Tap to get financing
Multifamily Loans
Property Types
MultifamilySenior HousingStudent HousingAffordable HousingMobile Home Park
Loan Options
Fannie MaeFreddie MacFHA/HUD Multifamily LoansConstruction LoansRefinanceBridge LoansCMBSFind Lenders with Janover Pro
Resources
BlogLoan DocsForms and TemplatesRatesMultifamily Calculators
For Brokers About Us
(561) 556-5777
Get financing →
Multifamily Finance Blog
7 min read
by Jeff Hamann

How Fannie Mae Loans Work for CHDCs

Explore the benefits and eligibility of Fannie Mae loans for CHDCs and how to navigate the financing landscape for affordable housing projects.

In this article:
  1. Overview of Fannie Mae Loans
  2. Standard DUS Loans
  3. Fannie Mae Multifamily Small Loans
  4. Affordable Housing Loans
  5. Green Financing Loans
  6. Seniors Housing Loans
  7. Benefits of Fannie Mae Loans for CHDCs
  8. Eligibility and Requirements
  9. Application Process
  10. Find a Lender
  11. Pre-Application Documentation and Review
  12. Formal Application Submission
  13. Underwriting and Approval
  14. Loan Closing
  15. Conclusion
  16. Get Financing
Start Your Application and Unlock the Power of Choice Experience expert guidance, competitive options, and unparalleled industry expertise.
Click Here to Get Quotes →
$5.6M offered by a Bank$1.2M offered by a Bank$2M offered by an Agency$1.4M offered by a Credit UnionClick Here to Get Quotes!

If you're part of a Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) on the lookout for financing, Fannie Mae loans could be what you need. They're a key player in affordable housing finance, offering flexibility and competitive terms that can fit well with your projects. Let’s go through how these loans can help you.

Overview of Fannie Mae Loans

Fannie Mae stands as a backbone in multifamily lending, offering an array of loan products tailored to the diverse needs of property development, acquisition, and refinancing. Known for their competitive interest rates and flexible terms, Fannie Mae loans cater to projects of varying scales, making them a go-to option for CHDCs committed to enhancing affordable housing.

Standard DUS Loans

The Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) program represents Fannie Mae's primary multifamily lending platform, offering a comprehensive solution for financing across the multifamily property spectrum. 

DUS loans are distinguished by their long-term financing options, encompassing both fixed and variable rates, and are notable for their underwriting flexibility. This versatility makes DUS loans an excellent choice for CHDCs with varied project sizes and scopes.

Fannie Mae Multifamily Small Loans

Specifically designed for smaller-scale projects, the Fannie Mae Multifamily Small Loans program addresses loan requirements ranging from $1 million to $9 million. This initiative is particularly beneficial for CHDCs focusing on smaller properties, ensuring they have access to capital under conditions that bolster the project's feasibility and financial health. 

The program's hallmark lies in its competitive rates, streamlined processing, and adaptability, catering to the unique challenges and opportunities of smaller affordable housing ventures.

Affordable Housing Loans

Tailor-made for projects that cater to low-income families, Fannie Mae's Affordable Housing Loans are engineered to promote the development and maintenance of affordable living spaces. These loans offer enhanced terms such as extended amortization periods and reduced interest rates, directly supporting CHDCs' missions to provide sustainable and accessible housing solutions.

Green Financing Loans

In alignment with the growing emphasis on sustainability, Fannie Mae's Green Financing Loans incentivize projects aimed at improving energy and water efficiency. These loans offer favorable terms, including interest rate discounts, for properties that meet specific green certification standards. This program not only facilitates the construction of environmentally friendly housing but also encourages existing properties to adopt sustainable practices.

Seniors Housing Loans

Recognizing the unique needs of the aging population, Fannie Mae provides Seniors Housing Loans for properties offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. These loans are crafted to support the development and operation of senior housing facilities, ensuring they are both accessible and equipped to provide quality care.

Benefits of Fannie Mae Loans for CHDCs

Fannie Mae loans stand out as an exceptional financing tool for CHDCs due to their versatility and borrower-friendly features. Here's why these loans can be particularly beneficial:

  • Competitive Interest Rates: Fannie Mae loans often come with some of the most competitive rates in the market, reducing the cost of borrowing and making projects more financially viable.

  • Flexible Terms: With a range of term lengths and options, these loans can be tailored to fit the specific needs and timelines of affordable housing projects.

  • Underwriting Flexibility: Fannie Mae’s approach to underwriting considers the unique aspects of affordable housing, providing more room for CHDCs to navigate the financial landscape of their projects.

  • Long-term Stability: Fixed-rate options offer financial predictability, a crucial factor for long-term project planning and stability in affordable housing.

  • For CHDCs navigating the complexities of securing the right financing, leveraging technology and expertise can significantly streamline the process. This is where Janover steps in. 

    Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Janover connects CHDCs with the optimal lenders for their loans (through Fannie and many other options), simplifying the search and application process. This partnership ensures that CHDCs not only find financing that aligns with their projects' needs but also benefits from Janover's expertise in matching projects with the most favorable terms available.

    Eligibility and Requirements

    Securing a Fannie Mae loan involves meeting certain eligibility criteria and fulfilling specific requirements, which can vary based on the loan type and the project's specifics. Generally, CHDCs should be prepared to:

    • Demonstrate Project Viability: This includes presenting comprehensive plans that outline the project's affordability components, expected impact, and financial projections.

    • Financial Stability: CHDCs must show financial stability and capacity to manage the loan, which might involve providing financial statements, credit history, and other relevant financial documentation.

