Who is Fannie Mae?

Fannie Mae, also known as FNMA is a government-sponsored enterprise chartered by Congress to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders, to help strengthen the U.S. housing and mortgage markets, and to support affordable homeownership. FNMA is a national mortgage finance company, but they don’t offer home loans. They stand behind mortgage lenders – local and national banks, thrifts, credit unions, and other financial institutions in all 50 states – to securitize or buy the mortgage loans they originate, enabling them to replenish their funds so they can lend to other homeowners. Similarly, they work to keep funds flowing to support affordable rental housing.