Affiliate Broker Tennessee (TN PSI) National Practice Exam `

What is true about notice of ownership or title to a property?

1. Notice is given when the property is listed

2. Title transfers with verbal agreements

3. Constructive notice occurs when the deed is recorded

4. Ownership is only valid with a court declaration

The correct answer is: Constructive notice occurs when the deed is recorded

Constructive notice refers to the legal presumption that a person has knowledge of a property’s ownership or rights when that information is publicly recorded, such as when a deed is filed with the appropriate government office. Recording a deed creates a public record, allowing anyone to access that information, which serves as notice to the world of the property owner's rights. This mechanism is crucial in real estate transactions because it helps establish clear ownership and protects the interests of buyers and lenders. Once a deed is recorded, it effectively communicates to all parties that the named individual holds title to the property, thus fostering transparency and reducing the likelihood of disputes over ownership. The other options provide various implications about property ownership that do not align with legal practices: property ownership is not dependent on verbal agreements; ownership does not require a court declaration unless there is a dispute; and the act of listing alone does not provide adequate notice. Therefore, the statement about constructive notice through deed recording accurately reflects the principles of property law.