Escrow Officer

Our Escrow Officer performs advanced duties related to all facets of closing a transaction. This position requires independent judgment and to possess the knowledge and experience necessary to efficiently handle any situation that may arise during the escrow process. This position maintains a book of business to meet performance standards. The Escrow Officer is responsible for managing the escrow process from start to finish, ensuring the successful completion of real estate transactions. This role involves coordinating with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, and other parties to ensure all contract conditions are met and the property transfer is conducted smoothly and legally. 

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire real estate closing process, including compliance with real estate contracts, lender instructions, title requirements, company requirements and other written instructions.  
• Works with the title department in resolving issues (e.g., legal descriptions, easements, lot splits, vesting, federal tax liens, abstracts of judgment, bankruptcies, boundary disputes, and encroachments). 
• Understands escrow standards, title clearance, real estate regulations and guidelines. 
• Prepare all closing documents necessary to ensure a title policy is issued after closing. 
• Understand the escrow process to determine what steps need to be taken to transfer the title of property pursuant to the conditions called for in the real estate contract and lender instructions.  
• Prior to disbursement, confirm all funds are collected, all appropriate documents are checked for accuracy, signatures are collected, and acknowledgements and legal descriptions are correct.  
• Collect all taxes due, HOA dues, and any delinquencies and/or principal and interest.  
• Ensure all payoffs have been collected, mailed, delivered, or wired according to instructions. 
• Verify against the settlement statement that all disbursements have been paid correctly.  
• Prior to recording, verify all legal documents for correct acknowledgements, legals and fully executed signatures.  
• Market new business and make calls to current and prospective clients.  
• Follows company standards and practices when processing transactions, as well as applicable state laws and guidelines. 
• Conduct closings between all parties to the transaction. 
• Returns all calls, voicemails, and emails in a timely manner. 
• Oversee all aspects of the escrow process for real estate transactions. 
• Ensure all conditions of the escrow agreement are met before closing. 
• Prepare and review all necessary documents for closing, including closing statements, company documents, deeds, and loan documents. 
• Ensure compliance with company policies, state, and federal regulations. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all parties involved in the transaction. 
• Communicate effectively with buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and other stakeholders to resolve any issues or concerns. 
• Schedule and conduct closing appointments. 
• Manage the receipt and disbursement of funds related to the transaction. 
• Reconcile escrow accounts and ensure accurate accounting of all funds. 
• Ensure all transactions comply with legal, regulatory, and company requirements. 
• Perform due diligence to verify the accuracy and completeness of documents and information 
• Address and resolve any potential risks or issues that may arise during the escrow process. 
• Provide exceptional customer service to all clients and parties involved in the transaction. 
• Respond promptly to inquiries and provide updates on the status of the transaction. 
• Maintain accurate and organized escrow files, both physical and electronic. 
• Enter and update transaction information in the escrow management system. 
• Delegates appropriate duties to the escrow assistant. 
• Mentor and guide escrow assistants and other support staff. 
• Assist in training new employees and promoting a collaborative team environment. 
• May be responsible for commercial transactions. 
• Adheres to company policies and guidelines 
• Undertake various job-related tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to support the team’s objectives.     

Qualifications

EDUCATION   

• A high school diploma or GED is required.  

EXPERIENCE  

• Minimum of three (3) years escrow experience preferred. 

Licenses/Certifications:  

• Must maintain a Texas Department of Insurance Escrow Officer license and remain eligible for renewals. 
• Texas Notary Public license is required.  

SKILLS 

• Communication: The ability to write and speak effectively using appropriate convention based on the situation; actively listens to others, asks questions to verify understanding, and uses tact and consideration when delivering feedback to others.  
• Organization: Uses time efficiently by prioritizing and planning work activities. 
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates the utmost level of integrity in all instances and shows respect towards others and towards company principles.  
• Judgment: Demonstrates ability to make independent and sound decisions in all situations.  
• Teamwork: Shares key information with others involved in a project or effort, works in harmony to accomplish objectives, responds with enthusiasm to directives, and shows support for departmental and organizational decisions.  
• Quality: Sets high standards and measures of excellence to ensure quality assurance in every aspect of work performed. 
• Accountability: Takes personal responsibility and ownership for adhering to all company policies and procedures while also completing work timely and in accordance with performance expectations. 
• Customer Service: The ability to demonstrate a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction.  
• Interpersonal Communication: Writes and speaks effectively based on the psychological, relational, situational, environmental, and cultural dynamics within the situation.  
• Manages Change: Demonstrates effectiveness and flexibility with changing environments, responsibilities, tasks, and people. 
• Attention to Detail: Follows detailed procedures to ensure accuracy in the entry and reporting of data. 
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves issues timely by gathering and analyzing information skillfully. 
• Job Knowledge/Technical Knowledge:  Demonstrates a sound working knowledge of current role and the technical systems, applications and equipment used in performing this role and understands the impact this role has on other business functions within the organization. 

The purpose of this position description is to serve as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job, nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the position may be required or requested to perform for Monteith Abstract & Title Company other work duties not specifically listed herein. Management reserves the right to modify, defer, or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice.