17 Title Searcher Interview Questions and Answers

A title searcher is a professional who is hired by attorneys, real estate agents, and mortgage lenders to conduct a search of the public records to determine the ownership of a piece of property. The title searcher’s job is to find any and all liens, judgments, or encumbrances that may be attached to the property in question.

To become a title searcher, you will need to have a strong knowledge of the public records, as well as the ability to use a computer to conduct your searches. You will also need to be able to communicate effectively with attorneys and other professionals.

If you think you have what it takes to be a title searcher, you will need to be able to answer some tough questions during your job interview. Here are some of the most common questions you can expect, along with sample answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with the legal requirements for property titles and deeds?

Title searchers must be familiar with the legal requirements for property titles and deeds. This question helps employers determine whether you have experience working in this type of environment. Use your answer to highlight any relevant knowledge or skills that you possess.

Example: “I am very familiar with the legal requirements for property titles and deeds. In my last position, I was responsible for ensuring all documents were properly filed according to state regulations. I also had to ensure that all information on each document was accurate. If there were any discrepancies, I would contact the client immediately so they could make corrections before submitting their paperwork.”

What are the most important qualities for a title searcher?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know that you have the skills necessary for the job, but they also want to make sure you are a good fit for their company culture. When answering this question, think about what qualities you possess that will help you succeed as a title searcher.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for a title searcher is attention to detail. Title searches can be very complex, so it’s essential that we double-check all of our work. I am always thorough when conducting my research, which helps me avoid mistakes. Another important quality is communication. As a title searcher, I need to communicate with many different people, including clients, real estate agents and attorneys. I enjoy being able to explain complicated processes in an easy-to-understand way.”

How do you stay organized when working with large amounts of information?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your organizational skills and how you manage large amounts of information. Your answer should show that you have the ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Example: “I use a variety of software programs to organize my work. I find it helpful to create folders for each client or company I’m researching so I can store all relevant documents in one place. This helps me keep track of which sources I’ve already used when conducting research. I also use color coding to help me identify different types of information, such as financial data, employee records and marketing materials.”

What is your experience with using private databases to find information?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform well in this role. Use examples from your past work history or education to explain how you used private databases to find information for clients, employers or professors.

Example: “In my last position as a title searcher, I was responsible for finding property records using private databases. This included researching public records like tax documents and county courthouse files to find out who owned certain properties. Then, I would use private databases to access more detailed information about these owners, such as their financial status and any lawsuits they were involved in. These tools helped me gather enough information to create accurate reports for my clients.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a discrepancy in a legal document and how you resolved it.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to identify errors in documents and resolve them. Use examples from past experience where you found an error, reported it and helped fix the problem.

Example: “In my last position as a title searcher, I noticed that one of the property owners listed on a deed was deceased. This meant that they could not sign off on the sale of the property, so we had to find another owner or figure out how to transfer ownership without their signature. We contacted the family members of the deceased owner and worked with them to get the signatures needed for the sale.”

If you discovered that a client’s title was incorrect, how would you approach the situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and learn from mistakes.

Example: “If I discovered an error in the title of a client’s property, I would immediately contact them to let them know about the mistake. If they were aware of the issue before I contacted them, I would ask if there was anything else I could do to help resolve the problem. If not, I would work with my team to find a solution. For example, we might be able to change the name on the title or add another person as a co-owner.”

What would you do if you were given a large volume of documents and you were unsure how to prioritize them?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach a large volume of information and how you decide what to do first. Use your answer to highlight your ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively and use critical thinking skills to make decisions quickly.

Example: “If I were given a large volume of documents, I would start by sorting them into categories based on the type of document they are. For example, if I was searching for a title, I would separate all the documents into whether they’re property titles, vehicle titles or other types of documents that may be relevant. Then, I would sort each category into subcategories based on the date it was issued, which helps me find more recent documents faster.”

How well do you perform under pressure and what strategies do you use to stay focused and calm?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work under pressure and how you manage stress. They want to know that you can perform well in a fast-paced environment, so they might describe the type of pressure they experience at their company or discuss an example situation where they had to stay calm and focused.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I find it motivating. When I’m working on a project with a tight deadline, I make sure to get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals so I have enough energy to focus for long periods of time. I also try to break down large projects into smaller tasks so I can feel like I’m making progress even when there’s still much left to do.”

Do you have experience working with archaic terminology and legal jargon?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your ability to work with complex terminology and understand the meaning of words that are unique to a particular industry. Use examples from past experience where you had to research archaic terms or legal jargon, and explain how you used your knowledge to find definitions or explanations for these terms.

