Sr. Title Officer Watermark

Who We Are

Watermark Title Agency is a premier Minneapolis title insurance company providing those who are buying, selling or refinancing real estate with the highest level of service. We’re firm believers that when a company holds true to its mission, vision, and values and invests in its people, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating amazing partnerships, happy clients, and a fulfilled team of employees. Our partnership with First American brought together two people-first companies, and that’s been an integral part of our mutual success, including being named Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for ten consecutive years. We hire hungry, humble, and smart individuals (that’s why you’re here!) and believe the inclusion of everyone is very important. This is true throughout all of our brands and offices, which has led us to be included in more than 50 regional best places to work.

What We Do

Identify issues and work with customers, attorneys and lenders in an advisory capacity to resolve issues impacting title insurability prior to closing. Communicate with clients and third parties to obtain documentation to clear title related issues such as missing information, incomplete, inaccurate or contradictory information contained in the title commitment, in accordance with internal and external policies and regulations. The Title Officer may specialize in commercial, industrial or residential titles or be proficient in all three. In some locations/regions, the Title Officer is a full-service role and may perform search, title examination and other duties as part of the review and clearing of title. This role may be part of a centralized title group, work independently or be in an escrow branch office. This is a Remote role but must reside in Twin Cities metro area.

Essential Functions

• Examines all classes of title searches including difficult title orders such as insurance of commercial leaseholds, trust indentures, contracts, operating agreements and other highly involved property interests.  Act in an advisory capacity; decisions regularly involve resolving unique and complex situations. Reconciles title problems and accepts responsibility for loss claim investigation

• May be team leader for a unit consisting of examiners, searchers or other title staff; may provide input to staff selection, performance feedback

• Analyzes records, such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, vital statistics, plat and map books, and property surveys to determine ownership and legal restrictions and to verify legal description of property and completeness of records  

• Analyzes the effect of probate, foreclosures, building court cases, and bankruptcy proceedings on title insurance

• Review and approve a variety of documentation including deeds, operating agreements, trusts, wills, affidavits of heirships, corporate resolutions, partnership agreements, and state filed Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Organization

• Selects appropriate write-ups for commitments and policies for both standard and extended coverage

• Forms and maintains business partnerships with clientele.  May participate in business development activities to maintain existing clients and acquire new clients and attend customer visits with sales personnel and/or provide formal training/classes

• Uses technical bulletins and other resources to evaluate and resolve problems

• May price commitments, endorsements, policies and guarantees using predetermined schedule of fees and charges

• In some regions/locations, consult with attorneys to review search packages and on matters that require escalation

• May provide underwriting interpretation within established guidelines 

Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

• Through experience, has encountered a wide range of issues and situations and has demonstrated mastery of skills.

• Familiar with all aspects of title work

• Flexible with the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment to handle all aspects of title support  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong customer service orientation

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong detail orientation

• Able to meet deadlines under pressure

Typical Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Typical Range of Experience

• 5-7 years directly related experience

• Demonstration of skill mastery

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.