Franklin County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Franklin County in 2026
FranklinMARecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Franklin County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage documents, and lien filings through official county and state resources. Available record categories include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Recorded mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, and judgment)
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permits and zoning records
Records can be searched through several official resources, including the Franklin County Registry of Deeds, the Franklin County Assessors' offices, and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Each resource serves a distinct function in the property records system.
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
425 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-0239
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
Franklin County Assessors (Town of Greenfield)
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-1506
Town of Greenfield Assessors
Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 626-2300
Massachusetts DOR Division of Local Services
1. Property Appraiser Website
The primary resource for property valuation and ownership information in Franklin County is the individual town assessor's database, as Massachusetts property assessment is administered at the municipal level rather than the county level.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By map and lot number
- By subdivision or neighborhood
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the relevant town assessor's online database (e.g., the Greenfield Assessors portal)
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Review assessed values, sales history, and property characteristics
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Registry of Deeds Official Records Search
The Franklin County Registry of Deeds maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property within the county. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, all conveyances of real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Liens (mechanic's, judgment, and tax)
- Easements
- Declarations of restrictions
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Affidavits affecting title
- Lis pendens filings
- Homeowner association documents
How to Search:
- Access the Franklin County Registry of Deeds online search
- Select the preferred search type (grantor, grantee, or document type)
- Enter the search criteria including names and date ranges
- Review the results list
- Select a document to view the scanned image
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certified copies)
3. Tax Collector Website
Property tax information in Franklin County is administered at the municipal level. Each town maintains its own tax collector records. Members of the public may search tax records through the relevant town's online portal.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or map-lot number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage (tax rate) information
- Delinquent tax status
- Installment plan status and payment options
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Massachusetts Bureau of Geographic Information (MassGIS) provides statewide GIS data, including parcel boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features.
How to Use:
- Navigate to the MassGIS property viewer
- Use the interactive map to locate the subject property
- Click on the parcel to view linked property information
- Access zoning, flood zone, and environmental overlay layers
- Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
425 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-0239
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
Services available in person include public access computer terminals, staff assistance with document searches, access to recorded books and microfilm, and requests for certified copies.
Town of Greenfield Assessors Office
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-1506
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Town of Greenfield Assessors
Services include public access to property cards, maps and plats, exemption application assistance, and staff-assisted property searches.
Town of Greenfield Tax Collector
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-1567
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Town of Greenfield Tax Collector
By Mail Requests:
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
425 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Written requests for copies of recorded documents should specify the document by book and page number or instrument number, the property address, and the approximate recording date range. Payment for copying fees must be included. Certified copies are available upon request.
Town Assessors (Greenfield)
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Requests for property record information should include the property address or parcel number and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copying fees may apply.
Through Professionals:
Title companies provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assistance with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
When searching by address, members of the public should use the complete street address and try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W). When searching by owner name, attempting the last name first and checking spelling variations is advisable. For historical records predating digitization, an in-person visit to the Registry of Deeds or the relevant town assessor's office may be necessary, as staff can assist with microfilm and bound record books.
Common Search Challenges:
Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording delays. Very old properties may not be digitized. Common names may return multiple results, which can be narrowed by cross-referencing the parcel number or legal description. Documents filed under seal, unrecorded private agreements, and pending sales prior to closing are not accessible through public property record searches.
What Is Franklin County Property Records
Property records in Franklin County, Massachusetts, are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county and municipal government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes. As stated by the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office, "The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights through constructive notice
- Enable title insurance and facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, title documents, transfer records, ownership history, life estate deeds, and trust documents affecting property.
Encumbrance Records include mortgages and deeds of trust, tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, restrictions and covenants, homeowner association documents, and lis pendens filings.
Tax and Assessment Records include property tax assessments, tax bills and payment history, exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, and others), tax rates, special assessments, and delinquency records.
Legal Descriptions include plat maps, surveys, subdivision plats, lot and block information, metes and bounds descriptions, and condominium unit designations.
Building and Permit Records include building permits, certificates of occupancy, code violations, zoning information, and land use designations.
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Franklin County Registry of Deeds records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Individual town assessors maintain property valuation records, assessment rolls, property characteristics data, and exemption applications. Town tax collectors maintain tax bills, payment histories, and delinquency records. Municipal building and planning departments maintain permits, inspections, zoning records, and code enforcement files.
Legal Framework:
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, § 4, a conveyance of an estate in fee simple, fee tail, or for life, or a lease for more than seven years, is not valid against any person other than the grantor and persons with actual notice unless recorded in the Registry of Deeds for the county or district in which the land lies. This recording requirement establishes the principle of constructive notice that underlies the entire public property records system in Massachusetts.
Are Property Records Public Information in Franklin County?
Property records in Franklin County are public information. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, any person has the right to inspect, copy, or have copies of public records. Property records maintained by the Registry of Deeds and municipal assessors' offices are public records accessible to any member of the public without a stated reason or special permission.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Massachusetts Public Records Law (G.L. c. 66, § 10)
- Massachusetts recording statutes (G.L. c. 183)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old practice in American property law
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The public has a right to know who owns real property, and transparent government operations in property taxation require open access to assessment records. Public access prevents fraud and secret transfers, enables the real estate marketplace, supports title searches and title insurance, facilitates property valuation and appraisals, and serves the lending and mortgage industry.
