Keyword: Single-Family
JUN 14, 2018
An Employment Leg Up with NextJob Partnership
Notable
A new Freddie Mac partnership with NextJob will provide job search assistance to current and aspiring homeowners living in designated underserved markets.
JUN 13, 2018
Credit Risk Transfer: $1 Trillion Milestone
Notable
Credit risk transfer is changing the way the U.S. residential housing market is funded – and we're leading the way.
APR 13, 2018
But Wait, There's More
Homeownership
In addition to principal and interest, your monthly mortgage payment may also include an escrow payment and private mortgage insurance payment. So, what are these extra payments?
MAR 20, 2018
Will Millennials Move Out?
Research and Analysis
What happens the newly crowned largest generation decides to start buying homes...and what happens if they don't?
MAR 19, 2018
How Will Rising Rates Affect Your Bottom Line
Homeownership
With the heightened talk about rising interest rates, many prospective homebuyers are understandably concerned about whether now is the right time to purchase a home.
MAR 1, 2018
When Mortgage Rates Weren't Groovy
Research and Analysis
The most dramatic increase in mortgage rates came during the late 1970s. What would happen if rates rise like that again?
FEB 12, 2018
Who Do I Call If Disaster Forbearance Is Ending?
Homeownership
Were your monthly mortgage payments suspended temporarily because you were affected by a recent natural disaster? Wondering what happens when this "forbearance period" ends?
FEB 1, 2018
How Much Will You Bring to the Closing Table?
Homeownership
Before you get the keys to the home that you're buying, you'll go through the closing process, which includes paying certain fees. How much money are we talking about?
JAN 25, 2018
One Easy System for Improving Your Credit? Yes!
Homeownership
Looking for an easy, convenient way to better manage your finances, improve your credit, save money, and work toward buying a home? Check out this new Freddie Mac program.
JAN 17, 2018
Use Your Assets
Homeownership
Did you know you can use your financial assets to qualify for a conforming, conventional mortgage?
NOV 14, 2017
Could a Manufactured Home Be Right for You?
Homeownership
Manufactured homes have improved a lot over time, and are an important source of housing across the country. In Kentucky, a new program can help get you ready to buy one.
OCT 18, 2017
Can You Skip the Property Appraisal?
Homeownership
You might be able to skip the traditional property appraisal. Talk to your loan officer to see if you qualify.
OCT 3, 2017
Millennials Buy Homes for Their Best Friends
Homeownership
One–third of Millennials had their best friends at heart — dogs, that is — when deciding to buy their first homes, according to a recent survey.
AUG 22, 2017
Buying a Home is Still Affordable. Or is it?
Homeownership
Is buying a home affordable today? The answer is yes and no. It depends on a variety of factors, including where you live.
AUG 17, 2017
The Facts (and Myths) on Home Inspections
Homeownership
Because home inspections are such an important part of your homebuying journey, it's important to separate the facts from the myths.
AUG 8, 2017
An MVP Team Can Help You Score That Home
Homeownership
For something as important as buying a home, you need the right team of housing professionals working with you.
JUL 28, 2017
Making (Manufactured) Home Sweeter
Homeownership
Manufactured homes are an affordable option for many people, especially in rural areas. Our support for manufactured housing communities helps keep them that way.
JUL 19, 2017
Welcome to Your New Luxury (Manufactured) Home
Homeownership
For high–end finishes at bargain prices, check out today's crop of new manufactured homes.
JUL 12, 2017
Could You Chart a Similar Path to Buying a Home?
Homeownership
Meet Layanna, a single mom. Through her commitment and the support of her real estate agent, loan officer, and community, she's a brand–new homeowner.
JUN 20, 2017
The Math Behind Putting Less Than 20% Down
Homeownership
Did you know that you could buy a home with a down payment of less than 20%? Lots of people do. Want to join them? Find out how all of the numbers add up.
JUN 14, 2017
How New Homeowners Can Keep Lawns and Wallets Green
Homeownership
Smart landscaping and lawn care are essential to protecting the value of the most expensive thing you are ever likely to buy: your home.
