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Tennessee Deed

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CONTRACT FOR DEED

THIS DAY this agreement is entered into by and between , hereinafter referred to as "SELLER", whether one or more, and , hereinafter referred to as "PURCHASER", whether one or more, on the terms and conditions and for the purposes hereinafter set forth:

1.

SALE OF PROPERTY

For and in consideration of TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) and other good and valuable considerations the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller does hereby agree to convey, sell, assign, transfer and set over unto Purchaser, the following property situated in County, State of Tennessee, said property being described as follows:

Together with all rights of ownership associated with the property, including, but not limited to, all easements and rights benefiting the premises, whether or not such easements and rights are of record, and all tenements, hereditaments, improvements and appurtenances, including all lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, shades, venetian blinds, curtain rods, storm windows, storm doors, screens, awnings, if any, and now on the premises.

SUBJECT TO all recorded easements, rights-of-way, conditions, encumbrances and limitations and to all applicable building and use restrictions, zoning laws and ordinances, if any, affecting the property.

2.

PURCHASE PRICE AND TERMS

The purchase price of the property shall be $ . The purchaser does hereby agree to pay to the order of the Seller the sum of Dollars ($) upon execution of this agreement, with the balance of $ being due and payable as follows: (Select one)

(a) Balance payable in () monthly installments of Dollars ($) each, with the first installment being due and payable on the day of , 20 and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20 , when the final payment shall be due. No interest.

(b) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of $ dollars per month beginning on the day of , 20 and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid.

(c) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of dollars per month beginning on the day of , 20 , and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20 , when all remaining principal and interest shall be paid. (Balloon payment)

If interest is charged, interest shall be computed monthly and deducted from payment and the balance of payment shall be applied on principal.

3.

TIME OF THE ESSENCE

Time is of the essence in the performance of each and every term and provision in this agreement by Purchaser.

4.

SECURITY

This contract shall stand as security of the payment of the obligations of Purchaser.

5.

MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS

All improvements on the property, including, but not limited to, buildings, trees or other improvements now on the premises, or hereafter made or placed thereon, shall be a part of the security for the performance of this contract and shall not be removed therefrom. Purchaser shall not commit, or suffer any other person to commit, any waste or damage to said premises or the appurtenances and shall keep the premises and all improvements in as good condition as they are now.

6.

CONDITION OF IMPROVEMENTS

Purchaser agrees that the Seller has not made, nor makes any representations or warranties as to the condition of the premises, the condition of the buildings, appurtenances and fixtures locate thereon, and/or the location of the boundaries. Purchaser accepts the property in its "as-is" condition without warranty of any kind.

7.

POSSESSION OF PROPERTY

Purchaser shall take possession of the property and all improvements thereon upon execution of this contract and shall continue in the peaceful enjoyment of the property so long as all payments due under the terms of this contract are timely made. Purchaser agrees to keep the property in a good state of repair and in the event of termination of this contract, Purchaser agrees to return the property to Seller in substantially the same condition as it now exists, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Seller reserves the right to inspect the property at any time with or without notice to Purchaser.

8. TAXES, INSURANCE AND ASSESSMENTS

Taxes and Assessments: During the term of this contract: (Select one)

(a) Purchaser shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property.

(b) Seller shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property. In the event that Seller pays the taxes and insurance, Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for same upon 30 days notice to purchaser.

Content Insurance: Purchaser shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance of the contents, insuring contents owned by Purchaser. Seller shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance on all contents owned by Seller.

Liability and Hazard Insurance: Liability insurance shall be maintained by Purchaser during the term of this contract naming Seller as an additional insured, in the amount of not less than $ .

Fire, Hazard and Windstorm insurance: Fire, hazard and windstorm insurance shall be maintained as follows: (Select one)

(a) Purchaser shall obtain fire, hazard and windstorm insurance in the amount not less than $ , on a policy of insurance naming Seller as additional insured.

(b) Seller shall obtain and pay for hazard, fire and windstorm insurance in an amount not less than $ . In the event Seller elects this option, Purchaser shall repay the amount so paid by Seller within thirty (30) days of demand for same by Seller.

Should the Purchaser fail to pay any tax or assessment, or installment thereof, when due, or keep said buildings insured, Seller may pay the same and have the buildings insured, and the amounts thus expended shall be a lien on said premises and may be added to the balance then unpaid, or collected by Seller, in the discretion if Seller with interest until paid at the rate of the per cent per annum.

