Title Examiners
Overview
Title examiners are like real estate detectives who investigate the legal history of properties before they can be bought or sold. They search through public records, examine legal documents, and create detailed reports about property ownership, liens, and any restrictions that might affect a sale. Using digital databases and traditional records, they work closely with real estate agents, lawyers, and banks to ensure properties have clear titles. This career combines analytical skills with technology and offers stable employment in the growing real estate industry.

Did you know?
Many employers prefer candidates with real estate licenses, appraisal certifications, or degrees in related fields, with requirements varying significantly by state and organization type.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$53,611.30 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Systems Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems.
- Prepare and issue title commitments and title insurance policies, based on information compiled from title searches.
- Determine whether land-related documents can be registered under the relevant legislation, such as the Land Titles Act.
- Summarize pertinent legal or insurance details, or sections of statutes or case law from reference books for use in examinations or as proofs or ready reference.
- Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or to update existing ones.
- Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
- Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.
- Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
- Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.
- Retrieve and examine real estate closing files for accuracy and to ensure that information included is recorded and executed according to regulations.
- Assess fees related to registration of property-related documents.
- Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.
- Direct activities of workers who search records and examine titles, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating work, and providing technical guidance as necessary.
- Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.
- Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties' legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.
- Obtain maps or drawings delineating properties from company title plants, county surveyors, or assessors' offices.
Career Considerations
Educational and Certification Requirements
Many employers prefer candidates with real estate licenses, appraisal certifications, or degrees in related fields, with requirements varying significantly by state and organization type.
Technology Proficiency
Modern property research relies heavily on digital databases, GIS mapping systems, and data analysis software, making technical skills essential for career advancement.
Economic Market Sensitivity
Job demand and compensation are closely tied to real estate market cycles, requiring professionals to adapt to economic fluctuations and regional market variations.