My name is Margherita Ciampa-Coyne. I am Boston born and raised and I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve my community as the Suffolk County Register of Deeds. My career path, practical experience and a keen understanding of title and land records make me uniquely qualified to be the next Suffolk County Register of Deeds. I understand how land records affect property rights and I will always work to protect your property rights.
Margherita Ciampa-Coyne is an independent candidate for Suffolk County Register of Deeds.
I have over 25 years of experience in the real estate title industry, which includes the review and drafting of real estate documents acceptable for recording in Massachusetts county registries, records information management and budgeting. As a veteran real estate paralegal and former operations manager of a national title insurance company, I understand the importance of accurate records and the effects of irrelevant and poorly drafted documents. I know firsthand the continued integration of technology in recording and indexing offers an effective way to maintain secure real estate records and provide easy access to the public.
What does the Register of Deeds do – maintains the integrity, accessibility and security of land records and why I believe it is so important.
In Massachusetts, the Register of Deeds is responsible for the recording, maintenance, and protection of the public record of all documents pertaining to real estate. These land records relate to the ownership and transfer of real estate property. They also may provide property rights to someone other than the owner i.e. a lender. Integrity of the land records -- correct, secure, and easily accessible -- provide the confidence for a buyer to buy, a lender to lend and real estate transactions to take place. Without confidence in the land records, real estate transactions would be very different. Simply stated, the Registry records and indexes affect your property rights and business. These records are used for legal purposes concerning the most valuable material possession you own, your home. As the Register of Deeds, I will protect your property rights by maintaining the integrity of the land records.
I am an experienced professional who appreciates the value and benefits of a system of properly recorded documents that are easily accessible. Accessibility includes making sure everyone has access to the public record. Suffolk County Register of Deeds does not meet that standard today. Multilingual information on search, property rights and fraud prevention will provide greater access and resources for all constituents. As the Register of Deeds, I will protect your property rights by creating multilingual educational resources on how to research the records and how to prevent fraud.
Property fraud happens when a fraudulent document is recorded in the Registry of Deeds making it look like someone else owns the home or property. The fraudulent deed will be used to mortgage the property to secure loans, collect rents or even sell the property. The elderly are considered the best targets since they have the most equity in their homes. The best way to prevent fraud is education. As the Register of Deeds, I will protect your property rights by providing fraud prevention education and promoting “The Consumer Notification Service” which gives homeowners’ the ability to submit their names to be monitored for potentially fraudulent activity. Once a homeowner's name and property are registered, every time a document is filed relating to their property, they are notified.
In the election for Suffolk County Register of Deeds, experience matters. As the Register of Deeds I will work to see that Land Records are correct, secure, and easily accessible to all the constituents of Suffolk County. I will work to protect your property rights. I will work to see research of land records for all Massachusetts counties is available through a new website and single portal. I will create educational resources for clerks and constituents to maintain standards, avoid errors and prevent fraud. I will work collaboratively with other Massachusetts agencies to offer education and information to better serve the constituents of Suffolk County. I am uniquely qualified to be the Suffolk County Register of Deeds and respectfully ask for your vote. Thank you.
Editor's note: Jamaica Plain News invited the four Suffolk County Register of Deeds candidates to submit op-eds about why they want to be elected to the position on Election Day.