Title Examiner

Overview

This role is responsible for examining property titles and researching public records to determine the legal condition of property titles. The position produces preliminary title reports, commitments, foreclosure reports, or non-policy information reports showing relevant liens, encumbrances, and how title is vested.

Responsibilities

• Search computerized and manual title records on real estate and property records to identify instruments filed in public records that affect land.
• Examine title documents (including deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements, mortgages, restrictions, property taxes, and other pertinent chain-of-title documents) to determine ownership, encumbrances, and verify legal descriptions for accuracy and completeness.
• Map legal descriptions to determine search parameters, confirm the property has been properly researched, and ensure information related to involved parties and taxes is accurate.
• Ensure the property title has no restrictions that may prevent or hinder its sale or use.
• Review all documents in the chain of title for validity, including multiple and complex court cases, using advanced knowledge of legal descriptions, real property laws, and the organization’s policies.
• Prepare final title products using internal programs.
• Support residential title transactions through strong examination knowledge and experience.
• Prepare property reports and title commitments.
• Use title examiner knowledge to search public and private records and examine documents for complex property titles.
• Apply title insurance knowledge and junior underwriting guidelines to clear unwarranted liens, encumbrances, requirements, or exceptions from delivered title products (including title commitments, property reports, deed reports, and legal and vesting reports).
• Communicate title requirements and exceptions to processing and closing departments.

Requirements

• Previous experience examining title and writing title reports.
• Fundamental knowledge of state real estate laws and title practices related to probates, bankruptcies, divorces, judgments, and other related matters.
• Proficient PC skills, including typing and navigating software applications such as MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to run metes and bounds legal descriptions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Integrity and Title Data Plants Exam experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with title production software such as RamQuest, ResWare, Data Trace, etc.
• A high level of knowledge of various state Department of Insurance Title Rates, Rules and Regulations, including policies, endorsements, premiums, and fees.
• College degree in Business or related field.
• National title examination experience.
• Five years of experience in the Title & Escrow Industry.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits

Not specified in the provided job description.

Location

Portland, Oregon. This job operates in a professional office environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements (ADA)

• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting; nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Routine deadlines with sufficient lead time; work volume may vary seasonally and predictably; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present.
• No travel is expected for this position.
• Frequently requires sitting and handling objects with hands.
• Occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Vision requirements: ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Part-time positions may be considered.