Title Examiner

Job Summary

The Title Insurance Examiner reviews property records and legal documents to determine the status of title and identify any issues that may affect ownership. This role ensures accuracy and completeness in title reports and title commitments, supports underwriting decisions, and contributes to the overall integrity of the title process. The Examiner works closely with internal teams and external partners to identify title defects, verify legal descriptions, and ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.

Education and Experience

- Experience in title examination, abstracting, or related real estate legal work. - Familiarity with public records, legal descriptions, and title insurance practices. - Knowledge of state and local regulations affecting property ownership. - Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret complex legal documents.

Primary Job Duties

• Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
• Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties' legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.
• Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.
• Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.
• Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.
• Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
• Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.
• Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems.
• Obtain maps or drawings delineating properties from company title plants, county surveyors, or assessors' offices.
• Examine property records to determine ownership and encumbrances.
• Prepare detailed title reports and identify potential issues.
• Verify legal descriptions, easements, and liens.
• Collaborate with underwriters and closers to resolve title defects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to quality assurance.
• Support continuous improvement in title examination processes.

Work Context

• Communication: Regular communication with underwriters, closers, and external agencies. Use of title software, email, and document management systems. Occasional client interaction to clarify title findings.
• Role Relationships: Internal: Collaborates with closing, underwriting, and curative teams. External: May interact with attorneys, surveyors, and municipal offices.

Responsibility for Others

• May assist in mentoring junior examiners or supporting training initiatives.

Work Setting

Office-based in a professional corporate environment. Hybrid or remote work options available.

Pace and Scheduling

Fast-paced environment with strict deadlines. Requires prioritization of files and responsiveness to urgent title matters.