A Jumbo, or non-conforming loan, is required for financing on a mortgage that is higher than the conforming loan limit set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
This standard is set by the two government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and sets the limit on the maximum value of any individual mortgage they will purchase from a lender. Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) are large agencies that purchase the bulk of U.S. residential mortgages from banks and other lenders, allowing them to free up liquidity to lend more mortgages.
Mortgage bankers / lenders consider jumbo loans to be a riskier proposition than conventional loans because in this case a larger sum of money is ‘bet’ on a single transaction vs spreading that same dollar amount amongst multiple transactions.
For example, there is a big difference between lending on one $3million loan vs ten $300,000 loans. On multiple smaller loan amounts, the lender is essentially spreading its risk over multiple properties and borrowers. This risk associated with Jumbo mortgages is the reason why mortgage rates and down payment requirements are typically more than a traditional conforming loan.
Qualifying For a Jumbo Mortgage:
- Business / Employment
Whether you’re qualifying for a $500,000 mortgage, or a $5 million mortgage, there is going to be a sizable monthly mortgage payment that the underwriter will want to be sure you can afford over a long period of time. It’s important to be thorough in explaining what you do for a living, the health of the industry and the likelihood of continued employment. A company web site, business licenses (self-employed) and other relevant information are important things to include with a loan application.
Some underwriters may even search for your name or company on Google, so it’s smart to have an idea of what type of results and impression they’ll find if they choose to do a some extra digging.
- Assets
Documentation of assets is critical, and they have to make sense in relation to the income stated on the application.
For example, if the burrower states an income of $50,000 a month, then there should be sufficient assets and investments to back it up. If there are any large expenditures or deductions from checking accounts, make sure to have a paper-trail or letter of explanation that clearly details the nature of the transaction.
- Credit Scores
In addition to having high scores and proof of a responsible borrowing history, underwriters may also look for other sizable debts that that the borrower has had a positive experience managing or paying off. Public records and IRS issues will need to be thoroughly documented and explained.
- Property
The landscape has changed for appraisals, so don’t be surprised if multiple appraisals are required for financing approval on the property.
- Profiling
Basically, the overall borrower profile and supporting qualifying documentation has to make sense to an underwriter. Especially pertaining to the high net-worth world, the borrower’s lifestyle, assets, credit history and income potential should follow a similar pattern of others who take on the liability of large mortgage debts.
A good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind when trying to qualify for a non-conforming loan is to have your paperwork organized, as well as a good explanation prepared for anything that may raise potential questions by an underwriter about your ability to repay the mortgage over the term.
Typically, down payments for non-conforming loan amounts can be 20% or higher of the purchase price. Generally speaking, the larger the purchase price, the more money the borrower will have to bring as a down payment.
Also, keep in mind that a Private Mortgage Insurance will be needed if the LTV is greater than 80%.
