Question 1

What is the conforming loan limit in San Diego County?

Accepted Answer

In San Diego County, the 2026 conforming limit is $1,006,250 for a single-family home. Loans above that require jumbo financing.

Question 2

Do jumbo loans require a bigger down payment?

Accepted Answer

Most jumbo lenders want at least 10-20% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for qualified borrowers.

Question 3

Is my credit score good enough for a jumbo loan?

Accepted Answer

Most jumbo lenders want 700 or higher. Conventional loans are accessible at 620 in many cases.

Question 4

Are jumbo rates higher than conventional rates?

Accepted Answer

Not always — the gap has narrowed. But jumbo rates vary more by lender, so shopping around makes a real difference. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.

Question 5

Can I get a jumbo loan with self-employment income?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but documentation requirements are strict. Lenders typically want two years of tax returns and strong reserves.

Question 6

How many months of reserves do jumbo lenders require?

Accepted Answer

Expect 6-12 months of reserves for most jumbo programs. Some lenders require more depending on loan size and credit profile.

Conventional vs Jumbo Loans in Escondido, CA