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San Francisco is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Conforming loan limits here are set at the high-cost ceiling — which matters more in SF than almost anywhere else.
HousingWire flagged that the 30-year fixed hit 6.57% and applications dropped sharply. For conforming borrowers in SF, rate sensitivity is real — small moves affect affordability fast.
620
Min Credit Score
6.57%*
30-Yr Fixed (Recent)
3%
Min Down Payment
45%
Max DTI
High-Cost Maximum
Loan Limit Tier
Conforming Loans in San Francisco
Most lenders want a 620 credit score minimum for conforming loans. In practice, you'll get better pricing at 740 and above.
Debt-to-income ratio — what you owe monthly versus what you earn — should stay under 45%. Down payment can be as low as 3% on some conforming products.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Conforming loan limits here are set at the high-cost ceiling — which matters more in SF than almost anywhere else.
HousingWire flagged that the 30-year fixed hit 6.57% and applications dropped sharply. For conforming borrowers in SF, rate sensitivity is real — small moves affect affordability fast.
Most lenders want a 620 credit score minimum for conforming loans. In practice, you'll get better pricing at 740 and above.
Conforming loans are the most liquid product in the mortgage market. Nearly every lender offers them, which means real competition on pricing.
Shopping matters here. Two lenders can quote the same loan with meaningfully different rates. That gap costs real money on SF-sized loan amounts.
The high-cost limit in San Francisco County is the most important number for conforming borrowers here. Borrow above it, and you're in jumbo territory with stricter underwriting.
I see buyers in SF get stuck right at the limit line. Structuring your purchase price and down payment correctly can keep you in conforming — which means easier approval and better rates.
Conforming beats FHA on mortgage insurance cost if your credit is solid. FHA charges lifetime MIP — conforming PMI drops off once you hit 20% equity.
Against jumbo loans, conforming wins on rate and approval flexibility. Jumbo lenders want more reserves, stricter DTI, and often require 20% down.
San Francisco County carries the maximum high-cost conforming limit set by the FHFA. That's a direct result of the county's sustained home price levels.
Condo financing is common in SF. Conforming guidelines have specific rules for condo project approval — your unit may qualify even if others in the building have issues.
SF County qualifies for the FHFA high-cost limit — the highest conforming ceiling available. Check FHFA.gov for the current figure, as limits adjust annually.
Yes, but the condo project must meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac approval requirements. Warrantability issues are common in SF — your broker should check this early.
Lenders require a 620 minimum. Scoring 740 or higher gets you into the best rate tiers. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Jumbo loans exceed the conforming limit and carry stricter requirements — more reserves, tighter DTI, and usually 20% down. Conforming is easier to qualify for.
Depends on your timeline. ARM demand has been shifting — HousingWire noted it as rates climbed. If you plan to sell or refinance within 7 years, an ARM may pencil out.
No. Some conforming products allow as little as 3% down. Below 20%, you'll pay PMI — but it cancels once you reach 20% equity.