Example: “In my last role as a title searcher, I often encountered archaic terminology when researching property records. For example, I once worked on a project where I needed to locate documents related to an easement. The only reference I could find was in a deed dated 1887, so I researched the term ‘easement’ and found several articles explaining what it is and how it applies to real estate.”

When performing a search, what is your process for determining which sources to prioritize?

Interviewers may ask this question to understand how you prioritize your work and determine which sources are most relevant. Use your answer to highlight your ability to make decisions quickly, analyze information and use critical thinking skills.

Example: “I start by identifying the job title I’m searching for and then determining what type of company it is. For example, if I’m looking for a marketing manager position, I’ll search for companies that have positions available on their career pages or websites. Next, I’ll look at industry-specific job boards and sites like LinkedIn to see if they have any open marketing manager positions. Finally, I’ll check with local newspapers and online publications to see if there are any relevant jobs posted.”

We want to improve our customer service and reduce our turnaround time for title searches. Tell me about a strategy you would implement to achieve these goals.

Interviewers may ask this question to gauge your ability to improve processes and increase efficiency. In your answer, explain how you would implement a strategy that helps the company achieve its goals.

Example: “I would start by analyzing our current process for title searches. I would then create a new workflow that reduces turnaround time while maintaining accuracy. To reduce turnaround time, I would hire more employees to help with the workload. This will allow me to delegate tasks among multiple people so we can complete more searches in less time.”

Describe your experience with using search engines and other online resources to find information.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using search engines and other online resources. They want to know if you have any special skills or knowledge that will help you succeed in the role. Use your answer to highlight your relevant experience, including how you use these tools and what kind of results you get from them.

Example: “I’ve been using search engines for years now, so I’m quite familiar with their capabilities. In my last position, I used a variety of search engines to find information on specific topics. For example, when I was looking for information on marketing trends, I would enter keywords into Google like ‘marketing trends 2018’ and then sort through the results based on relevance. I also used Bing and Yahoo extensively, as they often provide different results than Google.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a title searcher position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want someone who is passionate about their work and has a strong background in title searching. Before you answer, think about what makes you unique as a candidate. Consider mentioning any relevant experience or skills that make you qualified for the role.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I have extensive knowledge of real estate law. In my previous position, I worked with attorneys to research property ownership records. This helped me develop a keen eye for detail when it comes to researching public records. I also have excellent communication skills, which are important for working with clients and colleagues. My ability to multitask and manage time efficiently can help me succeed in this role.”

Which online databases do you commonly use and why do you prefer them?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with online databases and how you use them. You can answer this question by naming a few of the ones you’ve used in previous positions and explaining why they’re beneficial to employers.

Example: “I have worked extensively with both ProQuest and EBSCO, as these are two of the most commonly used databases for my field. I prefer working with ProQuest because it has more extensive information than EBSCO, which makes it easier to find what I’m looking for. Additionally, ProQuest is easy to navigate and provides me with access to many different types of resources.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being a title searcher?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience with the challenges of being a title searcher. They want to know that you understand what it’s like to work in their company and how you’ll be able to overcome any potential difficulties. In your answer, try to identify one challenge and explain how you would handle it.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a title searcher is when there are multiple owners on a property. It can be difficult to determine who owns what percentage of the land or home because many people don’t keep good records. I always make sure to speak with all parties involved so I can get as much information as possible about each owner. Then, I use my research skills to find additional documentation online or through public records.”

How often do you perform title searches and what is your process for keeping up with changes in the law?

Interviewers may ask this question to determine how often you perform title searches and what your process is for keeping up with changes in the law. This can help them understand if you have experience performing these tasks and whether you are familiar with the legal system. When answering, consider mentioning any specific processes you use to stay informed about changes in the law.

Example: “I perform title searches at least once a month, although I try to do it more frequently when possible. I subscribe to several online newsletters that keep me updated on new laws and regulations. I also regularly attend seminars hosted by my state’s real estate association to learn about recent changes.”

There is a discrepancy in a client’s title and you are concerned about the potential legal ramifications. How do you approach the client?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with clients. In your answer, demonstrate that you are willing to take the initiative in addressing issues with clients and helping them understand any potential risks or consequences of a title discrepancy.

Example: “If I find a discrepancy in a client’s title, I always make sure to explain the situation thoroughly so they know what is going on. If there is a risk involved, I will recommend that they contact their attorney for further advice. I also provide my own professional opinion as to how best to resolve the issue.”