Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), a dwelling is defined as any residential structure that includes one to four units, such as an individual condominium unit, single-family home, or townhouse. This definition also includes mobile homes or manufactured homes, as long as they are used as residences.
* Unimproved lots (A) are not considered dwellings because they lack a residential structure.
* A six-unit apartment complex (B) exceeds the limit of four units for a dwelling under TILA.
* Timeshares (D) are typically considered non-residential and do not meet the TILA definition of a dwelling.
References:
* Truth in Lending Act (TILA), 12 CFR §1026.2(a)(19)
* CFPB Guidelines on TILA's definition of a dwelling

For state-licensed, non-depository lenders, the primary regulatory authority is the state regulator in the jurisdiction where the lender operates. Each state has its own agency or department responsible for overseeing licensing, compliance, and enforcement of mortgage laws for non-depository institutions.
* The NMLS (A) is the system used to manage licenses but is not a regulatory authority.
* The Federal Trade Commission (B) oversees federal consumer protection laws but is not the primary regulator for state-licensed lenders.
* The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) (D) helps coordinate state regulation but does not directly regulate individual lenders.
References:
SAFE Act, 12 USC §5101
NMLS and State Regulator Guidelines

Under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, fees that are paid to third parties not controlled by the lender, such as property taxes, are not subject to tolerance limits. This means they can change from the Loan Estimate to the Closing Disclosure without restriction.
Lender fees (like tax service or processing fees) and escrow fees (when the borrower did not shop for the service) are subject to zero or 10% tolerance limits.
"Property taxes, homeowners insurance premiums, and similar charges are not subject to any tolerance limitation, and can change between the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure."
- 12 CFR § 1026.19(e)(3)(iii); CFPB TILA-RESPA Small Entity Compliance Guide References:
CFPB, TRID Tolerance Categories (see "Which charges are not subject to a tolerance limitation?") SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide

A subordinate lien (or junior lien) refers to any loan or claim against a property that is secondary to the first lien (the primary mortgage). Examples include second mortgages, home equity loans, or lines of credit.
"A subordinate lien is a mortgage or other lien that has a lower priority than a previous mortgage or lien."
- SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide
References:
SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide
CFPB, Glossary

A purchase money second mortgage allows a borrower to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) by using a second loan to cover part of the down payment. This structure, often referred to as a "piggyback loan", is commonly used when a borrower does not have a 20% down payment but wants to avoid PMI, which is typically required for loans with less than 20% down.
* The borrower makes payments on both the primary mortgage and the second mortgage, but by keeping the loan-to-value (LTV) on the first mortgage below 80%, they can avoid PMI.
References:
* Fannie Mae Selling Guide on purchase money mortgages
* Freddie Mac Guidelines on private mortgage insurance