What does title officer do?

Are you in the process of buying or selling a home? If so, there will likely be multiple people you'll be dealing. One of those particular people is known as a title officer. Title officers are usually employed by real estate firms or title insurance companies, while some also may work as freelancers. Most title officers have picked an area of expertise to focus on such as commercial, industrial or residential property titles but some may even choose to be proficient in all three. Not sure what a title officer actually does? Here's a little information about title officers in order to give you a better idea of the role they play during real estate transactions.

Simply put, a title officer is one who investigates property titles prior to a real estate purchase or sale. Besides researching the title, the title officer may also research land maps and past mortgages to get an insight into any previous issues with the property. This kind of research is done in order to determine if there are any irregularities on the title which will interfere with the transaction or with the use of the property. Some irregularities that can affect the transaction or the title company's ability to insure the title are liens, outstanding taxes, easements and zoning restrictions. If a title problem is discovered, the title officer will more than likely first contact the seller to validate the issue. If in fact the issue is legitimate such as unpaid taxes or a lien, the seller and the title officer will work together to resolve the issue before the sale of the property can proceed. The buyer will also be notified of any discrepancies that could delay or possibly cancel the sale all together. If the buyer feels that the investment is worth it, he or she may even agree to take on the responsibility of resolving the issue or issues him or herself.

On the other hand, easements and zoning restrictions are handled a little differently. If the title officer uncovers an easement or restriction that will affect title insurance coverage or the sale of the property, he or she will take the case to the governing boards. The officer will present his or her case to the board members in order to persuade them to eliminate or change these restrictions. If the request is turned down, the title officer will then work with the buyer and seller to reach an amicable agreement.

A title officer may work by him or herself, while others may rely on the help of staff members such as a title searcher or a title abstractor. A title searcher is one who usually locates the necessary documents for the title officer and the title abstractor is one who pulls information from trust deeds and mortgages. The majority of title officers actually begin their careers as underwriters, title searchers or title abstractors and as you can see, they play a major role in the buying and selling of real estate.