Commercial Underwriter
About The Position
The Commercial Underwriter manages title underwriting and escrow matters for a broad range of commercial real estate transactions within the Washington, DC National Commercial Services team. Transactions range from under $1 million to over $1 billion and involve single-site and multi-site properties throughout the United States. The position is a primary resource for clients and transaction participants, evaluating title risk, resolving complex title issues, and coordinating successful closings. Clients include law firms, real estate investment trusts, equity funds, corporate legal teams, lenders, and national and local real estate developers. The role is based in Washington, DC and provides local support for closing activities, including in-person assistance as needed.
Requirements
- Knowledge of commercial title insurance, underwriting principles, and escrow and closing processes.
- Ability to identify, analyze, and clearly explain complex commercial real estate transaction issues.
- Sound judgment in evaluating risk, making underwriting decisions, and recommending practical alternatives.
- Ability to review title commitments, surveys, closing documents, and related transaction materials.
- Familiarity with real estate transfer and recordation tax considerations in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Strong customer service, communication, and relationship management skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines.
- Resourcefulness and persistence in resolving unfamiliar or challenging transaction issues.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to prepare and review accurate settlement statements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience underwriting and closing complex, high-value commercial real estate transactions.
- Experience with multi-site or multistate commercial transactions.
- Experience supporting institutional clients, including REITs, equity funds, lenders, developers, and corporate legal teams.
- Demonstrated success building repeat client relationships and participating in industry or business development activities.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and other parties throughout commercial real estate transactions, providing responsive service and clear communication.
- Evaluate title insurability, identify potential risks, and recommend solutions that meet client needs while protecting the company’s interests.
- Review and resolve title objections, survey matters, and title clearance requirements.
- Draft and negotiate title policy exceptions, endorsements, title affidavits, and escrow agreements.
- Evaluate requests for high-risk coverage and prepare or approve coverage within delegated underwriting authority, applicable state regulations, and company guidelines.
- Prepare and review settlement statements, including using Microsoft Excel, and coordinate accurate disbursements in accordance with final settlement statements.
- Review closing packages, prepare documents for recording, and provide in-person closing assistance as needed.
- Coordinate escrow-related post-closing activities and resolve outstanding issues.
- Apply knowledge of real estate transfer and recordation tax requirements in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Provide local underwriting and closing support to Special Commercial Counsel and collaborate with team members to ensure transaction continuity and timely completion.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships that encourage repeat business.
- Represent Washington, DC NCS at industry organizations, client events, and professional functions to strengthen relationships and support business development.
Benefits
- Optional health and welfare insurance, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time off.
- Matching 401(k) plan.
- Matching employee stock purchase plan.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
