Underwriting
The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved
for the lender. Underwriting involves an analysis of the borrower's creditworthiness
and the quality of the property itself.
Unilateral contract
An agreement to exchange payment for services, where payment becomes due
only once the service has been successfully performed. A listing agreement
for the sale of real property may be a unilateral contract.
Unlawful detainer
An eviction lawsuit.
Unsecured loan
A loan that is not backed by collateral.
Upon the death of the individual
Title passed back to the sovereign, not to the decedent's heirs.
Usufruct
The right to use property--or income from property--that is owned by another.
Usury
The illegal act of charging extremely high interest rates on a loan.
Underwriting