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in Fairfax, CA
Fairfax sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive housing markets in California. Most homes here push buyers past conforming loan limits fast.
That split — conventional or jumbo — shapes your rate, your down payment, and your qualifying criteria. Knowing the difference matters before you make an offer.
Conventional loans stay within FHFA conforming limits. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy these loans, which keeps lender risk low and rates competitive.
You'll need a 620 minimum credit score. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely — that saves real money monthly.
Jumbo loans cover purchase prices above the conforming limit. In Marin County, most single-family homes land squarely in jumbo territory.
Lenders hold jumbo loans on their own books. That means stricter underwriting — typically 700+ credit, 12 months reserves, and full income documentation.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh Conventional Loans and Jumbo Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Fairfax.
Fairfax sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive housing markets in California. Most homes here push buyers past conforming loan limits fast.
That split — conventional or jumbo — shapes your rate, your down payment, and your qualifying criteria. Knowing the difference matters before you make an offer.
Conventional loans stay within FHFA conforming limits. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy these loans, which keeps lender risk low and rates competitive.
The biggest gap is underwriting. Conventional loans follow standardized Fannie/Freddie guidelines. Jumbo lenders write their own rules — and they vary across lenders.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% with applications dropping sharply. Jumbo rates don't always track that benchmark — shopping lenders matters more on jumbo deals. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
If your loan amount stays under the conforming limit, conventional is usually the cleaner path. Faster approval, lower reserve requirements, and more lender options.
If you're buying a typical Fairfax home, run the numbers on jumbo first. Strong credit and solid reserves get you approved. We shop 200+ wholesale lenders to find where jumbo pricing is sharpest right now.
Marin County qualifies for high-cost area limits set annually by the FHFA. Loans above that threshold are jumbo — check current limits before assuming your loan type.
Most jumbo lenders want 10-20% down. Some require more depending on loan size and your credit profile.
Not always. With strong credit and reserves, jumbo rates can be competitive. Shopping multiple lenders is key — rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most jumbo lenders require 700 or higher. Some go up to 720 for larger loan amounts or lower down payments.
Yes, if the loan amount stays within the high-cost conforming limit. Many Fairfax purchases exceed that cap and require jumbo financing.
Typically 12 months of mortgage payments in liquid assets. Some lenders go higher for very large loan amounts.