Jobs › First American

Sr. Commercial Escrow Officer (Hybrid)

First American · Chicago, IL · $35.54–$47.37 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a closing that nearly fell apart. What did you do to save it?

What they are checking: Problem solving and calm leadership when transactions hit late surprises.

How do you build a book of repeat clients like attorneys, brokers and lenders?

What they are checking: Relationship building that drives business in a role where service is the main differentiator.

How do you direct the work of escrow assistants so nothing falls through the cracks?

What they are checking: Delegation and oversight skills for a senior officer leading a team.

What would you do

Two parties disagree on prorations the day before closing. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Neutrality, technical knowledge of prorations, and the ability to bring parties to agreement.

A client asks you for legal advice about the contract. What do you say?

What they are checking: Knowing the limits of the escrow role and when to refer clients to counsel.

How do you use technology to keep clients updated without being buried in email?

What they are checking: Efficient communication tools and habits that deliver the unparalleled service the posting emphasizes.

About the work

Walk me through how you manage a complex commercial closing with multiple lenders and properties.

What they are checking: Command of large, multi-party transactions and the sequencing needed to fund on time.

How do you prevent wire fraud on your files?

What they are checking: Concrete verification procedures and a strong safety mindset around client funds.

What are your steps for reconciling and disbursing funds after a closing?

What they are checking: Accounting accuracy and control around trust funds, where mistakes are costly.

How do you handle 1031 exchanges or other special closing structures?

What they are checking: Familiarity with common commercial transaction structures and coordination with intermediaries.

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The full job description

As published by First American.

Who We Are Join a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American's family of companies, National Commercial Services provides single-point service for simple to multi-property/multi-state national commercial real estate transactions. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com. What We Do Work as a dynamic team providing best in class service and support in the commercial real estate space. At First American we provide our teams with the support, tools, and technology that they need to ensure that providing unparalleled customer service is your primary focus. We are looking to add a Sr. Commercial Escrow Officer to our growing Chicago team. In this role you will be responsible for establishing new commercial escrow accounts and processing escrow documents in accordance with established policies and procedures. This position plays a key role in transforming the commercial real estate experience by empowering our employees and customers to deliver next-generation solutions and results. This position is hybrid, in office 3 days per week. What You’ll Do: • Continually grow and service the business by providing outstanding customer service • Complete simple and complex commercial real estate escrow transactions by determining requirements and acting as a neutral liaison between buyer, seller, and lender • Work cross-functionally with Underwriting to monitor and mitigate risk to the company • Responsible for ensuring that all funds are properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with the terms of the contract • Complete closing by reviewing, recording, and filing documents including preparing and distributing final closing statements and title, ensuring adherence to delivery dates and timelines. • Prepare regular reports on the status of the escrow account and provide these reports to the parties involved in the transaction • Prepare legal documents for the closure of the sale • Comply with regulatory requirements by adhering, and enforcing adherence, to requirements What You’ll Bring: • Experience leading teams, managing workflows, or training escrow staff. • 4-6 years of escrow related experience as an Escrow Officer, preferably in Commercial • Passion for helping customers while maintaining a professional and positive attitude • Excellent verbal and written communication with both internal and external customers; uses various types of communication to meet customer expectations and build relationships • Problem solving with strong organizational skills, detail oriented and knows how to navigate internal and external resources to resolve issues • May require escrow officer certification dependent upon state • Comfortableness working with technology and proprietary programs; adapts quickly to new software applications and technologies • Thrives in contributing to a team, working together to deliver beyond customer expectations • High School Diploma/Equivalent Pay Range: $35.54 - $47.37 Hourly This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location. What We Offer By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term. Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.

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