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San Mateo County's median household income of $156,000 supports homes across the region. The Bespoke mixed-use project at the former Talbot's site brings commercial space and affordable housing to downtown San Mateo.
Colma sits in a high-cost market where flexibility matters. Portfolio Arms offer borrowers a lower initial rate before adjustments begin, which suits buyers planning a 5-7 year hold.
3, 5, 7, or 10 years
Initial Rate Period
620+
Minimum FICO
5% to 20%
Down Payment Range
$1,249,125
2026 Conforming Limit
30-45 days
Typical Close Timeline
Portfolio ARMs in Colma
Portfolio Arms typically require a 620+ FICO score and 5% to 20% down payment. Debt-to-income ratios usually cap at 43% to 50%, depending on the lender.
San Mateo County's $156,000 median household income supports purchases in the $600,000 to $800,000 range. Stronger income and larger down payments open doors to higher price points.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Colma.
San Mateo County's median household income of $156,000 supports homes across the region. The Bespoke mixed-use project at the former Talbot's site brings commercial space and affordable housing to downtown San Mateo.
Colma sits in a high-cost market where flexibility matters. Portfolio Arms offer borrowers a lower initial rate before adjustments begin, which suits buyers planning a 5-7 year hold.
Portfolio Arms typically require a 620+ FICO score and 5% to 20% down payment. Debt-to-income ratios usually cap at 43% to 50%, depending on the lender.
Portfolio Arms are held by lenders on their own books rather than sold to the secondary market. This gives lenders flexibility to set their own terms and underwriting rules.
Broker and retail lenders both offer Portfolio Arms in California. Timelines typically run 30 to 45 days from application to close.
Portfolio Arms make sense for Colma buyers who plan to stay 5 to 7 years. The lower starting rate delivers savings before the rate adjusts.
Above the $1,249,125 conforming limit, Portfolio Arms become less common. Jumbo portfolio options carry tighter terms and higher rates.
A 30-year fixed mortgage locks the rate for the full term. Portfolio Arms start lower but reset periodically, so payments may rise after the initial period.
Fixed-rate works best for buyers planning to stay 10+ years. Portfolio Arms suit shorter timelines where the initial savings outweigh adjustment risk.
San Mateo school districts placed bond and tax measures on the June ballot. Families in Colma benefit from these investments in county schools.
The Bay Area dining scene continues to expand with Michelin recognition. Colma's proximity to San Mateo means access to growing cultural options.
A Portfolio ARM is an adjustable-rate mortgage held by the lender. It starts with a lower rate for 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, then adjusts based on a market index.
Portfolio ARMs work best for 5-7 year plans. For 10+ years, a fixed-rate mortgage provides payment predictability.
After the initial period, your rate adjusts based on the index and margin. Your payment increases or decreases accordingly. Most ARMs include caps on rate increases.
Yes. You can refinance into a fixed-rate loan or another ARM at any time. Many borrowers refinance before the first adjustment to lock in a fixed rate.
Portfolio ARM initial rates typically run 0.25% to 0.5% lower than 30-year fixed rates. The savings come from the adjustment risk you accept after the initial period.