How to become An Escrow Officer

Real estate deals are infamous for endless paperwork, frustration, and anxiety. As neutral third parties, Escrow Officers separate the hay from the chaff with ease and make sure the real estate transaction is completed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

• Escrow Manager
• Escrow Agent
• Loan Officer
• Title Agent

What do Escrow Officers do?

An Escrow Officer would typically need to:

• Play an unbiased, third-party role to ensure real estate transactions are completed without a hitch
• Serve as a central point of communication between buyers, sellers, real estate agents, local recording offices, title agents, business managers, attorneys, and lending institutions
• Obtain property drawings and reports from authorised surveyors or assessors; ensure home inspections and appraisals are clear and met
• Collaborate with a title agency to issue title commitments, check property tax bills and prepare mortgage documents
• Confirm the accuracy of land ownership, trust deed, and search activity documents and mortgages; examine property titles for delinquent taxes
• Work with a title officer to ensure the buyer has smooth access to title insurance; contact all parties if there is any issue with the title such as tax liens
• Ensure the seller and buyer have fulfilled requisite financial operations; prepare legal documents and escrow instructions for the closure of the sale
• Ensure mortgages and purchase contracts are signed, dated, and notarised as per standard norms
• Monitor closing timelines so a home purchase closes on time and a refinance closes before the rate lock expires 
• Receive an ‘earnest deposit’ from the buyer; deposit and hold in the escrow fund until the transaction is finalised
• Transfer and disburse funds to the seller, real estate agent and lender as per the instructions in the documents
• Complete the real estate transaction, prepare closing reports, and submit the signed documents to the recorder’s officer; implement ‘close of escrow’

A sedentary desk job requiring your extended office presence. You may travel to title firms and brokerage offices in the neighbourhood or wherever a real estate transaction is being finalised.

They typically keep regular business hours, though overtime may be required during peak periods.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Escrow Officers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Escrow Officers are generally employed by: 

• Insurance Carries
• Real Estate Companies
• Investment Banking & Asset Management Companies
• Staffing & Outsourcing Companies
• Construction Companies 
• IT Services 
• Lending Services

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Navy Federal Credit Union, are crucial for Escrow Officers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Missing heirs, illegal deeds and missing wills 
• Fraud, bank delays, and errors leading to stress
• Increased pressure to close deals within the stipulated time in the face of numerous legal and financial hurdles
• Health issues due to the sedentary nature of the job

When it comes to being hired as an Escrow Officer, relevant experience is typically a key aspect. 

Many candidates have prior work experience in banking or finance, which showcases their practical grasp of financial procedures. Additionally, you should have at least a few years of experience with the real estate closing process, as well as excellent organisational and customer-service abilities. 

Others work for at least three to four years in entry-level positions such as escrow assistant or escrow processor before being trained as an Escrow Officer. Service in an escrow firm as a receptionist or file clerk can provide unique access to industry specialists and offer you desirable career growth.

You will benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow established Escrow Officers to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Some employers prefer candidates with an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree in business management, real estate, finance, or accounting. Electives such as information technology, business ethics, accounting, and business management will help you succeed as an Escrow Officer.

However, most applicants can get an entry-level position with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) from a community college or adult education institution. Make sure you focus on Maths, English, communication, psychology, and computer skills.

Voluntary certification from objective and reputed professional organisations, government Escrow associations, and title corporations can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and become an independent consultant.

A combination of education, recent escrow experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Before handling a closing, an Escrow Officer may need to obtain a state-issued licence. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check with local or national escrow organisations whether you will need licensure.

Employers prefer that candidates acquire a surety bond that acts as insurance and reassures the clients that their escrow funds will be returned if a contract is broken or someone fails to meet prescribed obligations.

You may also be asked to undergo an employment background check, including a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drives the career progression of an Escrow Officer who may become an Account Manager and eventually Branch Manager before being promoted as the Vice-President of the company. 

Opening your own escrow company and becoming a Senior Escrow Officer on the way to taking on the role of a Certified Escrow Instructor are alternate options.

Candidates who can communicate effectively, manage time efficiently, and are critical thinkers have the best prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Escrow Officer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences.

Pursue a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree to facilitate promotion to managerial ranks. Besides, there is a greater demand for Escrow Officers who are experts in blockchain technology, its usage, and training.

Further, to become a Certified Escrow Officer, you must hold a certified Senior Escrow Officer designation and submit a Verification of Employment form. 

What Works?

An efficient Escrow Officer must possess excellent clerical, decision-making, organisational, and time-management skills. In addition, they need to be as comfortable with industry and office software as they are with customers and coworkers. Further, you should be an expert in reading and interpreting legal rules, court procedures, executive orders, blueprints and property maps.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Escrow Officers have more flexible work schedules and locations, although they might experience inconsistent cash flow and work. It is also recommended that before beginning work on a project, you make sure the client deposits your fee with the escrow-service provider who releases the funds once the client is satisfied with your services.

On the other hand, a full-time Escrow Officer receives a steady income, benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They also receive guidance from their superiors.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time Escrow Officer, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.

79.8 per cent of Escrow Officers in the United States are female.

Competent Escrow Officers ensure seamless and prompt closings of real estate deals untainted by the common headaches and obstacles.

Neutrality is crucial to remain fair to all parties involved during the escrow process.