Question 1

What's the conforming loan limit in Paso Robles?

Accepted Answer

$806,500 for San Luis Obispo County as of 2026. Anything above that requires jumbo financing regardless of property type.

Question 2

Can I get a jumbo loan with 10% down?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but expect stricter credit and reserve requirements. Most portfolio lenders want 740+ credit and 18-24 months reserves at 10% down.

Question 3

Do jumbo rates actually cost more now?

Accepted Answer

Not much anymore. Competitive jumbo rates run about 0.25% higher than conventional as of February 2026. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.

Question 4

What happens if I'm right at $800,000 purchase price?

Accepted Answer

You stay under the conforming limit. Conventional financing applies with easier qualification and lower reserve requirements than jumbo programs.

Question 5

How much cash reserves does jumbo require?

Accepted Answer

Typically 12 months of mortgage payments in liquid assets. Loans over $1.5 million often require 18-24 months depending on the lender.

Conventional vs Jumbo Loans in Paso Robles: Which Fits Your Wine Country Budget?