Principal Commercial Title Examiner

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Agency Division is dedicated to providing our policy-issuing agents with resources, services and underwriting guidance needed to achieve new levels of success. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for nine consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

The Principal Commercial Examiner provides underwriting support and expertise to Company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of complex commercial title insurance commitments and policies. Determines the legal condition of and negotiates coverage of commercial property title. Provides underwriting interpretation and negotiates with customers and attorneys to provide adequate coverage. Assignments are highly complex and require in-depth expertise in varying types of properties and in-depth knowledge of state requirements. Acts as the primary company contact for customers. Projects undertaken can be multi-million-dollar commercial properties which may take weeks to complete. Acts in an advisory capacity to examiners, underwriters and managers.

What You'll Do:

• Examines chain of title primarily for commercial/industrial properties but may expand into other types of properties as needed. Searches public records, examines titles, performs some underwriting functions, and collects and analyzes recorded documents which affect the condition of title to the property.  Consults with clients and/or management to review commitments.
• Performs title examination of complex title orders requiring a high level of title expertise
• Abstracts and analyzes records, such as leases, subleases, acreage, liens, judgements, easements, vital statistics, and plot and map books.  Determines ownership and legal restrictions, verifies legal description of property and completeness of records for examinations, including multi-site properties
• Writes commitments, policies and other title products based on the interpretation and application of procedural guidelines
• Consults and advises staff and customers regarding issues affecting title insurability
• Develops and maintains business partnerships with clientele.   Is main point of contact for customers.  Represents the interests of the Company.  Keeps team informed of assignment status and related issues.
• Provides guidance, mentoring and training to less experienced staff

What You'll Bring:

• Strong detail/quality orientation
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Breadth and depth of examiner experience with a wide range of complex, commercial properties
• Customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Strong MS skill set
• Able to read and decipher legal descriptions relating to title orders
• Knowledge of legal terms used in title documents and extensive knowledge of real estate laws and the title insurance industry
• While Bachelor’s degree is preferred, equivalent experience may be substituted at manager discretion
• 8+ years of directly related experience

Pay Range: $86,700 - $144,500 Annual

This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting.  Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.