<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2026 Workiva-->
<!--r:019e2292-d77c-706f-b8f8-dc8da34da854,g:f5ab002b-ff83-4bae-97e6-1b051e9811ec-->
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:mfa="http://www.mfa-reit.com/20260630" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.mfa-reit.com/20260630">
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2026/country-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd"/>
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="mfa-20260630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="mfa-20260630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="mfa-20260630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="mfa-20260630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:roleType id="COVERPAGE" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/COVERPAGE">
        <link:definition>0000001 - Document - COVER PAGE</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS">
        <link:definition>9952151 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952152 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS">
        <link:definition>9952153 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS">
        <link:definition>9952154 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY">
        <link:definition>9952155 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952156 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS">
        <link:definition>9952157 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Organization" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/Organization">
        <link:definition>9952158 - Disclosure - Organization</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>9952159 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoans" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoans">
        <link:definition>9952160 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValue" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValue">
        <link:definition>9952161 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssets" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssets">
        <link:definition>9952162 - Disclosure - Other Assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreements" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreements">
        <link:definition>9952163 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherLiabilities">
        <link:definition>9952164 - Disclosure - Other Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>9952165 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingencies" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies">
        <link:definition>9952166 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>9952167 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EPSCalculation" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EPSCalculation">
        <link:definition>9952168 - Disclosure - EPS Calculation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlans" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlans">
        <link:definition>9952169 - Disclosure - Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstruments">
        <link:definition>9952170 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntities" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntities">
        <link:definition>9952171 - Disclosure - Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentReporting" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SegmentReporting">
        <link:definition>9952172 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>9955511 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansTables">
        <link:definition>9955512 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueTables">
        <link:definition>9955513 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>9955514 - Disclosure - Other Assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsTables">
        <link:definition>9955515 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>9955516 - Disclosure - Other Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>9955517 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables">
        <link:definition>9955518 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables">
        <link:definition>9955519 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EPSCalculationTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EPSCalculationTables">
        <link:definition>9955520 - Disclosure - EPS Calculation (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansTables">
        <link:definition>9955521 - Disclosure - Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables">
        <link:definition>9955522 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesTables">
        <link:definition>9955523 - Disclosure - Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentReportingTables" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SegmentReportingTables">
        <link:definition>9955524 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesResidentialWholeLoansDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesResidentialWholeLoansDetails">
        <link:definition>9955525 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Residential Whole Loans (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails">
        <link:definition>9955526 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955527 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill &amp; Intangible Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesandDepreciationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesandDepreciationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955528 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leases and Depreciation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEquitybasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEquitybasedCompensationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955529 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Equity-based Compensation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955530 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansResidentialWholeLoansatCarryingandFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansResidentialWholeLoansatCarryingandFairValueDetails">
        <link:definition>9955531 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying and Fair Value (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansResidentialWholeLoansAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansResidentialWholeLoansAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955532 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Residential Whole Loans, Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansAllowanceforCreditLossesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansAllowanceforCreditLossesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955533 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansAdditionalCreditRelatedInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansAdditionalCreditRelatedInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955534 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Additional Credit Related Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansVintageInformationRegardingResidentialWholeLoansDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansVintageInformationRegardingResidentialWholeLoansDetails">
        <link:definition>9955535 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Vintage Information Regarding Residential Whole Loans (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansNetGainLossonResidentialWholeLoansMeasuredatFairValueThroughEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansNetGainLossonResidentialWholeLoansMeasuredatFairValueThroughEarningsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955536 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Net Gain/(Loss) on Residential Whole Loans Measured at Fair Value Through Earnings (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansLTVonLoansDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansLTVonLoansDetails">
        <link:definition>9955537 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - LTV on Loans (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ResidentialWholeLoansInterestIncomeComponentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/ResidentialWholeLoansInterestIncomeComponentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955538 - Disclosure - Residential Whole Loans - Interest Income Components (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueCompositionofAgencyMBSPortfolioDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueCompositionofAgencyMBSPortfolioDetails">
        <link:definition>9955539 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Composition of Agency MBS Portfolio (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955540 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueResidentialMortgageSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueResidentialMortgageSecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955541 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Residential Mortgage Securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueResidentialMortgageSecuritiesDetails_1" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueResidentialMortgageSecuritiesDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955541 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Residential Mortgage Securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueImpairmentandOtherNetGainLossonSecuritiesandOtherPortfolioInvestmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueImpairmentandOtherNetGainLossonSecuritiesandOtherPortfolioInvestmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955542 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Impairment and Other Net Gain/(Loss) on Securities and Other Portfolio Investments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueImpactofAFSSecuritiesonAOCIDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueImpactofAFSSecuritiesonAOCIDetails">
