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Jumbo Loan Programs — California

Jumbo loans in California — what you need to know

A jumbo loan is a mortgage above the county conforming loan limit. Lendia arranges jumbo financing for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties in California.

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At a glance

Feature Details
Minimum loan amount Any amount above the county conforming limit ($832,750 in many counties, up to $1,249,125 in high-cost counties like Orange County; see /loan-limits/)
Maximum loan amount Up to $3,500,000 depending on program
Minimum credit score 660 on select programs; 700–720 most common
Minimum down payment 10% on select programs; 20% most broadly available
Mortgage insurance Not required — even above 80% LTV
Prepayment penalty Not allowed on the jumbo programs we offer
Occupancy types Primary residence, second home, investment property
Property types SFR, PUD, condo, 2–4 units
Loan products 15- and 30-year fixed; 7/6 and 10/6 ARM

Jumbo loan guides — 20 questions answered

Serving California homebuyers and investors — Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and communities throughout Southern California including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana.

What the process looks like from first call to closing

Jumbo files follow the same federal timeline as any other purchase or refinance, but the paperwork up front is heavier because there are no documentation waivers. A typical sequence:

  1. Scenario review. We look at your price range, down payment, occupancy and income type, then compare options across the lenders we work with.
  2. Document gathering. Expect pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and recent asset statements. Self-employed borrowers should plan for business returns and a profit and loss statement.
  3. Loan Estimate. Within 3 business days of application you receive a Loan Estimate that spells out the loan terms and estimated costs.
  4. Rate lock and appraisal. Locks commonly run 30 to 60 days. On larger loan amounts the appraisal may need a second review, so build that into your timeline.
  5. Closing Disclosure. You get it at least 3 business days before closing. Certain changes, such as a different loan product, restart that clock.

Is this the right category for your loan?

Jumbo means the loan amount is above the conforming limit for your county, not simply above one statewide number. The 2026 baseline for a one-unit home is $832,750, but high-cost counties are set higher, up to $1,249,125. Check your county on our loan limits page before you assume you need a jumbo loan. If your amount lands between the baseline and your county limit, a conforming high-balance loan may be an option worth pricing side by side.

Where to start, by situation

  • Buying your first home above the limit: start with the first-time buyer and credit score guides.
  • Short on cash for 20% down: read the 10% down and down payment guides.
  • Self-employed or investing: read the self-employed and investment property guides.
  • Already own: read the refinance and cash-out guides.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether my loan will be jumbo?

Subtract your down payment from the price, then compare the result to the limit for the county where the home sits. If the loan is above that county limit, it is a jumbo loan. Multi-unit properties have higher limits than the one-unit figure.

Will I need an appraisal?

Yes. Appraisal waivers are generally not available on jumbo loans, and larger loans can require a second appraisal review.

Can I compare a fixed rate and an ARM before I commit?

Yes. We can show both structures on the same scenario so you can compare the payment, how long each rate is fixed, and what happens after the fixed period ends.

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