In case of any damage as a result of which said insurance proceeds are available, the Purchaser may, within sixty (60) days of said loss or damage, give to the Seller written notice of Purchaser’s election to repair or rebuild the damaged parts of the premises, in which event said insurance proceeds shall be used for such purpose.

The balance of said proceeds, if any, which remain after completion of said repairing or rebuilding, or all of said insurance proceeds if the Purchaser elects not to repair or rebuild, shall be applied first toward the satisfaction of any existing defaults under the terms of this contract, and then as a prepayment upon the principal balance owing. No such prepayment shall defer the time for payment of any remaining payments required by said contract. Any surplus of said proceeds in excess of the balance owing hereon shall be paid to the Purchaser.

9.

DEFAULT

If the Purchaser shall fail to perform any of the covenants or conditions contained in this contract on or before the date on which the performance is required, the Seller shall give Purchaser notice of default or performance, stating the Purchaser is allowed fourteen (14) days from the date of the Notice to cure the default or performance. In the event the default or failure of performance is not cured within the 14 day time period, then Seller shall have any of the following remedies, in the discretion of Seller:

(a) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, this contract shall stand cancelled and Seller may regain possession of the property as provided herein; or

(b) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, the entire principal balance and unpaid interest shall be immediately due and payable and Seller may take appropriate action against Purchaser for collection of same according to the laws of the State of .

In the event of default in any of the terms and conditions or installments due and payable under the terms of this contract and Seller elects 9(a), Seller shall be entitled to immediate possession of the property.

In the event of default and termination of the contract by Seller, Purchaser shall forfeit any and all payments made under the terms of this contract including taxes and assessments as liquidated damages, Seller shall be entitled to recover such other damages as they may be due which are caused by the acts or negligence of Purchaser.

The parties expressly agree that in the event of default not cured by the Purchaser and termination of this agreement, and Purchaser fails to vacate the premises, Seller shall have the right to obtain possession by appropriate court action.

10.

DEED AND EVIDENCE OF TITLE

Upon total payment of the purchase price and any and all late charges, and other amounts due Seller, Seller agrees to deliver to Purchaser a Warranty Deed to the subject property, at Seller’s expense, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances other than taxes and assessments for the current year.

11.

NOTICES

All notices required hereunder shall be deemed to have been made when deposited in the U. S. Mail, postage prepaid, certified, return receipt requested, to the Purchaser or Seller at the addresses listed below. All notices required hereunder may be sent to:

Seller:

Purchaser:

and when mailed, postage prepaid, to said address, shall be binding and conclusively presumed to be served upon said parties respectively.

12.

ASSIGNMENT OR SALE

Purchaser shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey any interest in the subject property or this agreement, without first securing the written consent of the Seller.

13.

PREPAYMENT

Purchaser to have the right to prepay, without penalty, the whole or any part of the balance remaining unpaid on this contract at any time before the due date.

14.

ATTORNEY FEES

In the event of default, Purchaser shall pay to Seller, Seller's reasonable and actual attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by Seller in enforcement of any rights of Seller. All attorney fees shall be payable prior to Purchaser's being deemed to have corrected any such default.

15.

LATE PAYMENT CHARGES

If Purchaser shall fail to pay, within fifteen (15) days after due date, any installment due hereunder, Purchaser shall be required to pay an additional charge of five (5%) percent of the late installment. Such charge shall be paid to Seller at the time of payment of the past due installment.

16.

CONVEYANCE OR MORTGAGE BY SELLER

If the Seller's interest is now or hereafter encumbered by mortgage, the Seller covenants that Seller will meet the payments of principal and interest thereon as they mature and produce evidence thereof to the Purchaser upon demand. In the event the Seller shall default upon any such mortgage or land contract, the Purchaser shall have the right to do the acts or make the payments necessary to cure such default and shall be reimbursed for so doing by receiving, automatically, credit to this contract to apply on the payments due or to become due hereon.

The Seller reserves the right to convey, his or her interest in the above described land and such conveyance hereof shall not be a cause for rescission but such conveyance shall be subject to the terms of this agreement.

The Seller may, during the lifetime of this contract, place a mortgage on the premises above described, which shall be a lien on the premises, superior to the rights of the Purchaser herein, or may continue and renew any existing mortgage thereon, provided that the aggregate amount due on all outstanding mortgages shall not at any time be greater than the unpaid balance of the contract.

17.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement embodies and constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, oral or written, are merged into this Agreement.

18.

AMENDMENT – WAIVERS

This Agreement shall not be modified, or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by all parties.

No delay or failure on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or under any other documents furnished in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of any default or any acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege shall preclude the further exercise of such right, power or privilege, or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be valid against any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such waiver is sought and then only to the extent expressly specified therein.

