Tennessee's Department of Revenue lists a mortgage tax of $0.115 per $100 of indebtedness, with the first $2,000 exempt, and its manual includes deeds of trust among the instruments evidencing debt. The legislature revised the rules on advertising foreclosure sales in 2025. The state emergency agency identifies two seismic zones.
World's Fair Capital makes business purpose loans to real estate investors in Tennessee: fix and flip, DSCR rental, bridge and ground-up construction. This page covers points that most often matter to an investor there, each checked against the statute or agency that publishes it. It is general information, not legal or tax advice, and terms for any loan are set at underwriting.
Prepared by the WFC editorial team. Facts checked against the cited sources, last reviewed 2026-10-11.
Which describes you?
How a Tennessee loan works with us
- 1Start your application
Fill out a short application in our secure portal.
- 2Review the term sheet
We prepare a term sheet for you to review and e-sign.
- 3Underwriting
Our team works the file and sends a clear document checklist.
- 4Closing
We close and fund through the title or closing agent.
What investors should know about Tennessee
Mortgage tax on indebtedness
The Department of Revenue lists the mortgage tax at $0.115 per $100 of indebtedness, with the first $2,000 of the debt exempt. The realty transfer tax is listed separately at $0.37 per $100 of purchase price.
Source: TN Department of Revenue, Recordation Taxes, checked 2026-10-11
Deeds of trust are within the indebtedness tax
The Department of Revenue's manual says the indebtedness tax is due before public recordation of instruments evidencing debt, including mortgages and deeds of trust.
Source: TN Department of Revenue, Recordation Tax Manual (March 2023), checked 2026-10-11
Foreclosure sale advertising rules changed in 2025
The General Assembly's bill record states that Public Chapter 515 of 2025 revised present law on advertising the sale of land to foreclose a deed of trust, mortgage, or other lien. Check the current Tennessee Code for the exact requirements.
Source: Tennessee General Assembly, SB 727 / HB 1127 (114th GA), checked 2026-10-11
Two seismic zones
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency says the state has two seismic zones, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, and notes earthquakes can damage buildings and utilities.
Source: TEMA, Earthquakes, checked 2026-10-11
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm details with your own counsel or title agent.
For brokers
Placing a deal in Tennessee?
Your client stays your client. We work the deal with you, not around you.
Your compensation is written into the Letter of Intent your client reviews and e-signs, before underwriting begins.
Register in the portal to submit deals online, use program sheets and calculators, and track every file.
Questions on a Tennessee deal? Call 800-590-7911 (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST).
What to send for a first look
- Property address and type
- Purchase price, or current value on a refinance
- Loan amount requested and what it is for
- Rehab or construction budget, if any
- Current or expected rent on a rental
- The borrower's experience and estimated credit score
- Your timeline to close
Loan programs for Tennessee investors
- Hard Money Loans
- Fix & Flip Loans
- Rental / DSCR Loans
- Ground-Up Construction Loans
- Commercial Bridge Loans
- Multifamily Bridge Loans
- Small Balance Commercial Loans
- Foreign National Loans
- FlexCap Business Bridge Loans
Program availability varies by property and borrower. Business purpose loans only.
Have a deal in Tennessee?
Call 800-590-7911 (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST) or start online.
Nothing on this website constitutes a commitment, approval, or guarantee of financing.
Rates, fees, terms, timelines, and program descriptions are subject to change without notice.
Any investor-related or capital discussion is not an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security or investment product.