JUN 7, 2017
Meet the Team: Real Estate Agent
Homeownership
You're going to be spending a lot of time with your agent so it's important to find someone who gets you.
APR 11, 2017
Get the Real Scoop on Down Payments
Homeownership
Believe that you need to make a down payment of at least 20% to buy a home? You have lots of company. Putting down that much money upfront certainly has benefits, but it's not required.
MAR 31, 2017
Diversity at Work: When Collaboration Fuels Success
Notable
Freddie Mac's Loan Advisor Suite benefits from different perspectives.
MAR 24, 2017
Why the 30-year Fixed Rate Wins "Most Popular"
Homeownership
Of all of the mortgage products out there, the 30–year, fixed–rate mortgage reigns as the most popular. Find out why it's been the favorite for years.
MAR 9, 2017
Who Do I Call...For Mortgage Help After a HAMP Interest-rate Reset?
Homeownership
Have you fallen behind on your monthly mortgage payments since the interest rate reset on your HAMP–modified loan and wondered if there's a way to help you get back on track?
FEB 28, 2017
The Importance of Affordable Housing and Homeownership
Homeownership
In commemoration of Black History Month, Freddie Mac held a panel discussion on the company's commitment to affordable housing, particularly in the African American community.
FEB 9, 2017
Who Do I Call...If I Need Mortgage Help While I'm Unemployed?
Homeownership
Are you struggling financially because you lost your job and want to know whether there's a way to reduce the strain of trying to make your monthly mortgage payments until you find a new job?
FEB 1, 2017
Who Do I Call...If I Need to Move for a Military or Other Job Relocation?
Homeownership
Do you need to relocate within a tight timeframe because of a permanent change of military station or other job transfer and want to explore options for selling your home quickly?
JAN 31, 2017
The Cost of Moving In
Homeownership
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, you'll need to budget for the cost of transporting yourself and everything you own to a new home.
JAN 25, 2017
Who Do I Call...For Mortgage Help During Financial Hardship?
Homeownership
If a major event in your personal life has dealt a long–term blow to your finances, are you wondering whether you might have your monthly mortgage payment lowered to fit your reduced income?
JAN 19, 2017
3 Benefits of Credit Risk Transfer
Notable
Credit risk transfer is changing the way the U.S. residential housing market is funded. Learn about its 3 main benefits.
JAN 19, 2017
Improve Your Homebuying Odds: Get Pre-Approved
Homeownership
Anyone looking to buy — especially in a competitive market — should ask a reputable lender to pre–approve them for a mortgage.
JAN 17, 2017
This Tool Makes It Easier to Manage Your Money
Homeownership
If your resolution is to get into a new home this year, it's important to understand how to manage your money. In fact, this knowledge is valuable in any case.
DEC 20, 2016
Who Do I Call...About a Letter I Received from Freddie Mac?
Homeownership
Did you receive a letter from Freddie Mac with the subject, "Borrower Notification: Freddie Mac Has Purchased Your Loan" but don't know what it means or what to do about it?
NOV 30, 2016
Borrowing Power to Increase Nationwide in 2017
Homeownership
New rules mean you may be able to borrow more next year.
NOV 16, 2016
Considering A Manufactured Home?
Homeownership
Forget what you think you know about manufactured homes. With prices averaging 1,300, they might just be the affordable housing option you're looking for.
OCT 28, 2016
What Do Homebuying and High School Have in Common?
Homeownership
Counselors who can help you succeed. A high–school guidance counselor might have advised you on what you needed to do to graduate and the path you might take toward your future. A housing counselor can advise you on how to become and stay a homeowner.
OCT 20, 2016
A Down Payment of Less than 20% Is OK. Really.
Homeownership
Did you know that the average down payment among first–time homebuyers is 6% and it's 13–14% for repeat buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors®? It's possible to put down even less.
