Loading
Loading
in Modesto, CA
Modesto buyers crossing the $832,750 threshold face a real choice: stay conventional or go jumbo. The 2026 conforming limit for Stanislaus County is $832,750. Above that, jumbo loans take over.
Conventional loans stay within the conforming limit and carry standard underwriting. Jumbo loans exceed that ceiling and come with stricter rules. Both are available in Modesto, but they serve different price points and buyer profiles.
Conventional loans stay at or below the $832,750 conforming limit. They're the standard path for most Modesto buyers. Lenders compete heavily on conventional pricing, which keeps rates competitive.
The conforming limit gives conventional loans a clear ceiling. Buyers purchasing homes under that price enjoy the broadest lender selection and fastest underwriting. Credit scores of 620 and up qualify, though 740+ gets the best rates.
Jumbo loans exceed the $832,750 conforming limit. They're for Modesto buyers purchasing homes above that threshold. Jumbo lenders are fewer and more selective.
Jumbo borrowers need stronger financial profiles. Credit scores of 700+ are standard; many lenders want 740 or higher. Down payments start at 10% and often reach 20% or more.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh Conventional Loans and Jumbo Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Modesto.
Modesto buyers crossing the $832,750 threshold face a real choice: stay conventional or go jumbo. The 2026 conforming limit for Stanislaus County is $832,750. Above that, jumbo loans take over.
Conventional loans stay within the conforming limit and carry standard underwriting. Jumbo loans exceed that ceiling and come with stricter rules. Both are available in Modesto, but they serve different price points and buyer profiles.
Conventional loans stay at or below the $832,750 conforming limit. They're the standard path for most Modesto buyers. Lenders compete heavily on conventional pricing, which keeps rates competitive.
The $832,750 conforming limit is the dividing line. Below it, conventional loans dominate the market. Above it, jumbo is your only option. This isn't a choice—it's a fact of the price point.
Down payment expectations shift at the limit. Conventional buyers can put 5% down and carry mortgage insurance. Jumbo borrowers typically need 10% minimum, often 15% to 20%. Conventional has a clear PMI path; jumbo relies on stronger equity from day one.
Conventional loans fit Modesto buyers purchasing homes under $832,750. The median household income in Stanislaus County is $79,661. A conventional buyer with that income can comfortably support a $500,000 to $650,000 purchase.
Jumbo loans are for Modesto buyers with strong finances purchasing above $832,750. You need solid credit (740+), meaningful reserves, and a down payment of 10% or more.
The 2026 conforming limit for Stanislaus County is $832,750. Any loan above that amount is a jumbo loan. This limit applies to all conventional mortgages in the area.
Most jumbo lenders require 10% down minimum, often 15% to 20%. A 5% down payment is not available on jumbo loans. Conventional loans allow 5% down with mortgage insurance.
Jumbo loans skip mortgage insurance entirely. The higher down payment and stricter credit requirements protect the lender instead. Conventional loans below 20% down carry PMI; jumbo does not.
Jumbo loans exceed the conforming limit, so they carry more risk for lenders. The rate premium typically runs 0.25% to 0.75% above conventional. Fewer lenders compete on jumbo pricing, which also keeps rates higher.
Most jumbo lenders require 700+ credit scores; many prefer 740 or higher. Conventional loans accept 620+. The higher jumbo requirement reflects stricter underwriting for larger loan amounts.