    • Compliance with Fannie Mae Standards: Projects must meet Fannie Mae’s standards for multifamily properties, which could involve aspects like tenant income limits, property condition assessments, and environmental reviews.

    • Understanding these requirements can be daunting, especially for CHDCs with limited experience in multifamily financing. This is another place where partnering with Janover proves invaluable. Janover’s platform walks you through the eligibility and application process, providing CHDCs with clear guidance and support every step of the way. By aligning CHDCs with lenders that understand and value affordable housing projects, Janover ensures a smoother, more efficient path to securing financing.

      Application Process

      Navigating the application process for a Fannie Mae loan can seem complex, but with the right approach and resources, it becomes much more manageable. For CHDCs looking to secure financing for their affordable housing projects, understanding the steps involved can significantly demystify the process.

      Find a Lender

      The journey to securing a Fannie Mae loan begins with identifying the right lender for your specific project needs. Janover simplifies this crucial first step, utilizing advanced technology to match CHDCs with lenders well-versed in Fannie Mae and other loans. By leveraging Janover's platform early in the application process, CHDCs can ensure they're starting on the right foot, with a lender that understands their project's unique requirements and goals.

      Pre-Application Documentation and Review

      Before formally applying, CHDCs will need to gather and submit a range of documentation. This typically includes detailed project proposals, financial statements, market studies, and more. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s viability, its impact on affordable housing, and the organization's financial health.

      Formal Application Submission

      With the right lender identified and preliminary documentation in hand, the next step is to submit a formal loan application. This application will include more in-depth financial analyses, property appraisals, and environmental assessments. Attention to detail and thorough preparation during this stage are critical for a smooth approval process.

      Underwriting and Approval

      Once submitted, the loan application enters the underwriting phase. During this stage, the lender reviews all provided information to assess the loan's risk and compliance with Fannie Mae guidelines. This process can be time-consuming, but patience and readiness to provide additional information as requested are key.

      Loan Closing

      Upon approval, the final step is the loan closing, where all parties sign the necessary documents, and the loan funds are disbursed. Preparing for this stage involves ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met and that you understand the loan's terms and obligations.

      Throughout each stage of the application process, having Janover by your side can offer invaluable support and guidance. From matching CHDCs with the ideal lender to assisting with document preparation and navigating the complexities of underwriting and approval, Janover's expertise and technological resources streamline the path to securing a Fannie Mae loan. This partnership not only simplifies the application process but also enhances CHDCs' ability to achieve their financing goals, paving the way for successful affordable housing projects.

      Conclusion

      Fannie Mae loans are a strong option for funding affordable housing — but they're not the only way to go. Every project is different, and you might find that another type of loan fits your needs better. 

      That's where Janover comes in. We help CHDCs like yours explore all your options to find the financing that makes the most sense for your project. With Janover, you get access to a range of lenders and loan types, all through one platform, making it easier for you to get your project off the ground.

      In this article:
      1. Overview of Fannie Mae Loans
      2. Standard DUS Loans
      3. Fannie Mae Multifamily Small Loans
      4. Affordable Housing Loans
      5. Green Financing Loans
      6. Seniors Housing Loans
      7. Benefits of Fannie Mae Loans for CHDCs
      8. Eligibility and Requirements
      9. Application Process
      10. Find a Lender
      11. Pre-Application Documentation and Review
      12. Formal Application Submission
      13. Underwriting and Approval
      14. Loan Closing
      15. Conclusion
      16. Get Financing

Getting commercial property financing should be easy.⁠ Now it is.

Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

Get financing →

Janover: Your Partner in Growth

At Janover, we offer a wide range of services tailored to your unique needs. From commercial property loans and LP management to business loans and services for lenders, we're here to help you succeed.

Learn more about Janover →
Commercial Property Loans

Get the best CRE financing on the market.

Explore Financing Options →
LP Management

Syndicate deals on autopilot with Janover Connect.

Discover LP Management →
Business Loans

Match with the right kind of loan, in record time.

Find Business Loans →
For Lenders

Supercharge your loan pipeline. Unlock more deals.

Boost Your Loan Pipeline →
Multifamily Loans

Multifamily Loans is a Janover company. Please visit some of our family of sites at: Multifamily Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, SBA7a Loans, HUD Loans, Janover Insurance, Janover Pro, Janover Connect, and Janover Engage.

Janover Tech Inc.

6401 Congress Ave
Ste 250
Boca Raton FL 33487
(561) 556-5777 
hello@multifamily.loans

Multifamily Loans

Beginner's Guide
Multifamily Refinance
Multifamily Mortgage Calculator
Current Rates
Commercial Mortgage Calculator
Commercial Loan Rates
Multifamily Loan Guides per State
For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

Site Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use


For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

This website is owned by a company that offers business advice, information and other services related to multifamily, commercial real estate, and business financing. We have no affiliation with any government agency and are not a lender. We are a technology company that uses software and experience to bring lenders and borrowers together. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies, our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.

Freddie Mac® and Optigo® are registered trademarks of Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. We are not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

This website utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to auto-generate responses, which have limitations in accuracy and appropriateness. Users should not rely upon AI-generated content for definitive advice and instead should confirm facts or consult professionals regarding any personal, legal, financial or other matters. The website owner is not responsible for damages allegedly arising from use of this website's AI.

Copyright © 2025 Janover Tech Inc. All rights reserved.

+

Fill out the form below and get the pricing and terms banks can't compete with.