Escrow Officer

First American; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

First American is seeking an Escrow Assistant in Bellingham, WA to support real estate closings. You will determine requirements, clear titles, assemble and review closing documents, and disburse funds under established policies.

The role requires accuracy, attention to detail, and solid client relations while adhering to regulatory guidelines. You will prepare settlement statements, balance escrow accounts, and communicate clearly with buyers, sellers, and lenders to ensure smooth closings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience with escrow/documents and title industry preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to calculate figures such as taxes, fees, and prorations.

Responsibilities

• Complete escrow transactions by determining requirements and preparing closing docs.
• Review and disburse funds; balance and finalize closing statements.
• Coordinate with buyers, sellers, lenders and agents to ensure accurate closings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Client relations

Written communication

Oral communication

Numeric accuracy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

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 (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

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.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE

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. Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• 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
• Ability to deal with multiple types of roles such as real estate sellers, buyers, agents and brokers

Pay Range

Pay Range: $24.42 - $32.56 Hourly. This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term. Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan. Our people are the foundation of First American’s success and that is the reason we put them first. This philosophy has cultivated a culture of happy employees who are highly engaged, passionate about their work and leave each day feeling they have made a difference.

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