As used in this act:
a. "Depository institution" means any banking institutions as defined in section 1 of the Banking Act of 1948, P.L.1948, c. 67 (C. 17:9A-1), any association as defined in the Savings and Loan Act (1963), P.L.1963, c. 144 (C. 17:12B-1 et seq.), and any State or Federal credit union but the provisions of section 4 of this act shall not apply to any depository institution which had total assets of $10,000,000.00 or less as of the last day of its last full fiscal year.
b. "Mortgage loan" means a loan which is secured by residential real property or a home improvement loan.
c. "Applicant" means any person who files with a depository institution a written, or oral in-person, request containing such information as is reasonably required by the depository institution for a mortgage loan as defined in this act.