        <link:definition>9955543 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Impact of AFS Securities on AOCI (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SecuritiesatFairValueInterestIncomeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SecuritiesatFairValueInterestIncomeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955544 - Disclosure - Securities, at Fair Value - Interest Income (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsScheduleofOtherAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsScheduleofOtherAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955545 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsScheduleofAggregateCarryingValueofREOPropertiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsScheduleofAggregateCarryingValueofREOPropertiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955546 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Schedule of Aggregate Carrying Value of REO Properties (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsRealEstateOwnedDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsRealEstateOwnedDetails">
        <link:definition>9955547 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Real Estate Owned (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsRealEstateOwnedActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsRealEstateOwnedActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>9955548 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Real Estate Owned - Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsGoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsGoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955549 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>9955550 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsCapitalContributionsMadetoLoanOriginationPartnersDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsCapitalContributionsMadetoLoanOriginationPartnersDetails">
        <link:definition>9955551 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Capital Contributions Made to Loan Origination Partners (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsInformationonCommercialMortgageLoansDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsInformationonCommercialMortgageLoansDetails">
        <link:definition>9955552 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Information on Commercial Mortgage Loans (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsDerivativeInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsDerivativeInstrumentsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955553 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsCollateralPledgedAgainstDerivativeContractsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955554 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Collateral Pledged Against Derivative Contracts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsDerivativeInstrumentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955555 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Derivative Instruments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsImpactofDerivativeInstrumentsonEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsImpactofDerivativeInstrumentsonEarningsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955556 - Disclosure - Other Assets - Impact of Derivative Instruments on Earnings (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsTBASecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherAssetsTBASecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955557 - Disclosure - Other Assets - TBA Securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsFinancingAgreementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsFinancingAgreementsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955558 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Financing Agreements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementandAssociatedAssetsPledgedasCollateralDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementandAssociatedAssetsPledgedasCollateralDetails">
        <link:definition>9955559 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreement and Associated Assets Pledged as Collateral (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsFinancingAgreementsatFairValuesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsFinancingAgreementsatFairValuesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955560 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Financing Agreements, at Fair Values - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsBorrowingsUnderRepurchaseAgreementDetails">
        <link:definition>9955561 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreement (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsConvertibleSeniorNotesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsConvertibleSeniorNotesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955562 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Convertible Senior Notes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsCounterpartyforRepurchaseAgreementDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsCounterpartyforRepurchaseAgreementDetails">
        <link:definition>9955563 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Counterparty for Repurchase Agreement (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FinancingAgreementsPledgedCollateralDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FinancingAgreementsPledgedCollateralDetails">
        <link:definition>9955564 - Disclosure - Financing Agreements - Pledged Collateral (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955565 - Disclosure - Other Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955566 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesNetDeferredTaxAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesNetDeferredTaxAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955567 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxProvisionBenefitDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxProvisionBenefitDetails">
        <link:definition>9955568 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesStatutoryFederalTaxRatetoourEffectiveTaxRateDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesStatutoryFederalTaxRatetoourEffectiveTaxRateDetails">
        <link:definition>9955569 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Statutory Federal Tax Rate to our Effective Tax Rate (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesScheduleofCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleofCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresDetails">
        <link:definition>9955570 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesLeaseCommitmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesLeaseCommitmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955571 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Commitments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesMinimumPaymentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesMinimumPaymentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955572 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Payments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesLoanCommitmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesLoanCommitmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955573 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Loan Commitments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesGuaranteeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesGuaranteeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955574 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantee (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingenciesLitigationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesLitigationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955575 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquitySeriesBDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquitySeriesBDetails">
        <link:definition>9955576 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Series B (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityDividendsonSeriesBandSeriesCDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityDividendsonSeriesBandSeriesCDetails">
        <link:definition>9955577 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Dividends on Series B and Series C (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquitySeriesCDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquitySeriesCDetails">
        <link:definition>9955578 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Series C (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityDividendsonCommonStockDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityDividendsonCommonStockDetails">
        <link:definition>9955579 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Dividends on Common Stock (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityPreferredStockAttheMarketOfferingProgramDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityPreferredStockAttheMarketOfferingProgramDetails">
        <link:definition>9955580 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Preferred Stock At-the-Market Offering Program (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityCommonStockAttheMarketOfferingProgramDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityCommonStockAttheMarketOfferingProgramDetails">
        <link:definition>9955581 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock At-the-Market Offering Program (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityStockRepurchaseProgramDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockRepurchaseProgramDetails">
        <link:definition>9955582 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Stock Repurchase Program (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/StockholdersEquityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails">
        <link:definition>9955583 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EPSCalculationDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EPSCalculationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955584 - Disclosure - EPS Calculation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955585 - Disclosure - Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansAllocatedExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansAllocatedExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>9955586 - Disclosure - Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans - Allocated Expense (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansDeferredCompensationPlansDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/EquityCompensationandOtherBenefitPlansDeferredCompensationPlansDetails">