OCT 18, 2016
Baby Boomer Myths: Up-Close and Personal with Sean Becketti, Chief Economist
Research and Analysis
Baby Boomers comprise one-quarter of the population but own two-thirds of the housing wealth. Their decisions will reshape our housing market in the coming years. Freddie Mac's chief economist uses our latest survey results to bust some myths about 55+ homeowners and renters.
AUG 24, 2016
Sales on Track Despite Limited Housing Stock & Rising House Prices
Research and Analysis
How are home sales looking now that we're more than half way through 2016?
AUG 1, 2016
Chris Boyle Wins HousingWire "Women of Influence" Kudos
Notable
Congratulations to Chris Boyle, Freddie Mac Single-Family SVP of Sales & Relationship Management, for being recognized among the housing industry's top "Women of Influence" by HousingWire.
JUN 22, 2016
Many Returns of the Day, USDA!
Notable
Congratulations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development on its Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program's 25th anniversary! Freddie Mac looks forward to working together even more closely over the next 25.
JUN 20, 2016
50 Billion And Going Strong
Notable
We're celebrating an important corporate milestone — the transfer of a significant amount of mortgage credit risk on 50 billion in unpaid principal balance of single-family and multifamily loans.
JUN 16, 2016
HARP: Two Ways to Save
Homeownership
HARP, a federal program launched to help homeowners who owe more on their home than it's worth, helps borrowers save in two ways: through lower rates and lower terms. Find out if you're eligible for HARP and act fast as the program ends soon!
JUN 8, 2016
Beware of Phishers Trying to Hook Your Closing Costs
Homeownership
Homebuying season can be open season for scams. Don't get caught.
JUN 2, 2016
Calculating Ways Homeowners Can Save Money
Homeownership
During the homebuying process, you're probably focused on all of the related costs. Why not think a bit about how you might save money once you're a homeowner? Freddie Mac's calculators and worksheets can help.
JUN 1, 2016
Chris Boyle Wins HousingWire "Women of Influence" Kudos
Notable
Congratulations to Chris Boyle, Freddie Mac Single-Family SVP of Sales & Relationship Management, for being recognized among the housing industry's top "Women of Influence" by HousingWire.
MAY 20, 2016
Freddie Mac Earns Three Mortgage-Backed Securities Awards
Notable
For the second consecutive year Freddie Mac's Structured Agency Credit Risk (STACR®) debt notes have been named RMBS Deal of the Year by Global Capital, a leading financial news and data service covering the capital markets. Freddie Mac also earned top honors for Best Overall Securitization Issuer and Best RMBS Issuer.
MAY 19, 2016
Down Payments: There's Help for That
Homeownership
"If only I could afford the down payment, I could buy that home." You might be able to do both. An acceptable down payment might be smaller than you think (hint: less than 20%). On top of that, you might be eligible for down payment assistance.
MAY 17, 2016
Dear Seller, Pick Me
Homeownership
Congratulations, you've found the home of your dreams! Before you submit an offer, you may want to include one thing to set you apart from the competition — a letter to the seller.
MAY 9, 2016
Take the Anxiety Out of Your First Home Offer
Homeownership
Here's how to put together an opening bid on a house without making yourself a nervous wreck.
APR 28, 2016
Who Let the Bugs In?
Homeownership
Spring has sprung and so have the bugs and rodents seeking to invade homes. Whether you are looking at homes to purchase or are a homeowner, there's no time like the present to inspect a home's exterior, especially after the long winter season, which can make it more inviting to house-hunting pests.
MAR 17, 2016
Your Top 3 Down Payment Myths Debunked
Homeownership
Today we're debunking the top 3 down payment myths in time for spring homebuying.
MAR 1, 2016
How it Works: Credit Risk Transfer
Notable
Today's video will show you how credit risk transfer works.
FEB 24, 2016
More than 3.3 Million People Have Saved With HARP. Could you?
Homeownership
If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth and haven't refinanced into a lower interest rate yet, then HARP is designed for you.
FEB 2, 2016
The Best Year in Home Sales Since 2007!
Research and Analysis
Expect home sales to carry this momentum forward in 2016.
