08/08/2026
If you own a condo, or you’re thinking about buying one, this is something to have on your radar.
There are some important changes happening with Fannie Mae’s condo financing guidelines, and while that may sound a little “inside baseball,” it can actually have a very real impact when it’s time to buy, sell, or refinance a condo.
Here’s the big takeaway:
When someone buys a condo, it’s not just the buyer who needs to qualify for the loan. The condo association and community may need to qualify, too.
Lenders can look at things like the association’s reserves, deferred maintenance, insurance coverage, special assessments, and the overall financial health of the community.
And those requirements are changing.
One of the bigger changes coming in January 2027 is an increase in the standard reserve requirement for condo projects that go through Fannie Mae’s Full Review—from 10% to 15% of the association’s annual budget.
So why am I sharing this now?
Because if you own a condo, serve on a condo board, or are considering buying one, these are conversations worth having before you’re in the middle of a transaction.
A beautiful condo can check every box for a buyer, but if there are issues with the association’s finances, insurance, reserves, or building condition, financing can become much more complicated.
The National Association of REALTORS® and Fannie Mae are holding a webinar on August 11 to walk through these changes, and I’ll be paying close attention.
As always, my goal is to stay ahead of changes like these so I can help my clients understand what they mean—and hopefully avoid surprises along the way.
Have questions about your condo or a community you’re considering? Reach out anytime. I’m happy to talk it through
https://www.nar.realtor/condominiums/fannie-mae-condo-financing-webinar-adapting-to-recent-changes?fbclid=IwZnRzaATkRX9wZG9mBWZkaWQWUMFDmcQl6rgZtEkKwmEESnGzkIweYWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5LwO_uTbYDMeClMhRcZU7dQpuTLYj1Plnh91Ir0ttaZF5-hSy8UqPUSoKjDA_aem_bDVdiZkTZ6MgJdMMeshWXA
Fannie Mae changed its guidelines for financing condominiums in March of this year. In this webinar, learn what is changing and why.