A jumbo loan is designed for more expensive, higher-end homes that go outside of a normal loan’s borrowing restrictions. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets the conforming loan limit each year, with most of the United States limited to $647,200 for a conventional house loan. When you go beyond these limits, you’ve entered jumbo loan land.

When the price tag hits specific levels, you are no longer eligible for the typical loan protections provided by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Because of this, a jumbo mortgage is also known as a non-conforming loan and can be obtained as a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage.

How do I know if I’m qualified for a jumbo loan? 

Because of the loan’s magnitude, jumbo loans have tighter underwriting criteria than other types of loans. Before qualifying borrowers for jumbo loans, lenders look at the following qualifications. Credit rating. Jumbo loans typically have greater credit score criteria than other types of mortgages. 

According to CNBC, borrowers need a credit score of at least 680 to be approved for a jumbo loan, and many lenders prefer scores of 700 to 720 or higher. 

 However, down payment requirements differ from one lender to the next. Appraisal of a house Like other types of mortgages, the residence must be evaluated at or near the purchase price. Two appraisals are required by some lenders.

Some lenders may only accept a maximum DTI of 45 percent. Lenders want to know that you can afford your monthly mortgage payment as well as other living expenditures. 

A deposit is required. To approve a jumbo loan, lenders may require a bigger down payment. However, down payment requirements differ from one lender to the next. 

Appraisal of a house Like other types of mortgages, the residence must be evaluated at or near the purchase price. Two appraisals are required by some lenders.

Money in the account. When applying for a jumbo loan, lenders may want more financial reserves to support your mortgage payments and living expenditures. 

Income proof is required. You’ll need to produce proof of income and financial records to verify you can repay the loan, just like you would with any other mortgage.

Limits on Jumbo Loans 

However, keep in mind that a jumbo loan has no set borrowing cap. Each lender establishes their own limit. A bank or mortgage company’s jumbo loans may be limited to $1 million, while another’s may be limited to $2 million. However, the amount you can borrow is determined by your income, present debts, credit report, and down payment.

How much does a jumbo loan require in terms of a down payment? 

In the past, jumbo loans usually needed a 20% or even 30% down payment. 

Assume you’re purchasing a $750,000 property. With a 20% down payment, you’ll be out $150,000 – and that’s before closing fees are included in. 

However, today’s homeowners have additional borrowing options. 

Some mortgage lenders are now offering jumbo loans with as little as a 5% or 10% down payment. Others may necessitate a 15% to 20% deposit. 

It all relies on who you work with as an investor. As previously stated, lenders are free to define their own restrictions for this type of loan.

Low-down-payment jumbo loans are especially beneficial for first-time home purchasers who live in high-priced areas and haven’t had much time to save.

Private Mortgage Insurance: What Are the  Types? (PMI) 

1. Mortgage Insurance Paid by the Borrower 

The most familiar form of PMI is borrower-paid mortgage insurance (BPMI). BPMI is paid on a monthly basis and is deducted from your mortgage payment. After your loan closes, you pay BPMI every month until you have 22 percent equity in your home (based on the initial purchase price).

2. Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance

The fee for lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) is paid by your lender. Indeed, you’ll pay for it throughout the course of the loan with a somewhat higher interest rate. 

You can’t cancel LPMI when your equity reaches 78 percent because it’s built into the loan, unlike BPMI.

3. Single-Premium Mortgage Insurance

Single-premium mortgage insurance (SPMI), sometimes known as single-payment mortgage insurance, is a type of mortgage insurance that is paid upfront in a large sum. This can be paid in cash or financed into the mortgage (in the latter case, it may be called single-financed mortgage insurance). 

SPMI has the advantage of a lower monthly cost when compared to BPMI. This can make it easier for you to get a bigger loan to buy your home.

4. Split-Premium Mortgage Insurance

Split-premium mortgage insurance is the least common type.   

Here is how it works: A part of the mortgage insurance is paid up front, and the remainder is paid monthly. You won’t have to pay as much up front as you would with SPMI, and your monthly payment will be lower than with BPMI.