Title Researcher

About the role

This position researches real estate titles to produce a title commitment and/or title certificate and updates title abstracts to register property. It provides title evidence to examiners, attorneys or outside title companies to facilitate real estate closings.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize orders based on closing date.
• Acquire documents at district court, bankruptcy court and other appropriate sources.
• Research real estate records, title problems and legal descriptions.
• Transcribe or copy pertinent information into a format usable for processing, examining and closing personnel; may provide verbal updates prior to closing.
• Search names, obtain tax information, obtain documents and verify effective dates and tract index information.
• May produce the actual abstract and/or commitments according to prescribed rules and procedures and ensure the final form is accurate and delivered to the client in a timely manner.
• Provide customer service and problem-solving to all other departments and answer all inquiries regarding title searches; respond to questions and requests from examiners, closers, attorneys, lenders and real estate agents.
• Locate real estate records at various county government centers and courthouses; obtain certified copies of documents from federal and district courthouses.
• Present documents and recording packages to county personnel for recording approval.
• Assist as needed in the clerical production of abstracts/commitments/recording of documents; may assemble final form abstracts/commitments/title certificates and prepare for delivery.
• May provide direction, work assignments and/or training to other departmental staff.
• Perform additional duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Completion of high school; additional post-high school legal training is desirable or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Two or more years of experience in title insurance or real estate; researching or legal experience preferred; familiarity with abstracts, real estate documents and land title standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to accurately draw and determine legal descriptions.
• Strong research and analytical skills with an excellent eye for detail.
• Strong personal computer skills, including mastery of word processing systems; typing speed of 50–60 words per minute.
• Mechanical skills and equipment usage.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; professional and courteous demeanor.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently; coordinate and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various counties to perform the job.

Benefits

• Medical, Health Savings Account
• Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation (PTO)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)