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


### Answer
**First mortgage** is defined as the following in *12 U.S.C. § 1736*:

> such classes of first liens as are commonly 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 instruments, if any, secured thereby

#### Citation:
  - *12 U.S.C. § 1736*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS > SUBCHAPTER VI-WAR HOUSING INSURANCE**

