Many home buyers are familiar with the term “jumbo” as it relates to the mortgage business, especially if you live in a higher-cost location like California. A jumbo loan is one where the mortgage amount exceeds the county conforming loan limit.
These limits are set each year by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and are currently $1,209,750 in most counties surrounding Los Angeles like LA and Orange County. So if you require a mortgage above this amount, it would be considered a jumbo loan.
These days there are a few sources for most home financing. First, the government-backed loans whose guidelines are issued by the VA, FHA, and USDA. Second, Conventional loans are those that are approved and guaranteed by individual lenders and banks and carry zero government-backed guarantees. Third, portfolio loans are those where the lender is using its own internal underwriting guidelines to approve loans with no intention of selling the loan, but instead, keep the note long-term and collect interest each month.
Each mortgage program has its own requirements, and one of these requirements is the maximum loan limit set for each loan type. For example, in most parts of the U.S., the conventional conforming loan limit is currently at $806,500. The exception would be high-cost areas in CA, and some other parts of the country. See the complete list of 2025 Conforming Loan Limits
LA Jumbo Loan Qualifying:
Beyond the loan limits, there are other basic requirements that most jumbo programs have. For example, jumbo loans can require a higher credit score in order to qualify compared to a conforming loan. The minimum credit score for most conforming loans might be 620. However, with a jumbo loan, the minimum could be 680 or even higher, depending upon the down payment and other variables.
Jumbo loans also compare monthly income and compare that income with the total amount of credit obligations. Mortgage companies will verify income for jumbo loans by reviewing the most recent check stubs covering a 60-day period. It is the gross monthly amount that is used for qualifying purposes.
Copies of the last two years of W2 forms will also be required. For self-employed borrowers or for those receiving regular income from sources other than an employer, copies of the two most recent federal income tax returns will be needed along with a year-to-date profit and loss statement.
Many luxury home buyers are self-employed and own their own businesses. These buyers can also expect to provide copies of recent business tax returns in addition to personal returns. Lenders will review year-over-year income and determine the consistency of income. Lenders typically take the two years of income, add them together and then divide them by 24 (months) to arrive at a monthly qualifying income. Mortgage companies will also consider year-to-date income as part of this overall calculation.
Los Angeles Jumbo Financing with Low Down Payment:
Jumbo loans can be used to finance more than just a primary residence and may be used to finance a beach or vacation home or to finance an investment property. Below we will outline the current loan limit and down payment requirements. Please contact us with questions by calling the number above, or just submit the Request Contact form above.
- 5% Down Payment (95%) Loan limit is currently set to $2,000,000
- 10% Down Payment (90%) Loan limit is currently set to $3,000,000
- 15% Down Payment (85%) Loan limit is currently set to $3,500,000
- 20% + Down Payment – Please contact us to discuss.
Special Program Notes:
- All the programs above apply strictly to primary owner-occupied & second homes. Single Family, Condo, Townhomes, etc.
- Investment home purchases are permitted with a minimum 20% down payment. Exact down payment will depend on credit and loan amount.
- First time homebuyers are eligible.
- No PMI (mortgage insurance) is needed, all programs have single and combo piggyback loan options.
- All standard fix rate (30 year, 15 year, etc) and adjustable rate term options are available.
- Each program requires min credit scores, mortgage payment reserves, and full documentation – please read all the requirements on the Jumbo Loan page.
Contact us today to learn more about approval and rates. We are happy to serve all of CA including LA County, Orange County, Ventura County
Leave a Reply