Loading
Loading
Sausalito sits in one of California's most expensive zip codes. Conforming loans cap out at $1,249,125 in high-cost counties like Marin.
That limit covers fewer properties here than in most California cities. Buyers often need to bridge the gap with a second loan or larger down payment.
$1,249,125
Marin Conforming Limit
620
Min Credit Score
3%
Min Down Payment
45%
Max DTI Ratio
6.57%*
30-Year Fixed (Recent)
Conforming Loans in Sausalito
Most lenders want a 620 minimum credit score for conforming approval. A 740+ score gets you the best pricing.
Debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debts divided by gross income — must stay at or below 45%. W-2 earners with clean tax returns move through fastest.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Sausalito.
Sausalito sits in one of California's most expensive zip codes. Conforming loans cap out at $1,249,125 in high-cost counties like Marin.
That limit covers fewer properties here than in most California cities. Buyers often need to bridge the gap with a second loan or larger down payment.
Most lenders want a 620 minimum credit score for conforming approval. A 740+ score gets you the best pricing.
Conforming loans trade on the secondary market. That means lenders compete hard on price, and rate shopping pays off.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% recently, with refinance apps dropping 17%. For conforming buyers, rate movement like that changes your purchasing power fast. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
In Sausalito, the conforming limit is a hard ceiling. One dollar over and you're in jumbo territory — different guidelines, higher reserves.
We see buyers structure deals specifically to stay conforming. A larger down payment can pull a purchase price back under the limit and save thousands over the loan term.
Jumbo loans cover what conforming can't in Sausalito. But jumbo lenders want 12 months reserves and tighter DTI. Conforming is easier to qualify for.
FHA loans go up to $1,249,125 in Marin too, but carry mortgage insurance regardless of down payment. Conforming drops PMI once you hit 20% equity.
Sausalito houseboat properties require specialized financing. Most conforming lenders won't touch them — know this before you fall in love with a listing.
Marin's high property values mean appraisals are scrutinized. Conforming appraisals follow strict Fannie/Freddie rules. A low appraisal can kill a deal fast.
Marin qualifies as a high-cost county. The 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125 for a single-unit property.
Almost never. Houseboats are classified as personal property, not real estate. Most conforming lenders won't finance them.
No. Some conforming programs start at 3% down. Below 20%, you'll pay private mortgage insurance until you reach that equity threshold.
Every tier matters. A 740+ score gets top pricing. Dropping below 680 adds meaningful cost to your rate.
You have two options: put more down to get the loan under the limit, or go jumbo. We can run both scenarios for you.
Generally, yes. Conforming loans are backed by Fannie and Freddie, so lenders price them more aggressively. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.