§ 11-501. Definitions

   (a) In general. -- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Borrower. -- "Borrower" means a person who makes a loan application for or receives a loan or other extension of credit that is or is intended to be secured in whole or in part by any interest in a dwelling or residential real estate located in Maryland.

(c) Dwelling. --

   (1) "Dwelling" has the meaning stated in 15 U.S.C. § 1602(w).

   (2) "Dwelling" does not include a residential structure or mobile home unless the residential structure or mobile home, or at least one unit contained in the residential structure or mobile home, is owner-occupied.

(d) Independent evidence of commercial purpose. --

   (1) "Independent evidence of commercial purpose" means, where a mortgage loan is made for a commercial purpose to an individual, any and all documentation by which the mortgage lender, prior to the making or procurement of the loan, establishes that the borrower is seeking funds for a legitimate commercial enterprise.

   (2) "Independent evidence of commercial purpose" does not include an affidavit of the borrower without supporting evidence, except where:

      (i) The borrower is seeking funds to start a business and has not yet incorporated or prepared documentation or proof of ownership of a commercial enterprise; and

      (ii) The affidavit states the purpose for which the proceeds of the mortgage loan are to be used and the nature of the business conducted or to be conducted by the borrower.

(e) Interest in real estate. -- "Interest in real estate" includes:

   (1) A confessed judgment note or consent judgment required or obtained by any person acting as a mortgage lender for the purpose of acquiring a lien on a dwelling or residential real estate;

   (2) A sale and leaseback required or obtained by any person acting as a mortgage lender for the purpose of creating a lien on a dwelling or residential real estate;

   (3) A mortgage, deed of trust or lien other than a judgment lien, on a dwelling or residential real estate; and

   (4) Any other security interest that has the effect of creating a lien on a dwelling or residential real estate in Maryland.

(f) License. -- "License" means a license issued by the Commissioner under this subtitle to authorize a person to engage in business as a mortgage lender.

(g) Licensee. -- "Licensee" means a person who is licensed under the Maryland Mortgage Lender Law.

(h) Loan application. --

   (1) "Loan application" means any oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with procedures established by a mortgage lender for the purpose of inducing the lender to seek to procure or make a mortgage loan.

   (2) "Loan application" does not include the use of an account or line of credit to obtain a loan within a previously established credit limit.

(i) Mortgage broker. -- "Mortgage broker" means a person who:

   (1) For a fee or other valuable consideration, whether received directly or indirectly, aids or assists a borrower in obtaining a mortgage loan; and

   (2) Is not named as a lender in the agreement, note, deed of trust, or other evidence of the indebtedness.

(j) Mortgage lender. --

   (1) "Mortgage lender" means any person who:

      (i) Is a mortgage broker;

      (ii) Makes a mortgage loan to any person; or

      (iii) Is a mortgage servicer.

   (2) "Mortgage lender" does not include:

      (i) A financial institution that accepts deposits and is regulated under Title 3, Title 4, Title 5, or Title 6 of this article;

      (ii) The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;

      (iii) The Federal National Mortgage Association;

      (iv) The Government National Mortgage Association;

      (v) Any person engaged exclusively in the acquisition of all or any portion of a mortgage loan under any federal, State, or local governmental program of mortgage loan purchases; or

      (vi) An affiliated insurance producer-mortgage loan originator licensed under § 11-603.1 of this title.

(k) Mortgage lending business. --

   (1) "Mortgage lending business" means the activities set forth in the definition of "mortgage lender" in subsection (j) of this section which require that person to be licensed under this subtitle.

   (2) "Mortgage lending business" includes the making or procuring of mortgage loans secured by a dwelling or residential real estate located outside Maryland.

(l) Mortgage loan. -- "Mortgage loan" means any loan primarily for personal, family, or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling or residential real estate on which a dwelling is constructed or intended to be constructed.

(m) Mortgage loan originator. -- "Mortgage loan originator" has the meaning stated in § 11-601 of this title.

(n) Mortgage servicer. -- "Mortgage servicer" means a person who:

   (1) Engages in whole or in part in the business of servicing mortgage loans for others; or

   (2) Collects or otherwise receives payments on mortgage loans directly from borrowers for distribution to any other person.

(o) Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. -- "Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry" means a mortgage licensing system developed and maintained by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators for the licensing and registration of licensed mortgage loan originators and mortgage lenders.

(p) Person. -- "Person" means a natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, or association.

(q) Residential real estate. -- "Residential real estate" means any owner-occupied real property located in Maryland on which a dwelling is constructed or intended to be constructed.

(r) State. -- "State" means the State of Maryland.

HISTORY: 1989, ch. 476, § 3; 1991, ch. 389; 1996, ch. 326, § 2, 3; 1997, ch. 588; 1998, ch. 21, § 1; 2003, ch. 348; 2005, ch. 132, § 1, 2; 2008, chs. 3, 4; 2009, ch. 4; 2010, ch. 72, § 5; ch. 106; ch. 611, § 2.