Title Examiner

ClearEdge Title; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ClearEdge Title is seeking a Title Insurance Examiner to review property records and legal documents, determine title status, and identify issues that may affect ownership. You will support underwriting decisions and contribute to the integrity of the title process.

The role requires strong analytical, research, and documentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex legal documents. Hybrid or remote work options are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in title examination or related real estate legal work.
• Familiarity with public records and title insurance practices.
• Knowledge of state and local regulations affecting property ownership.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret complex legal documents.
• Collaborate with underwriters, closers, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
• Examine mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements for title evidence.
• Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence and property descriptions.
• Copy or summarize recorded documents affecting title.
• Examine titles to identify restrictions affecting ownership or use.
• Prepare reports describing title encumbrances and actions to clear titles.
• Verify accuracy of land-related documents and prepare rejection notices if needed.
• Confer with realtors, lenders, buyers/sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse staff to resolve issues.
• Obtain maps/drawings delineating properties from title plants or assessors.
• Examine property records to determine ownership and encumbrances.
• Prepare detailed title reports and highlight potential issues.
• Verify legal descriptions, easements, and liens.
• Collaborate with underwriters and closers to resolve defects.
• Maintain documentation and support quality assurance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Documentation skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Experience in title examination/ abstracting/ real estate legal work

Public records & title insurance practices

Knowledge of state & local regulations affecting property ownership

Interpret complex legal documents

Job description

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.