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Piedmont is one of the most expensive zip codes in Alameda County. Nearly every sale here requires a jumbo loan.
The conforming loan limit for Alameda County sits at $1,249,125 as of 2026. Most Piedmont purchases blow past that number fast.
$1,249,125
Alameda Conforming Limit
700 (720+ preferred)
Min Credit Score
10% (some lenders)
Min Down Payment
30–45 days
Typical Close Time
12 months typical
Reserves Required
Jumbo Loans in Piedmont
Jumbo lenders want strong borrowers. Expect a minimum 700 credit score, though 720+ gets you better pricing.
Most lenders require 12 months of reserves and a debt-to-income ratio under 43%. Self-employed borrowers face extra scrutiny on income documentation.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Piedmont.
Piedmont is one of the most expensive zip codes in Alameda County. Nearly every sale here requires a jumbo loan.
The conforming loan limit for Alameda County sits at $1,249,125 as of 2026. Most Piedmont purchases blow past that number fast.
Jumbo lenders want strong borrowers. Expect a minimum 700 credit score, though 720+ gets you better pricing.
Jumbo loans aren't sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Each lender sets its own rules. That means terms vary widely.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders, including several that specialize in high-balance California properties. Rate shopping here actually matters.
Down payment flexibility is real on jumbos. Some lenders go as low as 10% down at $2M+, but you'll pay for it in rate.
If you're buying in Piedmont with a large stock portfolio, some lenders will count asset depletion as income. That's a tool most retail banks don't offer.
Some buyers split the loan: a conforming first mortgage plus a second to avoid jumbo pricing. It can work, but it's not always cheaper.
ARMs are worth a real look on jumbo loans. A 7/1 ARM can save meaningful money if you're not keeping the loan 30 years.
Piedmont is a small, incorporated city entirely surrounded by Oakland. Its school district and sub-2-square-mile footprint drive persistent demand.
Properties here appraise under pressure. Jumbo appraisals are lender-ordered, not AMC-randomized. Your broker needs to know which lenders use local appraisers.
Any loan above $1,249,125 is jumbo in Alameda County. Most Piedmont purchases exceed that limit.
Yes, some lenders allow 10% down on jumbo loans up to $2M or higher. Expect a higher rate compared to 20% down.
Often yes — jumbo underwriting is manual and more thorough. Plan for 30-45 days, sometimes longer on complex income files.
Not always. Jumbo rates can match or beat conforming rates depending on your profile and the lender. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
W-2 borrowers typically provide two years of returns and 30 days of pay stubs. Self-employed borrowers usually need two years of business and personal returns.
Some jumbo lenders allow gift funds, but many require that at least part of the down payment comes from your own assets.