10 Benefits of a Jumbo Loan

In some of today’s most desirable real estate markets, homebuying can feel utterly out of reach. How can you finance a house when traditional loans have strict limits on how much you can borrow? Enter: the jumbo loan. With a jumbo loan, you have more options than ever before, allowing you to choose the home you want in the neighborhood you want without worrying about the stress and inconvenience of multiple mortgages.

Sound good? That’s just the start. Let’s explore 10 benefits of a jumbo loan.

You may also like: What Is a Jumbo Loan?

1. More Money Available

Because a jumbo loan is a non-conforming loan, it is not bound by the limits placed on loans that the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) backs. In 2023, conforming loan amounts range from $726,200 to $1,089,300. That could mean your mortgage is insufficient for your homebuying needs or market requirements. With a jumbo loan, you can be approved for a larger loan so that your options are wide open.

2. May not need 20 percent down

Can you get jumbo loans with 10 percent down? Another one of the many jumbo loan benefits is the flexibility of either a 20 percent down payment or a lower down payment with private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, this will be dependent on your lender. That can mean significant savings up front with various options depending on your income, credit history, budget, and other qualifying factors.

3. VA jumbo loans are available

Jumbo loans aren’t limited to conventional loan options. You’ll also find Veterans Administration (VA) “jumbo” loans since VA-eligible borrowers are not subject to loan limits. That means that if you qualify for VA financing, you can enjoy all of the advantages of a VA loan including an excellent jumbo loan rate with none of the frustrations of conforming loan limits.

4. Opportunity to Buy a Larger Home

More and more families are choosing to rethink the way they live. Multi-generational households are becoming more popular, allowing elderly family members, adult children, and grandchildren to live under one roof. Single homebuyers may choose to buy with friends, siblings, or significant others. When different people live under the same roof, the opportunity to purchase a larger home just makes sense for many contemporary borrowers. A jumbo loan provides additional funds to make that possible.

5. Opportunity to Own More Land

With the increased availability of remote work lifestyles and rising demand for new construction, more and more homebuyers are looking to rural areas for their next home. In some cases, that may mean buying more land for homesteading or for maximum privacy. Jumbo loans offer the option of investing in bigger lots for larger homes and more outdoor amenities.

6. Buy in More Desirable Markets

Many of the country’s most desirable markets commonly see home prices far above the FHFA’s conforming loan limits. Jumbo loans provide options that allow buyers to choose the best neighborhoods and the most desirable in-town or resort communities. This can pay dividends in appreciation when those markets continue to enjoy high demand in the years ahead.

7. Purchase a Luxury Home

If you’ve been dreaming of a luxury home or a house located in a resort-style community, a jumbo loan is a great option. Not only will you enjoy the convenience of a larger loan product – but you also won’t be limited when you’re choosing the floorplan and amenities that work best for you.

8. Consolidate Home Financing

Without jumbo loans, borrowers would be forced to use multiple loan products for one residence, or spend years saving enough to pay cash outright or offset conforming loan limits for their market. Jumbo loans offer the ability to consolidate home financing under one loan product for added convenience and streamlined financial management.

9. Explore Jumbo Renovation Loans

If you’ve fallen in love with a fixer-upper, you may be wondering how you’ll purchase and renovate your new home. With jumbo renovation loans, you can obtain one loan for both the purchase or refinance of the home itself and the funds you need to renovate the space. You enjoy the benefits of fixed interest rates and longer loan terms while creating the home of your dreams. Keep in mind that this type of loan my not be offered by all lenders – it’s best to do some research to find a lender that offers jumbo renovation loans if that’s the product you’re looking for.

10. Finance Multi-Family Investment Properties

Can you use a jumbo loan for an investment property? If you’re looking for the opportunity to maximize the financial benefits of a jumbo loan, you could purchase a duplex, triplex, quad, or other multi-family property. Consider living in one of the units and renting the others, or rent all of the units to maximize your property’s investment potential.

With opportunities for better rates and fewer restrictions, jumbo rates are an excellent option for many homebuyers who feel stifled by conforming loan limits. Keep in mind there are pros and cons of jumbo loans, and qualifying can be harder than other types of mortgages. Do your homework and contact a trusted loan officer to discuss the best choice for you.