### Question
Can you define what first mortgage means?


### Answer
**First mortgage** is defined as the following in *12 U.S.C. § 1715z*:

> such classes of first liens as are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate or a first or subordinate lien on all stock allocated to a dwelling unit in a residential cooperative housing corporation, under the laws of the State in which the real estate or dwelling unit is located, together with the credit instruments, if any, secured thereby

#### Citation:
  - *12 U.S.C. § 1715z*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 13-NATIONAL HOUSING > SUBCHAPTER II-MORTGAGE INSURANCE**

