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El Centro sits in Imperial County, one of California's most affordable housing markets. That affordability changes how jumbo loans play here.
The conforming loan limit is the FHFA's cap on loans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Anything above that cap is a jumbo loan.
700–720+
Min Credit Score
10–20% min
Down Payment
12 months typical
Cash Reserves
43% or lower
DTI Cap
30–45 days
Avg Close Time
Jumbo Loans in El Centro
Jumbo lenders are strict. Most require a credit score of 700 or higher — some want 720 or above.
Expect to show 12 months of reserves, meaning cash left after closing. Debt-to-income ratio caps are tighter too, usually under 43%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in El Centro.
El Centro sits in Imperial County, one of California's most affordable housing markets. That affordability changes how jumbo loans play here.
The conforming loan limit is the FHFA's cap on loans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Anything above that cap is a jumbo loan.
Jumbo lenders are strict. Most require a credit score of 700 or higher — some want 720 or above.
Jumbo loans don't go through Fannie or Freddie. Each lender sets its own rules, rates, and limits.
That's exactly why shopping across lenders matters. One lender's overlay can cost you half a point. Another may waive the second appraisal requirement.
In El Centro, a jumbo loan need can surprise buyers. A high-value agricultural property or custom-built estate can push past conforming limits fast.
The deal killers I see most: thin reserves, self-employment income with heavy write-offs, and appraisals that can't support the purchase price in a thin market.
If your loan amount falls near the conforming limit, a conforming loan is almost always cheaper. Lower rate, easier underwriting, faster close.
An ARM can make sense on a jumbo if you plan to sell or refinance within 7 years. The rate discount on a 7/1 ARM can be meaningful. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
El Centro's real estate volume is low compared to metro California. Fewer comparable sales make jumbo appraisals harder to defend.
As of April 2026, Imperial County's conforming loan limit applies — not the higher limits seen in LA or Orange County. Know your number before you make an offer.
Imperial County uses the baseline FHFA conforming limit, not the higher limits set for high-cost coastal counties. Any loan above that limit is a jumbo.
Some lenders allow 10% down on jumbos, but most want 20%. Expect stricter credit and reserve requirements at the lower down payment tier.
Yes. Underwriting is manual and more intensive. Plan for 30-45 days minimum, especially if a second appraisal is required.
Often yes, but not always. The gap fluctuates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions — shopping lenders is essential.
It's less common here than in coastal California. But high-value custom homes and agricultural estates can easily push past conforming limits.
Yes, but underwriting is tighter. Lenders will scrutinize two years of tax returns closely. Heavy write-offs can hurt qualifying income.