A jumbo loan is any mortgage above the conforming loan limit for your county. In California's coastal and luxury markets, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, that describes a large share of everyday purchases, not just estates. What changes at jumbo size isn't just the amount: underwriting looks harder at reserves, liquidity, and the overall strength of your file.
That's where working with Jackie matters. Banks tend to offer one jumbo product with one set of rules. Jackie shops your file across multiple jumbo and non-QM lenders, so a strong borrower with a complex income story still gets a competitive approval.
Jumbo options Jackie arranges
- Full documentation jumbo, competitive pricing for W-2 and documented-income borrowers, with as little as 10% down for qualified buyers.
- Bank statement jumbo, 12-24 months of deposits document income for self-employed buyers. How bank statement loans work →
- Asset-based jumbo, qualification built on investment and retirement assets. Assets as income →
- Interest-only jumbo, payment flexibility for borrowers managing liquidity deliberately.
- Jumbo cash-out refinance, access equity in a high-value home. Cash-out strategies →
What jumbo underwriting actually looks at
- Loan-to-value, down payments typically start around 10-20% depending on loan size, property, and program.
- Reserves, months of payments in liquid or semi-liquid assets after closing; larger loans expect more.
- Credit profile, strong history matters, but a single blemish is not automatically fatal; the file is read as a whole.
- Income or its alternatives, tax returns, bank statements, P&L, or assets, depending on the program.
- The property, appraisal quality and marketability carry more weight at higher price points.
Frequently asked questions
Where do jumbo loans start in California?
Above your county's conforming loan limit. High-cost counties like Los Angeles and Orange County have a higher threshold than the national baseline, and the limits adjust annually. See our 2026 California loan limit guide for current figures, or ask Jackie to check your county and scenario.
How much do I need down for a jumbo loan?
Qualified buyers can put as little as 10% down on some programs. Larger loan amounts, investment properties, and alternative documentation generally require more. The right structure balances down payment, reserves, and pricing, which is exactly the conversation to have before you write an offer.
Can I get a jumbo loan if I'm self-employed?
Yes, this is Jackie's specialty. Bank statement jumbo, P&L jumbo, and asset-based jumbo programs exist precisely because successful business owners often show modest taxable income. Several of Jackie's largest published closings were self-employed jumbo files.
Are jumbo rates higher than conforming rates?
Not necessarily. Jumbo pricing is set by a competitive private market and at times runs at or below conforming rates for strong files. Pricing is scenario-specific, so an accurate quote requires an actual conversation, here's how to get one.