A bigger home deserves a sharper search.
When the home you want is priced above standard conforming limits, the lenders, the paperwork and the review all change. Theresa compares jumbo options across her lending partners and explains the trade-offs in plain language.
A mortgage above the conforming limit
A jumbo loan is a mortgage larger than the conforming limit set for the county where the property sits. Because it falls outside those limits, it isn't underwritten against the same standardized guidelines as a conforming loan.
Instead, guidelines are set by individual lenders and programs, and they are not all the same. Two lenders can look at the same borrower and ask for different documentation, structure the loan differently and price it differently. That is exactly why it helps to have someone comparing them for you.
Situations worth a conversation
- The price is above the local limitThe home you want would need a loan larger than the conforming limit in that county.
- You're moving to a higher-priced marketA new position or a relocation puts you in an area where home prices run higher.
- You're a medical providerSome lenders offer programs built for physicians and other medical providers that overlap with jumbo amounts. See Physician Loans.
- You already have a jumbo mortgageRefinancing larger loan amounts is something Theresa reviews too.
What changes at a higher loan amount
None of this should be intimidating. It just helps to know it going in.
More documentation
Larger loan amounts usually mean a closer look at income and assets.
Guidelines vary
Each lender sets its own rules, so the right fit depends on who is lending.
A careful review
Files are reviewed carefully. Planning ahead keeps the process calm.
Compare structures
Pricing and loan structure can differ. Seeing options side by side matters.
From first call to closing
Talk it through
The home, your income, your assets and your timeline. No pressure.
Get pre-qualified
Know the range you're really shopping in before you make an offer.
Compare options
Jumbo programs that fit, with the differences spelled out.
Apply and document
She tells you exactly what the lender needs and keeps the file moving.
Close
She stays with you through underwriting, appraisal and closing.
Frequently asked
How do I know if I need a jumbo loan?
It depends on the loan amount and the conforming limit for the county where the home is located. Send Theresa the price range and the area, and she'll tell you which side of the line you're on before you start touring homes.
Are jumbo loan guidelines the same everywhere?
No. Because jumbo loans fall outside conforming limits, each lender and program sets its own guidelines for documentation, structure and eligibility. Comparing those differences is a large part of what Theresa does for jumbo clients.
I'm a physician. Is a jumbo loan my only option?
Not necessarily. Some lenders offer programs designed with medical providers in mind, and terms vary by lender. Theresa can show you a medical provider program and a traditional jumbo structure side by side. Read more on the Physician Loans page.
Can I refinance an existing jumbo mortgage?
Yes, refinancing larger loan amounts is something Theresa reviews. She'll look at your current loan and your goals and explain whether it's worth exploring. See Refinancing.
What should I have ready for a first conversation?
Nothing formal. A rough price range, a sense of your income and assets, and your target timeline are enough for a useful first call. She'll tell you what documentation comes next.
Ask the Huntress
That's a fine first question. Tell Theresa the price range and the area, and she'll give you a straight answer and walk you through what comes next.
(913) 705-0049