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Fairfax sits in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Marin County prices routinely push buyers past conforming loan limits.
A jumbo loan covers any mortgage above the FHFA conforming limit. In Marin County, that threshold gets crossed on most single-family purchases.
700–720+
Min Credit Score
43%
Max DTI Ratio
10–20%
Min Down Payment
30–45 Days
Typical Close Time
12 Months
Cash Reserves Required
Jumbo Loans in Fairfax
Jumbo lenders set stricter standards than conforming programs. Expect a minimum 700 credit score — many lenders want 720 or higher.
Debt-to-income ratio matters more here. Most jumbo lenders cap it at 43%, and some want to see it closer to 38%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect jumbo loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fairfax.
Fairfax sits in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Marin County prices routinely push buyers past conforming loan limits.
A jumbo loan covers any mortgage above the FHFA conforming limit. In Marin County, that threshold gets crossed on most single-family purchases.
Jumbo lenders set stricter standards than conforming programs. Expect a minimum 700 credit score — many lenders want 720 or higher.
Not every lender does jumbo well. Big retail banks have rigid overlays. Portfolio lenders and wholesale channels tend to price it better.
We shop jumbo across 200+ wholesale lenders. That reach finds programs retail banks simply don't offer Fairfax buyers.
Jumbo underwriting is manual. Every lender scrutinizes your file differently. A deal declined at one lender closes at another.
Self-employed borrowers with complex income need extra prep. Two years of tax returns and a clean profit-and-loss statement go a long way.
An ARM can make sense on a jumbo loan. A 7/1 or 10/1 ARM often prices 50-75 basis points below a 30-year fixed. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Interest-only jumbo loans exist too. They lower your monthly payment in early years — useful if cash flow matters more than fast equity build.
Fairfax properties vary widely — older Victorians, hillside homes, and wooded lots. Appraisals on unique properties can get complicated.
A low appraisal on a jumbo deal is a real problem. There's no mortgage insurance cushion and no government guarantee. The numbers have to work.
Marin County is a high-cost area. Any loan above the FHFA limit for the county is considered jumbo and follows stricter guidelines.
Some lenders allow 10% down on jumbo loans. Expect higher rates and stricter reserve requirements at that down payment level.
Manual underwriting adds time. Budget 30-45 days. Complex income or unique properties can push that longer.
No. Jumbo loans don't carry PMI. Lenders manage risk through stricter credit and reserve requirements instead.
Not always. As of April 2026, jumbo rates compete closely with conforming in some scenarios. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most jumbo lenders want 12 months of housing payments in reserves. Some high-balance programs require more.