Arizona buyer question
What is a title commitment and why does it matter when buying in Arizona?
A title commitment is the insurer's offer to issue a policy — here's what it is, what to read, and why Schedule B exceptions matter.
Two ways to start
- Search homes by payment
Create your free account to see all homes for sale that fit the monthly payment you're comfortable with, each with its actual property taxes, HOA dues, estimated homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance when it applies, plus its own estimated closing costs and APR disclosure.
Opens a third-party home search site. Payments shown there are estimates to help you search, not a loan offer or rate quote. Your actual payment depends on price, down payment, credit, taxes, insurance, HOA, and loan program.
- Get pre-qualified (Apply now) (opens in a new tab)
Get pre-qualified with Pam Messina at Rebel Rate Mortgage. Once you're pre-qualified, Pam can update the maximum monthly payment and total funds to close in your home search, so the homes you see match what you qualify for. If you'd like, she can also give you a free, no-obligation introduction to a real estate professional so you can start touring homes.
Opens Rebel Rate Mortgage's secure online application (my1003app.com) in a new tab. Pre-qualification isn't a loan approval or a commitment to lend; approval depends on underwriting, verification of your information, and the property.
Applications are handled by Pam Messina, NMLS #245626, Rebel Rate Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #2571369).
The short answer
Quick answer: A title commitment is Arizona's preliminary title-insurance report: an offer to issue a policy on stated terms, not a guarantee that title is clear (A.R.S. §20-1562). It lists requirements to clear before closing and Schedule B exceptions that stay uncovered. Under the AAR residential resale contract, buyers typically have five days after receipt to notify the seller of disapproved items.
Source: A.R.S. §20-1562; Arizona REALTORS®, Residential Resale Purchase Contract (February 2026 sample); CFPB, owner's title insurance. Last updated .
What Arizona law says a commitment is
Under A.R.S. §20-1562, a "preliminary report," "commitment," or "binder" is a report furnished with an application for title insurance that offers to issue a policy subject to stated exceptions. The statute says these reports are not abstracts of title and are not a representation as to the condition of title — they state the terms on which the insurer is willing to issue its policy if the offer is accepted.
Why it matters to buyers
The commitment is how you learn what the title company found and what it will not insure. Arizona REALTORS®' Buyer Advisory lists the title report or title commitment among the common documents a buyer should review, and notes that Schedule B exceptions may include encumbrances, easements, and liens — some of which can affect how you use the property.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that lender's title insurance protects the lender and is usually required for a mortgage, while owner's title insurance protects the homeowner's equity and is typically optional. Arizona purchase contracts commonly provide for an owner's policy at seller expense when available — read the version you sign.
Create your free account to see all homes for sale that fit the monthly payment you're comfortable with, each with its actual property taxes, HOA dues, estimated homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance when it applies, plus its own estimated closing costs and APR disclosure.
Opens a third-party home search site. Payments shown there are estimates to help you search, not a loan offer or rate quote. Your actual payment depends on price, down payment, credit, taxes, insurance, HOA, and loan program.
What to read in the commitment
- Schedule A — proposed insured, amount, legal description, and policy type to be issued.
- Requirements — items that must be cleared or completed before the policy can be issued (for example, recording the deed and paying off existing loans).
- Schedule B exceptions — matters that will remain excluded from coverage, such as recorded easements, CC&Rs, or other exceptions the search found. Ask the title or escrow officer (or an attorney) about any item you do not understand.
- Underlying documents — the AAR residential resale contract instructs escrow to deliver the commitment with complete, legible copies of documents that will remain as exceptions.
How long do you have to object?
On the Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (February 2026 sample), buyers are instructed to read the title commitment within five (5) days of receipt and may provide notice to the seller of disapproved items within that window (and after notice of later exceptions). Your signed contract's exact wording controls.
Title insurance vs. the home search
Title issues are separate from the monthly payment, but both matter before you close. While escrow runs, you can still compare homes by monthly budget — each listing's estimate includes that home's taxes, HOA dues, and insurance.
Related: what the SPDS is · what's on a Loan Estimate · closing timeline · buyer's agent · more questions.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. The commitment and policy forms you receive, and Arizona title insurance law, control.
What clients say about Rebel Rate Mortgage
Review mentions Daryle Messina, NMLS #183491
Review mentions Pam Messina, NMLS #245626
Daryle and Pam were amazing! Super helpful throughout the entire process
Matt M. · Google review
Review mentions Pam Messina, NMLS #245626
Pam Messina with Rebel Rate Mortgage made the home buying process so easy for my Fiancé and I. She went above and beyond to ensure we were well prepared and informed! …
Boyd V. · Google review
Review mentions Pam Messina, NMLS #245626
Pam was great with my refinance. Kept me up to date with everything, and was available for any questions I had during the process. I've used her twice for home finance. I totally recommend her services at Rebel Rate.
sampsoncook1 · Google review
Reviews from Rebel Rate Mortgage's Google Business Profile. Individual results vary. Read all 37 reviews on this site.
Ready to see what fits your monthly budget?
Search Arizona homes with each home's property taxes, HOA dues, and insurance built into the estimated payment. We never sell your information or pass it to other lenders or marketers. Only Rebel Rate Mortgage, Inc. contacts you.
Create your free account to see all homes for sale that fit the monthly payment you're comfortable with, each with its actual property taxes, HOA dues, estimated homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance when it applies, plus its own estimated closing costs and APR disclosure.
Opens a third-party home search site. Payments shown there are estimates to help you search, not a loan offer or rate quote. Your actual payment depends on price, down payment, credit, taxes, insurance, HOA, and loan program.
Prefer to talk it through? Pam Messina, NMLS #245626
Call office 602-740-9664Call Pam 602-460-4879Text PamEmail Pam
More Arizona home buyer questions · Calculators · Homes by monthly budget · All Arizona cities
Sources
- Arizona Revised Statutes §20-1562 (title insurance definitions: commitment)
- Arizona REALTORS®, Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (February 2026 sample; title commitment timing)
- Arizona REALTORS®, Buyer Advisory (February 2026) (February 2026)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, What is owner's title insurance? (last reviewed Oct 19, 2023)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, What is lender's title insurance? (last reviewed Sep 11, 2024)
- Arizona Department of Real Estate, Property Buyer's Checklist
Frequently asked questions
What is a title commitment and why does it matter when buying in Arizona?
It is the title insurer's offer to issue a policy on stated terms (A.R.S. §20-1562), not a guarantee of clear title. It shows requirements and Schedule B exceptions that affect coverage and sometimes property use.
Is a title commitment the same as clear title?
No. Arizona law says a commitment is not a representation as to the condition of title; it states the terms on which the insurer will issue a policy.
How long do I have to review the title commitment?
Under the AAR residential resale contract sample, buyers typically have five days after receipt to notify the seller of disapproved items. Confirm the deadline in your signed contract.
Do I need owner's title insurance?
The CFPB explains that lender's title insurance protects the lender and is usually required, while owner's title insurance protects your equity and is generally optional. Many Arizona contracts provide for an owner's policy — read yours.