Loading
Loading
Cupertino is one of the most expensive zip codes in Santa Clara County. Most buyers here need serious buying power — and conventional loans deliver that.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. Conventional borrowers with strong profiles still get the best pricing in this environment.
6.57% (Apr 2026)
30-Year Fixed Rate
620
Min Credit Score
3%
Min Down Payment
20% equity
PMI Removed At
21-30 days
Typical Close Time
Conventional Loans in Cupertino
Most conventional loans require a 620 minimum credit score. In Cupertino, the buyers who win are usually north of 740 — that's where pricing gets competitive.
Down payment starts at 3% for some programs. But at Cupertino price points, 10-20% down is common and often necessary to stay under conforming limits.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conventional loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Cupertino.
Cupertino is one of the most expensive zip codes in Santa Clara County. Most buyers here need serious buying power — and conventional loans deliver that.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. Conventional borrowers with strong profiles still get the best pricing in this environment.
Most conventional loans require a 620 minimum credit score. In Cupertino, the buyers who win are usually north of 740 — that's where pricing gets competitive.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That matters here because conventional pricing varies more than most borrowers realize.
Retail banks quote one rate. We shop the same loan across dozens of investors and find where Cupertino borrower profiles price best.
Tech compensation structures trip up a lot of Cupertino buyers. RSUs, bonuses, and equity income require careful documentation — not every lender handles it the same way.
Pick the wrong lender and your stock income gets excluded entirely. Pick the right one and it qualifies you for significantly more. That difference is why underwriting experience matters here.
Conventional beats FHA on two things: no upfront mortgage insurance premium and no lifetime MIP. At Cupertino prices, that saves real money.
Jumbo becomes necessary once you exceed conforming limits. ARMs are worth a look too — HousingWire noted ARM demand shifting as fixed rates climbed above 6.5%. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Santa Clara County conforming loan limits matter a lot in Cupertino. Many homes here exceed those limits, pushing buyers into jumbo territory.
Conventional makes the most sense on properties priced within conforming limits. Above that, we run the numbers on both conventional jumbo and portfolio options to find the better fit.
Minimum is 620, but most Cupertino buyers qualify at 740+. That higher score unlocks the best rate tiers and lowest PMI costs.
Yes, but lender guidelines vary widely on stock compensation. We find lenders who count it fully — that can change your qualifying amount significantly.
Put 20% down and PMI never appears. If you put less down, PMI drops off once you hit 20% equity in the home.
Depends on purchase price. We run both scenarios — sometimes jumbo pricing beats conventional plus PMI at higher loan amounts.
Typically 21-30 days with clean documentation. Complex income situations like RSUs or bonus income can add time if not prepared upfront.
Yes, but the condo project must meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac approval standards. We check project eligibility before you're deep into the process.