Question 1

What's the 2026 conforming loan limit in San Gabriel?

Accepted Answer

$832,750 for Los Angeles County. Anything above that requires jumbo financing regardless of property type.

Question 2

Can I get a jumbo loan with 10% down?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though 15-20% down gets you better rates. Expect higher reserves and credit requirements at 10% down.

Question 3

Do jumbo loans always have higher rates than conventional?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Strong borrowers with large down payments sometimes get better jumbo pricing when banks compete for their business.

Question 4

How much in reserves do jumbo lenders require?

Accepted Answer

Most want 6-12 months of full housing payments in the bank after closing. Reserves include all mortgage costs, not just principal and interest.

Question 5

Can I avoid PMI on a conventional loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by putting 20% down or using lender-paid PMI. The latter trades higher rates for no monthly mortgage insurance.

Conventional vs Jumbo Loans in San Gabriel: Which Fits Your Home Budget?