What does a Title Searcher do?
Published 4 min read
A title searcher is a person who searches for the ownership history of a particular piece of property.
Title Searcher job duties include:
- Research and analyze titles to determine ownership
- Prepare title reports and abstracts
- Examine titles to ensure they are free of defects
- Identify and resolve title issues
- Coordinate with buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate agents to close on properties
- Manage escrow accounts and disburse funds
- Record property deeds and mortgages
- Perform lien searches
- File documents with the county recorder's office
Title Searcher Job Requirements
Most title searchers have at least an associate's degree, although a bachelor's degree may be preferred by some employers. Certification is not typically required, but may be helpful in advancing one's career. Title searchers typically have previous experience working in the legal field, although this is not always required.
Title Searcher Skills
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
- Research skills
- Time management skills
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How to become a Title Searcher
A title searcher is someone who looks up public records to determine the ownership of a property. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as when someone is buying a piece of property, or when a bank is trying to foreclose on a property. To become a title searcher, you will need to have some experience with public records and be able to use a computer to search for information.
The first step in becoming a title searcher is to contact your local county clerk's office and ask about their requirements. Each county has different requirements, but most will require you to take a class on how to use the public records system and pass an exam. Once you have met the requirements, you will be given a login and password to access the public records system.
Once you have access to the public records system, you can start searching for information on properties. To do this, you will need the address of the property and the name of the owner. You can also search by parcel number if you know it. Once you have found the property you are looking for, you will need to print out the deed and any other relevant documents. These documents will show who owns the property and any liens or encumbrances on it.
If you are searching for a property that is in foreclosure, you will also need to print out the foreclosure notice. This notice will list the amount of money owed on the property and the date of the foreclosure sale. It is important to note that not all properties in foreclosure are listed in the public records system, so you may need to contact the bank directly to get this information.
Once you have all of the necessary documents, you will need to fill out a title search report. This report will list all of the information you found during your search and will be used by the person requesting the search (such as a real estate agent or lawyer). The report should be accurate and complete, as it can be used in court if there are any disputes over ownership of the property.
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