Florida Real Estate Broker ExaminationReal Estate Finance and InvestmentMedium

A Florida real estate broker is explaining the secondary mortgage market to a new licensee. The broker emphasizes the role of certain entities in purchasing existing mortgages from primary lenders. Which of the following is a key participant in the secondary mortgage market?

  1. ACommercial banks
  2. BFannie Mae
  3. CCredit unions
  4. DMortgage brokers
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that buys mortgages from primary lenders, thereby providing liquidity to the mortgage market.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Commercial banks are primary lenders, originating mortgages, but they also sell them into the secondary market.
  • C. Credit unions are primary lenders, similar to commercial banks, originating loans for their members.
  • D. Mortgage brokers originate loans by connecting borrowers with lenders, but they do not purchase existing mortgages.

Secondary Mortgage Market

A market where existing mortgage loans are bought and sold by investors, providing liquidity to primary lenders.

  • Does not directly involve the borrower.
  • Key players include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.
  • Allows primary lenders to replenish funds for new loans.

Memory trick: Primary lends, Secondary bends (buys).

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