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Conventional & Jumbo

Standard financing, done right — and jumbo when you need more.

Conventional loans are the standard for buyers with solid credit and steady income. Jumbo loans pick up where conforming limits leave off, for higher-priced homes and larger loan amounts.

Most homebuyers with reasonably strong credit and documented income end up in a conventional loan — it's typically the most straightforward, often the most competitively priced option, and works for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.

When your loan amount exceeds the conforming loan limit for your county, that's where jumbo financing comes in. Jumbo loans carry their own underwriting standards — generally a bit more conservative on credit and reserves — but they open the door to higher-priced homes without switching loan categories entirely.

Highlights

What makes this program work.

Purchase & Refinance

Flexible Use Cases

Finance a purchase, refinance to a better rate, or pull cash out for other goals — conventional and jumbo both support all three.

Down Payment

As Low As 3-5% Down

Conventional loans offer competitive low-down-payment options for qualifying primary residence buyers.

Rate Structure

Fixed & ARM Options

Choose a fixed rate for payment stability, or an adjustable-rate structure if it fits your timeline better.

Property Types

Primary, Second Home & Investment

Conventional and jumbo financing both extend beyond primary residences.

Loan Size

Above Conforming Limits

Jumbo financing picks up exactly where conforming loan limits end, for higher-value properties.

Underwriting

Full Documentation

Standard income, asset, and credit documentation — the most well-understood underwriting path in the industry.

Good Fit If

Is this the right fit?

  • You have steady, documentable income and reasonably strong credit
  • You're buying or refinancing a primary residence, second home, or investment property
  • Your loan amount is at, below, or above the conforming limit — both are covered here
  • You want the most well-understood, widely available loan category
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Common Questions

What borrowers ask about this program.

What credit score do I need for a conventional loan?

Conventional loans typically look for a credit score in the mid-to-upper 600s or higher for the best terms, though exact requirements depend on the full loan profile. Tom can review your specific scenario.

What counts as a jumbo loan in California?

It depends on the county — conforming loan limits vary by area and are set annually. If your loan amount exceeds your county's limit, it's considered jumbo. Tom can confirm the current limit for your specific property location.

Do jumbo loans require a larger down payment?

Often, yes — jumbo financing generally asks for more down payment and cash reserves than conforming conventional loans, though specifics vary by lender and borrower profile.

Can I use a conventional loan for an investment property?

Yes, conventional financing extends to investment properties, typically with adjusted down payment and rate requirements compared to a primary residence.

Ready to talk through your scenario?

Tom will walk you through real numbers for your situation — no pressure, no obligation.

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