Question 1

How do I secure a real-estate contract in Essex County?

Accepted Answer

Record a memorandum of contract in the Essex County real-property records. It puts the public on notice of your equitable interest so the seller can’t cleanly sell to someone else. Notarized online, recorded with the county, and returned to you.

Question 2

Does Essex County allow electronic recording of a memorandum?

Accepted Answer

Jurably files your memorandum with Essex County and tracks it all the way to a recorded instrument; timing follows the county's own turnaround.

Question 3

What does it cost to record a memorandum in Essex County?

Accepted Answer

One flat price that includes the county fee ($155 flat fee per deed (statewide MA fee schedule) first / Not page-based — flat fee; Mortgage $205; Mortgage Discharge $105; Declaration of Homestead $35; Declaration of Trust $255; Municipal Lien Certificate $80; UCC (up to 2 debtors) $75; Federal Tax Lien $5; Plans (per sheet) $105 add'l (+Excise tax on deeds (statewide formula) not a recording fee)), your online notary session, and tracking to a recording number.

Memorandum filing isn't available in Massachusetts yet