Senior Escrow Closer

Job Title:        Closer

Reports to:    Escrow Manager

Department: Escrow

Status:           Exempt

SUMMARY: The Closer coordinates and completes the closing transactions for refinances, resales (may include builder, and commercial), and may include market trend transactions such as but not limited to short sales and foreclosures. This entails, but is not limited to, reviewing contracts, reviewing and clearing title requirements, examining completeness and balance of real estate accounts, explaining to parties all necessary documents associated with the closing, and proper disbursing of funds, while ensuring clerical errors are minimized and resolved.

The Closer takes responsibility for the entire closing transaction while maintaining a growing book of business.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Customer Interaction 

·       Greet customers enthusiastically and professionally, either in person or over the phone, with emphasis on representing Homestead Title and Escrow in a way which builds customer relationships and a positive corporate image

·       Answer all customer inquiries in a timely and accurate manner

·       Build and maintain productive relationships with all customers; take responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty

·       Participate in department marketing activities which may include attending after hours functions as requested or required

·       Act as the liaison with all parties in the transaction, e.g. buyer, seller, listing agent, buyer agent, lender, attorney, et.al.

Pre-Closing

·       Review real estate contracts and amendments/addendums

·       Review Closing and Lender Instructions for closing conditions, endorsements, and proper disbursement

·       Determine escrow requirements, clarifying buyer, seller; obtain clear title, resolving title defects, satisfying existing liens and encumbrances against property or principals

·       Provide a pro-active approach to notifying customers of potential roadblocks or issues

·       Gather relevant contracts, deeds, mortgages, policies, and satisfactions for title insurance purposes

·       Ensure properties have no legal or tax-related restrictions. Ensure all prior year taxes have been paid by Seller.

·       Ensure all HOA dues are current and/or properly prorated

·       Monitor incoming requests from water companies and staff for manually prorated bills

·       Obtain Clear to Close approval using FHA, VA, and Conventional lending guidelines

·       Review all documents for balanced, error-free Settlement, accuracy in names, accuracy in addresses, accuracy in legal description before finalizing and presenting

Closing

·       Explain the costs of loans, appraisals, requirements and endorsements, and fees to closing. Explain closing and lender documents to all parties involved according to Presentation Standards, and obtain signatures

·       Collect and deposit payments and ‘Good Funds’

·       Verify, prior to disbursement, all private-party disbursements, to deter fraud

Post-Closing

·       Claim wires, balance file; disburse funds, deliver commission checks and documents according to instructions from Realtor or new Lender; existing Lender, and title company

·       File clean out

·       Analyzes and proofs all documents for typographical errors, proper signatures, proper notarization, proper legal description, omission of data, record documents with appropriate state / county agency

·       Pay all water / sewer bills

·       Resolve all post-closing quality reconciliation issues; maintain detailed records of all actions for audit purposes

Other Duties

·       Assist in training new employees

·       Ensure workload is completed in timely manner by securing additional resources if needed

·       Coordinate processing functions for closing efficiencies and system improvements

·       Proficient adoption of closing strategies

·       Perform other related duties assigned by manager; additional hours may be required at high volume

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

·       High level of customer focus

·       Ability to maintain confidentiality

·       Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods, both verbal and written, to gain and retain business from prospects and clients

·       Superior process management, priority management, details management

·       Ability to work independently and with a team

·       Superior analytical and documentation skills

·       Ability to maintain high level of professional response in a high-stress environment

·       Ability to assess and make decisions, with focus on protecting Homestead Title and Escrow

·      Ability to foster peer relationships

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       High School diploma or Equivalent

·       Colorado Notary

·       Solid working knowledge of E-mail, and Internet

·       Solid knowledge of legal and real estate terminology, and related title insurance processes used in the preparation of title / escrow

AND FOR QUALIFICATION TO SENIOR ESCROW OFFICER:

·       Ten years in an active closing role

·       Solid understanding of and ability to manage foreclosures, assumptions, wraps, short sales, 1031 exchanges, owner carrybacks, construction loans and builder base files and projects

Working Conditions/Physical Demands: This is an office position which requires standing, sitting, walking, and ability to lift up to 25lbs.