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  <xs:element id="mfa_SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" abstract="true" name="SingleFamilyRentalLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SingleFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" abstract="true" name="SingleFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" abstract="true" name="MultiFamilyTransitionalLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NewConstructionProjectsMember" abstract="true" name="NewConstructionProjectsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfLoans" abstract="false" name="NumberOfLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermtoMaturity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_WeightedAverageFICOScores" abstract="false" name="WeightedAverageFICOScores" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableGrossCouponRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" abstract="true" name="CollateralDependentMethodologyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" abstract="true" name="DebtToValueRatioGreaterThan80PercentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedCurrentThroughFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedCurrentThroughFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedCurrentThroughFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedCurrentThroughFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableRealizedCreditLossesNetOfRecoveries" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" abstract="true" name="FinancialAssetEqualToOrGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LoansCarryingBalance" abstract="false" name="LoansCarryingBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" abstract="false" name="UnpaidPrincipalToEstimatedValueOfLoanRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeasesReversals" abstract="false" name="InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeasesReversals" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AgencyMBSMember" abstract="true" name="AgencyMBSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A4.50CouponMember" abstract="true" name="A4.50CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A500CouponMember" abstract="true" name="A500CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A550CouponMember" abstract="true" name="A550CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A600CouponMember" abstract="true" name="A600CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A6.50CouponMember" abstract="true" name="A6.50CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleCouponRate" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleCouponRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesWeightedAveragePurchasePricePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageMarketPricePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CRTSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="CRTSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NonAgencyMBSMember" abstract="true" name="NonAgencyMBSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialMortgageSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" abstract="false" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPurchasePremiums" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" abstract="false" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccretablePurchaseDiscounts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" abstract="false" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDiscountDesignatedAsCreditReserveAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ImpairmentOfSecurities" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentOfSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" abstract="false" name="ReversalOfImpairmentImpairmentOtherPortfolioInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentExcludingCumulativeEffectNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherMBSMember" abstract="true" name="OtherMBSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" abstract="true" name="TermNotesBackedByMSRCollateralMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" abstract="false" name="CouponInterestSecuritiesMortgageBacked" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" abstract="false" name="EffectiveYieldAdjustmentSecuritiesMortgageBacked" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwned" abstract="false" name="CommercialRealEstateOwned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" abstract="false" name="CapitalContributionsToLoanOriginationPartners" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialLoansReceivable" abstract="false" name="CommercialLoansReceivable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" abstract="false" name="PrincipalReceivableAdvancesSuspenseAccountsAndOther" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherAssetsTable" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LimaOneMember" abstract="true" name="LimaOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" abstract="true" name="EntityOwningANewlyConstructedIndustrialPropertyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialRealEstateOwnedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialRealEstateOwnedPropertyTwoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" abstract="false" name="VariableInterestEntityNumberOfEntities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" abstract="false" name="RealEstateInvestmentsAdditions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" abstract="false" name="RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" abstract="false" name="GainLossRecordedOnTransferFromResidentialWholeLoansToRealEstateOwned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LoanOriginationPartnersMember" abstract="true" name="LoanOriginationPartnersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialMortgageBridgeLoanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MultifamilyPropertyMember" abstract="true" name="MultifamilyPropertyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OfficePropertyMember" abstract="true" name="OfficePropertyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" abstract="true" name="FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan60DaysPastDueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" abstract="false" name="ParticipatingMortgageLoansNumberOfParticipation" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfPropertiesHeldAsCollateral" abstract="false" name="NumberOfPropertiesHeldAsCollateral" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ERISSwapFuturesMember" abstract="true" name="ERISSwapFuturesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" abstract="true" name="DerivativeByMaturityAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeByMaturityDomain" abstract="true" name="DerivativeByMaturityDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityWithin30DaysMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo3MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver3MonthsTo6MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver3MonthsTo6MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver6MonthsTo12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver12MonthsTo24MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver24MonthsTo36MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver36MonthsTo48MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver48MonthsTo60MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver60MonthsTo72MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityOver72MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" abstract="false" name="DerivativesIncomeOnSwapVariableReceiveLeg" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" abstract="false" name="ExpenseOnSwapFixedPayLeg" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" abstract="false" name="DerivativesPriceAlignmentExpenseOnMarginCollateralReceived" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" abstract="false" name="RealizedGainLossOnTerminationOfDerivatives" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_TBASecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="TBASecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" abstract="true" name="MBS30Year5.0CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" abstract="true" name="MBS30Year5.5CouponMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsTable" abstract="true" name="FinancingAgreementsTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" abstract="true" name="AgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" abstract="true" name="AgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" abstract="true" name="ImpactOfNetSwapCarryMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAndREOMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="SecