Title Examiner

Job Summary

The Title Insurance Examiner is responsible for reviewing 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. Strong analytical, research, and documentation skills are essential for success in this role.

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.

Impact of Decisions

• Decisions directly affect transaction timelines, risk exposure, and client satisfaction.
• Responsible for identifying and resolving title issues prior to closing.

Pace and Scheduling

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

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Originally posted on Himalayas