STRAFFORD COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS

LEO LESSARD, REGISTER OF DEEDS

LYNN WILLIAMS, DEPUTY REGISTER

It has become apparent that the Strafford County Real Estate economy has continued the correction which began in 2005.  Real Estate Transfers have declined from 5,498 in 2005 to 3,842 in 2007.  This represents a 30.2% decline in just the past two years.  Foreclosures are another area that has been problematic, which have gone from 40 in 2005 to 229 in 2007.  The total value of the real estate market, as shown by the Real Estate Transfer Tax, has declined from its high in 2005 at $816,861,333 to $656,780,400 in 2007.

I am very much aware of the financial burden the citizens of Strafford County are under and will try my best to run the Registry in a responsible way.  I anticipate the net income to the County will net almost $700,000 this year, which will be used to reduce the amount to be raised by taxes.

The Deeds Office continues to update and modernize its recording systems and to fulfill the requirements of the laws that apply to functions of recording, retrieval, and security of land records within the office.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff, the Strafford County Legislative Delegation, the County’s Administrative staff, and my fellow County Elected Officials for their support and counsel.  With a special thank you to the citizens of Strafford County for their patronage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US AT WWW.NHDEEDS.COM

REMINDER: July 1, 2008 a new State fee of $25.00 has been implemented on all Deeds, Mortgages, Discharges of Mortgages, and Plans.  This fee is used to fund the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program.  For more information on this program please visit www.lchip.org or call them at 603-224-4113