Conventional loan San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Updated September 5, 2026
Get Pre-Approved (619) 366-9494
A conventional loan in San Diego is a non-FHA, non-VA mortgage that follows conforming, high-balance, or jumbo guidelines. For 2026, the 1-unit baseline is $832,750 and high-cost conforming is $1,104,000. High-balance covers $832,751 through $1,104,000. Above that loan amount is generally jumbo. PMI usually applies under 20% down and can often come off later. We shop conventional next to FHA and VA on one file. Call us at (619) 366-9494 today.
What is a conventional loan in San Diego?
It is the standard purchase or refinance path when you are not using FHA or VA. Down payment varies by program and lender. Mortgage insurance is usually required under 20% down and can often be removed later when equity and the loan allow it. Occupancy can be a primary residence, a second home, or an investment, depending on the program.
Left Coast Leaders is a San Diego mortgage broker. Licensed in California. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. See San Diego mortgage rates for why a published rate is not your lock.
What are the 2026 San Diego conventional loan limits?
San Diego County is a high-cost area. The 2026 1-unit high-cost conforming limit is $1,104,000. Baseline conforming is $832,750. Amounts from $832,751 through $1,104,000 are high-balance conforming. Conventional loans above $1,104,000 are generally jumbo. Those figures are the loan amount, not the list price. Confirm on loan limits and on your pre-approval.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| 1-unit high-cost conforming | $1,104,000 |
| 1-unit baseline conforming | $832,750 |
| High-balance conforming (1-unit) | $832,751 through $1,104,000 |
| Jumbo (1-unit conventional) | Above $1,104,000 |
How does conventional compare to FHA and VA?
| Down payment | Mortgage insurance | Occupancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Varies by program and lender | Usually required under 20% down | Primary, second home, or investment, depending on the program |
| FHA | Typical minimum 3.5% | MI applies | Primary residence |
| VA | $0 down is common with full entitlement | No monthly PMI | Primary residence |
If cash to close is the constraint, start with FHA loan San Diego or first-time home buyer San Diego. If you have VA eligibility, start with VA loan San Diego. We still price conventional next to those so you see the monthly tradeoff.
Where do we work conventional files?
San Diego County and Riverside County. City pages we use often: La Jolla, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Coronado.
Use the mortgage calculator for a payment sketch. Writing an offer? Use the San Diego offer sheet. Refinancing later? See Refinance San Diego. Start with get pre-approved or call (619) 366-9494.
Frequently asked questions
What is conforming versus high-balance versus jumbo in 2026?
For a 1-unit San Diego property, baseline conforming is $832,750. High-balance covers loan amounts from $832,751 through $1,104,000. Above $1,104,000 is generally jumbo. The test is loan amount, not list price. See loan limits.
How does conventional PMI work, and how do I get it off?
Conventional loans usually require PMI under 20% down. PMI can often be removed later when equity and the loan allow it, subject to investor rules and an appraisal when needed. That path is different from FHA mortgage insurance. Call (619) 366-9494.
How is conventional different from FHA in San Diego?
FHA typically allows 3.5% down and uses FHA mortgage insurance. Conventional down payment varies by program and lender, and PMI under 20% down can often come off later. Credit and property guidelines differ. We price both on one file.
How is conventional different from VA?
VA can be $0 down with no monthly PMI when entitlement and occupancy support it. Conventional is available without VA eligibility, usually needs a down payment, and often has PMI under 20% down. Occupancy rules also differ by program.
What credit and documents does a conventional file need?
Expect ID, recent pay stubs or income proof, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and a clear purchase or refinance goal. Stronger credit usually helps pricing and approval. Self-employed files need more tax documentation. We send a short list after you start.
Is a $1.25M purchase automatically a jumbo loan?
No. Loan amount matters, not list price. A $1.25M purchase with 20% down is a $1M loan, which sits in the 2026 high-balance band through $1,104,000, not jumbo. We run that math before you write.
Can I use conventional on a condo, second home, or investment?
Often yes if the project and occupancy fit the program. Condos need warrantability. Second homes and investments have different down payment and reserve rules than primary residences. We check that on the file.
What down payment is typical on conventional?
It varies by program, credit, occupancy, and lender. Some buyers put less than 20% and pay PMI. Others put 20% or more to avoid PMI. Cash to close still includes closing costs and often reserves. We show that on the pre-approval.
Does a broker help on conventional more than one bank?
A broker shops wholesale lenders on one credit and income file instead of one bank menu. That is how conventional, high-balance, jumbo, FHA, and VA get compared without three new applications. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458.
Do you invent rates or lock language on this page?
No. A published rate is not a lock. We also do not invent DPA dollars here. Call (619) 366-9494 for numbers on your file.
Want a conventional number on your file?
Get pre-approved. We shop conventional next to FHA, VA, high-balance, and jumbo.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · San Diego, CA 92111 · (619) 366-9494 · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Amir Nurani NMLS #197458 · Equal Housing Lender