Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, is a company that works to assure that mortgage money is readily available for existing and potential homeowners in the United States. Fannie Mae does not directly lend money to homebuyers, but works with lenders to ensure that there is no shortage of funds available for mortgage loans. The method in which Fannie Mae accomplishes this is by purchasing mortgages from a variety of institutions that make up the primary mortgage market. Primary market lenders include mortgage companies, savings and loans, commercial banks, credit unions and state and local housing finance agencies. These are the businesses where the mortgages are originated and the funds are loaned directly to the borrower. Fannie Mae then buys the mortgage, thus allowing the primary market lender to replenish their funds and lend more money to homebuyers.