A deed or property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property (real estate) from a seller to a buyer. A deed must state the names of the seller and the buyer and must include a complete legal description of the property being transferred.

A deed must also include the signature of the seller, which must be acknowledged (signed) by a notary public to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and for the seller to declare to the notary that the seller signed the deed willingly and voluntarily, and was not coerced into signing it.

In Tennessee, a deed is an essential legal document for transferring ownership of real property from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee). To be legally effective, the deed must clearly state the names of both the seller and the buyer. It must also include a complete and accurate legal description of the property, which typically references lot numbers, boundary descriptions, or parcel numbers that are on record with the county. The deed must be signed by the seller, and this signature must be acknowledged before a notary public. The notary's role is to verify the identity of the seller and to ensure that the seller is signing the deed willingly and without coercion. Once these requirements are met, the deed should be recorded with the appropriate county register's office to provide public notice of the transfer and to protect the buyer's interests in the property. Failure to record the deed does not invalidate the transfer but may affect the priority of the buyer's interest against claims from third parties.