Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about title, closing, and keeping your transaction secure.
Title and title insurance
What does a title company do?
When you buy a property, you need to be sure the seller is the true owner and that no outstanding issues will damage the title transfer to you. We conduct a comprehensive title search to confirm your ownership is free and clear, handle the title insurance that protects that result, and prepare the closing documentation so the transaction can be completed.
What is title insurance, and do I need it?
Problems with a title can restrict the use of the property and ultimately result in financial loss. That is where title insurance comes in. A policy protects your investment against those problems and gives you peace of mind.
How long does an owner’s policy last?
The cost is minimal and is only paid once. There are no renewal premiums, and there is no expiration date on the policy. The protection lasts as long as you — or your heirs — maintain an interest in the property.
What’s the difference between an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy?
A lender’s policy protects only the lender, up to the loan amount, and most lenders require one. An owner’s policy protects you — your own stake in the home — if someone later claims a right to it that began before you bought. The owner’s policy is optional, and buying both policies together usually costs less than buying them separately.
What does title insurance cover?
It covers title problems that existed before you bought but weren’t found or disclosed — for example, a forged signature in an earlier sale, an heir nobody knew about, or a lien or back taxes that weren’t disclosed. Your policy spells out exactly what it covers and what it excludes.
What are a title search and a title commitment?
A title search reviews public records — deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax records, and probate filings — to confirm who owns the property and what claims are attached to it. The title commitment is the insurer’s offer to issue a policy based on that search. It lists requirements that must be met before closing, such as paying off the seller’s mortgage, and exceptions the policy won’t cover.
Buying, selling, and closing
What does GreenVue do for sellers?
We work with you to satisfy any liens and prepare all the necessary closing documentation to make the transaction as smooth as possible for you and the buyer. We promise competitive rates, proactive communication, and a closing handled with care.
Can you close if I am selling without an agent?
Yes. Whether you are working with an agent, an attorney, or selling on your own, GreenVue Title & Escrow makes your closing simple and secure.
What types of property do you close?
Buying, selling, or refinancing — residential, commercial, investment property, or vacant land. Our staff has handled thousands of closings across Tennessee, and we give every file the personal attention it deserves.
What can I expect while my file is open?
Buyers, sellers, and agents working with us get:
- One single point of contact
- Full service on every transaction
- Timely and accurate title commitments
- Superior communication
- Knowledgeable and professional staff
- Contract upload capability or drop off
How do I open an order?
Use the Order Title form to send us the details of your transaction. You can include a sharing link to the contract, or drop it off at either office. A member of our team will review the information and follow up.
When will I get my Closing Disclosure?
If you’re getting a loan, federal rules require you to receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you sign. For this rule, a business day is every day except Sundays and federal legal holidays. If the loan changes in certain ways — the APR moves beyond a small allowed margin, the loan product changes, or a prepayment penalty is added — you get a corrected disclosure and a new three-day wait. Smaller changes don’t restart the clock.
Tennessee closing costs
| Transfer tax on the deed | $0.37 per $100 of price or value, whichever is greater |
|---|---|
| Tax on the deed of trust | $0.115 per $100 of loan principal; first $2,000 exempt |
| Recording fees | $5 per page ($10 minimum) plus $2 per document |
What taxes are paid when a Tennessee property is sold?
Tennessee charges a transfer tax when the deed is recorded: 37 cents per $100 of the sale price or the property’s value, whichever is greater. That’s $3.70 per $1,000 — about $1,480 on a $400,000 home. State law places the tax on the person receiving the property.
Is there a tax on my mortgage?
Yes. When a deed of trust is recorded, Tennessee charges 11.5 cents per $100 of the loan principal, and the first $2,000 is exempt. On a $320,000 loan, that comes to about $366. The borrower pays it.
What does it cost to record documents?
County Registers of Deeds charge fees set by state law — $5 per page with a $10 minimum, plus a $2 fee per document. Counties may add $2 for documents filed electronically.
How are title insurance premiums set in Tennessee?
Title insurers must file their rates with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, and agents charge the filed rates. Premiums depend on the sale price or loan amount and can differ by county. For an estimate, use the rate calculator linked from our Resources page.
Offices and hours
What areas of Tennessee do you serve?
We serve the entire state. Our offices are in Nashville and Murfreesboro.
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM CST. You can reach us at info@grvtitle.com, or call Nashville at (615) 250-1810 or Murfreesboro at (615) 900-1242.
Security and your information
Should I trust wiring instructions I receive by email?
Treat them as suspect — even if they appear to come from someone you trust. Hackers have learned to exploit the real estate closing process, and much of today’s wire fraud starts in email. Before sending any money, call your contact person at the title company to verify, then call your bank to verify as well. Our Cyber Security page walks through all four rules.
What should I do if something about a payment request seems unusual?
Act immediately. Contact your bank, mortgage company, and title company right away if anything is in question. If something is wrong, you may need to contact your local FBI office. It is also a good idea to call right after money is sent, so you can verify it was received by the correct recipient.
How do you protect my personal information?
We follow ALTA’s Best Practices, TRID, and Data Call, and we have gone beyond those requirements with a secure website, encrypted email for anything containing private information, a third-party vulnerability assessment, frequent backups, and cyber insurance. Quarterly training and weekly staff meetings keep the team current. See Best Practices for the detail.
Can I send sensitive documents through this website?
Please do not submit Social Security numbers, bank-account details, passwords, or wiring instructions through this website. The title-order form accepts a sharing link to your contract rather than a direct upload. If sensitive information is needed, contact our office and we will confirm the appropriate secure delivery method.
This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your attorney.
Still have a question?
Every transaction is a little different. Call (615) 250-1810, email info@grvtitle.com, or send us a message and we will get you an answer.
Let’s Work Together
Let us know how we can help make your real estate transaction a done deal.