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  <xs:element id="mfa_CorporateHeadquartersMember" abstract="true" name="CorporateHeadquartersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="MSRRelatedAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockVotingRightsNumberOfAdditionalDirectorsThatCanBeElected" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" abstract="true" name="FinancialInstrumentMeasurementAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialWholeLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalNoPriorAllowance" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalNoPriorAllowance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAndParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAndParticipatingSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossUnrealizedGainsLossesNet" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossUnrealizedGainsLossesNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossCouponPaymentsRealizedGainsAndOtherIncomeReceived" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansFairValueNetIncomeLossCouponPaymentsRealizedGainsAndOtherIncomeReceived" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementsAndAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentAndOtherLossesOnSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" abstract="false" name="PrincipalPaymentsOnFinancingAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" abstract="false" name="DividendsDividendEquivalentRights" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeTerminatedAmount" abstract="false" name="DerivativeTerminatedAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInFairValueOfFinancingAgreementsAtFairValue" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInFairValueOfFinancingAgreementsAtFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfDeDesignatedHedgingInstrumentsAfterReclassificationAndTax" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfDeDesignatedHedgingInstrumentsAfterReclassificationAndTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableValuationAllowanceAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" abstract="false" name="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssuedAndRepurchasedNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid" abstract="false" name="DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRatePaid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherAssetsAxis" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" 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_StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" abstract="false" name="StockRepurchaseProgramStockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member" abstract="true" name="OriginalLoanBalanceRange3Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_WarrantsRepurchasedRate" abstract="false" name="WarrantsRepurchasedRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssetsIncludingGainOnInvestments" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherAssetsIncludingGainOnInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUsWithServiceConditionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" 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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueVested" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="MortgageRelatedAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfCompensationCostForDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" abstract="false" name="SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" abstract="true" name="NewCorporateHeadquartersLocationMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCouponStepUpPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member" abstract="true" name="OriginalLoanBalanceRange4Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" abstract="false" name="RightOfUseLeaseAndAssetLeaseLiability" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PurchaseOfRealEstateOwnedAndCapitalImprovements" abstract="false" name="PurchaseOfRealEstateOwnedAndCapitalImprovements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments" abstract="false" name="ReversalProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstruments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_OriginalLoanBalanceRange1Member" abstract="true" name="OriginalLoanBalanceRange1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" abstract="true" name="DiscountWaiverDirectStockPurchaseAndDividendReinvestmentPlanMember" 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_LoansCarryingBalance" abstract="false" name="LoansCarryingBalance" 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_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementsByRepricingPeriodTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" abstract="false" name="TerminationOfOutstandingPreferredEquityInterestsAtAcquisition" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RatioLoanToValue" abstract="false" name="RatioLoanToValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingValueAndFairValueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipant" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfWholeLoansSold" abstract="false" name="NumberOfWholeLoansSold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueInputsLiquidationTimeline" abstract="false" name="FairValueInputsLiquidationTimeline" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanBalanceAxis" abstract="true" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanBalanceAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <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_OtherAssetsDomain" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain" abstract="true" name="MortgageLoansonRealEstateLoanBalanceDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnFirstTierOfEligibleCompensation" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnFirstTierOfEligibleCompensation" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherAssetsLineItems" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" abstract="true" name="A7.50SeriesBCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PledgedFinancialInstrumentsNotSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedAggregateFairValueAndAccruedInterest" abstract="false" name="PledgedFinancialInstrumentsNotSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedAggregateFairValueAndAccruedInterest" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PrincipalPaymentOnRedemptionOfSeniorNotes" abstract="false" name="PrincipalPaymentOnRedemptionOfSeniorNotes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesNetOfExpenses" abstract="false" name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesNetOfExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsSettledInPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsSettledInPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnpaidPrincipalBalance" abstract="false" name="UnpaidPrincipalBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" abstract="true" name="AdditionalConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" abstract="true" name="A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MaximumTimesNoDividendsAreReceivedVotingRights" abstract="false" name="MaximumTimesNoDividendsAreReceivedVotingRights" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember" abstract="true" name="LegacyNonAgencyMBSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CreditImpairedLoansMember" abstract="true" name="CreditImpairedLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesImpairment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodLowEndOfRange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementsNumberOfCounterparties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NetIncomeMember" abstract="true" name="NetIncomeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodHighEndOfRange" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingPeriodHighEndOfRange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" abstract="true" name="RehabilitationLoanCommitmentsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" abstract="true" name="RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedonShareClosingPriceMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherDifferencesInTaxableIncomeLossFromGAAP" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherDifferencesInTaxableIncomeLossFromGAAP" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearNetWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeByMaturityAxis" abstract="true" name="DerivativeByMaturityAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <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_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" abstract="true" name="UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PurchasedNonPerformingLoansMember" abstract="true" name="PurchasedNonPerformingLoansMember" 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_PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" abstract="false" name="PrincipalPaymentsOnSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAndOtherAdvances" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossAdoptionOfNewAccountingPrinciple" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AuditorInformationAbstract" abstract="true" name="AuditorInformationAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSoldDuringPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember" abstract="true" name="PurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateProvisionForLoanLoss" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateProvisionForLoanLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_TermNotesBackedByMSRRelatedCollateralMember" abstract="true" name="TermNotesBackedByMSRRelatedCollateralMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_StockRepurchaseProgramWarrantsRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" abstract="false" name="StockRepurchaseProgramWarrantsRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateAmortizationDiscountAccretionNet" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateAmortizationDiscountAccretionNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_DistributionAgreementTerm" abstract="false" name="DistributionAgreementTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfInterestIncomeComponentsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfInvestmentsRepaid" abstract="false" name="NumberOfInvestmentsRepaid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPreferredEquityRepaidAtClosing" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPreferredEquityRepaidAtClosing" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValuePurchasesExcludedFromLevel3FairValueMethodologyDisclosures" abstract="false" name="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValuePurchasesExcludedFromLevel3FairValueMethodologyDisclosures" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_PaymentsForIssuanceOfPreferredStock" abstract="false" name="PaymentsForIssuanceOfPreferredStock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ParticipatingSecuritiesDistributedAndUndistributedEarningsLossBasicAndDiluted" abstract="false" name="ParticipatingSecuritiesDistributedAndUndistributedEarningsLossBasicAndDiluted" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_NonQMLoansMember" abstract="true" name="NonQMLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" abstract="true" name="WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FNCL2121Member" abstract="true" name="FNCL2121Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAmortizedCosts" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesAmortizedCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerParticipantPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LoanSecuritizationMember" abstract="true" name="LoanSecuritizationMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AtTheMarketMember" abstract="true" name="AtTheMarketMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtInstrumentTermExtension" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentTermExtension" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" abstract="true" name="ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome" abstract="false" name="OriginationServicingAndOtherFeeIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" abstract="false" name="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueRepurchases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" 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_FinancingAgreementsFairValueDIsclosure" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsFairValueDIsclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumPercentageOfSharesPerParticipant" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SavingsPlanMember" abstract="true" name="SavingsPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" abstract="true" name="ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesAndLoansRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAndLoansRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="ComprehensiveIncomeLossToCommonStockholdersAndParticipatingSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" 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_ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfPreferredStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" abstract="true" name="RSUsWithServiceConditionWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueBasedOnShareClosingPrice2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" abstract="false" name="InterestExpenseAssetBackedAndCollateralizedFinancingAgreements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue" abstract="false" name="SubsidiaryNetInterestIncomeAndOtherRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfCommonStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfCommonStockDividendDeclarationAndPaymentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsSettledInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsSettledInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" abstract="false" name="MatchingContributionByEmployerVestingPercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" abstract="true" name="CertainRehabilitationLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationDeferrablePercentageMaximum" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" abstract="false" name="SpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRateReceived" abstract="false" name="DerivativeWeightedAverageInterestRateReceived" