### Question
How does MORTGAGE INSURANCE define first mortgage?


### Answer
Under *12 U.S.C. § 1715z*, **first mortgage** is defined as:

> a single first lien given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate, under the laws of the State in which the real estate is located, together with the credit instrument, if any, secured thereby

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

