This is a guide for Jumbo Loan and Interest Rates that will give you an idea of how to qualify for it with basic requirements. If you live in a costly area or have a lot of money to buy a house, a regular FHA mortgage might not be good enough for you and your family.
But if you need a very large loan, you’ll likely have to find a mortgage lender that specializes in jumbo mortgages. These loans can be a bit harder to qualify for, but they offer the advantage of higher amounts, often reaching up to $2 or $3 million. Moreover, jumbo mortgage rates are often similar to regular mortgage rates.
Before you jump into jumbo loan, you must first understand what Home Loan is all about. It will give you a guide on How to Apply Mortgage, the benefits of mortgage loan for buying a house and Documents Required for Mortgage loan. All these will give you an idea of how to get a higher mortgage with low income.
Jumbo Loan Definition – [Investopedia, Wikipedia]
A jumbo loan, also called a nonconforming loan, is a type of conventional mortgage that goes beyond the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for conforming loans.
The FHFA establishes the conforming loan limit every year. In 2023, the limit is $726,200 for most parts of the US, but in areas with a higher cost of living, it can go up to a maximum of $1,089,300.
Jumbo loans are riskier for lenders compared to conforming loans because they can’t be backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. As a result, lenders usually have stricter criteria for borrowers to qualify for jumbo loans.
How to Qualify for a Jumbo Loan
If you’re looking to buy a more expensive home, a jumbo loan can assist you, but there are important factors to think about before applying. While each lender has their own specific requirements for granting a jumbo loan, here are some general guidelines you can anticipate:
1. You Will Usually Need to put at Least 10% or 20% Down
For conforming loans, numerous lenders accept down payments as low as 3%. However, when it comes to jumbo loans, many lenders typically demand a minimum of 20% upfront.
But don’t worry if you don’t have 20% available. Some lenders, like Ally and Better, only require a 10% down payment. And while it’s less common, you might be able to find a jumbo lender that accepts a down payment of just 5%.
2. You Will Need a Good Credit Score
Before lending you a substantial amount of money, lenders want to ensure that you have a history of financial responsibility. To qualify for a jumbo loan, you’ll generally need a higher credit score compared to what’s required for a conforming loan. Typically, at least 700 or higher is needed, but individual lenders may have different minimum score requirements—some might be higher, while others could be lower than 700. If you have a bad credit score, it affects your chances. There’s a guide on how to rebuild your credit score here.
It’s important to note that the higher your credit score, the better interest rate you are likely to receive on your jumbo loan. You can study more with this Home Loan Interest Rates & Types guide so that you can know how to calculate it effectively
3. You Will Need a Lower Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how much of your monthly income goes toward paying debts. To calculate it, you divide the total monthly debt payments (like mortgage and student loans) by your gross monthly income. For example, if you pay $2,000 per month on debts and earn $3,000 per month, your debt-to-income ratio would be 66%.
Different lenders have varying requirements for this ratio. For jumbo loans, lenders usually ask for a lower ratio compared to conforming loans. Most lenders prefer a ratio around 40%, give or take a few percentage points. The highest allowable ratio is typically 45%.
Having a lower debt-to-income ratio means you owe a smaller portion of your income, which makes lenders more confident in your ability to handle the higher payments associated with a jumbo loan. The guides below will guive you more insights;
- First Time Mortgage Buyer: Preparation and Tips on Home Purchasing
- Mortgage Calculator for Easy Debt Payoff: A Tip on How to Calculate Mortgage Loan With Formula
4. Cash Reserves in the Bank
You may need cash reserves in the bank to prove you can cover your payments. Meaning that to ensure you can manage your payments, having cash reserves in your bank is often required.
Many lenders like to see that you have enough money saved up to cover several months’ worth of mortgage payments, just in case you unexpectedly lose your source of income. This savings is known as cash reserves.
The exact amount needed can vary depending on your lender and the level of risk they associate with your loan. However, it’s generally a good idea to aim for having around six to twelve months’ worth of mortgage payments set aside.
Typically, this cash should be easily accessible, like in a checking or savings account. Some lenders may also consider other sources, such as retirement or brokerage accounts, when assessing your reserves. More insights is in this U.S. Bank Mortgage guide: Mortgage Types, Terms and how it Works.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates
Toward the end of June, interest rates in general went up a bit. However, it’s expected that rates will decrease later this year. If you’re considering getting a jumbo mortgage, it might be wise to wait a few months for potentially better rates. Meanwhile, you can make use of Mortgage Loan Amortization Calculator to schedule and fixed Housing Interest Rates.
Contrary to common belief, jumbo mortgage rates are not always higher than conforming mortgage rates. Many lenders offer jumbo rates that are comparable to or even lower than conforming rates, as indicated by various sources and lenders.
It’s essential to remember that even if you secure a jumbo loan with a low rate, borrowing more money means your monthly payments will be larger, and you’ll end up paying more in interest over time. So, it’s essential to consider your overall financial situation before deciding on a loan.
Mortgage Bank Rates Guides
- Chase Refinance Mortgage Rates
- Wells Fargo Refinance Mortgage Rates
- Today’s Mortgage Rates: Rates Move-Up
- 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates: Compare Today
- Adjustable Rates Mortgage (ARM) for Home Loan
Shop Around for a Jumbo Loan Lender
You can consider taking some time to improve your credit score or save more for a down payment before applying for a jumbo loan. Doing so can enhance your likelihood of approval and potentially lead to a lower interest rate.
Furthermore, it’s essential to explore multiple lenders. Different lenders have varying requirements, such as down payments or debt-to-income ratios, and some may offer more favorable rates. Lastly, you can also seek assistance from a mortgage broker who can research and find suitable options on your behalf, simplifying the process for you.
Helpful Guides
- Credit Facilities And Loans: The Differences And Characteristics
- 10 Type of Banks and Financial Institutions – Local & International
- Top 10 Personal Loan Anyone can Apply for with Low Interest Rates
- Refinancing Your Home: The Pro’s and Con’s of Mortgage Refinancing
- Closing Cost on Mortgage: Explanation and How Much you Will Pay
- Balloon Payment Mortgage: What it is, How it Works, and it Pros and Cons
