conforming loan

Conforming Loan

A mortgage loan that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are allowed to buy. These organizations buy mortgages from the original lenders so as to reduce risk to the lenders and, thereby, maintain a smooth flow of mortgage credit. Conforming loans must meet certain guidelines. Included among these guidelines are requirements, such as a maximum debt-to-income ratio for the property owner, but the most important rule states that neither organization may buy a loan worth more than a certain amount. This amount changes every year according to changes in the median home price. See also: Jumbo loan, Mortgage-backed security.

Farlex Financial Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All Rights Reserved

conforming loan

A loan that meets the underwriting requirements necessary for sale to Fannie Mae (FNMA—Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (FHLMC—Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). There is nothing derogatory about a nonconforming loan; it may be too large,it may be for a property flipped within the prior 90 days,or any number of other disqualifying reasons besides creditworthiness or value of collateral.

The Complete Real Estate Encyclopedia by Denise L. Evans, JD & O. William Evans, JD. Copyright © 2007 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.