Real Estate Glossary
Our glossary is the largest dictionary of real estate and construction terms on the Internet with almost 10,000 definitions.
- U-Bolt
- A bolt shaped like the letter "U," with threading on both straight sections.
- UCC
- see Uniform Commercial Code.
- UF Wire
- Plastic insulated cable used for underground wiring.
- U-Hanger
- A metal fastener used to attach pipes to wooden joists under a floor.
- Ullage
- The empty portion of a partially filled tank.
- Ultimate Strength
- A maximum force an object can tolerate before failure.
- Ultra Vires
- Action that is beyond what is legally allowed.
- Ultrasonic
- Vibrations above the range of normal human hearing (50kHz or higher).
- Ultrasonic Examination
- An inspection method using ultrasonic waves to locate structural flaws in a sample of material.
- Ultrasonic Stud Finder
- A device using ultrasonic waves to detect studs behind a wall.
- Ultraviolet
- Light that is above the visible spectrum.
- Undercoat
- A priming coat of paint.
- Undercounter Lavatory
- see Lavatory, Under Counter.
- Underdrain
- A drainage system installed under a slab or street to divert and channel away excess water.
- Underfloor Raceway
- Hollow metal sections installed under a floor to contain electrical wiring. See also Underfloor Wiring System.
- Underfloor Wiring System
- Wires, for example electrical, which are placed beneath the flooring of a structure.
- Underground Feeder Cable
- Electrical cable with moisture resistant insulation, designed for underground use.
- Underground Service
- Electrical power lines that are run underground in the street and to the building. Underground service has largely replaced the use of above-ground power lines in new housing developments.
- Underimprovement
- Property improvements that are below the usual standard expectations.
- Underlayment
- Layer of wood between the floor and the subfloor.
- Underlying Mortgage
- The first mortgage on a property when other mortgages exist on the same property.
- Underpinning
- Reinforcement of a building with supports or the use of beams temporarily while the structure is being built.
- Undersupply
- When demand exceeds the amount of real estate property available causing the prices to rise.
- Undertone
- A light paint color.
- Underwriter's Laboratories (UL)
- Independent testing group that assesses the safety and quality of various electrical components. Once a product is approved, the manufacturer can place a "UL" label on the item.
- Underwriting
- Lenders evaluation of the risks posed by a borrower so that they can then set conditions for the loan.
- Underwriting Fee
- Fee charged by the lender to do the work to verify information, necessary to make a decision as to whether or not to approve a loan.
- Undisclosed Heir
- One who claims, after the death of an owner lacking a will, a right to a piece of that property.
- Undisclosed Principal
- When a major party to a transaction remains anonymous or when one party is not informed that there is a principal.
- Undisclosed Spouse
- A marital partner, who is not mentioned in a will but can claim a right to a piece of property.
- Undivided Interest
- Ownership by two or more persons, which entitles each to the right to use the entire property.
- Undue Influence
- When a person is forced to perform in a certain manner due to excessive influence, pressure or fear brought by another party and may be used to void a contract.
- Unearned Income
- Income received for work not yet finished, such as payment in advance for contracting work.
- Unearned Increment
- An increase in the value of a property, which is not due to any effort on the part of the owner.
- Unemployment
- Nonavailability of jobs for people able and willing to work.
- Unemployment Insurance
- State run insurance program, funded by employers and payroll taxes, that provides workers with weekly payments when they are fired or laid off.
- Unencumbered
- Real estate that is fear and clear of liens and obligations, such as a house without a mortgage.
- Unenforceable
- Contract that is not able to be legally enforced by the courts, such as contracts with minors and those containing fraud.
Jane Miller Real Estate
The GoHome Networks
410 NW Walnut Blvd. Ste A
