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Taft is a small oil-country town in western Kern County. Home prices here run well below most California markets.
Jumbo loans kick in above the conforming limit set by the FHFA. In most of Kern County, that threshold sits above $800,000. Very few Taft properties cross that line.
700–720+
Min Credit Score
20%
Typical Down Payment
12 months
Reserves Required
Fixed or ARM
Rate Type Options
Jumbo Loans in Taft
Jumbo lenders hold borrowers to a higher standard. Expect a minimum 700 credit score — many lenders want 720 or better.
You'll typically need 20% down and 12 months of cash reserves after closing. Debt-to-income ratios are capped tighter than conforming loans.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Taft.
Taft is a small oil-country town in western Kern County. Home prices here run well below most California markets.
Jumbo loans kick in above the conforming limit set by the FHFA. In most of Kern County, that threshold sits above $800,000. Very few Taft properties cross that line.
Jumbo lenders hold borrowers to a higher standard. Expect a minimum 700 credit score — many lenders want 720 or better.
Most local banks in a town like Taft won't portfolio jumbo loans. You need access to wholesale lenders who actively price this product.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That matters here — because if jumbo financing is genuinely needed, you want competitive options, not one bank's take-it-or-leave-it rate.
Honestly, most buyers in Taft don't need a jumbo loan. If your purchase is under the conforming limit, a conventional loan will get you better pricing.
Where jumbo does come up in Taft is cash-out refinances on appreciated properties, or buyers relocating from higher-cost California markets who are used to larger loan sizes.
A conforming loan in Kern County gives you lower rates and easier approval. If your loan amount stays under the limit, don't use a jumbo product.
ARMs are worth a look on jumbo loans. A 7/1 or 10/1 ARM can meaningfully reduce your rate versus a 30-year fixed jumbo. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Taft's economy runs on oil production. Income from oil-field work can be irregular, and jumbo lenders scrutinize that closely.
If your income includes royalties, contract work, or production bonuses, expect lenders to average two years of tax returns. W-2 earners will have a smoother path.
No. Taft home prices are well below the conforming loan limit for Kern County. Most buyers here will use a conventional or conforming loan.
Most jumbo lenders want at least 700. Many prefer 720 or higher, especially for larger loan amounts.
Yes, but lenders will average two years of tax returns. Bonuses and contract pay are scrutinized harder than straight W-2 income.
Plan on 20%. Some lenders allow 10-15% down, but pricing improves significantly at 20% or more.
It depends on your timeline. If you plan to sell or refinance within 7-10 years, an ARM can save real money versus a 30-year fixed rate.