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Glossary term

Jumbo loan

A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit, so it can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Lenders set their own requirements, which often include larger down payments, higher credit scores and more cash reserves, and pricing varies by lender.

Why agents care

Luxury buyers and buyers in high-cost markets need to know early whether their loan is jumbo, because it changes which lenders and terms fit. A quick calculation on a listing can prompt the right lender conversation.

Example

Example: a $1.2 million purchase with 20% down needs a $960,000 loan, above the 2026 baseline limit, so in most counties it's jumbo.

Questions by topic

Jumbo loan: common questions

Are jumbo rates always higher?

Not always. Jumbo pricing varies with the market and the borrower, and is sometimes comparable to conforming rates.

Do jumbo loans need 20% down?

Many lenders expect it or more, but requirements vary. Some offer lower down payments for strong borrowers.

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