Mortgage glossary of definitions, meanings, and descriptions of significance for some of our industry's most often used terms and phrases.

U

Underwriter -- One who insures another. A small title insurance company may buy insurance from a larger one (the underwriter) for all or part of the liability of its policies. A larger title company may buy part of the insurance from another company on high liability policies.

Unity of Title -- In joint tenancy, the holding by the joint tenants under the same title.

Unmarketable Title -- Not salable. A title which has serious defects.

Unrecorded Instrument -- A deed, mortgage, etc., which is not recorded in the county recorder's office and, therefore, not protected under recording statutes. Valid between the parties involved, but not against innocent third parties.