Title Officer

Title Officer

Williston Financial Group (WFG) is the Portland, Oregon-based parent company of several national title insurance and settlement services providers, including WFG Lender Services and WFG National Title Insurance Company. One of only six national underwriters, WFG achieved a national footprint faster than any title insurance provider in history. The WFG family of companies offers full-service title insurance and settlement services for use in residential and commercial mortgage and real estate transactions nationwide.

This position is on site in Ventura County, CA.

Job Purpose: A Title Officer is responsible to search public records and examine documents to determine record status of property title, and is well versed in all aspects of title transactions. Prepares write-ups for preliminary reports, title policies, guarantees and endorsements in accordance with company examining procedures and established policies. This is an hourly plus commission position.

Essential Job Functions:

• Review title reports to determine insurability, within State and Company title underwriting requirements.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Know and understand the correct title practices for conveyance and encumbrance of land.
• Understand how judgments and liens can attach to property and how foreclosures affects land ownership.
• Reviews and approves title in accordance with state and company procedures and guidelines.
• Determines curative requirements needed to insure transaction.
• Reviews customer instructions to determine whether instructions can be met within the limits of the policy requested and the scope of services rendered by the company.
• Examines records such as deeds, deeds of trust, liens, judgments, easements, and plot and map books to determine ownership, encumbrances and verifies legal description of property.
• Communicates with escrow staff and/or customers concerning any discrepancies.
• Prepares proforma policies.
• Analyzes chain of title and prepares preliminary report outlining matters affecting title and actions required to clear title.
• Assists escrow staff and customers with questions regarding the insurability of title orders.
• Reviews collateral documents such as trusts and powers of attorney, and court documents as necessary.
• Engage in WFG company culture that emphasizes engagement in our 4 Cs, quality of work and high performance.
• Back-up for the recording desk and customer services as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and flexibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to assist in delivering industry leading customer service.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Ability to be the primary point of contact, assisting to resolve all title issues.
• Working knowledge of title industry systems and software.
• Extensive knowledge of Title - Minimum of 5 years of residential resale and/or commercial experience in the title industry.
• Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experienced in reading, interpreting and producing title reports and commitments.
• Possess experience in the Judicial and Non-Judicial foreclosure processes.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting legal descriptions.
• Knowledge of the coverage's afforded a lender under a loan tile insurance policy.
• Solid comprehension of title insurance and underwriting practices.
• Possess leadership qualities; understand the importance of setting a good example of uncompromising dedication to accomplish the company's vision and goals.
• Desire to engage in personal growth development.
• Strong ability to present information and respond to questions from personnel, clients and consumers.
• Act as an innovator by generating ideas to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and engagement, as well as solving practical problems.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (including, Word, Exel, and Outlook).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree in Business or related field.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Requirements/ADA:

No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands.

Job 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: Days and hours of full –time position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Part-time positions may be considered.

Travel: No travel is expected for this position.