Tennessee Property Records
![Property Records in Tennessee](/img/states/tennessee/property_records_01.jpg)
Tennessee is a landlocked Midwest state surrounded by eight other states. The home of Tennessee whiskey features 10,000 caves and caverns, and it's also the birthplace of cotton candy and Mountain Dew. With its rich musical history, Tennessee offers residents a lot of culture and a lot of land (approximately 42,000 square miles), meaning a lot of people and lots of property records.
Tennessee has 95 counties, each responsible for its own property and land records. The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury has created a search portal where you can find records online from 86 of the 95 counties. However, they do not guarantee the accuracy of the records.
Property records in Tennessee contain information about each piece of real property along with the historical and current owner(s). They verify ownership, provide an opinion of value, validate upgrades and renovations, and transfer property.
Use this guide to learn all about Tennessee property records, what they are, how people use them, where you can find them, and how to change them.
What Are Property Records in Tennessee?
Property records in Tennessee are legal documents that provide information about a parcel of land, the buildings contained within, and its owners. Some are purely information like appraisals and assessments, and others serve a purpose. For example, building permits allow residents to renovate their property, liens use the property as collateral for a loan, and deeds transfer property from one person to another.
Components of Property Records in Tennessee
Property records contain a lot of very specific information about the property, related items, and the owners. Some of the things you can find in property records include:
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Property Address
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Detailed Legal Property Description
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Current Owner's Name and Address
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Historical Owners
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Property Inspections
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Appraisals / Property Value
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Deeds
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Liens
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Tax Records
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Mortgage Records
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Bankruptcies
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Foreclosures
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Plat Maps
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Surveys
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Easements / Conveyances
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Property Details
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Lot Size
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Zoning
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Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in Tennessee
Tennessee property records are public records that can be found with various government agencies. You file deeds with the county register of deeds, and they can supply you with copies if needed. You can contact the county assessor for information about the land, value, or property taxes. Each county commissioner and city government determines local property tax rates and sends out bills. The State Board of Equalization establishes policies and procedures governing the county assessors. The state Comptroller of the Treasury oversees the entire system.
What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
![What Are Property Records Register of Deeds](img/states/tennessee/property_records_02.jpg)
Property records must be appropriately filed before they can become legal and public. Whenever land changes hands, someone creates a new deed, which must be filed with the county register of deeds. Once it has been filed, the record becomes public, and anyone can look it up and access it. Each of Tennessee's 95 counties has a register of deeds office.
How are Property Records Maintained in Tennessee?
The agency responsible for the records must keep them filed in order and maintained according to state rules. Once they receive new documents, they stamp them with the date, time, and filing code.
Accessing Records at the Register of Deeds in Tennessee
Tennessee property records are public records and are openly available to anyone who wishes to see them. You can contact the agency in charge of the records you want to view and ask for copies. You may have to wait while they locate them and pay a small fee per copy.
For example, if you were looking for property records in Nashville, you would visit the Davidson County Register of Deeds office. A few other county examples would be:
Register of Deeds Locations in Tennessee
When filing or researching public records, you need to know which county the property resides in. Once you have the full property address, you will know which county to consult. Use this resource for a complete list of all county registers of deeds locations.
Types of Property Records
Property records come in many shapes and sizes. Each serves a different purpose. Some of the more common types of property records that you will find in Tennessee consist of:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds perform two functions. First, they transfer ownership of real property. Second, they prove title to the property and ownership if it is disputed. Deeds can be filed with the county register of deeds and found online or in person. They are used most often in real estate sales but also in matters of estate distribution, foreclosures, and liens.
Some of the information contained within deeds are:
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Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
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A detailed description of the property.
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Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
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Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.
Deeds contain conveyance language that clearly stipulates who is granting the land and who is receiving it.
Tennessee has 2,664,791 housing units. Davidson County has the highest percentage of single-family and multi-family homes.
Property Tax Records
Everyone who owns property in Tennessee must pay annual taxes on it. Each county sets its own tax rate and taxes each property within its boundaries with its fair share. The average tax rate in Tennessee is 0.67 of the property's value. The state ranks 37th in terms of property taxes. The median tax payment in Tennessee is $1,220.
The county commissioner and tax assessor set tax rates, send out bills and collect payments. If you fail to pay your property taxes, that office could put a lien on your home and eventually foreclose and sell it.
The following information often appears in a standard property tax record in Tennessee:
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Exemptions - The document will show any tax relief applying to the property. For example, Tennessee gives property tax relief for elderly and disabled homeowners with low incomes.
