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Bakersfield sits in a price range where jumbo loans are less common than in coastal cities. But high-end homes in gated communities and estate lots do push past conforming limits.
The 2026 conforming limit for Kern County is $832,750. Any purchase above that requires a jumbo loan — a different product with stricter rules.
$832,750
Kern County Limit
700–720+
Min Credit Score
10–20%
Min Down Payment
6–12 months
Reserves Required
43%
Max DTI (typical)
Jumbo Loans in Bakersfield
Jumbo lenders want a credit score of 700 or higher — many prefer 720+. A score below 700 will close most doors on this product.
Expect to document everything. Two years of tax returns, 60 days of asset statements, and full income verification are standard. Self-employed borrowers face extra scrutiny.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield sits in a price range where jumbo loans are less common than in coastal cities. But high-end homes in gated communities and estate lots do push past conforming limits.
The 2026 conforming limit for Kern County is $832,750. Any purchase above that requires a jumbo loan — a different product with stricter rules.
Jumbo lenders want a credit score of 700 or higher — many prefer 720+. A score below 700 will close most doors on this product.
Jumbo loans are portfolio products. Lenders keep them on their own books instead of selling them to Fannie or Freddie. That means every lender sets their own rules.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders at SRK CAPITAL. On jumbo loans, that access matters — pricing and guidelines vary widely from one lender to the next.
Bakersfield jumbo buyers often have strong local income — oil, ag, or business ownership. That income structure can be complicated. How you document it changes your rate.
Cash-out jumbo refis are also common here on high-value ranches and custom builds. Those deals need careful LTV management. Most lenders cap cash-out jumbos at 70–75% LTV.
If your purchase is close to the $832,750 limit, a conforming loan is almost always cheaper. The rate gap between conforming and jumbo can be meaningful. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
An ARM can make sense on a jumbo — the initial rate is lower and many buyers in this range pay off or refinance within 7 years. But that only works if you understand the reset risk.
Kern County is not a high-cost area under FHFA rules. The conforming limit here matches the national baseline — not the elevated caps you see in LA or San Francisco.
That actually keeps more Bakersfield buyers in conforming territory. Jumbo is genuinely reserved for the upper tier of this market: large custom homes, working ranches, and estate properties.
The 2026 conforming limit in Kern County is $832,750. Any loan above that amount is a jumbo.
Most jumbo lenders in 2026 require 700 minimum. A 680 score will limit your options significantly on this product.
Most lenders require 10–20% down. Smaller down payments are possible but come with higher rates and tighter conditions.
Often yes, though the gap varies. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions — shopping lenders makes a real difference here.
Yes, but lenders use net income from tax returns. Two years of strong returns and clean financials are essential.
Yes. Most jumbo lenders require 6–12 months of mortgage payments in verified reserves after closing.