September 17, 2025 1 min read

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: What Are They & Why Do They Matter?

FS

The US government created Fannie Mae in 1938 and Freddie Mac in 1970 to help support affordable mortgages by increasing liquidity in the mortgage market and to help more American families become homeowners. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and are regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Find out how Fannie & Freddie promote homeownership, how secondary mortgage markets work, why some people want to see Fannie & Freddie released from conservatorship, and what is Fannie & Freddie's Duty to Serve.

Our Subject Matter Experts

Related Articles

FS
July 14, 2026 / Reports
Redlined

The Persistence of Racial Inequality in the Cost of Homeowners Insurance

FS
July 14, 2026 / Press Releases
Black and Hispanic Homeowners Pay Hundreds of Dollars More Annually for Homeowners Insurance

“Racial Premium Gap” Adds Up to $15,000 in Additional Insurance Costs for Black Consumers and $28,500 for Hispanic Consumers Over a 30-Year Mortgage

FS
July 02, 2026 / Testimony & Comments
CFA Letter Regarding FHA Minimum Property Requirements
FS
July 02, 2026 / Blogs
Myths About FHA Mortgages That Are Costing Buyers Their Dream Homes