        <link:definition>9955587 - Disclosure - Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans - Deferred Compensation Plans (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsFairValueHierarchyDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsFairValueHierarchyDetails">
        <link:definition>9955588 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value Hierarchy (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsLevel3AssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsLevel3AssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955589 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Level 3 Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsLevel3LiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsLevel3LiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955590 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Level 3 Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsFairValueMethodologyDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsFairValueMethodologyDetails">
        <link:definition>9955591 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value Methodology (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsCarryingValuevsFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsCarryingValuevsFairValueDetails">
        <link:definition>9955592 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Value vs Fair Value (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsOtherAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsOtherAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>9955593 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Other Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesScheduleofLoanSecuritizationTransactionDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesScheduleofLoanSecuritizationTransactionDetails">
        <link:definition>9955594 - Disclosure - Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities - Schedule of Loan Securitization Transaction (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955595 - Disclosure - Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails_1" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/UseofSpecialPurposeEntitiesandVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails_1">
        <link:definition>9955595 - Disclosure - Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentReportingNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SegmentReportingNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955596 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentReportingSummaryDetails" roleURI="http://www.mfa-reit.com/role/SegmentReportingSummaryDetails">
        <link:definition>9955597 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting - Summary (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <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_A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" abstract="true" name="A6.50SeriesCCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" abstract="true" name="A8.875SeniorNotesDue2029Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" abstract="true" name="A9.00SeniorNotesDue2029Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_ResidentialWholeLoanMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentialWholeLoanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAtFairValueAndCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" abstract="false" name="ReversalProvisionForCreditLossesOnResidentialWholeLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansMeasuredAtFairValueNetOfCreditLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentAndOtherLossesGainsOnSecuritiesAndOtherInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" abstract="false" name="FairValueChangesOnSecuritizedDebt" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageBankingIncome" abstract="false" name="MortgageBankingIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGainLossOnLoansAtCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAndParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAndParticipatingSecurities" 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_CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" abstract="true" name="CumulativeRedeemablePreferredStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" abstract="false" name="StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationShares" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" abstract="false" name="StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodIncludingSharesWithheldForTaxWithholdingObligationValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" abstract="false" name="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalChangeInAccruedDividendsAttributableToStockBasedAwards" 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_ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansGainLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherPortfolioInvestmentsNet" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentAndOtherGainsLossesOnDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndOtherPortfolioInvestmentsNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" abstract="false" name="NetGainLossOnRealEstateOwned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" abstract="false" name="AccretionAndAmortizationOfPurchaseDiscounts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" abstract="false" name="ProvisionForCreditAndValuationLossesOnResidentialWholeLoansAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsAtCarryingValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" abstract="false" name="UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritizedDebtAtFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" abstract="false" name="OtherNonCashLossesIncludedInNetIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <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_ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" abstract="false" name="PaymentsMadeForSecuritizationRelatedCost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" abstract="false" name="PayableForUnsettledInvestmentPurchases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseLeaseAssetFromLeaseModification" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilityFromLeaseModification" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" abstract="true" name="UseOfSpecialPurposeEntitiesAndVariableInterestEntitiesDisclosureAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <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_SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" abstract="false" name="SecuritiesAtFairValuePolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ResidentialWholeLoansAtCarryingAndFairValueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfGainLossOnMortgageLoansMeasuredAtFairValueThroughEarningsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMortgageBackedSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAggregateCarryingValueOfRealEstateOwnedPropertiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfDerivativeEarningsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="FinanceAgreementsWithNonMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="FinancingAgreementsWithMarkToMarketCollateralProvisionsAndAssociatedAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRepurchaseAgreementCounterpartiesWithWhomTheRepurchaseAgreementsExceeds5PercentOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedAsCollateralTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferredIncomeAndAssociatedLiabilityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <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_BusinessPurposeLoansMember" abstract="true" name="BusinessPurposeLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MultifamilyPropertiesMember" abstract="true" name="MultifamilyPropertiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableThresholdBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableWeightedAverageLoanToValueRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" abstract="true" name="MultifamilyREOPropertiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_CommercialPropertiesMember" abstract="true" name="CommercialPropertiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMarketConditionPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <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_TransitionalLoansMember" abstract="true" name="TransitionalLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" abstract="true" name="WithoutAssociatedCreditLossesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" abstract="true" name="FinancialAssetGreaterThan120DaysPastDueMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" abstract="false" name="UnrealizedGainLossOnFinancingReceivable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumber" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <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_SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" abstract="true" name="SeasonedReperformingAndNonPerformingLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_OtherLoansMember" abstract="true" name="OtherLoansMember" 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_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" abstract="false" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateRealizedAndUnrealizedGainLossOnLoansAtFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" abstract="false" name="InterestAndFeeIncomeFinancingReceivableNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_MSRRelatedAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="MSRRelatedAssetsMember" 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_AccretionIncome" abstract="false" name="AccretionIncome" 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_GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" abstract="false" name="GainLossOnTBALongPositionsNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="mfa_TBADollarRollIncome" abstract="false" name="TBADollarRollIncome" 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_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_WellsFargoMember" abstract="true" name="WellsFargoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <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_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>
