What Is a Jumbo Loan?
A jumbo loan is a mortgage with a loan amount that exceeds the conforming loan limit established for the property’s location by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Because these loans exceed standard conforming limits, they offer financing solutions for borrowers purchasing higher-priced homes or refinancing larger mortgage balances.
Unlike conforming loans, jumbo loans are designed for financing needs above those established limits. Qualification requirements vary by loan program and lender, but they typically consider your overall financial profile, including factors such as income, assets, credit history, and available cash reserves.
Whether you’re financing your dream home, purchasing a vacation property, or refinancing a higher-value mortgage, jumbo financing may provide the flexibility you need.
Helpful to Know: Conforming loan limits are updated annually and may vary by county. You can view the current conforming loan limits on the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) website.
When Might You Need a Jumbo Loan?
A jumbo loan may be worth considering if your financing needs exceed the conforming loan limit for your area. While higher-priced homes are the most common reason borrowers choose jumbo financing, there are several situations where this type of mortgage may be appropriate.
You may benefit from a jumbo loan if you are:
- Purchasing a higher-priced home
- Buying in a competitive or higher-cost housing market
- Seeking financing that exceeds standard conforming loan limits
- Purchasing a second home
- Financing certain investment properties
- Refinancing an existing jumbo mortgage
- Refinancing a loan balance above conforming loan limits
Every borrower’s situation is different. A BankSouth Mortgage loan officer can help you evaluate your financing needs and determine whether a jumbo loan or one of our refinancing options best fits your financial goals.