DEC 30, 2015
Tips, Bits & Lists: It's a Wrap
Homeownership
Today we wrap up our 12 days of tips, bits & lists blog series with an overview of the financial obligations that come with homeownership.
DEC 28, 2015
Tiny Houses: Just Right for Retirement?
Homeownership
Tiny houses and micro-units typically bring to mind Millennials and Generation Xers shrinking their housing costs and environmental impacts. But they could be gaining popularity among Baby Boomers, too.
DEC 23, 2015
Get Ready, Here Comes Winter
Homeownership
Winter is off to a mild start in many places across the country but, depending on where you live, that'll change soon enough. So take this time to prepare yourself and your home for the wintry weather ahead.
DEC 22, 2015
Serious Delinquency Rate at 7 Year Low
Notable
Freddie Mac's single-family serious delinquency rate declined to 1.36% in November 2015, reaching its lowest level since October 2008.
DEC 22, 2015
Tips, Bits & Lists: Day 7
Homeownership
Today in our tips, bits & lists blog series learn about the 7 factors that affect your mortgage interest rate.
DEC 16, 2015
More Homeowners Tap Equity
Research and Analysis
An estimated 2.2 billion in net home equity was cashed out during the refinance of conventional prime-credit home mortgages in the third quarter.
NOV 18, 2015
Building a Better Housing Finance System
Notable
A better housing finance system that's good for the industry, investors and America's taxpayers. This is how we're doing it.
NOV 18, 2015
What Do Renters Save For: Tahiti or an Emergency Expense?
Research and Analysis
What are renters' savings priorities? We asked these questions and more in our quarterly renter survey.
NOV 12, 2015
The Closing Process: What to Expect
Homeownership
You've saved for it, searched for it, found it, and negotiated over it. Finally, you're ready to take possession of it — your new home. Before that can happen, however, comes the closing process.
NOV 10, 2015
Financial Obligations: What to Expect
Homeownership
There are many financial obligations that come with homeownership. Here's what you can expect.
OCT 27, 2015
Home Inspections: What to Expect
Homeownership
Home inspections are so important because they give you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the home with a professional before you spend any of your hard-earned money to buy it. Here's what you can expect from yours.
OCT 22, 2015
Down Payments: What to Expect
Homeownership
If you're in the market to buy a home, your down payment is probably top of mind. Here's what you should expect.
OCT 15, 2015
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
Homeownership
It's International Credit Union Day – and we're giving credit where credit is due.
OCT 15, 2015
Making an Offer: What to Expect
Homeownership
You've found the home you've been searching for and now it's time to make your offer. Learn what steps to expect in the process.
OCT 13, 2015
Your Team: What to Expect
Homeownership
Learn what to expect from your home buying team.
OCT 9, 2015
Freddie Mac's support for student housing
Research and Analysis
Student housing is a growing sector of the multifamily market.
OCT 6, 2015
Freddie Mac Announces Relief for Eligible Borrowers, Employers, Employees in South Carolina Disaster Areas
Notable
Borrowers whose home or place of business is in a disaster area, borrowers should immediately contact their mortgage servicer – the company to which they send their monthly mortgage payment.
SEP 25, 2015
August Home Sales
Research and Analysis
With summer now in the review mirror, how are home sales tracking so far this year?
SEP 14, 2015
Freddie Mac: First-Time Homebuyer Gains Hold Steady in 2015
Notable
According to the latest numbers, Freddie Mac financed affordable mortgages for nearly one million first-time homebuyers and over 4.5 million low- and moderate-income borrowers between 2009 and 2015.
SEP 10, 2015
Top 5 Concerns of Potential Homebuyers
Research and Analysis
What's the biggest concern about buying a home? Redfin posed that question to more than 3,500 households. Check out this year's top five and how they compare to last year's.
AUG 27, 2015
Help for Borrowers Struggling to Make Higher HAMP Payments
Homeownership
If higher HAMP payments have left you struggling, you may be eligible to have your loan re-modified.
AUG 26, 2015
The Best July for Home Sales Since 2006
Research and Analysis
How will home sales compare this year?
