The process to become a closing agent varies from state to state. In Texas, most closing agents are either attorneys or licensed title insurance agents. To become a licensed title insurance agent in Texas, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be a resident of Texas
- complete an approved pre-licensing education course
- pass the Texas title insurance agent exam
- submit a license application to the Texas Department of Insurance
The minimum education needed is a high school diploma. Employers want experience in various aspects of closing real estate transactions. Many allow substitution of specific training for experience. There are training courses for closing agents. The easiest way to get training is by checking course offerings at local community colleges. Many community colleges offer complete real estate sales courses and specialty courses in certain aspects of the sales process. After completing classes, you’ll receive certification and be eligible for licensing exams. Most community colleges also offer paralegal programs with real estate specialties.
A closing agent helps the buyer, seller, and lender complete a property sale by preparing paperwork, delivering documents, ensuring signatures are obtained, and filing properly. While not always required, some employers prefer candidates with college degrees. In addition, many states require you hold a license as a certified escrow officer. Steps to become a remote closing agent include getting a relevant degree, taking real estate or law courses focused on closings, gaining industry experience, and obtaining necessary licenses.
Hiring managers want closing agents to have business, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. It takes 6-12 months of training. Before becoming an agent, 45.7% earned bachelor’s degrees and 3.7% earned master’s degrees. It may be possible to succeed with just a high school degree, although about one in five did not attend college.
To become a Maryland title agent, businesses complete licensing to register with the state. This allows them to get started and grow in the industry. To become a Virginia agent, you’ll need title insurance, purchase a $200,000 surety bond, and register as a settlement agent.
First notary signing agent steps:
- Get state commission
- Learn signings
- List in databases to get jobs
- Get certified
To advertise services: Be your brand and market yourself accordingly.
To become a remote closer: Determine your niche and related requirements. Research niches and employer needs carefully.
To become an undercover agent, pretend to be someone else with an alternate identity, blend in as a regular employee to gather evidence of dishonesty, alter appearance, and speak differently.
Steps to become an intelligence field agent:
- Build necessary skills
- Join an agency
- Do field work
Criminal justice degrees are preferred to become government agents.
A certification demonstrates a signing agent’s necessary specialized training and skills for loan signings.