What does Fannie Mae primarily do?

Fannie Mae, or the Federal National Mortgage Association, primarily engages in purchasing various mortgage loans from primary lenders, which allows lenders to have more liquidity to provide additional loans to homebuyers. By buying loans, Fannie Mae helps to increase the availability of mortgage credit, ultimately promoting homeownership. This process involves the secondary mortgage market, where Fannie Mae plays a key role in ensuring that there are adequate funds available for homeowners seeking mortgages.

This function distinguishes Fannie Mae from other entities that might guarantee payments, issue new mortgages, or operate as a commercial bank. While Fannie Mae does play a role in guaranteeing certain loans, its primary function is more focused on the purchasing aspect, making the answer relevant to understanding the role of governmental-sponsored enterprises in the housing finance system. By supporting lenders, Fannie Mae maintains stability in the mortgage market and helps lower borrowing costs for consumers, reflecting its central mission.