Escrow Officer

First American; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,022,000 - 102,664,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Medical benefits

401k plan

PTO

Job summary

First American is seeking an Escrow Officer in San Diego County to manage escrow transactions end-to-end and serve as the central point of coordination for buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and attorneys.

You will review instructions, order title reports, resolve defects and liens, and prepare closing documents with precision while maintaining proactive client communication and a high level of service. This role emphasizes ownership, accuracy, and relationship-building.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5+ years escrow experience with direct responsibility for transactions.
• Established relationships within the real estate community preferred.
• Valid licensing/certification as required by state.

Responsibilities

• Manage escrow transactions end-to-end—from opening through closing and disbursement.
• Act as the primary liaison for buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and attorneys.
• Determine closing requirements by reviewing and clarifying all instructions and documentation.
• Order and review title reports; identify and resolve title defects, liens, and encumbrances.
• Prepare, review, and execute closing documents with accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead closing appointments, explain documents, and ensure a smooth client experience.
• Balance speed, accuracy, and risk management across multiple files.

Skills

Escrow processing

Customer communication

Compliance

Documentation

Relationship building

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

3–5+ years escrow experience

Tools

Title software

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

Escrow Officer (Established Book of Business Preferred) Lead Transactions. Build Relationships. Deliver Best-in-Class Closings.

At First American, we’re redefining the closing experience - combining trusted relationships, operational excellence, and modern technology to deliver faster, smarter, and more seamless transactions.

We’re looking for an Escrow Officer in San Diego County who brings both transaction expertise and strong industry relationships - someone who takes ownership, communicates proactively, and thrives in a high-performance environment. This is more than managing files - you are the driver of the transaction, responsible for outcomes, client experience, and growing your business.

What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day)

• You’ll manage a pipeline of transactions while serving as the central point of coordination and trust for all parties.
• Manage escrow transactions end-to-end—from opening through closing and disbursement.
• Act as the primary liaison for buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and attorneys.
• Determine closing requirements by reviewing and clarifying all instructions and documentation.
• Order and review title reports; identify and resolve title defects, liens, and encumbrances.
• Prepare, review, and execute closing documents with accuracy and efficiency.
• Communicate clearly and proactively—keeping all parties aligned and informed.
• Lead closing appointments, explain documents, and ensure a smooth client experience.
• Identify and resolve issues quickly to keep transactions on track.
• Balance speed, accuracy, and risk management across multiple files.
• Leverage systems and tools to manage workflow and improve efficiency.
• Maintain and grow relationships with agents, lenders, and clients.

What You Bring

We’re looking for experienced professionals who combine technical expertise with relationship strength and a performance mindset.

Experience & Credentials

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 3–5+ years of escrow experience with direct responsibility for transactions
• Established relationships within the real estate community preferred
• Valid licensing/certification as required by state

Core Capabilities

• Strong knowledge of escrow/title processes, compliance, and closing procedures
• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication—confident, clear, and responsive (phone, in-person, digital)
• Strong client relationship skills with a service-first mindset
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy at speed
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in complex situations
• Comfortable using technology and systems to manage workflow and improve efficiency
• Ability to balance client service, operational execution, and risk management
• Professional presence and ability to guide clients through the closing process

What Sets You Apart

• You take full ownership of your transactions—clients trust you to get deals closed.
• You communicate proactively—you don’t let issues or calls sit.
• You bring both high touch and high performance to every interaction.
• You use tools and systems to work smarter, not rely on manual processes.
• You actively maintain and grow your relationships and reputation in the market.

Why First American

• Strong brand and industry reputation
• Access to leading tools, technology, and underwriting support
• Collaborative team environment focused on performance and growth
• Opportunity to build and expand your business within a trusted platform

The Future of This Role

The escrow officer of the future wins on the same fundamentals—trust, relationships, and accuracy but operates with greater speed, stronger judgment, and smarter use of technology. At First American, we’re building that future now.

Pay Range: $26.88 - $35.83 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. ** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. ** First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act). First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

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.