Understanding the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Its Impact on Home Financing

Definition & Meaning

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Freddie Mac, is a private corporation established by the U.S. government in 1970. Its primary purpose is to enhance the secondary market for mortgages in the United States. Freddie Mac buys mortgages from lenders, pools them together, and then sells them as mortgage-backed securities to investors. This process increases the availability of funds for mortgage lending, making it easier for individuals to secure loans for purchasing homes. Additionally, Freddie Mac guarantees timely interest payments and the eventual return of principal to investors.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A homeowner secures a mortgage from a bank. The bank sells this mortgage to Freddie Mac, allowing it to free up capital for additional loans. Freddie Mac then pools this mortgage with others and sells securities to investors.

Example 2: An investor purchases mortgage-backed securities from Freddie Mac, receiving regular interest payments as homeowners make their mortgage payments. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Freddie Mac A government-sponsored enterprise that buys mortgages and sells mortgage-backed securities. Focuses on the secondary mortgage market.
Fannie Mae Another government-sponsored enterprise that operates similarly to Freddie Mac. Primarily focuses on larger loans and different mortgage products.
Mortgage-Backed Security A financial instrument backed by a pool of mortgages. Can be issued by various entities, including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a mortgage transaction or are considering investing in mortgage-backed securities, it is important to understand how Freddie Mac operates. You can explore legal templates available on US Legal Forms to assist with mortgage agreements or related documents. If your situation is complex or involves significant financial decisions, consulting with a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Established: 1970
  • Type: Private corporation
  • Function: Buys and pools mortgages, sells mortgage-backed securities
  • Guarantees: Timely interest payments and principal repayment
  • Impact: Increases availability of funds for home loans

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Freddie Mac is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. government to support the mortgage market by buying and securitizing mortgages.