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orfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell announced that August 2025 saw a continued rise in real‑estate activity, with notable gains in mortgage filings and property transactions versus the same month last year.
The Registry logged 10,035 documents in August, a 7 % jump from August 2024 but 6 % fewer than July 2025. Deeds recorded totaled 1,549, up 3 % from August 2024 and 8 % down from July. Commercial and residential sales accounted for 881 properties, a 5 % increase year‑over‑year.
Mortgage activity also grew: 1,534 loans were recorded, 6 % higher than August 2024 yet 9 % lower than July. O’Donnell noted that the uptick in mortgages shows residents are still securing financing despite broader economic pressures.
Average sale prices fell to $1,028,482, an 18 % drop from August 2024 and 24 % below July. Total sales volume reached $906 million, 15 % less than last year. O’Donnell said the price decline could ease entry for buyers heading into fall.
Foreclosure activity remained low: only four foreclosure deeds were recorded, down from ten in August 2024, and 26 notices to foreclose were filed, a decrease from 34 the previous year. He urged anyone facing mortgage difficulties to contact local nonprofits listed on www.norfolkdeeds.org.
The Registry partners with Quincy Community Action Programs (617‑479‑8181 x376), NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508‑587‑0950), and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) (617‑727‑8400) to support residents.
O’Donnell concluded that August’s data shows meaningful gains in key areas compared to August 2024, reflecting an active and resilient market that he hopes will maintain momentum into the fall.
For updates and initiatives, “like” the Registry on Facebook (facebook.com/norfolkdeeds) and follow on Twitter and Instagram @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, serves homeowners, title examiners, lenders, municipalities, and others needing reliable land‑record information. All research is available at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Assistance can be requested at (781) 461‑6101 or [email protected].
