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in San Rafael, CA
San Rafael is Marin County — median prices here push well past conforming limits. Most buyers here are choosing between conventional and jumbo financing.
The split matters. These two loan types have different rates, requirements, and approval standards. Knowing which fits your deal saves time and money.
Conventional loans stay within FHFA conforming limits. In Marin County, that limit is $1,249,125 for 2026 — one of the highest in the country.
Lenders sell these loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That keeps rates competitive. You need at least a 620 credit score, but 740+ gets you the best pricing.
Jumbo loans cover anything above the conforming limit. In San Rafael, many homes require jumbo financing — prices routinely clear $1.5M to $2M+.
These loans stay on lenders' books. That means stricter standards. Expect 700+ credit, 12 months of reserves, and full income documentation.
Rates are the biggest practical difference. As of April 2026, HousingWire is tracking the 30-year fixed at 6.57%. Jumbo rates can run higher or lower depending on the lender — but qualifying is harder either way. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Underwriting is stricter on jumbo. Conventional loans follow Fannie/Freddie guidelines, which are standardized. Jumbo lenders set their own rules. Two lenders can have completely different reserve and DTI requirements on the same deal.
If your loan amount is at or below $1,249,125, conventional is almost always the better call. Easier approval, lower barriers, and you can refinance faster if rates drop.
Above that limit, jumbo is your only option. But not all jumbo lenders are equal. We shop across 200+ wholesale lenders — rate and reserve requirements vary significantly. The right lender matters as much as the loan type.
The 2026 conforming limit in Marin County is $1,249,125. Loans above that require jumbo financing.
Not always. Jumbo rates can be competitive depending on the lender. We compare options across 200+ wholesale lenders to find the best fit. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most jumbo lenders want 10-20% down. Some programs allow 10% with strong credit and reserves.
Yes, if the loan amount stays under the conforming limit. A large down payment on a $1.3M home could bring the loan into conventional territory.
Most jumbo lenders require 700 or higher. Some programs push that to 720 or 740 for the best rates.
Generally yes. More documentation and manual underwriting add time. Budget for 30-45 days on a standard jumbo deal.