Commercial Underwriter

Fidelity National Financial; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Fidelity National Financial seeks a Commercial Underwriter in Washington, DC, to manage title underwriting and escrow for diverse national commercial transactions. You will assess title risk, resolve issues, and coordinate closings with law firms, REITs, lenders, and developers.

The role requires strong communication, risk judgment, and Excel skills, with local support for settlements and closing activities. JD and active license preferred. On-site in DC region.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of commercial title insurance, underwriting principles, and escrow and closing processes.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and clearly explain complex commercial real estate transaction issues.
• Sound judgment in evaluating risk, making underwriting decisions, and recommending practical alternatives.
• Ability to review title commitments, surveys, closing documents, and related transaction materials.
• Familiarity with real estate transfer and recordation tax considerations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to prepare and review accurate settlement statements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and other parties throughout commercial real estate transactions, providing responsive service and clear communication.
• Evaluate title insurability, identify potential risks, and recommend solutions that meet client needs while protecting the company’s interests.
• Review and resolve title objections, survey matters, and title clearance requirements.
• Draft and negotiate title policy exceptions, endorsements, title affidavits, and escrow agreements.
• Evaluate requests for high-risk coverage and prepare or approve coverage within delegated underwriting authority, applicable state regulations, and company guidelines.
• Prepare and review settlement statements, including using Microsoft Excel, and coordinate accurate disbursements in accordance with final settlement statements.
• Review closing packages, prepare documents for recording, and provide in-person closing assistance as needed.
• Coordinate escrow-related post-closing activities and resolve outstanding issues.
• Apply knowledge of real estate transfer and recordation tax requirements in DC, MD, and VA.
• Provide local underwriting and closing support to Special Commercial Counsel and collaborate with team members to ensure transaction continuity and timely completion.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships that encourage repeat business.
• Represent Washington, DC NCS at industry organizations, client events, and professional functions to strengthen relationships and support business development.

Skills

Title underwriting

Escrow & closing

Excel

Client relationship management

Risk assessment

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active law license

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

FNF ® is the leading provider of title insurance and settlement services to the real estate and mortgage industries. FNF ®’s various mortgage and real estate services companies provide services that complement our title insurance business. From a full-service qualified intermediary, home warranties, UCC insurance, relocation services, and notary services, we provide essential services to fulfill the needs of a changing real estate industry. FNF ®believes the power of technology can elevate the real estate transaction. From investments in title and escrow software to industry-leading real estate partner solutions, we take our commitment to provide real estate professionals and consumers with a truly reimagined, transparent, connected, and trusted real estate experience to heart.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Commercial Underwriter manages title underwriting and escrow matters for a broad range of commercial real estate transactions within the Washington, DC National Commercial Services (NCS) team. Transactions range from under $1 million to over $1 billion and involve single-site and multi-site properties throughout the United States.

This position serves as a primary resource for clients and transaction participants, evaluating title risk, resolving complex title issues, and coordinating successful closings. Clients include law firms, real estate investment trusts (REITs), equity funds, corporate legal teams, lenders, and national and local real estate developers.

LOCATION

• Washington, DC. This position provides local support for closing activities, including in-person closing assistance as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and other parties throughout commercial real estate transactions, providing responsive service and clear communication.
• Evaluate title insurability, identify potential risks, and recommend solutions that meet client needs while protecting the company’s interests.
• Review and resolve title objections, survey matters, and title clearance requirements.
• Draft and negotiate title policy exceptions, endorsements, title affidavits, and escrow agreements.
• Evaluate requests for high-risk coverage and prepare or approve coverage within delegated underwriting authority, applicable state regulations, and company guidelines.
• Prepare and review settlement statements, including using Microsoft Excel, and coordinate accurate disbursements in accordance with final settlement statements.
• Review closing packages, prepare documents for recording, and provide in-person closing assistance as needed.
• Coordinate escrow-related post-closing activities and resolve outstanding issues.
• Apply knowledge of real estate transfer and recordation tax requirements in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Provide local underwriting and closing support to Special Commercial Counsel and collaborate with team members to ensure transaction continuity and timely completion.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships that encourage repeat business.
• Represent Washington, DC NCS at industry organizations, client events, and professional functions to strengthen relationships and support business development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of commercial title insurance, underwriting principles, and escrow and closing processes.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and clearly explain complex commercial real estate transaction issues.
• Sound judgment in evaluating risk, making underwriting decisions, and recommending practical alternatives.
• Ability to review title commitments, surveys, closing documents, and related transaction materials.
• Familiarity with real estate transfer and recordation tax considerations in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines.
• Resourcefulness and persistence in resolving unfamiliar or challenging transaction issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to prepare and review accurate settlement statements.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience underwriting and closing complex, high-value commercial real estate transactions.
• Experience with multi-site or multistate commercial transactions.
• Experience supporting institutional clients, including REITs, equity funds, lenders, developers, and corporate legal teams.
• Demonstrated success building repeat client relationships and participating in industry or business development activities.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

FNF, its affiliates, and subsidiaries carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, specialty, experience, and work location. Based on location and job-related factors such as skillset and experience, this position has the potential to earn compensation in the range of $115,000 – $175,000 annually. Actual rate may vary within the range provided, depending on a number of factors, including skillset, experience and location. The base compensation is one component of the total rewards package offered to our employees, including optional health and welfare insurance (medical/dental/vision/life/disability); paid holidays, vacation, and sick time off; and matching 401(k) plan and matching employee stock purchase plan.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY

FNF, its affiliates and subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.