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in Chino, CA
Chino sits in San Bernardino County, where prices can push well above conforming limits. Knowing which loan fits your purchase price matters before you make an offer.
Conventional loans cover most purchases under the conforming limit. Once you go over that ceiling, you're in jumbo territory — and the rules change fast.
Conventional loans are not backed by any government agency. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the guidelines, and most lenders know them cold.
You need at least a 620 credit score to qualify. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely — that's real monthly savings.
Jumbo loans finance properties above the conforming limit. In San Bernardino County, that limit is $832,750 for 2026 — anything over that is jumbo.
Lenders take on more risk with jumbo loans. Expect tighter credit requirements, larger reserves, and more documentation than a conventional file.
The biggest gap is loan size. Conventional loans stay within FHFA limits. Jumbo loans start where conventional loans stop.
Rates are the other major split. HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% as of early April 2026 — jumbo rates can run close to or above that depending on your profile. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Down payment requirements also differ. Conventional loans allow as little as 3% down. Jumbo lenders typically want 10-20% and sometimes more on higher loan amounts.
If your purchase price in Chino stays under the conforming limit, conventional is almost always the right call. Easier to qualify, more lenders competing for your business.
If you're buying above that limit, you need a jumbo loan — there's no workaround. Make sure your credit is strong, your reserves are documented, and your income is clean before applying.
Some buyers in Chino use a piggyback loan structure to stay under the jumbo threshold. That strategy only works in specific scenarios. Ask us if it applies to your deal.
The 2026 conforming limit for San Bernardino County is $832,750. Loans above that amount require jumbo financing.
Yes. Most jumbo lenders want a 700 or higher. Conventional loans can approve borrowers at 620.
Some lenders allow 10% down on jumbo loans. Expect stricter terms and higher rates at lower down payments.
Often, but not always. The gap narrows for borrowers with excellent credit. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
A piggyback loan splits your financing into two loans to stay under the conforming limit. It works for some borrowers — not all.
Most jumbo lenders want 12 months of reserves in liquid assets. Some high-balance loans require even more.