Title Officer

Zillow

18h•$29 - $45•Remote

About The Position

Zillow Closing is looking for an experienced Title Officer to bring deep search, examination, and curative expertise to our Title Solutions team. You will independently manage title-only files through examination and curative, resolve complex title matters, and help deliver a world-class closing experience. You will work closely with search vendors to obtain complete search packages, keep Closing Associates informed of file status, and maintain momentum across a fast-moving pipeline. Success in this role means combining technical judgment, urgency, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail to meet our service-level commitments.

Requirements

Eight or more years of title examination and curative experience within a title operation.
A four-year college degree.
Search, examination, and curative experience supporting transactions at a national scale.
Deep knowledge of title search, examination, curative, and clearance practices, including ALTA title insurance forms, endorsements, issuing guidelines, metes-and-bounds legal descriptions, and common mortgage loan documents.
Confidence editing deeds, affidavits, indemnity agreements, and related documentation.
Proficiency with title production software and tools such as DataTrace, PACER, LexisNexis, Slack, and other search and examination platforms.
Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to identify and resolve complex title issues.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to consult effectively with Closing teams, search vendors, underwriters, attorneys, and leaders on technical title matters.
The ability to manage multiple files and competing deadlines while maintaining a positive, collaborative approach and supporting teammates when needed.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where requirements, markets, and processes may change.
A proactive, resourceful problem-solving mindset: you see the bigger picture, investigate solutions, and know when to escalate.

Nice To Haves

Strong expertise in one or more of the following markets is preferred: Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, or New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Review county records, search packages, tax certificates, tax assessor reports, attorney title opinions, surveys, and other property records to identify requirements and exceptions for title commitments.
Conduct and evaluate county, DataTrace, PACER, Patriot/OFAC, LexisNexis, and related searches.
Examine title commitments and attorney title opinions to identify matters that must be resolved before or at closing, including loans, liens, judgments, taxes, municipal liens, UCC terminations, and affidavit requirements.
Coordinate with consumers, creditors, attorneys, underwriters, and vendors to cure title issues efficiently and accurately.
Update title commitments as new information becomes available during clearance, including revising requirements and exceptions when a matter has been resolved.
Interpret buyer and lender waiver requests and prepare pro forma title policies or marked-up title commitments.
Draft or coordinate deeds, affidavits, escrow agreements, and other legal documents where permitted; review recorded instruments such as releases.
Review county GIS overlays and satellite imagery to identify potential survey needs.
Review and approve complex supporting documentation, including surveys, divorce decrees, trust agreements, probate records, bankruptcies, death certificates, entity formation documents, and court dockets.
Generate and revise Insured Closing Protection Letters and calculate title insurance premiums and invoices for title-only transactions.
Accurately enter clearance-related charges, such as survey invoices, into settlement statements.
Communicate clearly and proactively with all transaction parties by phone and email, including supporting the general phone line as needed.
Confirm all outstanding matters are cleared before or at close of escrow while effectively prioritizing a fast-moving queue of urgent work.
Meet established turnaround times, service standards, and quality metrics that are monitored and reported weekly.