High-Value Financing Without the High-Stakes Stress
If you're purchasing a higher-priced home, a jumbo mortgage may be what bridges the gap. These loans go beyond the limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and while they come with stricter qualifying standards, they're more accessible than most people expect. Big numbers don't have to mean a complicated process.
Things to Know
- $3.5M
- 90%
- 660
- 50%
- 10–30 yr
Ready to talk?
A loan officer who answers the phone, knows this program, and will tell you plainly whether it fits.
Disclaimer: Ark-La-TexFinancial Services, LLC d/b/a Benchmark Mortgage – NMLS ID #2143 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) 5160 Tennyson Pkwy STE 1000, Plano, TX 75024. 972-398-7676. This advertisement is for general information purposes only, no guarantee is expressed or implied. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply. (https://benchmark.us)
What makes a loan “jumbo”
Any loan above the conforming limit set by the FHFA is a jumbo loan. Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don’t buy them, lenders hold them or sell them privately — which means underwriting standards are set by the lender, not the agencies. That’s where a boutique lender with its own guidelines has room to work.
Reserves and documentation
Jumbo loans typically require more documentation than conventional conforming loans, including verification of financial reserves. Lenders generally look for 3–12 months of mortgage payments in available assets after closing, depending on the loan amount and other qualifying factors. Your Benchmark loan officer can help you understand what's required for your situation.
90% LTV with no mortgage insurance
Benchmark offers jumbo financing up to 90% loan-to-value without PMI — 10% down on a high-value home with no monthly insurance premium. Pricing depends on credit, reserves, and loan size.
Jumbo for second homes and investment
Jumbo loans are available on second homes and investment properties, typically with a larger down payment than a primary residence.
Jumbo vs. Non-QM
If your loan amount is jumbo-sized but your income is documented non-traditionally — bank statements, assets, rental cash flow — you may fit better in our Non-QM programs, which also go to $3.5M.
Jumbo loans require full documentation — two years of income history and complete asset verification. We'll walk you through exactly what to prepare.
What makes it work for you?
- Loan amounts up to $3,500,000
- Finance up to 90% of the home's value
- Fixed and adjustable rate options from 15 to 30 years
- Competitive terms for well-qualified buyers
- Minimum credit score of 660 (lower credit scoresmay reduce the maximum loan amount available).
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%
A good fit if you…
- Are buying above the conforming loan limit
- Have strong credit and solid reserves
- Want 10% down on a high-value home without PMI
- Are buying a second home or investment property at the high end
Probably not the right fit if you...
- Are under the conforming limit — a conventional loan will be simpler
- Have thin reserves after closing
- Document income non-traditionally (see Non-QM)
Additional options to think about
Compare with other programs
FAQ
Short, honest answers. Your loan officer can go deeper on any of these.
What is the conforming loan limit this year?
The conforming loan limit is set each year by the FHFA and varies by county. Loans above it are jumbo loans. Your loan officer can confirm the current limit for the county you’re buying in. [CONFIRM: add current-year baseline limit]
How many months of reserves do I need for a jumbo loan?
Reserve requirements vary with loan size and credit profile — commonly 6 to 12 months of payments. Retirement accounts and other liquid assets can often count. [CONFIRM: Benchmark reserve guideline]
Are jumbo rates higher than conventional rates?
Not necessarily. Jumbo rates are often close to, and sometimes below, conforming rates. Pricing depends on credit score, down payment, and reserves.
Can I get a jumbo loan for a second home or investment property?
Yes. Jumbo financing is available for second homes and investment properties, usually with a larger down payment than a primary residence.
Should I choose a fixed rate or an ARM?
A fixed rate stays the same for the life of the loan. An ARM starts with a lower fixed period (often 5, 7, or 10 years) and then adjusts. ARMs can make sense if you expect to sell or refinance before the fixed period ends.
HOW IT WORKS
Four steps from here to keys
Talk to a jumbo specialist
A 15-minute conversation about where you are and where you want to go.
Get pre-approved
You provide supporting documents like income statements, W-2s, and bank statements. Most of it can be uploaded in minutes.
Shop with confidence
We handle the appraisal and the paperwork sellers worry about.
Sign & Close
Sign, fund, and get the keys. We stay on the file until the end.
Talk to a jumbo specialist
A 15-minute conversation. No obligation. Real answers from a loan officer who answers the phone.