New trend in the real estate market: Controversies surrounding the privatization process of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Some U.S. Senators have written to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, requesting a halt to the stock issuance plans of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and a study of the potential impact on mortgage rates. The Senators are concerned that selling shares of the two mortgage giants could raise already high mortgage rates, affecting the affordability of the housing market. Currently, mortgage rates are over 6.5%. The Senators urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency to focus on housing affordability. Institutional analysts suggest that privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could raise mortgage rates, as it may change market expectations of government assistance during crises. The U.S. Treasury Secretary stated that the government is proceeding cautiously with the stock sale to avoid raising mortgage rates. Despite a recent slight decrease in mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year, they remain high. Real estate sales activity in the U.S. is at the lowest level in decades. It was previously reported that the government is preparing to sell shares of these two companies by the end of the year, with expectations of raising up to $30 billion in funding.