2024 Conforming Loan Limits
Any mortgage above these FHFA-set limits is considered jumbo (non-conforming). Limits vary by county and number of units:
Standard (most counties)$766,550$981,500$1,186,350$1,474,400
High-cost (CA, NY, HI, DC)$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600
Alaska & Hawaii special$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600
Source: FHFA 2024 Conforming Loan Limit Values. Over 100 high-cost counties have limits between floor and ceiling.
Jumbo Loan Qualification Requirements
Because jumbo loans stay on the lender's books (not sold to Fannie/Freddie), requirements are stricter and vary more between lenders:
Minimum credit score700–720740+
Down payment20% (standard)30%+ (best rates)
DTI ratio38–43%36% or lower
Cash reserves6–12 months PITI12–24 months PITI
Income documentation2 years tax returnsW-2 + bank statements
Appraisal1 appraisal2 appraisals (some lenders)
Fixed Rate vs. ARM: Which Is Better for Jumbo Loans?
ARM loans are more common in the jumbo market because the potential monthly savings are much larger on high loan balances. On a $1.5M jumbo loan at 6.45% vs. a 7/1 ARM at 5.85%:
30-yr Fixed @ 6.45%$9,447/mo P&IPayment certainty for 30 years
7/1 ARM @ 5.85%$8,854/mo P&I$593/mo less for 7 years = $49,812 saved
10/1 ARM @ 6.00%$8,992/mo P&I$455/mo less for 10 years = $54,600 saved
The ARM advantage is compelling if you plan to sell or refinance within the fixed period. The risk: if you keep the loan past the initial period and rates have risen, payments jump significantly.
5 Tips for Getting the Best Jumbo Loan Rate
- Shop 4–5 lenders — rates vary enormously. Unlike conforming loans, jumbo rates aren't standardized. Banks, credit unions, and private lenders can differ by 0.5–1% for identical borrowers. Always get competing quotes.
- Max out your credit score. Going from 720 to 760+ can save 0.25–0.5% on a jumbo loan — on a $1.5M loan, that's $312–$625/month.
- Show maximum assets. Lenders love to see 12–24 months of reserves. If you have investment accounts, make sure they're documented. This can offset a slightly higher DTI.
- Consider an ARM seriously. If you'll sell within 7–10 years, a 7/1 or 10/1 ARM can save tens of thousands in a lower-rate environment.
- Consider a "piggyback" loan. Some borrowers split into a conforming first mortgage ($766,550) + HELOC or second mortgage for the remainder — potentially qualifying for lower conforming rates on the larger portion.