19.

SEVERABILITY

If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be held illegal or unenforceable by a court, no other provisions shall be affected by this holding. The parties intend that in the event one or more provisions of this agreement are declared invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable and this agreement shall be interpreted by a Court in favor of survival of all remaining provisions.

20.

HEADINGS

Section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

21.

PRONOUNS

All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural, as the identity of the person or entity may require. As used in this agreement: (1) words of the masculine gender shall mean and include corresponding neuter words or words of the feminine gender, (2) words in the singular shall mean and include the plural and vice versa, and (3) the word "may" gives sole discretion without any obligation to take any action.

22.

JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

All Purchasers, if more than one, covenants and agrees that their obligations and liability shall be joint and several.

23.

PURCHASER’S RIGHT TO REINSTATE AFTER ACCELERATION

If Purchaser defaults and the loan is accelerated, then Purchaser shall have the right of reinstatement as allowed under the laws of the State of Tennessee, provided that Purchaser: (a) pays Lender all sums which then would be due under this agreement as if no acceleration had occurred; (b) cures any default of any other covenants or agreements; and (c) pays all expenses incurred in enforcing this agreement, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees, and other fees incurred for the purpose of protecting Seller's interest in the Property and rights under this agreement. Seller may require that Purchaser pay such reinstatement sums and expenses in one or more of the following forms, as selected by Seller: (a) cash, (b) money order, (c) certified check, bank check, treasurer’s check or cashier’s check, provided any such check is drawn upon an institution whose deposits are insured by a federal agency, instrumentality or entity or (d) Electronic Funds Transfer. Upon reinstatement by Purchaser, this Security Instrument and obligations secured hereby shall remain fully effective as if no acceleration had occurred.

24.

HEIRS AND ASSIGNS

This contract shall be binding upon and to the benefit of the heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns of the parties hereto. However, nothing herein shall authorize a transfer in violation of paragraph (12).

25.

OTHER PROVISIONS

WITNESS THE SIGNATURES of the Parties this the day of , 20 .

SELLER:

PURCHASER:

STATE OF TENNESSEE

COUNTY OF

On this day of , 20, before me personally appeared , to me known to be the person (or persons) described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that such person (or persons) executed the same as such person (or person's) free act and deed

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission expires:

STATE OF TENNESSEE

COUNTY OF

On this day of , 20, before me personally appeared , to me known to be the person (or persons) described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that such person (or persons) executed the same as such person (or person's) free act and deed

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission expires:

Seller(s) Name and Address Buyer(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Enter text✕

What a Tennessee Deed Is and when it’s used

A Tennessee Deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property within Tennessee from one party to another. It identifies the grantor and grantee, describes the property, states consideration, and contains language that conveys title. A properly executed deed must be signed and acknowledged before a notary, delivered to the grantee, and recorded in the county register of deeds to provide public notice and protect priority of title.

Why a clear, correctly prepared Tennessee Deed matters

A correct deed creates a public record of ownership, protects buyers and lenders, and preserves priority against subsequent claims. Recording the deed supports title insurance issuance and reduces later disputes over boundaries, easements, or encumbrances.

Why a clear, correctly prepared Tennessee Deed matters

Who commonly prepares and signs Tennessee Deeds

Typical participants include the seller (grantor), buyer (grantee), closing agent, and title company.

  • Homebuyers and sellers involved in residential transfers
  • Title companies and abstractors handling recording and insurance
  • Attorneys, escrow agents, and closing officers preparing documents

Each participant has a defined role: grantors execute, notaries acknowledge, and county officials record the document for public notice.

Essential parts of a professional Tennessee Deed

A standard deed includes identity of parties, a precise legal description, conveyancing language, consideration, signature and acknowledgement, and a recording block for county use.

Grantor/Grantee

Full legal names and capacities for seller and buyer, including marital status or business entity details when applicable.

Legal Description

The parcel description from the recorded plat or metes-and-bounds text—precise wording is required for enforceability and title searches.

Consideration

A statement of monetary consideration, nominal recital, or other consideration describing what was exchanged to support the transfer.

Habendum Clause

Language defining the estate conveyed (for example fee simple) and any limits, easements, or reserved rights.

Signatures & Acknowledgement

Grantor signature, date, and notary acknowledgement required for acceptance and recording in Tennessee counties.

Recording Block

Space reserved for county clerk: recording date, book/page or instrument number, and any stamps or fees.

