Mortgage Glossary
There are a lot of unfamiliar terms that get tossed around during the mortgage process. But don't worry, we've put together this glossary to help you get a better grasp of any terms that may be less than clear.
U
UCC
Uniform Commercial Code.
Underlying Mortgage
Generally refers to the first mortgage when there is a wraparound mortgage.
Underwriting
Detailed process of evaluating a borrower's loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender. Underwriting usually involves an in-depth analysis of the borrower's credit history, as well as an examination of the value and quality of the subject property.
Underwriting Fee
A fee charged by some lenders to cover the cost of the lender's analysis of the risk associated with a loan. For our comparison purposes, an underwriting fee is considered to be a lender fee.
Undivided Interest
An ownership right to use and occupy property that is shared among more than one owner. No single co-owner may have exclusive rights or possession to any part of the property.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
Group of laws that are applicable to commercial transactions. Only a few of the laws have relevance to real estate transactions.
Unsecured Loan
A loan that is not backed by collateral.
Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium
FHA charges the borrower an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (Upfront MIP) for most transactions to financially support the FHA program. This fee is a percentage of the principal loan amount and is due at closing. The full amount can be financed as part of the loan amount or paid in cash.