11.   Lenders sell mortgages to Freddie Mac, and use the proceeds to fund new mortgages.

12.   Lenders would still be reluctant join the initiative if they could not sell the mortgages they make on the secondary market.

13.   One-Stop is the Aames unit that sells mortgages through brokers.

14.   That prospect may soon spur investors to sell mortgages in favor of Treasuries, driving rates still lower.

15.   The Boston-based bank also sold its mortgage servicing business to HomeSide Inc., a joint venture with Barnett Banks Inc. and investment firm Thomas H. Lee.

16.   These companies, which buy and sell mortgages, making a secondary market for these loans, are now officially called Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

17.   They buy and sell more mortgages than any company in the world.

18.   They need to sell their mortgages as quickly as possible.

19.   This locks in the interest rate, insulating the company from any gains or losses caused by interest-rate fluctuations that might occur until the mortgage is sold.

20.   USL hopes to sell the mortgages to one buyer and the foreclosed properties to another, according to the person.