What is the primary function of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the mortgage market?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a crucial role in the mortgage market primarily through the process of buying and securitizing mortgages. By purchasing mortgages from lenders, they provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the housing market. Once they acquire these loans, they convert them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are then sold to investors. This process helps to ensure that there is a consistent flow of capital available for lenders, allowing them to make more loans to borrowers. The end result is increased access to financing for homebuyers and renters, facilitating homeownership.

In this context, the other options do not accurately represent the core function of these government-sponsored enterprises. They do not lend directly to borrowers, which is the role of mortgage lenders and banks. They also do not provide insurance for mortgages; rather, they support the mortgage market by purchasing loans. While homebuyer education might be a part of certain initiatives, it is not a primary function of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac within the mortgage market framework.