### Question
How is the term first mortgage defined?


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

> such classes of first liens as are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate or 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**

