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in San Juan Bautista, CA
San Juan Bautista's housing market spans starter homes to high-value properties. The loan you need depends entirely on your purchase price.
Conventional loans work for most buyers staying under the conforming limit. Once you cross that threshold, you're in jumbo territory with different rules.
Conventional loans follow limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In San Benito County, that's $806,500 for a single-family home in 2025.
You can put down as little as 3% with private mortgage insurance. Credit score minimums start at 620, though better rates kick in above 740.
These loans offer the most flexibility on property types and transaction structures. You'll find the widest range of term options and the most competitive rates for borrowers with solid credit.
Jumbo loans finance anything above the conforming limit. In San Juan Bautista, that means properties over $806,500.
Expect stricter requirements across the board. Most lenders want 10-20% down, credit scores above 700, and 6-12 months of reserves in the bank.
Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions. You're taking on more risk from the lender's perspective, which shows up in both the rate and the documentation they require.
The gap between conventional and jumbo shows up in three places: down payment, credit standards, and reserves. Jumbo lenders want proof you can weather financial stress.
Conventional loans let you slide with minimal reserves and lower credit. Jumbo underwriting digs deeper into your entire financial picture—retirement accounts, investment income, debt ratios.
Rate differences narrow when you have strong credit and significant assets. Borrowers with 760+ scores and 25% down often see jumbo rates close to conventional pricing.
Your purchase price makes this decision for you. Under $806,500, conventional wins on flexibility and cost. Above that threshold, jumbo is your only option.
If you're hovering near the limit, consider whether a larger down payment keeps you in conventional territory. The savings on rate and reduced documentation can be worth stretching your down payment.
For properties well above the jumbo threshold, focus on strengthening your credit and building reserves before you shop. Those factors matter more for jumbo approval than they do for conventional.
The 2025 conforming limit is $806,500 for a single-family home in San Benito County. Anything above that requires a jumbo loan.
Yes, some lenders approve jumbo loans with 10-15% down. You'll need stronger credit and more reserves than the 20% down borrower.
Not always. Borrowers with excellent credit and significant down payments often see jumbo rates competitive with conventional pricing.
Most lenders require 6-12 months of reserves. Higher loan amounts and multiple properties push that requirement toward the upper end.
Only if the purchase price stays under $806,500. Once you exceed that limit, conventional financing isn't available.
Conventional loans have more flexible guidelines. Lower credit minimums, smaller down payments, and reduced reserve requirements make qualification easier.