Bill Ackman’s Big Idea: Should Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Merge?

On this episode of Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we unpack billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s bold new idea: merging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into one giant “mortgage super-company.” What would this mean for homeowners, buyers, and the U.S. housing market? I’ll walk you through the history of Fannie and Freddie—from their origins in the Great Depression and the 1970s, through the $191 billion bailout during the 2008 financial crisis, to today where they still back roughly half of all U.S. mortgages. We’ll explore why Ackman believes combining them could lower costs, streamline oversight, and potentially cut mortgage rates for everyday borrowers. But it’s not all upside. Could putting so much power into one company create a massive single point of failure? Would an IPO truly help taxpayers—or just Wall Street investors? And what political battles stand in the way of reform? If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, this discussion matters. Even a small change in mortgage rates can save—or cost—you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Tune in to hear my take on what this proposed merger could mean for Metro Atlanta homeowners, buyers, and the future of housing in America. And don’t miss our next segment, where we break down contingent offers—how they work and when they might be the key to making your next move.