Sr. Title Examiner – Complex Projects

First American Financial Corp.; Santa Ana, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

First American Financial Corp. seeks an experienced title examiner to join our team in California. The role focuses on complex title orders, chain-of-title analysis, and producing title reports in line with procedural guidelines.

You will analyze mortgages, liens, and other records, providing reliable underwriting input and mentoring teammates. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with title examination and title searching.
• Title Agent license preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of legal terms used in title documents.
• Able to read and decipher legal descriptions relating to title orders.
• Commercial experience is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Research skills and strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work well under pressure and stay flexible to changing demands.
• Solid administrative skills and familiarity with industry tools.

Responsibilities

• Examine chain of title for underlying real estate in condominium projects and related interests.
• Perform title examination of complex orders requiring high title expertise.
• Abstract and analyze records (mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, etc.) to verify ownership and legal descriptions.
• Write title products based on procedural guidelines.
• Provide underwriting interpretation within guidelines.
• Mentor less experienced team members as needed.
• Supervise special projects assigned by the department manager.
• Interact with clients/customers as part of the role.

Skills

Title exam expertise

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Problem solving

Under pressure

Administrative skills

Legal terms literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! 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

First American Vacation Ownership has a unique remote opportunity available. This individual will work on assignments that are varied and complex requiring a wide range of expertise. Actively engages clients on challenging title matters, mentors less experienced team members and acts as a resource to provide input and knowledge on special projects.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Arizona, California and Nevada title examination experience
• Intricate title examination experience in Residential, Commercial or Home Builder sectors
• Breadth and depth of experience related to easement and declaration review with the aptitude to analyze real estate project sales

What You’ll Do:

• Examines chain of title primarily for underlying real estate in which condominium projects are located as well as individual interests within that condominium
• Performs title examination of complex title orders requiring a high level of title expertise
• Abstracts and analyzes records, such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, vital statistics, and plat and map books, to determine ownership and legal restrictions and to verify legal description of property and completeness of records
• Writes title products based on the interpretation and application of procedural guidelines
• Provides underwriting interpretation within established guidelines
• Provides guidance, training and mentoring to less experienced team members as needed
• Responsible for supervising special projects assigned by the department manager
• Will have client/customer contact
• Will not be responsible for any direct reports

What You’ll Bring:

• 7+ years of experience with both title exam and title searching
• Title Agent license preferred but not required
• Knowledge of legal terms used in title documents
• Able to read and decipher legal descriptions relating to title orders
• Commercial experience a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Research skills
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain flexible to changing demands
• Solid administrative skills
• Strong knowledge of industry and company operating systems, tools and applications
• High school diploma or equivalent

** 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.