Jumbo Mortgage Financing

A Jumbo, or non-conforming loan, is required for financing on a mortgage that is higher than the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

According to Wikipedia:

In the United States, a jumbo mortgage is a mortgage with a loan amount above conventional conforming loan limits. 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.

How Do Lenders View Jumbo Loans?

The wholesale mortgage banker / lender is very concerned about the overall jumbo mortgage due to the level of risk associated with lending on such large loan amounts.

For example, there is a big difference between lending on one $3million loan vs ten $300,000 mortgages.  One several smaller loan amounts, the lender is essentially spreading its risk over multiple properties and borrowers.

This risk associated with Jumbo mortgages is why the 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 loan, or a $5 million mortgage, there is obviously 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 little extra digging.

Assets –

Documentation of assets are critical, and they have to make sense in relation to the income stated on the application.

For example, if the borrower 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 patterns of others who take on the liability of large mortgage debts.

…..

The jumbo and super-jumbo mortgage financing industry is always in a state of flux as the supply and demand for these particular loan products can change due to outside market conditions.

A good rule-of-thumb to remember 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Why are rates higher with Jumbo Mortgages?

The rates are typically higher with Jumbo Mortgages due to the amount of risk associated with financing a larger property that may be more difficult to sell and recoup losses in the case of a default.

Q:  What are the down payment requirements for Jumbo Mortgages?

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 invest as a down payment.

Q:  Do I have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance on a Jumbo Mortgage?

PMI is only required if he LTV is greater than 80%.

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