Question 1

What's the jumbo loan limit in San Mateo County?

Accepted Answer

There's no upper limit. Jumbo starts at $806,501 and goes as high as lenders will approve based on your income and assets.

Question 2

Can I get a conventional loan in Atherton?

Accepted Answer

Only for properties priced under $806,500, which limits you to condos or teardowns. Most homes here require jumbo financing.

Question 3

Do jumbo loans have higher rates than conventional?

Accepted Answer

The gap has narrowed to 0.25-0.50% as of February 2026. Strong borrower profiles sometimes see jumbo rates match conventional.

Question 4

How much down payment do I need for a jumbo loan?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require 10-20% minimum. Putting down 20% avoids PMI and gets you better pricing regardless of loan type.

Question 5

What credit score is needed for jumbo financing?

Accepted Answer

Expect 700+ for approval, with 740+ unlocking the best rates. Conventional loans start at 620 but tier pricing heavily favors higher scores.

Conventional vs Jumbo Loans in Atherton: Which Fits Your Silicon Valley Purchase?