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Tax Rates - Like other states, properties in Tennessee fall under different taxing jurisdictions with different tax rates. The document should outline the applicable tax rate used to calculate the levies.
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Assessed Value - The document contains the property's assessed value which is the base for calculating property taxes in the state. The county assessors determine these values after property assessment.
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Contributions - The document may show the contributions made toward the taxes and their dates.
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Deadlines - The document should give information on payment deadlines and may include provisions for delinquency.
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Calculations - The document may include a breakdown of the tax calculations.
How Often is Property Tax in Tennessee Assessed?
State laws require assessors to revalue property once every four to six years and revalue personal property annually. The county assessor's office is responsible for the revaluation. The assessor distributes employees within their jurisdiction to identify, assess, and thus determine a property's value. The standard process has three key steps:
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Valuation - The designated assessor determines the property's value by considering elements such as location, size, and amenities. They also examine recent sales in the area of similar properties and the income the property could generate.
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Noticing -After valuation, the assessor sends a notice to the owner notifying them of their new assessed value. The notice will contain the value and information on how to appeal if they dispute the assessment.
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Appealing - Property owners can appeal their newly assessed value through four stages. The first is to discuss the value with a real property appraiser through the assessor's office to examine the assessment and make adjustments if anything is inconsistent. If the property owner disagrees, they may schedule a formal hearing with the County Board of Equalization. The property owner may go a step further if they disagree with the board's decision by appealing to the State Board of Equalization through a hearing. The final step is filing a lawsuit with the county Chancery Court.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants accompany deeds during the transfer or sale of property. Easements are rights-of-way that give someone other than the owner access to the property. A good example would be a wireless company with towers on someone's land. The company can enter the property at any time to maintain its towers, and it doesn't have to ask permission first.
Covenants are rules for using the land. They most often apply to gated communities and condo developments. They might contain rules against having pets on the property or motorcycles.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are types of maps. Plats show the boundaries of all the neighboring properties, while surveys show only the boundaries of the property itself. Tennessee created a survey tool to help you see the boundaries of any property online. You can use it by entering the parcel name, owner's name, property address, or subdivision.
Historical Property Records
Due to the vast number of property records, many states like Tennessee move older historical records into archives. You can visit The Tennessee State Library and Archives for older property records and maybe find some with historical significance.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/tennessee/property_records_03.jpg)
In this modern age of technology, you have many different options available to you when searching for property records. They are as follows:
Online Property Record Search
Using the internet is one way to search for property records. Type the property address into a Google search bar and review the results. You may get lucky, but you might not find enough information. A more targeted approach might yield better results.
In-Person Property Record Search
You always have the option of visiting one of the government offices in person to review property records. You can ask for specific records based on an address or owner. You may have to wait if they are busy and pay a small fee per page.
Using Property Record Indexes
You can find dozens of property record indexes online. Some are archives, and some may be current records. Be careful; these third-party resources may not have the most accurate or up-to-date data.
Utilizing Commercial Services
Another better option is to use commercial services like PropertyChecker, which allows you to access millions of nationwide property records 24/7. You can run unlimited searches and find what you need within minutes.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The best way to search is using the full property address. Simply type the address into the search bar and see what comes up.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you have the option of searching by the owner's name, but not always. Enter a current or past owner into the search and review the results.
Understanding Property Ownership in Tennessee
Because Tennessee property records are public, you can identify who owns what property, which can be helpful in many situations. The best way to find out is to visit the register of deeds office in person or search online using a trusted property records portal.
What is the Chain of Title?
The chain of title refers to every owner that has ever owned the property. It's basically a comprehensive list. When researching historical owners, there should be no gap in the list at any time. Title companies perform thorough title searches to find any title defects, including gaps in the chain of title.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property doesn't just change hands through real estate sales. Sometimes, property is willed to another person or transferred to clear a debt or for some other reason. All of these transactions must be documented with a new deed.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Tennessee
Another important aspect of property records is property descriptions. These are legal descriptions of the property, including natural landmarks and other details, so that anyone can easily identify the property.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys are land measurements used to correctly identify the proper boundaries of the land. They are most often used in new construction and laying utilities. However, they also come into play during boundary disputes. Tennessee land was originally partitioned through the "metes and bounds" method.
The following information may appear in the various types of property survey documents:
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Boundary Lines - Surveys usually show the property's boundaries by angle and measurements.
