What does a "commitment" in title insurance represent?

A "commitment" in title insurance is a pivotal document that outlines the specific conditions under which title insurance will be issued. It serves as a preliminary report that indicates the willingness of the title insurance company to issue a policy after certain requirements are satisfied. This commitment provides essential information about any existing liens, judgments, or other issues that may affect ownership of the property, as well as stipulating any actions that must be taken for the insurance to be finalized.

In contrast, a final agreement between buyer and seller pertains to the contractual arrangement of the property sale and does not directly relate to title insurance. A certification of a property's market value focuses on the appraised worth of the property rather than the risks associated with its title. Lastly, a change to the terms of an existing title policy involves modifications to an already issued policy rather than the initial conditions under which a title insurance policy is proposed. Thus, the correct choice accurately captures the function and purpose of a commitment in the context of title insurance.