Conforming loans are those that follow guidelines set forth by Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Fannie and Freddie are two stockholder owned corporations that purchase mortgage loans from lending institutions. In order for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase any loan, it must comply with those guidelines they have set forth. Fannie and Freddie then package the mortgages into securities, and sell those securities to investors.