Fannie Mae Approves Bitcoin to Buy a Home
By Bruce X. Forey, REALTOR®
For crypto holders who’ve hesitated to buy a home because they didn’t want to liquidate their digital assets, a new mortgage option may change the equation. According to The Wall Street Journal, Fannie Mae will accept crypto-backed mortgages for the first time — a significant step toward bringing digital assets into mainstream homeownership.
How It Works
Mortgage lender Better Home & Finance and crypto exchange Coinbase have launched a product that lets buyers pledge bitcoin or USDC as collateral for a down payment rather than converting to cash. The buyer gets a traditional Fannie-backed mortgage plus a separate crypto-collateralized loan covering the down payment.
– Pledged crypto cannot be traded while it serves as collateral
– If crypto values drop, the mortgage is unaffected as long as payments are current
– Rates range from comparable to standard Fannie Mae rates to 1.5 points higher
Why It Matters
About 14% of American adults owned crypto in 2025, and a Redfin survey found nearly 13% of millennial and Gen Z buyers had already sold crypto for down payments. This product serves buyers who want to preserve their digital asset exposure — whether to avoid capital gains taxes or stay invested in crypto markets.
“As digital assets become more mainstream, financing products that integrate crypto into real-world use cases will continue to gain traction.” — Josip Rupena, CEO of Milo
78209 Rebounds Sharply in April — Prices Up, Days on Market Down
After a slower March, the 78209 zip code — home to Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills — posted a notably strong April. Prices jumped, homes sold significantly faster, and sellers captured a higher percentage of their asking price. The numbers confirm what buyers in this market already sense: well-priced homes in 78209 move quickly and hold their value.
April 2026 Market Snapshot
Note: The % of last list price reflects the final negotiated price vs. the most recent list price — not the original asking price. Many sellers reduce their price before a final offer is accepted.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The headline stat: 41 days on market in April versus 106 in March — a 61% drop signaling a strong spring surge in buyer activity. Median sale price climbed from $460,500 to $615,500 and price per square foot rose from $261 to $293. The 98.5% closing-to-list-price ratio confirms sellers had real leverage, with well-priced listings attracting serious buyers.
For sellers: April’s data is a green light. Demand is real, homes are moving quickly at near-asking prices, and the spring window is open.
For buyers: Competition is back. Desirable homes at realistic prices are moving fast — come prepared with financing in order.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Gallup 2025; Redfin 2025; San Antonio MLS April 2026.
