A title abstractor is a professional who ensures that the titles to properties are valid. A title abstractor can also be referred to as a title examiner or title searcher.
Title
A title is a document that shows evidence of ownership of property, and it is the title abstractor's duty to verify ownership, as well as the legal description of the property.
Research
Title abstractors search, analyze and evaluate records on titles by looking at private and public records, examining statutes and case law, and in cases of real estate, check zoning ordinances for any land restrictions.
Reporting
When research is completed, title abstractors review the data and prepare reports, then meet with the interested party to discuss their findings regarding the property.
Education
A high school diploma is the minimal educational requirement for title abstractors. However, employers prefer applicants who have an associate's or bachelor's degree with coursework in real estate, law, banking, finance, mathematics and business administration.
Salary
According to O*NET, an occupational information database sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the average title abstractor made an annual salary of $38,300 in 2008.
