Title Examiner

Position Summary

The Title Examiner is responsible for researching and analyzing real estate records, summarizing pertinent legal and insurance documents, and compiling lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments affecting property titles. This role supports accurate and compliant title commitments and policies by searching public and private records in courts, real estate agencies, and title insurance companies. The Title Examiner operates with honesty and integrity, uses professional problem-solving to identify and resolve title issues, communicates in a friendly, helpful, and caring manner, and demonstrates respect for others and themselves while continuously striving to do better.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify instruments that affect property titles, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Read search requests carefully to determine required title evidence, obtain property descriptions, and identify all involved parties, applying strong attention to detail and critical thinking.
• Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, encumbrances, or defects will impact title validity or property use, using professional problem-solving to identify necessary actions.
• Obtain maps or drawings delineating properties from company title plants, county surveyors, or assessors' offices, ensuring accurate representation and documentation.
• Prepare and issue title commitments and title insurance policies based on information compiled from title searches, maintaining integrity and adherence to underwriting standards.
• Describe any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outline required actions to clear titles, communicating clearly and respectfully with internal teams and clients.
• Travel to and from courthouse for recordings, demonstrating professionalism and reliability while representing the company with respect and care.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations related to real estate and title.
• Knowledge of land description principles, including physical characteristics, locations, and interrelationships.
• Advanced critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, with a focus on accuracy and ethical decision-making.
• Strong complex problem-solving abilities and problem sensitivity to identify potential title issues and resolve them efficiently.
• Excellent inductive reasoning and information ordering skills to accurately interpret records and organize findings.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly and professionally, maintaining respect for all parties involved.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and a “do better” mindset to ensure quality and efficiency in title research.

Computer/Office Equipment Skills

• Proficient in database user interface and query software, including Data Trace, Laredo, and Beacon.
• Proficient in map creation software, including Deed Plotter.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Comfortable using office equipment including personal computer, fax machine, printer/copier, scanner, calculator, and telephone.

Education & Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Associate Degree, or Paralegal Certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years of title examination experience in a title company or related industry.
• Strong understanding of real estate records, legal descriptions, and title documentation.
• Ability to travel to county courthouses for record research and filings as needed.
• Reliable transportation and ability to work in-person as required.
• Title insurance licensing

Preferred:

• Prior experience with Indiana and/or Michigan real estate title examination.
• Experience with national or regional title plants and title insurance standards.
• Familiarity with county record systems and historical document retrieval.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person