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherMember" abstract="true" name="OtherMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="OtherSecuredFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NotHeldAtFairValueMember" abstract="true" name="NotHeldAtFairValueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_HeldAtFairValueMember" abstract="true" name="HeldAtFairValueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" abstract="true" name="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" abstract="true" name="AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseRemainingPeriodBeforeInterestRateResetDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn03MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn36MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingIn612MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="UnpaidPrincipalBalanceMaturingInGreaterThan12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_WellsFargoMember" abstract="true" name="WellsFargoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_BarclaysMember" abstract="true" name="BarclaysMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsLineItems" abstract="true" name="FinancingAgreementsLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceWithCallProvision" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementExtensionPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" abstract="true" name="MarkToMarketFinancingAgreementsSecuredBySecuritiesAtFairValueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateOwnedMember" abstract="true" name="RealEstateOwnedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="NonMarktoMarketFinancingFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" abstract="true" name="NonMarkToMarketFinancingSecuredByRealEstateOwnedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" abstract="true" name="FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementDomain" abstract="true" name="FinancialInstrumentMeasurementDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" abstract="false" name="HaircutOnSecuritiesWeightedAveragePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementMember" abstract="true" name="FinancingAgreementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetWithin30DaysMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestRateResetOver3Monthsto12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetOver3Monthsto12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetOver12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyRiskMinimumAsPercentageOfStockholdersEquity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SecuritizedTransactionsMember" abstract="true" name="SecuritizedTransactionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" abstract="false" name="AccruedInterestSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PayableForPurchaseOfUnsettledSecurities" abstract="false" name="PayableForPurchaseOfUnsettledSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" abstract="false" name="DividendsAndDividendEquivalentsPayable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" abstract="false" name="RealEstateInvestmentTrustsREITTaxableIncomeDistributionObjectivePercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsUnrealizedMarkToMarketImpairmentsAndLossProvisions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsOtherRealizedUnrealizedTreatmentDifferences" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationVIEIncomeLossPercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseTRSPermanentDifferencesPercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationBasisDifferenceInContributedAssetsToSubsidiariesPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" abstract="true" name="LeaseRenewalFirstExtensionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" abstract="true" name="LeaseRenewalSecondExtensionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" abstract="false" name="LesseeAccelerationOfLeaseExpirationNoticePeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" abstract="false" name="GainLossOnLeaseContractModification" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AcceleratedDepreciationExpense" abstract="false" name="AcceleratedDepreciationExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalOptionsNumber" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LitigationReserveMember" abstract="true" name="LitigationReserveMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SaleOfStockGrossSalesPrice" abstract="false" name="SaleOfStockGrossSalesPrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" abstract="false" name="MaximumTimesSeriesBReceivesNoDividendsInOrderForVotingRights" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockVotingRightsPercentageRequiredForMakingMaterialAndAdverseChangesToTermsMinimum" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockAnnualDividendRatePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" abstract="false" name="SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockAdditionalSpreadAdjustmentRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" abstract="true" name="PreferredStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" abstract="false" name="SaleOfStockRemainingAvailableAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" abstract="true" name="CommonStockAtTheMarketOfferingProgramMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" abstract="true" name="EquityCompensationPlan2010Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DividendEquivalentRightsMember" abstract="true" name="DividendEquivalentRightsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDividendEquivalentRightsPayment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualUndistributedIncomeDeferred" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" abstract="false" name="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOriginationsAndDraws" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" abstract="false" name="FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetCollectionOfPrincipal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" abstract="false" name="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueSalesAndRepurchases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" abstract="true" name="DiscountedCashFlowAndLiquidationModelMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LiquidationModelMember" abstract="true" name="LiquidationModelMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MarkedToMarketApproachMember" abstract="true" name="MarkedToMarketApproachMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" abstract="true" name="MeasurementInputAnnualChangeInHomePricesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" abstract="true" name="MeasurementInputLiquidationTimelineMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" abstract="true" name="MeasurementInputCurrentValueOfUnderlyingPropertiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" abstract="false" name="MortgagesAndLoansMeasurementInput" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" abstract="true" name="FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SecuritizedDebt" abstract="false" name="SecuritizedDebt" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" abstract="false" name="OtherSecuredFinancingFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherRealEstateFairValue" abstract="false" name="OtherRealEstateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesHeldForInvestmentReclassifiedToHeldForSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" abstract="false" name="OtherRealEstateHeldForSaleFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" abstract="true" name="RatedandNonRatedCertificatesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_VariableRateComponentAxis" abstract="true" name="VariableRateComponentAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_VariableRateComponentDomain" abstract="true" name="VariableRateComponentDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_VariableRateOption1Member" abstract="true" name="VariableRateOption1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_VariableRateOption2Member" abstract="true" name="VariableRateOption2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="SeniorBondsOutstandingCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" abstract="false" name="SeniorBondsOutstandingFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromSeniorBondsSoldWithStepUpFeature" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" abstract="false" name="NumberOfSpecialPurposeEntity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" abstract="false" name="RealEstateOwnedAtFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="LoansIncludingFairValueLoansCreditImpairedLoansAndOtherLoansAtCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
