Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The 2026 limit is $806,500 for single-family homes. Anything above that requires jumbo financing in Woodside and throughout San Mateo County.

Question 2

Can I avoid PMI on a jumbo loan with less than 20% down?

Accepted Answer

Most jumbo lenders don't charge PMI, but they price the rate higher instead. Some offer lender-paid MI structures, which work differently than conventional PMI.

Question 3

Do jumbo loans actually have better rates than conventional?

Accepted Answer

They can when you have 740+ credit and strong reserves. Jumbo lenders compete hard for quality borrowers, which drives pricing down for well-qualified buyers.

Question 4

How much in reserves do I need for a Woodside jumbo loan?

Accepted Answer

Expect 6-12 months of total housing payments in liquid assets. That includes principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable.

Question 5

Can I use a conventional loan for a Woodside investment property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the purchase price stays under $806,500. You'll need 15-25% down for conventional investment financing regardless of loan type.

Conventional vs Jumbo Loans in Woodside: Which Fits Your Property?