Paralegal - Real Estate

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Provide support and work closely with Real Estate attorneys on all aspects of the closing transactions and is responsible for the review, organization, and preparation of all documentation necessary to complete the residential/commercial/bank closing transaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Review purchase/sale contract(s) and/or loan commitment letter(s); assess matter and formulate plan of documentation requirements needed to proceed to closing.

2. Draft necessary documents for specific transaction; compile necessary financial documents; coordinate closing with attorney(s), lender and clients; and finalize closing figures.

3. Review of Abstract of Title, property information and mapping, including zoning and taxes.

4. Preparation of title insurance commitments/policies for both lender(s) and owner(s).

5. Annual yearly follow-up on post-closing issues (lien releases/mortgage satisfactions) and completion of final title insurance policies for all transactions which closed during the prior year.

6. Opening files (including requesting conflict searches per our firm policy), pulling tax/tax map information, and entering file information into SoftPro.

7. Title searching for Abstract Continuations, preparation of transfer documents, preparation of statements of sale and lender closing disclosures, ordering tax certificates and water readings, preparation of title insurance commitment for lender(s), coordinating of closing among all parties, disbursing mortgage funds at closing, shipping closing packages to lenders, making mortgage payoffs, following up on all post-closing items, and closing files. Submitting all necessary documents to the County/DMV for filing/certificates of title.

8. Assist/maintain the 1099 filings at the end of each year for all Real Estate files in all offices.

9. Maintain escrow files for tax and septic escrows and making all necessary tax payments in a timely manner.

10. Correspond and clearly communicate with clients, realtors, attorneys, and lenders.

11. Provide support as requested by attorneys or administrative supervisors.

SKILLS:

1. Able to operate, with confidence, all office equipment including: Computer, Copier/Printer/Fax Machine, Postage Meter, Binding Machine, and Typewriter.

2. Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Orion, SoftPro (or comparable program), and Title Wave (or comparable program).

3. Ability to effectively communicate with clients, whose knowledge of their transaction is at different levels of understanding.

4. Ability to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and being able to think outside the box and apply problem-solving skills calmly.

5. Ability to proof-read and edit correspondence and legal documents; attention to detail is extremely important.

6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

7. Ability to read and interpret organizational documents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma required; AAS degree preferred.

2. Paralegal certificate helpful.

3. Notary Public License highly desired.

4. Commercial Real Estate experience helpful.