What defines a federally backed mortgage?

A federally backed mortgage is specifically characterized as a loan that is guaranteed by a federal agency. This includes programs offered by entities such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These agencies provide guarantees or insurance to lenders, which reduces the risk of lending to borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing due to lower credit scores or limited down payment resources.

This federal backing is critical because it often allows borrowers to access loans with more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and reduced down payment requirements. Therefore, the defining feature of a federally backed mortgage is not merely a matter of the interest rate or the type of mortgage, but rather the involvement of a government agency that ensures the loan is secured against potential borrower default.

In contrast, the other options refer to aspects that do not define a federally backed mortgage. A mortgage insured by a private insurer is not backed by a federal entity; a loan with a fixed interest rate does not inherently involve any government backing; and a conventional mortgage is typically one that is not backed by the government, meaning it does not qualify as federally backed.