Could Crypto Count Toward Homeownership? Pulte Says Yes—And Fannie Might Listen
- Neil Caron
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
June 29, 2025 | Mortgage Innovation | Presented by ReadySetLoan
In a bold push toward modernization, PulteGroup—one of the nation’s largest homebuilders—is urging federal regulators to allow homebuyers to use crypto assets as part of their mortgage approval process. Specifically, they want Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider digital currency holdings as part of a borrower’s financial profile.
This isn’t just theoretical. Pulte submitted a formal letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) stating that younger buyers are increasingly investing in cryptocurrency instead of traditional savings accounts. If their financial reality is shifting, shouldn’t the mortgage process evolve too?
“We are seeing many first-time homebuyers with thousands of dollars in crypto but not enough in traditional savings vehicles to satisfy underwriting standards,” Pulte’s letter explained.
The Push for Change
Currently, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not accept crypto assets—even stablecoins like USDC—as part of the funds used for down payments or reserves. Instead, buyers must convert these assets into U.S. dollars and transfer them to a traditional financial account for seasoning (typically 60 days) before they’re recognized by most lenders.
That rule can delay or even derail deals for tech-savvy buyers who’ve grown their financial foundation in the digital economy. According to Pulte, this creates a barrier that’s “out of sync with modern financial behaviors.”
And now the FHFA is listening.
While no changes have been confirmed yet, the agency acknowledged that it’s reviewing how to modernize Fannie and Freddie’s asset acceptance guidelines. That includes evaluating the role of crypto—something that just a few years ago would’ve been considered far-fetched in the world of conventional mortgages.
🐷 RSL Piggy Points
Younger homebuyers are more likely to hold wealth in digital assets than in savings accounts or CDs.
Current mortgage rules exclude crypto from asset calculations, making it harder to qualify.
Potential changes from Fannie and Freddie could unlock access for a new generation of buyers.
Crypto isn’t going away, and its integration into mortgage finance seems more like a “when,” not “if.”
RSL Perspective: Is This Good News for Buyers?
We think yes—with caveats.
The inclusion of crypto assets in the underwriting process could be a game-changer for many would-be buyers who are financially responsible, yet overlooked by traditional metrics. It could especially help Millennials and Gen Z buyers, many of whom have built meaningful portfolios in digital currencies rather than in banks.
But this isn’t just about crypto. It’s about evolving financial literacy and inclusivity. If the FHFA and GSEs move forward with this, it signals a broader shift: one where underwriting standards begin to reflect the actual financial behavior of the modern borrower.
Still, there’s risk. Crypto’s volatility is a serious concern. If allowed, expect strict guidelines—perhaps only stablecoins or certain long-held assets will qualify. Lenders will also need clear frameworks to verify, value, and track digital asset holdings.
“Crypto can’t replace sound financial planning, but it can be part of the equation,” says Neil Caron, Area Sales Manager at CMG Mortgage. “The key is transparency, risk management, and education—things we focus on daily with our clients.”
💬 Neil’s Take 🎙️
“If Fannie and Freddie open the door to crypto, it could give many buyers a real leg up—especially those with non-traditional financial paths. But with innovation comes responsibility. We’ll need strong guardrails to ensure borrowers and lenders are both protected.”
Ready to talk strategy for your future home purchase? Whether your savings are in a traditional bank or digital wallet, ReadySetLoan is your guide through the process.
Visit ReadySetLoan.com to get started, or speak with a local mortgage expert who understands where the market—and technology—is headed.
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