On June 25, 2025, the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued a groundbreaking directive that could reshape the future of home financing in America. In a formal order signed by Director William J. Pulte, the FHFA has instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—the two largest mortgage guarantors in the country—to begin developing policies for considering cryptocurrency as a qualifying asset in single-family mortgage risk assessments.
This decision represents a major shift in the housing finance system and acknowledges cryptocurrency’s growing role in consumer wealth.
What’s in the Directive?
The directive, titled “Order Issuing Directive to Consider Cryptocurrency as an Asset for Single-Family Loans Delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” outlines several key points:
✅ Recognition of Cryptocurrency as a Legitimate Asset
The FHFA acknowledges that cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class that could support long-term wealth and financial stability outside traditional markets like stocks and bonds.
✅ Inclusion in Risk Assessments
Historically, crypto holdings were not included in mortgage underwriting unless converted to U.S. dollars. Under this new directive, the Enterprises are now encouraged to treat crypto as part of a borrower’s reserve assets, even without conversion to fiat currency.
✅ Secure Storage on U.S.-Regulated Exchanges
Only cryptocurrency assets that can be:
- Evidenced and documented
- Stored on U.S.-regulated centralized exchanges (such as Coinbase or Kraken)
will be eligible for consideration. This helps safeguard against fraud, volatility, and loss.
✅ Risk Mitigation Required
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must apply adjustments based on market volatility and may cap the amount of crypto that counts toward reserves. These controls ensure that crypto reserves do not overstate a borrower’s financial security.
✅ Board and FHFA Approval Required
Each Enterprise must:
- Draft a detailed proposal
- Obtain approval from their Board of Directors
- Submit it to the FHFA for final review before implementation
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
This marks a significant policy evolution. While cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have become more mainstream, they were previously excluded from the mortgage evaluation process unless converted to cash.
By including crypto in reserve assessments, this directive opens doors for more borrowers, particularly tech-savvy or self-employed individuals who hold digital assets as part of their net worth.
Limitations to Know
- This policy applies only to single-family loans—not multifamily, investment, or commercial loans.
- Crypto will be considered as part of reserves only—not for down payments or income.
- Final policies must still be proposed and approved before implementation, so homebuyers cannot use crypto just yet.
What This Means for the Real Estate Industry
For real estate professionals, this shift:
- Encourages conversations with clients about diverse asset portfolios
- Increases the importance of partnering with lenders who understand crypto compliance
- Signals a longer-term trend of technology and finance integration in housing markets
How to Prepare
If you hold cryptocurrency and are planning to buy a home in the near future:
- Make sure your assets are stored on a U.S.-regulated exchange
- Keep detailed statements showing ownership and transaction history
- Speak with a real estate agent and mortgage lender who are aware of these upcoming changes
Final Thoughts
This FHFA order is an early but significant step toward modernizing the mortgage process. As Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac build out their proposals, crypto-holders may soon have new opportunities to leverage their digital wealth for real estate.
💼 Ready to Buy with Crypto in Mind?
Whether you’re planning a purchase in the next few months or exploring how your assets fit into the loan picture, Boutique Realty is here to help. Our expert team stays up-to-date with the latest housing policies and can connect you with trusted lenders who understand digital assets and emerging finance trends.📲 Contact us today at www.allensellsla.com or follow us on social media for updates on this and other real estate news.