Title Researcher

HomeServices of Iowa; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

Job summary

HomeServices of Iowa is seeking a title examiner to research real estate titles and prepare a title commitment and abstracts for closings. You will update abstracts, provide title evidence to examiners and attorneys, and travel to county courthouses to obtain records as needed.

Prioritizing orders by closing dates and responding to inquiries from lenders and real estate agents is also required. Two plus years of title insurance or real estate experience is preferred, with strong research and

Qualifications

• Completion of high school; additional post-high school legal training desirable or equivalent work experience.
• Two plus years of experience in title insurance or real estate; researching or legal experience preferred; familiarity with abstracts, real estate documents and land title standards.
• Strong research and analytical skills with an excellent eye for detail.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; professional and courteous.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize orders based on closing date. Acquire documents at district court, bankruptcy court and other appropriate sources. Research real estate records, title problems and legal descriptions. Transcribe/copy pertinent information into a format usable for processing, examining and closing personnel.
• Search names, obtain tax information, obtain documents and verify effective dates and tract index information.
• May produce the actual abstract and/or commitments according to prescribed rules and procedures and ensure the final form is accurate and delivered to the client in a timely manner.
• Provide customer service and problem-solving to all other departments and answer inquiries regarding title searches.
• Locate real estate records at county government centers and courthouses; obtain certified copies from federal and district courthouses; present documents for recording approval.
• Assist in clerical production of abstracts/commitments/recording of documents; may assemble final form abstracts/commitments/title certificates.
• May provide direction or training to other departmental staff.
• Perform additional duties as requested.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Oral communication

Written communication

Typing speed

PC skills

Mechanical skills

Travel ability

Word processing

Education

High school diploma

Legal training desirable

Job description

IA-W Des Mnes-28th St 1415 28th St West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

Purpose of Job

This position researches real estate titles to produce a title commitment and/or title certificate and updates title abstracts to register property. Provide title evidence to examiners, attorneys or outside title company to facilitate real estate closings.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prioritize orders based on closing date. Acquire documents at district court, bankruptcy court and other appropriate sources. Research real estate records, title problems and legal descriptions. Transcribe/copy pertinent information into a format usable for processing, examining and closing personnel. May provide verbal updates prior to closing. (50-60%)


2. Search names, obtain tax information, obtain documents and verify effective dates and tract index information. (20-30%)


3. May produce the actual abstract and/or commitments according to prescribed rules and procedures and ensure the final form is accurate and delivered to the client in a timely manner. (10-20%)


4. Provide customer service and problem-solving to all other departments and answer all inquiries regarding title searches. Respond to questions and requests from examiners, closers, attorneys, lenders and real estate agents. (10-20%)


5. Locate real estate records at various county government centers and courthouses. Obtain certified copies of documents from federal and district courthouses. Present documents and recording packages to county personnel for recording approval. (10-15%)


6. Assist as needed in the clerical production of abstracts/commitments/recording of documents. May assemble final form abstracts/commitments/title certificates and prepare for delivery. (0-10%)


7. May provide direction, work assignments and/or training to other departmental staff. (0-5%)


8. Perform additional duties as requested or assigned. (0-5%)

Performance Expectations

• Meet all performance and behavior expectations outlined in the company performance appraisal form or communicated by management.


• Perform responsibilities as directed achieving desired results within expected time frames and with a high degree of quality and professionalism.


• Establish and maintain positive and productive work relationships with all staff, customers and business partners.


• Demonstrate the behavioral and technical competencies necessary to effectively complete job responsibilities. Take personal initiative for technical and professional development.


• Follow the company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and all subsidiary and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Completion of high school. Additional post-high school legal training is desirable or equivalent work experience.

Experience

• Two plus years of experience in title insurance or real estate; researching or legal experience preferred; familiarity with abstracts, real estate documents and land title standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to accurately draw and determine legal descriptions.


• Strong research and analytical skills with an excellent eye for detail.


• Strong personal computer skills, including mastery of word processing systems. Typing speed of 50-60 wpm.


• Mechanical skills and equipment usage.


• Effective oral and written communication skills. Must be professional and courteous.


• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently; coordinate and meet deadlines.


• Ability to travel to various counties to perform the job.

We offer a full suite of benefits including Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation (PTO), 401(k) with employer match, Flexible Spending Account, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.