Registry’s December and Year End Numbers Are In

Our December numbers were strong with 669 deeds recorded in December, 2011 as compared to 624 deeds recorded in December, 2010. December also brought the second highest number of mortgages recorded (2373) in 2011. These results contributed to our recent Register’s Report explaining that we had a stronger second half of 2011 in terms of sales than the first half of the year.

Overall, 2011 recording results at the Plymouth County Registry of deeds were a mixed bag. The number of sales declined 5% as compared to 2010, but since June, 2011 we saw sales increase. Despite historically low interest rates, the number of mortgages recorded were down 11% compared to 2010.

Our continuing distressed marketplace remains, caused in great part by our national and local economic problems. As a result of those issues, many people are having difficulty keeping up with their mortgages. However, for a variety of reasons, including a slow down in processing by national banks, foreclosure deeds and foreclosure notices were significantly lower than last year. In 2011, foreclosure deeds were down 28%. Foreclosure notices, the first documents we see at the registry in a foreclosure, were down 30%.

Although January and February are traditionally our two slowest months, we hope the trend in sales towards the end of 2011 continues in 2012. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!