Not for use by New York Borrowers

Home
/
Ginnie Mae

Ginnie Mae


Ginnie Mae, officially known as the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), is another important player in the United States housing finance system. However, it differs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in its structure and function. Ginnie Mae is not a government-sponsored entity (GSE) but rather a government-owned corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Here’s an overview of Ginnie Mae’s role and function:

  1. Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Ginnie Mae guarantees securities backed by mortgages that are insured or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Rural Housing Service (RHS). These agencies insure or guarantee loans made by private lenders to eligible borrowers, typically with lower down payment requirements or specific eligibility criteria.
  2. Guaranteeing MBS: Ginnie Mae’s primary function is to provide a government-backed guarantee on the mortgage-backed securities issued by approved issuers. These issuers pool the qualifying mortgages and sell them as securities in the secondary market. Ginnie Mae’s guarantee ensures that investors receive timely payment of principal and interest, even if the borrower defaults on the underlying mortgage.
  3. Affordable Housing Support: Ginnie Mae plays a role in supporting affordable housing initiatives by facilitating access to mortgage credit for borrowers who may not meet the conventional underwriting criteria. For example, Ginnie Mae-backed securities often include mortgages insured by the FHA, which offers more flexible qualification standards.
  4. Government Ownership: Unlike Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are publicly traded companies with shareholders, Ginnie Mae is wholly owned by the U.S. government. This means it operates as a government corporation, and its securities carry the full faith and credit guarantee of the United States.
  5. Stability and Liquidity: Ginnie Mae’s guarantee on MBS enhances investor confidence, making the securities highly liquid and attractive to a broad range of investors. This, in turn, helps maintain liquidity in the housing finance market and ensures a continuous flow of funds for mortgage lending.
  6. No Loan Purchases: Unlike Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae does not purchase or own mortgages. Instead, it guarantees MBS issued by approved issuers, which consist of pools of FHA, VA, and RHS mortgages.

In summary, Ginnie Mae plays a critical role in the U.S. housing finance system by providing a government guarantee on MBS backed by federally insured or guaranteed mortgages. Its focus on supporting affordable housing initiatives and its unique status as a government-owned corporation make it a key component of the nation’s efforts to ensure access to housing finance for a diverse range of borrowers.