What is a title commitment versus a title search?

A title commitment is a document issued by a title insurance company that outlines the terms under which they will provide title insurance for a property, including any exceptions or conditions that may apply. In contrast, a title search is the process of examining public records to verify the legal ownership of a property and to identify any liens, encumbrances, or other issues that could affect the title. Essentially, the title search is a preliminary step that informs the title commitment.