Registry of Deeds

When Register Meade took office in 1989, he undertook measures to streamline operations. By 1999 — just ten years later — all registry records were in computer format and book images had been scanned and stored electronically. This made Barnstable one of the first registries in Massachusetts to achieve full digital conversion.

Introduced electronic filing in 2014, allowing attorneys and title companies to submit documents digitally. This system proved critical during the pandemic-era real estate surge, when the registry was able to handle dramatically increased volume without disruption to service.

The registry’s online research site gives the public the same access to records available to anyone using the computer terminals at the physical office. With the exception of some very old records and oversized plans, all Registry of Deeds and Land Court indexes and images are searchable and viewable online for free.

Over 37 years, Register Meade has worked to make the Barnstable registry one of the most efficient and cost-effective registries in the Commonwealth. The registry generates significant revenue for the county through recording fees and excise taxes on property transfers — historically the county’s largest revenue source.

Implemented electronic document scanning with multiple backup formats and offsite storage, ensuring that the county’s property records — some dating back to the 1680s — are protected against loss. This is especially significant given that almost all original pre-1827 records were destroyed in a fire.

Register Meade provides regular public reports on county real estate activity — tracking sales volume, property values, mortgage activity, and market trends across all 15 towns. These reports are a key public resource for understanding the Cape Cod real estate market.

Served as President of the Massachusetts Registers and Assistant Registers of Deeds Association, helping set standards and best practices for all 21 registry districts across the state.