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Topographic Features - The document will likely show natural and man-made features on the land.
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Legal Details - The record may include a legal description of the property.
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Surveyor Notes - The surveyor may include important notes about the study or land.
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Date - The document may include the date of the survey.
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Recording Information - If filed at a government office, the document will show details of the recording.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Whenever someone infringes upon another person's property, an issue may arise. These boundary disputes often end up in court, with a judge deciding who owns what. Surveyors are frequently asked to provide expert testimony to help the judge decide.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Tennessee
Encumbrances like liens show up in various property records and can negatively affect the property in many ways. Some liens are voluntary, but others are involuntary, and those can lead to foreclosure and loss of the home.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those that you agree to whenever you use your home as collateral for a loan. If you take out a mortgage, for example.
Mortgage Liens
Whenever you borrow money against your home, the lender will place a lien on the property until it's paid off. This is to protect the lender, and if you fail to pay off the loan or miss multiple payments, they can foreclose and sell your home at auction to pay off the loan. This type of lien is voluntary and not usually detrimental to the property's reputation.
Mortgage documents contains the following information:
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Property Description - A thorough account of the property used as collateral should appear.
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Loan Information - It includes the principal balance, interest rate, terms of repayment, and any unique requirements or clauses included with the mortgage.
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Conditions for Mortgage - These are the mortgage's terms and conditions, including details on late payment fines, prepayment fines, and default clauses.
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Recording Information - Information such as the date, book, page numbers, and the office where the mortgage was recorded may appear in the document.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are imposed against your will for an unpaid debt or default on a loan.
Mechanic's Liens
Contractors can initiate mechanic's liens. Other professionals who work on your property can also place a lien on your home if you do not pay them what you owe. This extends to material suppliers, laborers, groundskeepers, landscapers, subcontractors, and architects.
Tax Liens
The county tax assessor is responsible for ensuring you pay your annual taxes. If you do not, they can also place a lien on your home and eventually foreclose and sell your property at auction.
Judgment Liens
Creditors to whom you owe money can also place liens on your property to collect their debts. They must sue you in court first, and if they win, the judge will grant them the right to place a lien on the property and eventually (after a specific amount of time has passed) foreclose and sell the home.
The Process of Property Liens in Tennessee
The process of putting a lien on a property in the state depends on the type of lien. Here is a breakdown of the process of placing a mechanic's lien:
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Tennessee observes two types of mechanics liens. The first is the direct liens for individuals with a direct contract with the owner, which lasts one year. The second type is the indirect liens, available to subcontractors and suppliers that do not have direct contracts with the property owner. If the claimant files the latter, they must send preliminary notices 90 days before the last day of the month of work or supply. The notice should contain a description of the property, date of furnishing, general description of the work or supplies, plus details of the claimant.
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The claimant must fill out the lien form with similar information. The more information a claimant provides, the stronger the lien may be against challenges. Information that should appear in the lien form includes a description of the property, the work dates, the work or supplies provided, and other relevant details. Claimants may also attach their contracts to the lien form.
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Mechanics liens are filed at the register of deeds office. Claimants should attach their notice forms to secure their lien rights. After filing, the claimant must send a notice of the lien to the property owner. However, giving notice of the filing is only required in indirect liens.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Tennessee
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Tennessee](img/states/tennessee/property_records_04.jpg)
Property records come into play most often during real estate transactions. Real estate professionals consult property records before the sale and create them during the sale. After, they file them with the appropriate agencies.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying any property, you must find out as much as possible about it so you can go into the sale with open eyes. You can learn how much the property is worth, what the annual taxes are, if any building permits were pulled recently (indicating renovations), and other impactful details that can help you decide whether to buy it or not.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When selling property, you must provide the buyer with certain disclosures regarding any material defects in the home. For example, if you know that the foundation is damaged or the roof needs replacing, you must offer that information. If you don't have all the necessary information, you can get it from property records.
Title Searches and Insurance
If you borrow money to buy a place, your lender will require that you purchase title insurance. This protects both you and them against any legal claims on the property after the sale. Your attorney or title company will perform a property title search to try to avoid any issues.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Tennessee
A property under foreclosure may not be an enticing option for regular buyers, but it is for investors. Some investors use property records to search for distressed properties and buy them cheaply to sell later at a profit.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are one of the most essential pieces of information, especially when buying or selling property. These values appear in many different documents, such as property taxes, appraisals, insurance documents, assessments, and others.