Required information fields at a glance

Grantor Name: Full legal name
Grantee Name: Full legal name
Legal Description: Plat or metes-and-bounds
Consideration: Dollar amount or recital
Execution Date: Date signed
County of Record: County where property is located

Step-by-step: preparing and recording a Tennessee Deed

Follow an ordered workflow to ensure the deed transfers title cleanly and records without rejection.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Title report, legal description, IDs, and payoff demands
  • 02
    Draft Deed: Prepare deed with correct conveyancing language and consideration
  • 03
    Sign and Notarize: Grantor signs before a notary public; ensure notary details are complete
  • 04
    Record: Submit to county register of deeds with required fee

How delivery, acknowledgement, and recording normally flow

Recording requires a clear chain: execution, notarial acknowledgement, delivery to grantee or agent, then county recording.

  • Execute Deed: Grantor signs in front of notary
  • Acknowledge: Notary completes jurat or acknowledgment
  • Deliver: Deed must be delivered and accepted by grantee
  • Record: File instrument with county register of deeds

Configuring a digital workflow for a Tennessee Deed

Configure fields and authentication to maintain legal validity and a clear audit trail for e-signed deeds.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Collect signer name, date, and signature image
Notary Block Include jurat/acknowledgement and seal area
Authentication Use email plus SMS or ID verification for higher assurance
Template Save as template for repeat closings

Digital signing and file-format requirements

Choose a platform that supports PDF/DOCX uploads, audit trails, and required signer authentication for legal enforceability.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are commonly accepted
  • Integrations: Connectors to title and document systems ease workflow
  • Security: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest

Ensure any e-signature vendor supports evidentiary audit trails, notarization workflows, and export to record-ready PDF/A to satisfy county recording requirements.

Risks and penalties from incorrect or incomplete deeds

Recording Rejection: Delay or refusal to record
Loss of Priority: Subsequent claims may take priority
Title Defect: Incorrect description can cloud title
Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting or transfer tax exposure
Fraud Risk: Insufficient identity proofing raises fraud issues
Insurance Denial: Title insurers may deny coverage

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a Tennessee Deed

  • Using an informal or incomplete legal description, which can render the deed unrecordable and create title ambiguity.
  • Signing before completing the notary acknowledgement or missing the notary seal, causing county rejection or processing delays.
  • Failing to use exact legal entity names for corporations or trusts, leading to mismatched records and insurance problems.
  • Neglecting to record promptly, which can allow intervening liens or purchasers to gain priority over your interest.

Timing and practical deadlines to keep in mind

While no single federal deadline governs deed recording, timely execution and recording preserve priority and reduce risk.

Record Promptly:

Record as soon as possible to protect priority

Closing Date Compliance:

Execute deed on the agreed closing date

Tax Reporting:

Report transfers per county/state transfer tax rules

Notary Timing:

Sign in presence of notary immediately before acknowledgement

Title Insurance:

Provide recorded deed to insurer promptly after recording

Key milestones in a Tennessee deed transaction

Track these stages to ensure a smooth transfer from contract to recorded title.

01

Contract Execution

Offer accepted and purchase agreement signed

02

Closing and Deed Execution

Grantor signs deed in presence of notary

03

Delivery and Acceptance

Deed delivered to grantee or escrow agent

04

Recording

File deed with county register of deeds

Practical examples of Tennessee Deed use

These two scenarios show typical deed types and the issues they address in Tennessee conveyancing.

Residential Sale

A buyer purchases a single-family home using a warranty deed for clear title

  • deed executed at closing with notarization
  • the deed is recorded in the county to secure priority and allow title insurance to issue without exception after search.

Family Transfer

An owner transfers property to a relative via quitclaim deed to effect a simple title change

  • quick execution and acknowledgement
  • record promptly to avoid competing claims; consider title check and tax consequences before transfer.

How to amend or correct a recorded Tennessee Deed

Use a clear corrective workflow when mistakes appear: prepare, sign, notarize, record, and notify affected parties.

01

Prepare Corrective Deed:

Draft a corrective or reformation deed stating error and correct text
02

Obtain Signatures:

All necessary parties sign before a notary
03

Notary Acknowledgement:

Notary completes acknowledgement for corrective deed
04

Record Corrective Deed:

File with county and reference original instrument
05

Notify Title Company:

Provide recorded correction for policy amendments
06

Retain Copies:

Keep certified copies with transaction file

Comparing eSignature vendor pricing and features for deed workflows

Vendor pricing and features vary; the table below highlights starting price and critical features for common deed-signing needs.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Tennessee Deeds

Answers to common concerns when preparing, signing, notarizing, and recording deeds in Tennessee.


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