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California City sits in the Kern County high desert. It's one of California's most affordable markets — not a jumbo loan territory by nature.
Jumbo loans kick in above the conforming limit set by the FHFA. In Kern County, that threshold is $832,750 as of 2026. Most California City homes don't come close.
$832,750
Kern County Conforming Limit
700+
Min Credit Score (Typical)
10–20%
Min Down Payment
12 months
Reserves Required
Jumbo Loans in California City
Jumbo lenders set their own rules. Most want a 700+ credit score, 12 months of reserves, and full income documentation.
Debt-to-income ratios are tighter too. Most lenders cap at 43%. Some go lower. Down payments typically start at 10%, often 20%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in California City.
California City sits in the Kern County high desert. It's one of California's most affordable markets — not a jumbo loan territory by nature.
Jumbo loans kick in above the conforming limit set by the FHFA. In Kern County, that threshold is $832,750 as of 2026. Most California City homes don't come close.
Jumbo lenders set their own rules. Most want a 700+ credit score, 12 months of reserves, and full income documentation.
Jumbo loans aren't sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Lenders hold them on their own books — so every lender prices them differently.
We shop jumbo paper across 200+ wholesale lenders. That range matters when you're borrowing above $832,750 in a market like California City.
Jumbo in California City usually means a custom home on significant acreage. Appraisals are tough — comps are thin out here.
A weak appraisal can kill a jumbo deal fast. Make sure your broker orders from an appraiser with real Kern County desert experience.
If your purchase price is under $832,750, a conforming loan will almost always beat jumbo on rate and documentation.
Adjustable-rate mortgages are popular on jumbo loans. A 7/1 ARM can lower your initial payment if you don't plan to hold the loan long-term.
California City was master-planned in the 1950s with huge lots. Some custom builds on large parcels can push into jumbo territory.
The desert location also affects property type eligibility. Rural and non-warrantable properties get extra scrutiny on jumbo files.
The conforming limit in Kern County is $832,750 as of 2026. Any loan above that amount is considered jumbo.
No. California City is an affordable market. Jumbo loans apply mainly to large custom homes or significant acreage buys.
Most jumbo lenders want at least a 700 credit score. Some require 720 or higher depending on loan size.
Expect at least 10% down, often 20%. Higher down payments can improve your rate and approval odds.
It's harder. Jumbo lenders scrutinize rural and non-warrantable properties closely. Appraisal and property type matter a lot.