Finance properties above the conforming loan limit with competitive wholesale pricing. As an independent broker, Kris shops 20+ jumbo lenders to find rates that retail banks simply cannot match.
A jumbo loan is any mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). For 2026, the conforming loan limit for most Texas counties is $832,750 for a single-family home. Any loan amount above this threshold requires jumbo financing, which is not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Because jumbo loans are held by private lenders or sold to institutional investors, each lender sets its own pricing and guidelines. This is where working with a broker like Kris provides a significant advantage. By shopping across 20+ wholesale jumbo lenders, Kris can identify the lender offering the best combination of rate, terms, and requirements for your specific financial profile.
Who Qualifies for a Jumbo Loan?
Loan amount above the $832,750 conforming limit (uniform across all Texas counties in 2026)
Credit score of 700 or higher (720+ for best pricing)
Down payment of 10-20% depending on loan amount and lender
Debt-to-income ratio typically under 43%
Cash reserves of 6-24 months of mortgage payments
Full income documentation (W-2s, tax returns, bank statements)
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Finance luxury properties above conforming limits
Available for primary residence, second homes, and investment
Competitive rates with wholesale pricing through a broker
Fixed 15 and 30-year terms plus adjustable rate options
Non-warrantable condo financing available
Interest-only options available through select lenders
Things to Consider
Higher credit score requirements (700+ typical)
Larger down payment typically required (10-20%)
Significant cash reserves required
Stricter income documentation standards
Higher rates than conforming loans in some market conditions
Fewer lender options than conventional
Frequently Asked Questions
The conforming loan limit for most Texas counties in 2026 is $832,750 — uniform across all Texas counties, as no Texas county qualifies as high-cost. Any single-family home loan above $832,750 requires jumbo financing. High-balance conforming loans are available in select high-cost counties at limits up to $1,249,125 are available in high-cost counties elsewhere in the US, but do not apply in Texas.
Most jumbo lenders require a minimum credit score of 700 to 720. The best jumbo rates are typically reserved for borrowers with scores above 740 and significant cash reserves. Kris works with lenders across the spectrum to find options for your profile.
Down payment requirements vary by lender and loan amount. Many jumbo programs accept 10% down for loan amounts up to $2 million, while others require 20%. Lower down payments are possible through select lenders depending on credit score and reserves.
Jumbo loan rates have historically been slightly higher than conforming rates, but this gap narrows significantly when you shop wholesale. Kris regularly secures jumbo rates that are competitive with or below what retail banks quote on conforming loans, due to wholesale lender access.
Yes. Jumbo loans are available for investment properties in Texas, though requirements are stricter. Expect a minimum 25% down payment, higher credit score thresholds, and more substantial cash reserves for investment jumbo financing.
A non-warrantable condo is one that does not meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, often because too large a percentage of units are investor-owned or the building has certain characteristics. Some jumbo lenders specifically offer non-warrantable condo programs that conventional financing cannot cover.
