Jumbo Loan
Financing for higher-priced homes that sit above standard conforming loan limits, with underwriting built for larger balances.
What Counts as a Jumbo Loan
A jumbo mortgage is any loan amount that exceeds the standard conforming loan limit for that county and year. Once you cross that line, your loan is no longer eligible for standard Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines and moves into “jumbo” territory.
That shift matters. Pricing, documentation, reserves, and allowable structures can all look different from a typical conforming loan — which is why planning matters more the higher the purchase price goes.
Who Typically Uses Jumbo Financing
- Buyers purchasing higher-priced primary residences
- Clients moving into “forever homes” with larger down payments and strong income
- Professionals with higher incomes and complex compensation structures
- Borrowers who have already built up significant assets and reserves
Key Features of Jumbo Loans
- Loan amounts above standard conforming limits for the county
- Fixed and adjustable-rate options, depending on investor and scenario
- More emphasis on asset strength, reserves, and overall financial picture
- Pricing and terms that can vary more from lender to lender than standard conforming loans
What Lenders Look at More Closely
- Depth and stability of income, especially for self-employed or variable-compensation borrowers
- Credit history quality, not just the score — late payments and recent credit events matter more
- Liquid reserves left after closing (months of payments in the bank, not just enough to close)
- Property type, occupancy, and any other existing real estate holdings
How do I know if my loan is considered “jumbo”?
It comes down to the current conforming loan limit for your county and year. If your requested loan amount exceeds that limit, you’re in jumbo territory. I’ll run your scenario against current limits and show you exactly where it lands.
Are jumbo loans much harder to qualify for?
They’re more detailed, not impossible. Expect stronger documentation standards, more attention on reserves, and tighter tolerance for recent credit issues. If your overall profile is strong, jumbo is absolutely workable — it just requires cleaner execution.
Can I avoid jumbo by adjusting my down payment?
Sometimes. You can occasionally structure the purchase with a conforming first mortgage plus a second lien or different down payment mix. Other times, jumbo is simply the cleanest path. I’ll show you both options where they exist so you can decide which structure fits your risk tolerance and long-term plans.