AUG 25, 2015
Where Are Homebuyers Hiding? In Single-Family Rentals
Rental Housing
The housing industry is wondering who is America's next homebuyer? One group is people renting single-family properties, according to new Freddie Mac research.
AUG 21, 2015
Brass Tacks Facts: Test Your Knowledge
Homeownership
Test your knowledge of mortgage essentials.
AUG 20, 2015
Remodeling? 6 Tips for Hiring Professionals
Homeownership
Chances are you'll need to hire professional help for at least part of your remodeling project. Keep these 6 in mind when hiring one:
JUL 28, 2015
Take Root Milwaukee Celebrates Fifth Year of Stabilizing Neighborhoods
Homeownership
Since Freddie Mac launched Take Root Milwaukee in 2010, the 32 member lenders, real estate firms, and government agencies have helped more than 16,400 residents buy a home, fix a home, build their finances, and avoid foreclosure.
JUL 6, 2015
Counseling Without the Couch: What a Housing Counselor Can Do for You
Homeownership
A housing counselor can be a great ally for a homebuyer – especially for someone navigating the process for the first time.
JUN 29, 2015
Down Payment Hurdles May Be Easier to Clear Than You Thought
Homeownership
Lack of funds for a down payment is the reason often given for not buying a home. Contrary to what some believe, the down payment doesn't need to be 20% or more of the purchase price. And for eligible homebuyers, financial help with the down payment is available.
JUN 26, 2015
10 States with the Highest Foreclosure Rates
Homeownership
The national foreclosure rate reached a 19-month high in May, according to real estate information company RealtyTrac. As reported in USA Today, the rise is largely the result of a bottleneck of older foreclosures finally being pushed through the process.
JUN 25, 2015
5 Tips to Help Recent Grads Build Credit
Homeownership
A good credit history matters a lot in reaching important goals in your life like buying a house or car, renting an apartment and to some degree even getting a job. Here are 5 tips to help recent grads build credit.
JUN 24, 2015
4 Reasons Home Sales Are Surging
Homeownership
Reports the Associated Press: "Home sales are on pace for their best year since 2007. First-time buyers are streaming back into the market." Why all the activity now after so many years of sluggishness?
JUN 24, 2015
Get Ready, Set Before Going to Shop for Your First Home
Homeownership
Buying your first home is a huge and often intimidating step. How to start? Read on for tips from the Independent Community Bankers of America.
JUN 24, 2015
May Home Sales
Research and Analysis
With new home sales data out for May, we're currently running 17,000 home sales (non-seasonally adjusted) above the May 2013 rate keeping us on track for the best year in home sales since 2007.
JUN 19, 2015
Curb Appeal (to Game of Thrones fans)
Notable
Missing Game of Thrones already? Well, we found something that might cheer you up – and believe it or not, it's actually related to housing.
JUN 15, 2015
5 Tips for a Better Credit Score
Homeownership
Your credit score influences a lender's decision to give you a single-family home mortgage loan – or not. These five tips can help you gain or maintain solid credit.
JUN 10, 2015
Spring Homebuying: Test Your Knowledge
Homeownership
We hope you enjoyed our series on spring homebuying. Take today's quiz to test your knowledge.
JUN 3, 2015
What Home Means
Homeownership
In honor of National Homeownership Month and our important mission to make home possible we asked, "What does home mean to you?" See what people from across the nation said.
JUN 2, 2015
5 Tips for House Hunting With Kids
Homeownership
Including your children in your home search can help them better adapt to change and ease anxiety. Here are 5 tips to help make your house hunt an enjoyable family task.
MAY 20, 2015
350,000 Mortgages: A Snapshot
Notable
See what type of mortgages Freddie Mac funded in the first quarter.
MAY 14, 2015
4 Ways to Bridge the Cash Gap
Homeownership
Need help with cash for down payments and closing costs? Here are 4 ways to close that gap.
MAY 12, 2015
Use Your Assets
Homeownership
Good news for retiring Baby Boomers and other savvy homebuyers who have limited incomes but substantial financial assets – these will help you to qualify for a low-rate mortgage.