Assessments and Appraisals
Property appraisals come into play with estate planning and mortgages. If you borrow money to buy your house, the lender will require an appraisal. They need to know that the actual property's value supports the loan so they don't lose money.
Property tax assessors use assessments to value property and set tax rates. These values may or may not match the actual fair market value (FMV). You can check property records to find out the value of neighboring homes and get an accurate idea of what yours is worth when selling.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Tennessee
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Location and Proximity to Amenities - A property's value is significantly influenced by its location. For instance, properties near facilities like schools, parks, retail malls, and job centers or in popular communities typically have greater value. Due to their proximity to various services and growing communities, neighborhoods like Belle Meade and Germantown may have high property values.
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Scenic Views and Natural Features - Properties with beautiful views or access to natural features might fetch greater prices. Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains and other gorgeous scenery draw tourists and homebuyers seeking a tranquil setting. Their distinct environment and leisure options may set a higher value.
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Historical Significance and Architecture - A property's value can be influenced by its historical significance and distinctive architectural elements. Tennessee is home to many places with a rich history, including Franklin, well-known for the Civil War era architecture, which may have greater value.
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School District Quality - Since local school districts are a significant factor for families with children, their quality can greatly impact home values. High-rated schools frequently draw family home buyers, raising their value. For example, Brentwood is renowned for its superior school systems and, thus, may have greater home values.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/tennessee/property_records_05.jpg)
Most property records are public and cannot be kept private. Since anyone can access them online or in person, you should investigate what information is out there about you. Although public records can contain personal information, they shouldn't.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public, to be transparent, so no one can secretly buy up land and property without anyone knowing about it. This also prevents one government agency from having too much control over the citizens it governs.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your personal information from property records. However, you can request that anything beyond your name and address (email address, phone, and other details) be removed from all public records. You may have to contact in-person offices and online resources to have details removed.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
The agency that holds your records will not know there is a problem unless you bring it to their attention. Therefore, it's your responsibility to keep your property records updated and maintained correctly.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
If you find errors on your property records, you can fix them. You must contact the office that holds them and provide proper documentation proving the error so they can fix it. These types of things are often best handled in person.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You may also encounter situations where you need to amend records. For example, you might need to update property records when someone dies. If that occurs, you can bring a copy of the death certificate and new title to the county register of deeds office to have them update their records.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Tennessee
You may also need to change your name in property records if you get divorced or married. You can do so by bringing your marriage certificate or divorce decree to the county register of deeds to have them draft a new deed with your correct name.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
When buying property in Tennessee, you must think about a lot of things. The best way to educate yourself about the property before buying is by using property records. PropertyCheckerhttps://propertychecker.com/ is a great all-in-one resource that gives you everything you need under one hood. You can run unlimited searches and access millions of nationwide public property records 24/7.
Tennessee County Property Records
- Anderson County
- Bedford County
- Benton County
- Bledsoe County
- Blount County
- Bradley County
- Campbell County
- Cannon County
- Carroll County
- Carter County
- Cheatham County
- Chester County
- Claiborne County
- Clay County
- Cocke County
- Coffee County
- Crockett County
- Cumberland County
- Davidson County
- Decatur County
- Dickson County
- Dyer County
- Fayette County
- Fentress County
- Franklin County
- Gibson County
- Giles County
- Grainger County
- Greene County
- Grundy County
- Hamblen County
- Hamilton County
- Hancock County
- Hardeman County
- Hardin County
- Hawkins County
- Haywood County
- Henderson County
- Henry County
- Hickman County
- Houston County
- Humphreys County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Johnson County
- Knox County
- Lake County
- Lauderdale County
- Lawrence County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Loudon County
- Macon County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Marshall County
- Maury County
- McMinn County
- McNairy County
- Meigs County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Moore County
- Morgan County
- Obion County
- Overton County
- Perry County
- Pickett County
- Polk County
- Putnam County
- Rhea County
- Roane County
- Robertson County
- Rutherford County
- Scott County
- Sequatchie County
- Sevier County
- Shelby County
- Smith County
- Stewart County
- Sullivan County
- Sumner County
- Tipton County
- Trousdale County
- Unicoi County
- Union County
- Van Buren County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Weakley County
- White County
- Williamson County
- Wilson County
Tennessee Property Records Search
Tennessee Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Tennessee
- What Are Property Records in Tennessee?
- What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Tennessee Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Tennessee
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Tennessee
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Tennessee
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Tennessee
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Tennessee County Property Records