Mortgage guidelines can be difficult to locate and understand. This resource page provides direct access to the official FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lending guides used throughout the mortgage industry.
These guides contain detailed requirements for loan eligibility, underwriting, appraisals, property standards, documentation, and other mortgage-related topics. Because agency guidelines are updated periodically, always review the current official source before relying on a specific requirement.
FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1
The FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 is the primary source for FHA mortgage requirements. It includes guidance covering borrower eligibility, property acceptability, appraisals, minimum property requirements, manufactured housing, underwriting, closing, servicing, and quality control.
Fannie Mae Selling Guide
The Fannie Mae Selling Guide contains the requirements lenders generally follow when originating and delivering conventional mortgage loans to Fannie Mae. Topics include borrower eligibility, income, assets, credit, property eligibility, appraisals, mortgage insurance, loan limits, and underwriting requirements.
Freddie Mac Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide
The Freddie Mac Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide contains requirements for mortgages sold to and serviced for Freddie Mac. It includes guidance on borrower qualification, property eligibility, appraisals, underwriting, loan delivery, manufactured homes, servicing, and other conventional mortgage requirements.
Important Guideline Information
Mortgage agency requirements change over time, and additional lender-specific requirements may apply. The information and links provided on this page are for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, lending, underwriting, or financial advice.
Always confirm the applicable guideline, effective date, loan program requirements, automated underwriting findings, and lender overlays before making a mortgage-related decision.