What Property Information Is Public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment records
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Massachusetts practice. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Massachusetts Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to different disclosure standards; members of the public should contact the relevant town assessor for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors and developers, genealogists and historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under current law. Real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance and searches, investment analysis, and market research are all lawful uses. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records regardless of the public nature of the underlying data.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Franklin County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Franklin County Registry of Deeds at no charge. Fees apply for copies and certified copies of recorded documents. The following fee schedule reflects current charges at the Franklin County Registry of Deeds:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of recorded documents (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies of recorded documents | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Online document viewing | Free |
| Online document download (per page) | $1.00 per page |
Property assessment records maintained by town assessors are available for free inspection at the assessor's office and through online portals. Copies of assessment records may be subject to standard municipal copying fees, which are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, currently set at $0.05 per page for black-and-white copies on standard paper.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to the Franklin County Registry of Deeds)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (accepted at the Registry counter)
Fee Waivers:
Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for fee waivers. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the Registry of Deeds or the relevant town office explaining the basis for the waiver request.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of recorded document images through the Registry of Deeds website
- Online property assessment data through town assessor portals
- GIS mapping data through MassGIS
- Tax payment status information through town tax collector portals
- In-person inspection of records at all offices
What's Included in a Franklin County Property Record?
A complete Franklin County property record draws from multiple official sources and contains comprehensive information about ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax status, sales history, and encumbrances.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records include the legal owner's name or names, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety for married couples, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax bills. Previous ownership information includes the chain of title, prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Property identification records include the site address and mailing address, city and ZIP code, municipality and jurisdiction, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, section and township where applicable, and metes and bounds description), parcel ID or map-lot number, and tax account number.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area in square feet, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and number of total rooms. Additional features documented include garage type and spaces, pools, porches and patios, fireplaces, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value estimate, and assessment year. Historical values for prior years are typically available, showing value trends and year-over-year percentage changes.
Tax Information:
Current year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, tax rate (expressed in Massachusetts as dollars per thousand of assessed value), breakdown by taxing authority (town general fund, school district, and special districts), due dates, payment status, and discount information. Tax history includes prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and delinquency history if applicable.
Exemptions Applied:
Massachusetts exemptions that may appear in property records include the residential exemption, senior citizen exemption, veteran exemption, surviving spouse or minor child exemption, blind person exemption, and agricultural exemption. Exemption amounts and eligibility criteria are established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59.
Sales History:
Sales history records include sale dates for recent transactions, sale prices, deed types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure deed, tax deed, or other), deed document numbers, grantor and grantee names, and documentary stamp (excise tax) amounts.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Mortgage records include current recorded mortgages, mortgage amounts, lender names, recording dates, and book and page references. Lien records include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens with recorded dates, amounts, and lienholder information. Other encumbrances include easements, restrictions and covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, special district assignments (school district, fire district, water district), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, and FEMA flood zone designation are all components of a comprehensive property record.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current practice)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Registry
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Franklin County are maintained permanently. The Franklin County Registry of Deeds retains all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without eliminating the evidentiary basis for property ownership.
Legal Basis for Retention:
The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Records Conservation Board establishes retention schedules for public records under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats — are classified as permanent records. As the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office has stated, "Registries of Deeds are required to maintain all recorded documents permanently as part of the official land records of the Commonwealth."
Records Kept Permanently:
All recorded deeds are retained permanently, dating back to the formation of Franklin County in 1811 and, for some records, to earlier colonial-era land grants. All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases are permanent records. All recorded liens, including releases, are permanent. All subdivision plats, survey plats, and condominium declarations are permanent. All easements, restrictions, covenants, and other instruments affecting title are permanent records.
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries exist in handwritten and typed bound volumes stored in the Registry vault. Mid-twentieth-century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are available as digital scans through the Registry's electronic document management system. The Registry maintains off-site backup systems and participates in the Massachusetts statewide digital preservation program.
Online Access by Time Period:
The Franklin County Registry of Deeds has digitized records extending back several decades, with the most recent records available immediately online. Records from the mid-twentieth century may be available on microfilm at the Registry office. Very old records from the nineteenth century and early twentieth century may require an in-person visit, with staff assistance available to retrieve materials from vault storage.
Property Appraiser (Assessor) Records:
Town assessors retain current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls are permanent records. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of several years following the applicable assessment year, with specific retention periods established by the Records Conservation Board.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution. Permanent tax deed sale records are maintained by the Registry of Deeds.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical property records should contact the Franklin County Registry of Deeds directly. For records predating digitization, an in-person visit or written request specifying the property address or legal description and approximate time period is recommended. Staff can retrieve materials from vault storage or microfilm archives, with same-day access available for most requests.
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
425 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-0239
Franklin County Registry of Deeds
How To Find Liens on Property in Franklin County?
