determined who has the valid ownership interest.

The Registry’s role is to maintain the public record—not to resolve legal disputes between parties. If you have concerns about ownership, the validity of a document, or competing claims to property, you may need to speak with a qualified attorney.

08/27/2026

This week, our Community Outreach Team spent time at both the Salem Farmers’ Market and the Lynn Farmers’ Market, talking with residents about our free Property Fraud Watch Program.

Property fraud can happen without a homeowner realizing it. By signing up for Property Fraud Watch, you’ll receive an alert if a document is recorded in your name.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat, asked questions, or picked up information. We always enjoy the opportunity to connect with our communities outside the Registry and help homeowners learn about the free resources available to them.

Keep an eye out—you never know where our Community Outreach Team will pop up next!

08/27/2026

This week, we're taking a look at Book 1, Page 21—a handwritten deed recorded in 1651 documenting the transfer of land in purchased by John Pickering. That property would become the site of the historic Pickering House in Salem.

The Pickering House became home to generations of the Pickering family, including Colonel Timothy Pickering, a Revolutionary War officer who later served as Postmaster General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State under Presidents George Washington and John Adams; and later as Congressman and Senator.

For more than three centuries, ten successive generations of the Pickering family continued to own and live in the home. Until the 1990s, the Pickering House was recognized as the oldest continuously family-owned home in the United States.

Every deed tells a story. Some have been waiting nearly 370 years to be told.

08/26/2026

🚨 ONE DAY LEFT!

Our School Supply Drive ends tomorrow, Thursday, August 27—and this is your final chance to help local students head back to school prepared.

Still meaning to donate? Now is the time. Pick up a backpack, notebook, folder, box of pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, or another classroom essential and bring it by before the drive closes.

📍 Final-day drop-off location:
Southern Essex Registry of Deeds
100 Cummings Center, Suite 206-C
Beverly, MA 01915

One last donation can still make a real difference. Help us finish strong and send local students into the school year ready to learn!

08/26/2026

🔎 One document can lead to the next.

When you open a recorded deed, mortgage, discharge, or other land record, you may find references that can help you continue your search.

Book and page numbers, instrument numbers, prior deed references, and related document citations can connect one record to another—helping you trace ownership, locate earlier documents, or better understand a property’s history.

The next time you search our website, take a closer look at the document itself. It may point you exactly where to go next.

Need help navigating the website? We offer one-on-one and group training sessions. Contact [email protected] to schedule one.

08/26/2026

At the Registry, we understand the importance of records and deeds.

Her records made history, but it was her good deeds that truly changed the world. Through her music, generosity, advocacy, and commitment to childhood literacy, Dolly brought joy, comfort, and opportunity to millions.

Today, we join people everywhere in remembering a remarkable storyteller, humanitarian, and one-of-a-kind American icon.
Her voice may be gone, but the legacy she leaves behind will be recorded in hearts for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Dolly. 🦋💙

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/25/2026

🏠 Life changed—but did your deed?

A marriage, divorce, or legal name change does not automatically update the ownership shown in the land records. That means the name on your deed may stay exactly the same unless a new deed or other appropriate legal document is prepared and recorded.

If you are planning to add or remove someone from ownership, or if you believe a deed should reflect a major life change, it is important to understand that these updates are legal property matters—not automatic record changes. When in doubt, review your current deed and speak with a qualified attorney about the best way to proceed.

08/24/2026

🎒 Final Week of Our School Supply Drive!

There are just a few days left to help local students start the school year with the supplies they need.

We’re collecting new backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, and other classroom essentials through Thursday, August 27.
Even one donated item can make a difference—and there is still time to help.

📍 Drop off donations at:
Southern Essex Registry of Deeds
100 Cummings Center, Suite 206-C
Beverly, MA 01915

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Let’s make this final week count!