Who Owns My Mortgage? How to Find Your Mortgage Holder
Your mortgage servicer must tell you who owns your loan by law. Use the MERS database or Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac lookup tools to find your mortgage holder quickly. You need this information for refinancing, loan modifications, or if you're facing financial hardship.
Get Free ConsultationYour home loan has probably changed hands multiple times since you signed the papers. The company you make payments to might not even own your mortgage. Finding out who actually owns your loan can feel like a frustrating puzzle.
You need this information for refinancing, loan modifications, or if you’re struggling with payments. Good news: you have legal rights to this information. Several tools make tracking down your mortgage owner much easier than you think.
Struggling With Mortgage Payments? Chapter 7 or 13 Might Help
Behind on your mortgage? Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure and give you time to catch up. Find out if you qualify for Chapter 7 debt discharge or a Chapter 13 payment plan.
Check If You QualifyUnderstanding Who’s Involved in Your Mortgage
Multiple parties play different roles in your home loan. Knowing who does what helps you understand where to look.
Mortgage Servicer
Your mortgage servicer handles everything day to day. They collect your monthly payments. They send you statements and notifications. They manage your escrow account and mortgage insurance. If you fall behind, they handle the foreclosure process.
The servicer works as an agent for the actual mortgage owner. Sometimes they’re the same company. Often they’re not.
Mortgage Holder or Owner
The mortgage holder actually owns your loan. Your original lender was the first owner. Most lenders package and sell mortgages to other companies shortly after closing.
The holder owns the debt and all rights under your contract. They can demand payment if you default. They have the power to foreclose on your home. They usually hire a servicer to handle daily operations.
Mortgage Guarantor
The guarantor backs your loan if you can’t pay. Common guarantors include the FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and USDA. These organizations protect the mortgage holder from losses.
The Borrower
That’s you. You borrowed money to buy your home. You signed the promissory note and mortgage agreement. You’re responsible for making payments according to the terms.
Three Ways to Find Your Mortgage Owner
You have legal rights to know who owns your mortgage. Here’s how to find out.
Contact Your Mortgage Servicer Directly
The Truth in Lending Act requires your servicer to tell you who owns your loan. Call the phone number on your monthly statement. Ask them directly for the mortgage holder’s information.
You can also send a qualified written request. Your servicer must respond within 30 days. Include your loan number and property address in your request.
Check the MERS Database
The Mortgage Electronic Registration System tracks millions of mortgages. Visit the MERS ServicerID website and enter your property information. You’ll find your servicer and possibly your mortgage holder.
MERS may also show which organization guarantees your loan. Not all mortgages appear in this system. But it’s worth checking as a first step.
Use Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac’s Lookup Tools
These government-sponsored companies own millions of mortgages. They provide free online lookup tools for borrowers. Enter your information to see if they own your loan.
Many conventional mortgages end up with Fannie or Freddie. The search takes just minutes and provides clear answers.
Check Your Recent Documents First
Just bought your home recently? Start with your closing documents. Your mortgage servicer’s contact information appears in those papers. Check your online account portal too.
If your mortgage was sold, the new owner must notify you within 30 days. Look through recent mail for transfer notices. These letters explain who bought your loan and where to send payments.
Why Mortgages Get Sold So Often
Mortgage holders buy and sell loans constantly. Your loan might change hands several times during its life. Banks sell mortgages to free up capital for new loans. Investors buy them as income-producing assets.
These sales don’t change your loan terms. Your interest rate stays the same. Your payment amount doesn’t change. Only the company collecting payment and owning the debt changes.
Additional Resources for Homeowners
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers helpful information about mortgages. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides homeownership resources. Credit bureaus also maintain information related to mortgage accounts.
If you’re facing financial hardship and considering bankruptcy, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to understand how Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 might affect your mortgage.
When You Need This Information
Knowing your mortgage owner matters in several situations. You need it to request a loan modification. You need it if you want to refinance. If you’re behind on payments and want to negotiate, you need to know who owns the debt.
You also need this information if you’re considering bankruptcy. Your attorney will need to know who holds your mortgage for the bankruptcy filing. Different holders have different policies about working with borrowers in financial distress.
Keep this information updated and easily accessible. Store it with other important financial documents. Update it whenever you receive a transfer notice.