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ALTA Commitment in Real Estate

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ALTA Commitment for Title Insurance

Issuing Title Company:    Commitment No.:

Effective Date:    Policy to be issued:

Schedule A — Transaction and Parties

Schedule B — Requirements

The following requirements must be met to cause the Company to issue the proposed policy. All documents must be satisfactory to the Company and must be duly executed, notarized where required, and recorded where specified.

Schedule B — Exceptions

The policy will be issued subject to the following standard exceptions unless affirmative coverage is requested and additional underwriting and conditions are satisfied.

 Current taxes and assessments not yet due and payable.

 Rights or claims of parties in possession not shown by public record; rights of way, easements, and claims evidenced by instruments recorded or unrecorded.

 Covenants, conditions and restrictions of record; zoning and land use regulations, and ordinances.

 Other exceptions to be itemized:

Conditions of Commitment

This Commitment is issued in accordance with the printed Commitment for Title Insurance (Commitment), which is incorporated herein by reference. The Company commits to issue the policy described in Schedule A upon compliance with the Requirements in Schedule B and subject to the Exceptions in Schedule B. The Commitment does not constitute a policy of title insurance and the Company shall have no liability for matters except as provided in the Commitment.

The Company reserves the right to modify or withdraw this Commitment prior to the issuance of the policy. All persons seeking coverage under the policy must disclose any facts known to them that materially affect the title or title insurance risk.

Notice to Proposed Insured

Coverage is conditioned upon the fulfillment of the requirements set forth herein. The Company must receive satisfactory evidence that all instruments and matters required have been executed and recorded, and that the consideration to be paid has been paid or will be paid pursuant to escrow instructions acceptable to the Company.

Additional Administrative Information

Limitations and Liability

This Commitment is subject to the terms and conditions of the printed Commitment form and is limited to matters shown by the public record and those which are agreed to in writing. The Company’s liability is limited to issuance of the policy and the obligations set forth in the Commitment. No liability arises for the Company for matters relating to survey, inspection, environmental conditions, or other off-record matters unless expressly assumed in writing.

This Commitment, together with the printed Commitment form, constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Proposed Insured relating to the subject matter hereof. It may not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company.

Acknowledgment

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of this Commitment and agrees to cooperate with the Issuing Title Company in satisfying the Requirements set forth herein. Execution of this Acknowledgment does not bind the Proposed Insured to purchase a policy, but confirms receipt and review.

Title Company:

By:

Date:

Proposed Insured:

By:

Date:

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What the ALTA Commitment Means for a Real Estate Closing

An ALTA Commitment is a pre-closing title insurance document issued by a title insurer that discloses the conditions, exceptions, and requirements the insurer will impose before issuing a title insurance policy. It identifies the proposed insured, the estate or interest to be insured, recorded liens and defects, and any requirements the title company expects satisfied at closing. The Commitment is not a policy itself but a promise to insure subject to stated exceptions; buyers, lenders, and closing agents use it to confirm insurable title and to plan cure items before recording.

Why the ALTA Commitment Matters to Buyers, Lenders, and Closers

The ALTA Commitment clarifies title status, lists encumbrances and exceptions, and sets the insurer’s conditions for issuing a final policy, helping parties identify defects, liens, and required curative steps before closing.

Why the ALTA Commitment Matters to Buyers, Lenders, and Closers

Who Typically Receives or Prepares an ALTA Commitment

The ALTA Commitment is generated by a title insurer and circulated to stakeholders who need title certainty before closing.

  • Buyers and buyers’ agents review exceptions and survey or survey-related requirements prior to closing.
  • Lenders review the Commitment to confirm required endorsements, outstanding liens, and payoff conditions.
  • Closing agents and escrow officers use the Commitment to assemble payoff figures and coordinate cure items.

Recipients use the Commitment to confirm title, order cures, or negotiate adjustments before funds are disbursed and documents are recorded.

Core Sections Found in a Professional ALTA Commitment

A standard ALTA Commitment includes a schedule of exceptions, the policy form to be issued, parties identified, and the insurer’s stipulations. Understanding each section helps ensure all pre-issuance conditions are met.

Commitment Jacket

Identifies insurer, effective date, and the type of policy (owner or loan) the insurer commits to issue.

Schedule A

Lists the proposed insured, legal description, the estate or interest to be insured, and the commitment effective date.

Schedule B-I

Describes requirements that must be satisfied before the policy will be issued, including payoff or release of liens.

Schedule B-II

Lists exceptions that will appear in the final policy unless removed, such as easements, covenants, or existing liens.

Endorsements

Specifies available endorsements and any conditions or additional premiums required for issuance.

