Title Examiner

This position is responsible for conducting thorough title examinations, reviewing title search documentation, identifying title defects and requirements, and independently preparing accurate title commitments for real estate transactions in Missouri and Arkansas.

We are specifically seeking an experienced title professional who has a strong understanding of real property records and can independently analyze deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, restrictions, legal descriptions, probate matters, and other recorded documents that may affect title. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of hands-on title examination and title commitment experience and be comfortable handling files independently while working with closing staff, underwriters, lenders, attorneys, Realtors, and other parties to resolve title matters.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform thorough title examinations for residential and commercial real estate transactions.
• Review title searches, public records, deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, restrictions, covenants, probate documents, and other recorded instruments.
• Review and analyze chains of title and identify potential breaks, defects, clouds, or other issues affecting marketable title.
• Independently prepare accurate title commitments in accordance with company and title insurance underwriter requirements.
• Determine appropriate requirements, exceptions, and conditions to be included in title commitments.
• Review legal descriptions and identify discrepancies or potential issues.
• Identify outstanding liens, judgments, mortgages, taxes, ownership issues, probate matters, unreleased interests, and other matters requiring resolution.
• Determine appropriate documentation or corrective action necessary to satisfy title requirements.
• Review documents submitted to satisfy title requirements and determine whether requirements have been adequately addressed.
• Update and revise title commitments as necessary.
• Work with title insurance underwriters regarding complex, unusual, or higher-risk title matters.
• Communicate title requirements and issues clearly to closing staff and other appropriate parties.
• Work with lenders, attorneys, Realtors, buyers, sellers, and other parties as necessary to obtain information or documentation needed to clear title.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and complete title files.
• Meet established turnaround times while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Follow company procedures, title insurance underwriting guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assist with final title policy preparation and review as needed.
• Perform other title-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on title examination and/or title commitment preparation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently examine title and prepare title commitments with minimal supervision.
• Strong working knowledge of deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, restrictions, covenants, and other recorded instruments affecting real property.
• Experience reviewing chains of title and identifying title defects or potential ownership issues.
• Experience determining appropriate title requirements and exceptions.
• Ability to read and analyze legal descriptions and knowledge of title clearance procedures and documentation.
• Ability to independently manage multiple files, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally with underwriters, attorneys, lenders, Realtors, closing personnel, and other parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience examining title in Missouri and Arkansas.
• Experience with both residential and commercial real estate transactions.
• Experience working directly with title insurance underwriters.
• Current Missouri title insurance license or ability to obtain any licensing required for the position.
• Experience preparing or reviewing final title policies.
• Experience resolving complex title matters involving estates, trusts, divorces, judgments, liens, easements, ownership disputes, or similar issues.
• Experience with title production, closing, or document management software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities The successful candidate should possess:

• Advanced knowledge of title examination and title commitment preparation.
• Strong understanding of real estate documents and public records.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Sound professional judgment.
• Ability to identify potential title risks and determine when underwriter guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the closing team.
• Ability to prioritize time-sensitive transactions without sacrificing accuracy.