First American
Title Examiner, New York
About this role
Who We Are Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.What We Do Dive into your love of history and research to help us provide critical data to our teams and customers in the real estate space. First American sets the standard for excellence in this industry with its state-of-the-art technology and best-in-class escrow and underwriting teams. First American is looking to add a Title Examiner to our team. This position plays a key role in coordinating the resolution and completion of the title process. Primary responsibilities include searching public records and examining titles to determine the legal condition of property title—primarily for cooperative properties across New York (including NYC boroughs and surrounding counties)—and developing solutions to cure title issues. This role includes working within New York’s unique title environment, including ACRIS, county clerk systems, and cooperative (co-op) transactions, as well as preparing and revising coop lien searches in accordance with NY underwriting practices. The right candidate must be able to work remotely and independently, utilizing experience to examine title of varying complexity, establish chain of title, and identify risks specific to New York real estate.What You’ll Do:
- Perform title examinations and analyze for cooperative properties throughout New York State, including NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
- Conduct detailed searches using ACRIS (NYC) and county clerk/land record systems (e.g., Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, etc.)
- Examine and interpret NY-specific documents, including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, assignments, CEMA transactions, and transfer documents
- Perform co-op searches, including review of proprietary leases, stock certificates, recognition agreements, and managing agent documentation
- Conduct and analyze UCC lien searches at the state and county level, and identify filings affecting cooperative interests and real property
- Review tax records, water/sewer liens, ECB violations, and municipal charges impacting title (especially within NYC)
- Identify and resolve title issues common in NY, including:
- Missing or improperly recorded satisfactions
- Open mortgages or assignments
- Judgments and liens (including federal, state, and local)
- Name variations and vesting issues
- Breaks in chain of title
- Prepare clear, concise coop lien searches and curative requirements for underwriting and closing teams
- May provide underwriting interpretation within established NY guidelines
- Other duties as assigned What You’ll Bring:
- 4+ years of directly related New York title examination experience