The Basics: Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs)

On September 7, 2008, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the government sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) into conservatorship. FHFA explained it took this action “to help restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, enhance their capacity to fulfill their [housing] mission, and mitigate the systemic risk that has contributed directly to the instability in the current market.” Now under debate is the future structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Latest News 

Congress Votes to Extend FHA and GSE Loan Limits through 2010 (Oct. 29)
Federal Reserve Board Extends Period for Purchasing Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac MBSs and Debt (Sept. 23)

Conforming Loan Limits

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which was signed into law on February 17, 2009, increased the maximum conforming loan limit for mortgages originated in 2009. The increase affects 250 counties across the United States. 

On October 29, 2009, House and Senate passed legislation to extend the current loan limits through December 31, 2009.
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Detailed information about local area loan limits>

Making Home Affordable Program

On February 18, 2009, President Obama announced his Making Home Affordable Program, designed to help up to 7-9 million families avoid foreclosure by restructuring or refinancing their mortgages.

For more detailed information, visit our Making Home Affordable Program homepage.

Fannie Mae E-News for Real Estate Professionals

Fannie Mae has set up an electronic newsletter targeted to real estate professionals.
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