Question 1

What's the conforming loan limit in Hillsborough?

Accepted Answer

$806,500 for single-family homes in San Mateo County as of 2026. Most properties here exceed that amount and require jumbo financing.

Question 2

Can I use a conforming loan for a Hillsborough condo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the purchase price plus loan amount stays under $806,500. Condos are the most common conforming-eligible property type here.

Question 3

How much down payment do I need?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 3% for conforming loans, but 20% down avoids PMI. Most Hillsborough buyers put down 20-30% to reduce monthly costs.

Question 4

What credit score gets the best conforming rate?

Accepted Answer

740 or higher unlocks top-tier pricing. You can qualify at 620, but rates increase significantly below 740.

Question 5

How long does conforming loan approval take?

Accepted Answer

30-45 days from application to closing. Underwriting follows standardized Fannie/Freddie guidelines, which speeds the process.

Question 6

Should I choose conforming or jumbo for Hillsborough?

Accepted Answer

Conforming offers better rates if your loan stays under $806,500. Above that amount, jumbo is your only option.

Conforming Loans in Hillsborough: When They Work and When They Don't