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San Juan Capistrano sits in one of California's priciest counties. Conforming loans still work here — but only if your purchase price stays within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limits.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% recently, with applications dropping sharply. For conforming borrowers, that rate sensitivity matters when comparing fixed vs. ARM options right now.
6.57% (Apr 2026)
30-Year Fixed Rate
620
Min Credit Score
3% (first-time buyers)
Min Down Payment
45–50%
DTI Cap
Under 20% down
PMI Required
Conforming Loans in San Juan Capistrano
Most conforming loans require a 620 minimum credit score. But to get the best pricing, you want 740 or above — that's where Fannie and Freddie reward you.
Down payment starts at 3% for first-time buyers through conventional conforming programs. Standard purchases typically need 5%. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Juan Capistrano.
San Juan Capistrano sits in one of California's priciest counties. Conforming loans still work here — but only if your purchase price stays within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limits.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% recently, with applications dropping sharply. For conforming borrowers, that rate sensitivity matters when comparing fixed vs. ARM options right now.
Most conforming loans require a 620 minimum credit score. But to get the best pricing, you want 740 or above — that's where Fannie and Freddie reward you.
Conforming loans trade on the secondary market. That means hundreds of lenders compete for the same loan. Pricing differences between lenders can be real and meaningful.
We shop conforming loans across 200+ wholesale lenders. Retail banks rarely beat wholesale pricing on these. The guidelines are identical — the margins are not.
San Juan Capistrano has a mix of older estates and newer tract homes. Appraisals can be tricky when comp selection spans those two. Get a broker who knows the market.
If your purchase price bumps above the conforming limit, you're in jumbo territory. That changes your rate, your docs, and your approval timeline. Know your ceiling before you make an offer.
FHA loans offer lower credit thresholds but add mortgage insurance that sticks around. Conforming loans let you drop PMI once you hit 20% equity — FHA rarely gives you that exit.
Jumbo loans cover higher purchase prices but demand stronger reserves and stricter underwriting. If you can stay conforming, the pricing and process are almost always better.
Orange County conforming loan limits are set above the national baseline. That extends your buying range in SJC without jumping to jumbo pricing.
San Juan Capistrano's historic district and equestrian zoning create unique property types. Lenders scrutinize non-standard properties harder — even on conforming loans.
Orange County qualifies for a higher conforming limit than the national baseline. Confirm the current limit with us before you shop — it updates annually.
Yes, but lenders scrutinize these more carefully. The appraisal and property condition requirements are stricter on non-standard homes.
You need at least 620 to qualify. To get the best pricing tiers from Fannie and Freddie, aim for 740 or above.
All conforming loans are conventional, but not all conventional loans are conforming. Conforming means it fits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac size limits.
Yes, if you put less than 20% down. Unlike FHA, you can cancel PMI once you reach 20% equity in your home.
For many buyers in SJC, yes — especially with Orange County's elevated limits. If your price exceeds the limit, we'll compare jumbo options side by side.