MAY 11, 2015
You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers
Homeownership
What's on your mind these days when it comes to housing? Thanks to our consumer response specialists who answer your questions every day, we've got a pretty good idea. Here are five of the questions they hear most often.
APR 24, 2015
Heading into May, Momentum Builds for Home Sales
Research and Analysis
Last month, we indicated that April would be a make or break month for home sales. So, how are we doing?
APR 23, 2015
Choosing a Neighborhood: 5 Considerations for First-time Buyers
Homeownership
Choosing a neighborhood is about more than location, location, location. These 5 considerations can help you buy a home that is a good fit, will serve you well and will be a good investment for your future.
APR 22, 2015
Housing Stability Index Shows 60% of Top 100 U.S. Metro Markets Improving
Research and Analysis
MiMi now tracks the top 100 metro markets across the country.
APR 16, 2015
Mortgage Rates: Still the Deal of the Century
Homeownership
If you are in the market to buy a home, today's average mortgage rates are something to celebrate compared to almost any year since 1971.
APR 14, 2015
4 Tips for Former Homeowners Returning to the Market
Homeownership
Homeownership is becoming a possibility again for many families who lost their homes to foreclosure or short sale early in the Great Recession. For those who want to get back into the homeownership game, these four tips can help them prepare.
APR 2, 2015
4 Tips for Nipping Closing Day Jitters
Homeownership
Follow these four tips to help you nip those closing day jitters.
APR 1, 2015
No Foolin'
Research and Analysis
We're not the only ones who believe that a 3% down mortgage product will help boost sales this spring homebuying season.
MAR 30, 2015
April, Make or Break for Home Sales
Research and Analysis
Pending home sales trend bodes well for best home sales since 2007.
MAR 30, 2015
3% Down Checklist
Homeownership
Our checklist can help determine if our new 3% down mortgage is right for you.
MAR 24, 2015
Help for Borrowers Struggling to Make Higher HAMP Payments
Homeownership
If you're struggling to make a higher mortgage payment because of an interest rate reset on your HAMP modification, help is now available.
MAR 24, 2015
Homes from Seattle to Miami: Start Your Search Here
Homeownership
Are you looking for a 2 bed, 2 bath home in Seattle? Or perhaps you have your sights set on a 2 bed, 2 bath condo in Miami. HomeSteps® has homes just like these and more across the country – one of them may be the home you've been dreaming of.
MAR 10, 2015
5 Tips for First-time Homebuyers
Homeownership
Buying a home is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't understand the entire mortgage process. Check out these five tips from Bankrate.com to make it easier.
MAR 5, 2015
The Dress, the WeaselPecker and Housing Data
Homeownership
See how home sales perform this spring with our new interactive housing tracker.
FEB 25, 2015
5 Tips for First-time Homebuyers
Homeownership
Buying a home is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't understand the entire mortgage process. Check out these five tips from Bankrate.com to make it easier.
FEB 18, 2015
87% of U.S. Homes Qualify for Down Payment Assistance
Homeownership
You could get down payment help for more than 68 million homes across the country.
FEB 12, 2015
3 Ways Your Tax Refund Can Bring You Closer to Homeownership
Homeownership
Over the course of the next few months, nearly 8 out of 10 tax filers will get a refund. Here are three ways yours could bring you closer to making your dream of homeownership a reality.
FEB 10, 2015
How Many First Responders Own Homes?
Notable
Most firefighters, police and paramedics are homeowners, says a new Freddie Mac analysis of data from the U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
FEB 2, 2015
Punxsutawney Phil's Prediction
Homeownership
Today is Groundhog Day. And in a time honored tradition, all eyes were on Punxsutawney Phil. Is spring coming early or is it still 6 weeks away?
JAN 28, 2015
Serious Delinquency Rate at Six Year Low
Notable
Freddie Mac's single-family serious delinquency rate declined to 1.88% at December 31, 2014, reaching its lowest level since January 2009.