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" abstract="false" name="RepurchaseAgreementsFinancingCollateralizedPeriodHighEndOfRange" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoans" abstract="false" name="PurchasedPerformingLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" abstract="false" name="SharesReclassifiedToRedeemableCapitalStockShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RealEstateHeldForInvestment" abstract="false" name="RealEstateHeldForInvestment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalWithAPriorLossAllowance" abstract="false" name="DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossCreditLossExpenseReversalWithAPriorLossAllowance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueLevel3ExcludingLoanPurchasePrice" abstract="false" name="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueLevel3ExcludingLoanPurchasePrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUWithMarketAndServiceConditionsMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUWithMarketAndServiceConditionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" abstract="false" name="SalesCommissionGrossSalesPrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <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_AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" abstract="false" name="AccretionOfPurchaseDiscounts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" abstract="true" name="AOCIAccumulatedGainLossFinancingAgreementsMember" 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_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeFiscalYearGrossWriteOffs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_MFAFinancialMember" abstract="true" name="MFAFinancialMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PercentageOfCurrentFaceAmountOfNonAgencyMBSExpectedToBeRecovered" abstract="false" name="PercentageOfCurrentFaceAmountOfNonAgencyMBSExpectedToBeRecovered" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerMatchingContributionOnSecondTierOfEligibleCompensation" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <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_InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetOver3MonthsTo12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" abstract="false" name="RealEstateInvestmentsDisposals" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfSaleOfResidentialMortgageSecuritiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfSaleOfResidentialMortgageSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableGrossUpOfAmortizedCostOfPurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoans" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableGrossUpOfAmortizedCostOfPurchasedCreditDeterioratedLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" abstract="true" name="RSUsWithServiceConditionAndBothServiceAndMarketConditionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MBSAndMSRRelatedAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="MBSAndMSRRelatedAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AccretionIncome" abstract="false" name="AccretionIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedShortTermDebtNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNumberVested" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNumberVested" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsFairValueAndCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" abstract="true" name="PurchasedPerformingLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNonTaxableREITIncomeDividendsPaidDeduction" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNonTaxableREITIncomeDividendsPaidDeduction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CreditSuisseMember" abstract="true" name="CreditSuisseMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesTaxBasis" abstract="false" name="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesTaxBasis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo12MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="DerivativeMaturityWithin30DayTo12MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueInputsAnnualChangeInHomePrices" abstract="false" name="FairValueInputsAnnualChangeInHomePrices" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageYield" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageYield" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <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_FinancingAgreementsTable" abstract="true" name="FinancingAgreementsTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NoninterestIncomeLossNet" abstract="false" name="NoninterestIncomeLossNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" 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_SharesOutstandingForFutureOfferings" abstract="false" name="SharesOutstandingForFutureOfferings" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_BarclaysBankMember" abstract="true" name="BarclaysBankMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CRTFairValueOptionMember" abstract="true" name="CRTFairValueOptionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" abstract="true" name="AgencyEligibleInvestorLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" abstract="false" name="NumberOfDaysConsideredToClassifyLoansDelinquent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" abstract="true" name="NonAgencyMBSExpectedToRecoverLessThanParMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_InterestIncomeOnLoansMember" abstract="true" name="InterestIncomeOnLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" abstract="false" name="ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageToMaturity" abstract="false" name="FinancialInstrumentsOwnedMortgagesMortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesWeightedAverageToMaturity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <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_PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" abstract="false" name="PaymentsForFeesRelatedToRepurchaseOfShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_LoanOriginatorsMember" abstract="true" name="LoanOriginatorsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfNextEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPercentageOfNextEligibleCompensationForEmployerContributionMatch" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorSecuredTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfSecuritizationTransactionsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateResetOver30DaysTo3MonthsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansFairValeComponentOfNetIncomeTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansFairValeComponentOfNetIncomeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageTermToMaturity" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateResidential" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateResidential" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" 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_TBASecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="TBASecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" abstract="false" name="CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValueExcludingUnsettledPurchasesSimpleAverageAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