Liens on property in Franklin County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Franklin County Registry of Deeds. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking lien information.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the Franklin County Registry of Deeds online search
- Select the grantee or grantor index search
- Enter the property owner's name as the grantor
- Set the document type filter to include liens, attachments, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Review all results for the subject property owner
- Cross-reference results with the property's parcel number or legal description to confirm the lien attaches to the subject property
- Click on each result to view the scanned document image
- Note the book and page or instrument number, recording date, lien amount, and lienholder
Types of Liens Searchable at the Registry:
- Federal tax liens: Filed by the Internal Revenue Service and recorded with the Registry of Deeds. Members of the public may also search the IRS federal tax lien database for additional information.
- Massachusetts state tax liens: Filed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and recorded with the Registry.
- Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 254.
- Judgment liens: Arising from court judgments and recorded with the Registry to attach to real property.
- Municipal liens: Filed by towns for unpaid taxes, assessments, or code enforcement fines.
- HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments.
Municipal Lien Certificates:
In Massachusetts, a Municipal Lien Certificate (MLC) is the official document that discloses all outstanding municipal charges, taxes, assessments, and betterments on a property. Members of the public and real estate professionals may request an MLC from the relevant town's tax collector or treasurer. The MLC is the definitive source for municipal lien information and is required in most real estate transactions.
Town of Greenfield Tax Collector
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 772-1567
Town of Greenfield Tax Collector
The fee for a Municipal Lien Certificate in Greenfield is currently $25.00 per parcel. Processing time is typically ten business days.
Federal Tax Lien Searches:
Federal tax liens are recorded with the Registry of Deeds and are searchable through the Registry's online index. The IRS website provides additional information about federal tax lien procedures and releases.
UCC Fixture Filings:
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) fixture filings, which may affect real property when personal property is affixed to land, are filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office rather than the Registry of Deeds. Members of the public conducting comprehensive lien searches should check both the Registry and the Secretary of State's UCC database.
Professional Title Searches:
For real estate transactions, a professional title search conducted by a title company or real estate attorney is the most comprehensive method of identifying all liens and encumbrances affecting a property. Title professionals search the Registry of Deeds, the Secretary of State's UCC database, federal tax lien records, and municipal records to produce a complete title report.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Franklin County?
The property owner rule in Franklin County, Massachusetts, refers to the body of law governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Massachusetts property ownership law is governed primarily by state statute and common law, with no county-specific ownership rules that differ from statewide standards.
Establishing Ownership:
Legal ownership of real property in Massachusetts is established by a recorded deed. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the Registry of Deeds for the county in which the property is located to be effective against subsequent purchasers without actual notice. The Franklin County Registry of Deeds serves as the official repository for all instruments affecting title to real property within the county.
Forms of Ownership:
Massachusetts law recognizes several forms of real property ownership:
- Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in their own name.
- Joint tenancy: Two or more persons hold title with right of survivorship. Upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant or tenants automatically acquire the deceased's interest.
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests in property. Each tenant in common may transfer their interest independently, and there is no right of survivorship.
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to married couples in Massachusetts, this form of ownership provides right of survivorship and protects the property from the individual debts of either spouse.
- Trust ownership: Property held in a nominee trust, revocable trust, or other trust form, with the trustee holding legal title on behalf of beneficiaries.
- Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may own real property in Massachusetts.
Homestead Protection:
Massachusetts provides a homestead exemption under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 188, which protects a homeowner's primary residence from forced sale to satisfy certain creditor claims. The automatic homestead protection provides $125,000 in protection. A declared homestead, established by recording a Declaration of Homestead with the Registry of Deeds, provides $500,000 in protection for an individual or $1,000,000 for an elderly or disabled person. The Declaration of Homestead must be recorded with the Franklin County Registry of Deeds to be effective.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Franklin County are subject to annual real property taxes assessed and collected by the municipality in which the property is located. Massachusetts property is assessed at full and fair cash value under General Laws Chapter 59. Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect may file an abatement application with the local board of assessors within the statutory deadline following the issuance of the tax bill.
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Massachusetts is transferred by recorded deed. The transfer is subject to the Massachusetts real estate excise tax (documentary stamps), currently assessed at $4.56 per $1,000 of consideration. Certain transfers — including transfers between spouses, transfers to or from a trust for no consideration, and transfers by operation of law — may be exempt from the excise tax. The excise tax is paid at the time of recording at the Registry of Deeds.
Adverse Possession:
Massachusetts law permits a person who has openly, notoriously, continuously, and adversely possessed real property for twenty years to acquire legal title through adverse possession. A successful adverse possession claim requires a court judgment, which is then recorded with the Registry of Deeds to establish title.
Eminent Domain:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its political subdivisions, including municipalities within Franklin County, hold the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Takings are recorded with the Registry of Deeds and become part of the permanent property record.
Foreign Ownership:
Massachusetts law does not currently impose restrictions on foreign nationals or foreign entities owning real property within the Commonwealth. Foreign owners are subject to the same recording requirements, tax obligations, and ownership rules as domestic owners.