Exhibits

May include legal descriptions, plats, or copies of recorded documents referenced in the Commitment.

Essential Data Elements on an ALTA Commitment

Insurer Name: Title company issuing commitment
Effective Date: Date and time of commitment
Proposed Insured: Buyer or lender named
Legal Description: Property legal description
Recorded Exceptions: Liens, mortgages, easements
Requirements: Actions required for policy issuance

Step-by-Step: Completing an ALTA Commitment Record

Follow these steps to assemble, review, and finalize the ALTA Commitment in advance of closing so cure items and payoffs can be coordinated efficiently.

  • 01
    Order Title Search: Open file and obtain full recorded history.
  • 02
    Draft Commitment: Populate Schedule A, B-I and B-II with findings.
  • 03
    Review with Stakeholders: Send to buyer, lender, and agents for review.
  • 04
    Resolve Requirements: Obtain releases, payoffs, or affidavits prior to closing.

Configuring an Online ALTA Commitment Workflow

When issuing and reviewing Commitments electronically, configure fields, recipient roles, and authentication to match closing practices and regulatory needs.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Place for authorized insurer signatory
Reviewer Role Set buyer/lender as reviewer only
Authentication Use email + SMS code or KBA for lenders
Audit Trail Enable IP, timestamp, and audit capture

Typical Routing: Where to Send the ALTA Commitment

A commitment is routed to parties who need title clarity; route sequencing reduces rework and ensures cure tasks are assigned.

  • Title Company: Issue to lender and buyer for review
  • Lender: Verify payoff and endorsement needs
  • Buyer / Agent: Confirm exceptions and survey items
  • Closing Agent: Coordinate cure and prepare closing package

Distribution and eSubmission Considerations

Digital delivery should preserve the Commitment PDF, its metadata, and an audit trail of access and approvals.

  • File Formats: PDF/A preferred for long-term storage
  • Integrations: Connectors to CRM and escrow systems
  • Authentication: Support for SMS, email, or KBA

Timelines and Typical Processing Expectations

Commitment timing depends on search scope and cure tasks; allow sufficient time for third-party payoff and document preparation to avoid delayed closings.

Initial Search Completion:

1–5 business days depending on county

Draft Commitment Issuance:

Usually within 48–72 hours after search

Correction and Cure Period:

Varies; plan 3–14 business days for lien releases

Final Policy Issuance:

Issued after recording and satisfaction of requirements

Remote Notarization Window:

If using RON, schedule per state RON rules and provider availability

Key Milestones in the ALTA Commitment Process

Track these sequential milestones from search to final policy to keep all parties aligned.

01

Title Search Opened

County records search initiated and indexed

02

Commitment Drafted

Schedules populated with findings and exceptions

03

Cure Items Completed

Releases, satisfactions, and affidavits obtained

04

Policy Issued

Final owner or loan policy delivered post-recording

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an incorrect legal name for the proposed insured, which can require endorsement or reissuance and delay closing.
  • Failing to list recorded exceptions with instrument citations, creating ambiguity that triggers underwriting questions and extra work.
  • Not coordinating lien releases or payoff letters ahead of closing, leading to last-minute holdbacks or postponed recording.
  • Assuming the Commitment is the final policy; it is conditional and subject to requirements and exceptions until the policy is issued.

Risks and Consequences of an Inaccurate Commitment

Delayed Closing: Recording may be postponed
Coverage Gaps: Policy may exclude key risks
Financial Exposure: Buyer or lender may face loss
Underwriting Denial: Policy issuance could be refused
Additional Costs: Cure work and attorney fees increase
Title Reopenings: Subsequent claims require investigation

eSignature Vendor Comparison for ALTA Commitment Workflows

Compare common vendor attributes that affect how you prepare, distribute, and sign ALTA Commitments electronically; signNow appears first for parity with available plan data.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes, trial available Yes, trial available Yes, limited trial Yes, limited trial
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Supporting Documents to Attach with an ALTA Commitment

Attach relevant documents to the Commitment packet so reviewers and underwriters can validate exceptions and requirements without follow-up requests.

Recorded Deeds

Include copies of the most recent recorded deed(s) with instrument numbers to verify legal ownership and chain of title.

Mortgages / Liens

Attach payoff statements or lien release documents for mortgages and judgments referenced on Schedule B.

Survey or Plat

Provide current surveys or ALTA/NSPS surveys when Schedule B references survey exceptions or potential encroachments.

Legal Descriptions

Supply a typed legal description and any metes-and-bounds exhibits necessary for recording or for title underwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions About ALTA Commitments

Common questions address what the Commitment covers, how long it remains valid, and whether it can be executed electronically or requires notarization.


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