Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. They may compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

If you want to pursue this field, you will need reading comprehension, active listening skills, critical thinking and good communications skills.

Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers 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. They examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.

They also prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.

In addition, they copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles. They verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.

A high diploma or equivalent is required. Some states require an occupational license to work in this career.