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Saratoga sits in one of the most expensive ZIP codes in Santa Clara County. Conforming loan limits are the first thing to check before assuming this program fits.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% with application volume dropping over 10% in a single week. For Saratoga buyers, that rate environment makes loan sizing critical. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
620
Min Credit Score
6.57% (Apr 2026)
30-Year Fixed Rate
3%
Min Down Payment
45%
Max DTI
80% LTV
PMI Cancels At
Conforming Loans in Saratoga
Conforming loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. You need a 620 minimum credit score, though lenders typically want 680+ for best pricing.
Most lenders require a debt-to-income ratio at or below 45%. Down payment starts at 3% for qualified buyers, but less than 20% means private mortgage insurance.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Saratoga.
Saratoga sits in one of the most expensive ZIP codes in Santa Clara County. Conforming loan limits are the first thing to check before assuming this program fits.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% with application volume dropping over 10% in a single week. For Saratoga buyers, that rate environment makes loan sizing critical. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Conforming loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. You need a 620 minimum credit score, though lenders typically want 680+ for best pricing.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders at SRK CAPITAL. That means we're not stuck with one bank's rate sheet — we shop conforming pricing across the market.
Retail banks rarely beat wholesale pricing. A conforming loan is a commodity product, so the rate you get depends entirely on who's doing the shopping.
Saratoga home prices routinely push buyers past the conforming loan limit. That tips them into jumbo territory, which means stricter reserves and different underwriting.
Know your purchase price before assuming conforming works. If you're at the limit's edge, a slightly larger down payment can keep you conforming and save real money.
Conforming beats FHA on pricing once your credit clears 680. FHA charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan — conforming PMI drops off at 80% LTV.
Jumbo loans carry tighter reserve requirements and slower approvals. If your loan amount fits conforming limits, stay conforming. The pricing and guidelines are more borrower-friendly.
Santa Clara County's high property values mean conforming loans cover a smaller share of purchases than in most California counties. Many buyers here need jumbo financing.
Tech income — stock compensation, bonus pay — requires extra documentation under conforming guidelines. RSU income usually needs a two-year history to count toward qualifying.
Santa Clara County qualifies for high-cost conforming limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Check current FHFA limits — they adjust annually.
Yes, but lenders typically require a two-year history of receiving RSU income. It must also be likely to continue.
Sometimes. Many Saratoga purchases exceed conforming limits and require jumbo financing. Know your target price before choosing a program.
PMI is required when you put less than 20% down. It cancels automatically when your loan balance reaches 80% of the home's value.
For most buyers with 680+ credit, yes. Conforming pricing is better and PMI eventually drops — FHA mortgage insurance typically doesn't.
Pricing improves at each tier above 680. The best conforming rates typically go to borrowers with 740+ scores and 20% down.