Thinking About Leaving Your Escrow or Title Role? Here's What You Should Actually Consider

If you've been working in Title or Escrow for a few years, there's a good chance you've had the same thought at some point: Would I actually be better off somewhere else?

It doesn't necessarily mean you're unhappy where you are. You might have a good team, decent management and a role you've become comfortable in. But perhaps the commission structure has changed, you're not seeing the progression you were promised, your branch isn't growing, or you've started wondering what else is available.

The problem is that moving companies is a big decision in this industry. You're not just changing a job. You may be leaving clients, relationships, production, a team you've built and, depending on your role, a book of business that you've spent years developing.

So before you start applying for jobs, it's worth thinking properly about what you actually want from your next move.

Don't just look at the salary

This is probably the first thing most people look at when they're approached about a new role, and understandably so. But if you're an experienced Escrow Officer, Branch Manager or Sales professional, the highest number on the offer isn't necessarily the most important number.

Look at the whole package.

What does the commission structure actually look like? Is there a cap? How often are you paid? What happens if a transaction falls through? Are there bonuses? Is there a realistic path to earning what you've been told you can earn?

Then look beyond compensation. What technology are you going to be working with? How much support will you have? How many files are you expected to handle? What is the management structure like? How much control will you have over your day-to-day work?

I've spoken to plenty of candidates who initially focus on getting another $10,000 or $20,000 in compensation, only to realise later that the culture, workload or management structure is a much bigger factor in whether they actually enjoy the job.

If you have a book of business, understand what you're taking with you

For some professionals in Title & Escrow, relationships are one of their biggest assets.

If you've spent years working with the same real estate agents, lenders, investors, attorneys or developers, those relationships have real value. But you need to be realistic about what can and cannot move with you.

Before making a move, understand your existing employment agreement and any restrictions that could apply. Don't assume that because a client likes working with you, they'll automatically follow you to another company.

A good recruiter should be able to have that conversation with you before you get too far down the process.

The aim isn't to convince you to leave your current employer. It's to understand what your situation actually looks like and whether the opportunity you're discussing makes sense.

The company you're joining matters more than the job title

Two companies can advertise exactly the same Escrow Officer position and offer completely different experiences.

One might have excellent support staff, good systems and a management team that lets experienced people get on with the job.

Another might have outdated technology, high turnover and a management team that changes direction every few months.

That is why I always recommend candidates ask questions during an interview rather than treating the interview as a one-way assessment.

• Ask why the position is available.

• Ask how long the previous person was in the role.

• Ask what the company expects you to achieve in your first six and twelve months.

• Ask how much support you'll have.

• Ask what their current transaction volume looks like.

• And if you're being hired because of your relationships or production, ask exactly how the company intends to support you in developing that business.

  
  

The answers can tell you a lot.

Don't be afraid to interview the company

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is thinking the interview is entirely about proving themselves.

It isn't.

You are deciding whether you want to work there too.

If you're an experienced professional with a strong track record, the company should be explaining why you should want to join them.

A good interview should feel like a two-way conversation. They should want to understand your experience, but you should also be asking enough questions to work out whether the opportunity is genuinely better than what you already have.

And if the company becomes uncomfortable because you're asking sensible questions about compensation, expectations, support or progression, that's useful information in itself.

If you're approached by a recruiter, be honest

You don't have to be looking for a job to speak to a recruiter.

In fact, some of the best conversations I've had with candidates have been with people who weren't actively looking at all.

Maybe they're 80% happy where they are but would consider the right opportunity. Maybe they're frustrated with one particular part of their current role. Maybe they're happy now but want to understand what the market would offer them.

That's fine.

A good recruiter doesn't need you to say yes to every opportunity.

Sometimes the most useful conversation is simply understanding what your experience is worth in the current market and what companies are looking for.

If you do decide to interview, be honest about what you're looking for. The more a recruiter understands about your situation, the better chance they have of finding something that actually fits.

Don't move just because someone offers you more money

There are situations where moving for more money makes complete sense.

But if you're going to make a move, I'd want there to be a genuine reason behind it.

Maybe you're joining a stronger company. Maybe you're being given more responsibility. Maybe you're moving into commercial work. Maybe you're getting better technology and support. Maybe there's a genuine opportunity to build a team or develop a market.

Money can be part of the decision, but it shouldn't necessarily be the entire decision.

The best move is usually the one where the overall opportunity makes sense for where you want your career to go.

What should you do if you're considering a move?

You don't need to start applying for every job you see.

Start by working out what you actually want.

What would make you leave your current company? What would you want to improve? What type of company would you join? What compensation would make the move worthwhile? Are you looking for more responsibility, better work-life balance, a bigger book, commercial exposure or simply a better environment?

Once you know that, the conversation becomes much easier.

At SmartFind Talent, we specialize in Title & Escrow recruitment across the US. We speak to experienced professionals every day, from Escrow Officers and Title Examiners to Branch Managers, Underwriters and senior leadership.

If you're considering your next move, you don't need to be actively looking to have a conversation.

Sometimes it's useful just to understand what's out there.