Title Officer

First American; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

First American’s Direct division provides title insurance protection and settlement services for real estate purchases and refinances. The Title Officer examines the chain of title for a range of orders, analyzes mortgages, liens, and other records, and resolves issues to ensure insurability before closing.

The role requires 3–5 years of title/real estate experience with at least 2 years examining title, and strong communication skills. Portland, Oregon-based position with hourly pay range.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years title/ real estate experience with at least 2 years examining title.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Performs title examination to verify ownership and legal description of property.
• Analyzes records such as mortgages and liens to determine insurability.
• Reviews and approves documents including deeds and agreements.
• Provides underwriting interpretation within guidelines and escalates when needed.
• May interact with attorneys and clients to resolve title issues prior to closing.

Skills

Title examination

Records analysis

Legal review

Underwriting interpretation

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

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

Identify issues and work with customers, attorneys and lenders in an advisory capacity to resolve issues impacting title insurability prior to closing. Communicate with clients and third parties to obtain documentation to clear title related issues such as missing information, incomplete, inaccurate or contradictory information contained in the title commitment, in accordance with internal and external policies and regulations. The Title Officer may specialize in commercial, industrial or residential titles or be proficient in all three. In some locations/regions, the Title Officer is a full-service role and may perform search, title examination and other duties as part of the review and clearing of title. This role may be part of a centralized title group, work independently or be in an escrow branch office.

Essential Functions

• Performs title examination to examine the chain of title for a wide range of title orders, both residential and commercial
• Analyzes records, such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, vital statistics, plat and map books, and property surveys to determine ownership and legal restrictions and to verify legal description of property and completeness of records
• Analyzes the effect of probate, foreclosures, building court cases, and bankruptcy proceedings on title insurance.
• Examine trusts, wills, and affidavits of heirship.
• Uses technical bulletins and other resources to evaluate and resolve problems
• Review and approve a variety of documentation including deeds, operating agreements, trusts, wills, affidavits of heirships, corporate resolutions, partnership agreements, and state filed Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Organization
• Selects appropriate write-ups for commitments and policies for both standard and extended coverage
• May participate in business development activities to maintain existing clients and acquire new clients and may attend customer visits with sales personnel
• May price commitments, endorsements, policies and guarantees using predetermined schedule of fees and charges
• In some regions/locations, consult with attorneys to review search packages and on matters that require escalation
• May provide underwriting interpretation within established guidelines
• May request hold harmless letters from other title insurance companies; issue hold harmless letters as necessary

Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

Familiar with all aspects of title work Flexible with the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment to handle all aspects of title support Strong verbal and written communication skills Strong customer service orientation Analytical and problem-solving skills Strong detail orientation Able to meet deadlines under pressure

Typical Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Typical Range of Experience

3-5 years title/ related real estate experience with at least 2 years examining title

Pay Range: $30.90 - $41.19 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.

Additional Information

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