JAN 21, 2015
4 Tips for Buying a HomeSteps Home
Homeownership
HomeSteps homes are definitely worth a look if you're shopping for a home. Buying one is even easier with these 4 tips.
JAN 14, 2015
Nearly 50% of Homebuyers Aren't Shopping Around
Research and Analysis
A recent study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency found that almost half of U.S. homebuyers fail to shop around for mortgages.
JAN 13, 2015
Best Bang for the Condo Buck
Homeownership
In today's purchase market, condos could be the answer for many first-time homebuyers and those with lower and/or limited incomes. See where you get the best bang for your buck.
JAN 7, 2015
3% Down: More Questions Answered
Homeownership
Since lenders will soon begin taking applications, today we're answering more questions about our new 3% down mortgage - Home Possible Advantage.
JAN 7, 2015
In Good Faith
Homeownership
Closing costs average about ,539 – so it's important to understand what your costs will be before you commit to the loan. That's where the Good Faith Estimate comes in.
OCT 21, 2014
More Possible Home Possible
Homeownership
Next month, enhancements to Freddie Mac's Home Possible® Mortgages will make more homes possible for families nationwide.
AUG 27, 2014
Mortgage Fraud: Most Active States & Schemes
Homeownership
The five most active states for mortgage fraud, and the most active schemes, according to Freddie Mac's fraud investigators.
AUG 14, 2014
Nearly 30% of Housing Metros Unaffordable
Research and Analysis
With the latest data, 47 of the 163 metros are now unaffordable. While that's only 29% of markets, these markets represent roughly 44% of households in our sample.
AUG 13, 2014
The Math Challenge: Whether to Rent or Buy?
Rental Housing
Find out which is the better option when the monthly payment is the same.
AUG 5, 2014
How Do Mortgage Fraudsters Find Their Targets?
Homeownership
Borrower desperation simplifies the fraudsters' job to the point where all they have to do is advertise a promise and post a phone number or e-mail address.
JUL 29, 2014
HARP: It's the Real Deal
Homeownership
Today, we're swatting down one of the answers we hear most when we ask eligible borrowers why they haven't HARPed: They think it's a scam. Here's why it's not.
JUL 24, 2014
Help Around the Corner and Across the Country
Homeownership
Whether you're struggling with your mortgage or hoping to buy a home, Freddie Mac's Borrower Help Centers and Borrower Help Network offer you trustworthy, one-to-one help.
JUN 25, 2014
Down Payments and PMI: Get the Low Down
Homeownership
If you're in the market to buy a home, you've probably heard the rule of thumb that you shouldn't buy a home unless you can put down 20% to avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Why is 20% the magic number and what is PMI?
JUN 16, 2014
5 Percent Down Payment? You Bet.
Notable
Did you know 40 percent of today's homebuyers using mortgage financing are making down payments that are less than 10 percent?
JUN 12, 2014
Use Your Assets
Notable
Did you know that you can use your financial assets to qualify for a conforming, conventional mortgage?
JUN 9, 2014
Price Per Square: A Global Perspective
Notable
Did you know that housing in major U.S. cities is relatively inexpensive compared to other cities around the world?
JUN 3, 2014
Buying a Home? Get CreditSmart
Homeownership
There's a good reason why we dream of owning a home. And, there's also a good reason to prepare and become financially literate first. Why? Because educated borrowers are better prepared for successful, long-term homeownership and overall financial stability. Get smart through CreditSmart, our free financial education program.
JUN 2, 2014
Celebrate National Homeownership Month
Notable
Today kicks off National Homeownership Month and our month-long Did You Know? blog series featuring interesting and fun facts about housing.
MAY 7, 2014
The 4 Cs of Qualifying for a Mortgage
Homeownership
Thinking about buying a home but not sure whether you qualify for a mortgage? Here's what lenders look for in a borrower.
MAR 27, 2014
Taxes Are Not the Only Thing Due April 15th
Homeownership
Taxes are not the only thing due April 15th – it's also the deadline for homebuyers and real estate agents to take advantage of the HomeSteps Winter Sale Promotion.