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UNILATERAL CONTRACT - A contract in which one party makes an obligation to perform without receiving in return any express promise of performance from the other party, such as an open listing contract, where the seller agrees to pay a commission to the first broker who brings in a ready, willing and able buyer.

UPSET PRICE - A minimum price set by a court in a judicial foreclosure, below which the property may not be sold by a court appointed commissioner at public auction; the minimum price which can be accepted for the property after the court has had the property appraised.

USEFUL LIFE - That period of time over which an asset, such as a building, is expected to remain economically feasible to the owner.

USURY - Charging a rate of interest in excess of that permitted by law.