Job Details

Position:
Title Abstractor

Company:
American Abstract & Title Co. - Des Moines , Iowa , United States

Company Name: American Abstract and Title Co.

Location: Iowa (Serving Polk and Dallas Counties)

Position Type: Full-Time

Industry: Real Estate / Land Title Services

Year Established: 1856

About Us:

Established in 1856, American Abstract and Title Co. stands as a cornerstone of the abstract and title examination process in Iowa. For over 170 years, we have provided meticulous title and abstracting services to brokers, lenders, attorneys, developers, and homeowners. Serving the rapidly growing markets of Polk and Dallas counties, we combine our deep historical roots with modern technology to deliver unmatched accuracy and confidence to the Iowa real estate market.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Title Abstractor to join our dedicated team. As a Title Abstractor at American Abstract and Title Co., you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive, exhaustive research of public records to build and update official abstracts of title.

The ideal candidate possesses an investigative mindset, a deep familiarity with Iowa real estate records, and a sharp eye for identifying legal anomalies, liens, or encumbrances that could affect property ownership. 

Key Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Public Records Research: Search, examine, and analyze historical and current public records—including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax assessments, plat maps, and probate files—within Polk and Dallas County registries and court databases, including American Abstract's certified Title Plant.
• Abstract Compilation & Updating: Construct, compile, and update comprehensive abstracts of title in strict accordance with the Iowa Land Title Association (ILTA) standards and Iowa Title Guaranty guidelines.
• Legal Description Analysis: Review and accurately interpret complex legal descriptions of real property, identifying any discrepancies, gaps in chain of title, or boundary overlaps.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner closely with other departments to ensure all aspects of order production adhere to American Abstract's workflow procedures and timely completion. 

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven experience as a Title Abstractor or closely related role within the state of Iowa.
• Strong proficiency in navigating Iowa county recorder systems, online court databases (such as Iowa Courts Online), and title plant software.
• Expertise in reading and deciphering diverse legal documents, historical handwriting, plat maps, and geographic section maps.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical reasoning, and the ability to work independently under tight transaction deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer service skills for effective exchange with customers and co-workers. 
• Ability to manage timelines for order completion. 

Why Join Us?

We offer a stable, collaborative environment that honors tradition while embracing workplace innovation. Our employees enjoy highly competitive compensation, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and an employee-focused work environment. Our department driven approach to title abstracting allows employees to focus their skills where they matter most and not spend their time on tedious tasks.

Applicants not currently located in Des Moines or the surrounding area may qualify for relocation assistance. A sign-on bonus is also available for highly qualified applicants following a time-based period of employment.   

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their experience via email to nick@american-abstract.com. 

American Abstract and Title Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information