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What Is a Jumbo Loan?
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set annually by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). For 2026, the standard conforming limit is $832,750 in most counties. Loan amounts above this threshold require jumbo financing and are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Because jumbo loans carry more risk for lenders (without GSE backing), they typically have stricter qualification requirements and sometimes higher rates than conforming loans, though this varies by lender and market conditions.
Who Jumbo Loans May Fit
Jumbo loans may be worth comparing if you:
- Are purchasing a home in a market where prices regularly exceed $832,750
- Have strong credit (720 or higher is common for competitive jumbo pricing)
- Have significant reserves and a well-documented income profile
- Are purchasing a primary residence, second home, or investment property in a higher-priced market
Typical Qualification Requirements
Jumbo loan requirements vary by lender, but commonly include:
- Credit score: 720 or higher (some programs start at 700)
- Down payment: 10% to 20% or more, depending on loan amount and lender
- Reserves: 6 to 24 months of mortgage payments in liquid assets, depending on loan amount
- Debt-to-income ratio: Often 43% or lower, though some programs allow higher with strong compensating factors
- Full income documentation: Typically two years of tax returns, W-2s, and recent pay stubs
Florida and Tennessee Markets
In markets like Miami, Coral Gables, Palm Beach, and coastal Florida communities, jumbo financing is common. Nashville-area suburbs like Brentwood, Belle Meade, and parts of Franklin have also seen jumbo demand increase as prices have appreciated. We can help compare jumbo programs across our wholesale lender network for borrowers in these markets.
Benefits
- Finance higher-priced properties that conforming loans can’t cover
- Variety of rate and term options (fixed, adjustable)
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers
Limitations
- Stricter credit and income documentation requirements
- Larger down payments typically required
- Higher reserve requirements
- Not available for FHA, VA, or USDA borrowers (those programs have their own loan limits)