Waco Title Co. launches closing trainee program

Springdale-based Waco Title Co. has launched a training program for new closing agents, a course the company says is unique to the industry.

The program is a response to a shortage of trained closing agents, the company says.

“The need for qualified closing agents has always existed in the industry,” said Amanda Brumbelow, Waco Title’s director of closing operations. “Traditionally, in most parts of the country, closing agents are trained by other associates by performing the daily tasks required to close a transaction. It may take several years for someone to learn the ins and outs of the closing transaction.”

Brumbelow said there are no college-level educational options geared toward the title and closing industry. Waco Title’s program will give recent college graduates, or professionals seeking a career change, a chance to “fast-track” their careers.

Waco Title’s inaugural class includes six people, who were hired for the program in January. They are considered full-time employees with full benefits. When their training is completed later this year, they will become closing agents for the company in markets throughout Arkansas and Missouri.

Waco Title, which has 24 offices in Arkansas and Missouri, has more than 50 closing agents in the two states. The residential closing department, led by Brumbelow, is one of six components of the company’s operating system, and about 68% of the total full-time employees support the company’s operations in Northwest Arkansas.

Waco Title is owned by Fayetteville-based Arvest Bank Group Inc.