Knox County Register of Deeds Presents Record Year Despite Covid Challenges
Knox County Register of Deeds - Nick McBride
Knox County Commission heard from the office of The Register of Deeds, Mr. Nick McBride, at Monday's regular meeting and the news was good.
After what seemed like one of the most difficult years in recent times, Nick McBride shared with Knox County Commission that the value of registered mortgages has increased by 111% and his team of incredible folks have never been busier.
With housing market demands historically high and inventory historically low, local realtors are reporting 45% fewer homes for sale than this time last year, median purchase prices up 45% over the last five years, and 50% of homes sold in March were under contract in less than 6 days.
McBride attributes the record year to a variety of factors....out of state newcomers, the need for home office space, Covid cash savings, and low interest rates. "The value of transfers (warranty deeds) reached $1.1 Billion during January through March of 2021, and the value of mortgages (trust deeds) reached $1.9 Billion during the same period," said McBride during his presentation to commission. He went on to explain that Knox County captures 2.4% on all tax collected; $0.37 per $100 of value on warranty deeds; $0.115 per $100 of value on transfer deeds. The Register of Deeds office charges $5 per page to record and $1 for clerk's feet to write a tax receipt. Knox County's Register of Deeds Fee Schedule, as well as frequently asked questions, may be found at knoxcounty.org.
The Register of Deeds is an office established by the State Constitution as the official record keeper of legal documents pertaining to real property. These documents include Warranty Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases, Powers of Attorney, Liens and other miscellaneous documents designated by state law to be recorded by the Register of Deeds. The Register is elected by the people and serves a four year term.
Nick McBride was elected to serve as the Knox County Register of Deeds in August 2018. A proud Knoxville native, Nick attended Cedar Bluff and Farragut schools. He went on to attend MTSU, Roane State, and Tusculum College where he earned two Associates degrees and a Bachelor’s of Science degree.
Nick now has over 30 years of service in the office, and he remains the foremost authority on the recording of land documents in Knox County. Within his first two years as Register, Nick compiled a substantial record of accomplishments. He was instrumental in setting up E-Recording for Knox County, which bolstered his commitment to his constituents by providing the best available technology and streamlining the recording process. Nick directed the office’s internal and external software upgrade that later proved to be a critical move because it allowed members of the staff to work remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic. Determinedly and safely, Nick worked alongside his loyal staff to keep the Register’s office open so real estate transactions could continue during the pandemic.
Nick currently serves as President of the East Tennessee Register’s Association. He is the Parliamentarian of the Tennessee Register’s Association where he also serves on the Legislative Committee. Nick is a board member of the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT), is recognized by the University of Tennessee as a Certified Public Administrator and remains very involved with the Knox County Republican Party. Passionate about the welfare of county employees, Nick has served as Chairman of the Knox County Employees Insurance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Knox County Retirement Board. Public-spirited, Nick serves as President of the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee where he also served as Treasurer. Involved in the Elks Association for 20-plus years, Nick has served as President of the Tennessee Elk’s Association and is currently the Treasurer of the Knoxville Elks Lodge.
Nick and his wife Lisa live in West Knoxville. They have one son, Austin and one grandson, Asher who keeps his grandparents on their toes! A devoted family man, Nick always makes time to hang out with his loved ones and play with his grandson.
The Register of Deeds Office
The office uses a computer imaging system for recording, indexing, storage, and retrieval of all documents. There are currently around 15 million pages of documents on file. With this system the office has the capability of putting every recorded page on an imaging system and an image of any recorded page may be viewed. A paper copy of the document (also called instrument) can be generated if desired.
The Register of Deeds records an average of about 80,000 to 100,000 documents per year and manages around $25 - $30 million in annual revenue. The chart below shows the trend in the number of documents recorded over the past 10 years.
Recording fees are initially retained by the Register’s office, which pays all its payroll expenses out of its own collections. The remaining Excess Fees are remitted to the Knox County General fund on a quarterly basis, to benefit schools and other vital projects. The County fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30am
Phone: 865-215-2330
