Loading
in Compton, CA
Compton buyers typically choose between conventional loans and jumbo loans based on purchase price. Most homes here fall under the conforming loan limit, making conventional loans the go-to option.
Jumbo loans only come into play for luxury properties or multi-unit buildings above $806,500 in Los Angeles County. Understanding which category your purchase falls into determines your rate, down payment, and approval odds.
Conventional loans handle properties up to $806,500 with as little as 3% down for first-time buyers. You'll pay PMI below 20% down, but it drops off once you hit that equity mark.
Credit requirements start at 620, though you'll get better rates above 740. These loans close faster than jumbos because underwriting follows standard Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines.
Income verification is straightforward for W-2 earners. Lenders use automated underwriting systems that approve most clean files in hours, not days.
Jumbo loans finance properties above $806,500 without a government guarantee backing the lender. That means stricter credit standards and more cash required upfront.
Most jumbo lenders want 700+ credit and 10-20% down minimum. The lack of automated underwriting means every file gets manual review, adding time to your close.
Expect higher scrutiny on income documentation and cash reserves. Lenders typically require 6-12 months of mortgage payments sitting in the bank after closing.
Down payment separates these loans immediately. Conventional allows 3% down while jumbo lenders want 10-20% minimum, meaning an extra $40,000-$140,000 in cash for an $800,000 purchase.
Credit score requirements differ by about 80 points. A 640 score might squeak through conventional underwriting but gets rejected for jumbo financing every time.
Reserve requirements hit harder with jumbos. Conventional loans rarely ask for reserves unless your credit is shaky, but jumbo lenders want proof you can cover 6-12 months of payments.
Interest rates on jumbos run 0.25-0.75% higher despite the bigger down payment. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, but that spread stays consistent across most scenarios.
Your purchase price makes this decision for you in most cases. Below $806,500, conventional loans offer better rates, lower down payments, and faster closes.
Above that threshold, jumbo financing becomes your only option unless you make a massive down payment to stay under the limit. The extra requirements make sense for lenders taking on more risk without Fannie Mae backing.
Some Compton buyers consider larger down payments to avoid jumbo territory. Putting $100,000 down on a $900,000 property keeps you conventional, saving money long-term despite the bigger initial cash outlay.
The conforming loan limit is $806,500 for single-family homes. Anything above that amount requires jumbo financing with stricter qualification standards.
Some lenders approve jumbo loans at 10% down with strong credit and income. Most prefer 15-20% down for the best rates and terms.
Jumbo rates typically run 0.25-0.75% higher due to increased lender risk. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Conventional loans start at 620 credit score. Jumbo loans typically require 700+ for approval with competitive rates.
Yes, putting enough down to keep your loan under $806,500 lets you use conventional financing. This strategy often saves money long-term despite higher upfront cost.
Jumbo loans add 5-10 days to your close timeline due to manual underwriting. Conventional loans use automated systems that approve files in hours.