Escrow Officer

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances, and equity loans. Since 1889, First American has held an unwavering belief in its people, fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to innovate and reach their full potential. Our inclusive culture has earned us numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years.

About the role

Responsible for handling real estate transactions by establishing new escrow accounts, managing funds, processing documents for closings, and completing settlements in accordance with established policies and procedures. Acts as a neutral liaison between file parties, adheres to company policy, and monitors and mitigates risk to the company.

Responsibilities

• Completes real estate escrow transactions by determining requirements; clearing titles; assembling, preparing, and reviewing closing documents; disbursing funds.
• Determines closing requirements by studying and clarifying buyer, seller, and lender instructions.
• Orders title reports for issuing title insurance, resolving title defects; satisfying existing liens and encumbrances against property or principals.
• Establishes escrow account by depositing funds; maintaining records.
• Prepares transaction documents by completing forms and statements; collecting and reviewing existing documents.
• Completes calculations by prorating taxes and interest.
• Completes closing transaction documents by assembling documents; reviewing papers with parties; explaining provisions and procedures; answering questions; checking documents for completeness and accuracy; obtaining signatures.
• Completes closing by recording and filing documents; preparing and distributing final closing statements and title.
• Prepares settlement statement by utilizing lender instructions.
• Closes escrow account by balancing and disbursing funds.
• Complies with regulatory requirements and company policy by adhering, and enforcing adherence, to requirements.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 2-4 years related experience
• Experience directly handling escrow transactions as an escrow assistant preferable
• Valid Licensing/Certification as required by applicable state

What You’ll Bring

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the escrow/title industry field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Good client relations and organizational skills
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Detail-oriented and professional; able to handle confidential information
• Able to deal with multiple types of roles such as real estate sellers, buyers, agents and brokers

Pay Range

$26.88 - $35.83 Hourly

Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).