Conventional loans in California and San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Read the conventional loans guide
Conventional loans are the main path for many California and San Diego buyers with solid credit and some cash to close. They are not government-backed like FHA or VA. They follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, or jumbo guidelines when the loan is larger.
When conventional is usually the stronger fit
- Credit and down payment support conventional pricing
- You want a path to remove mortgage insurance once you have enough equity
- You want to compare monthly cost against FHA on your real numbers, not a program name
What we price with you
Credit, down payment, reserves, and the monthly payment with San Diego taxes and insurance. A lower down payment can work. It is not always the cheapest monthly path. Price the file before you assume 20% down is required.
2026 fact: the FHFA high-cost conforming limit for a 1-unit home in San Diego County is $1,104,000. Loans above that amount are generally jumbo. The test is loan amount, not list price.
Related reading: Conventional Loans in California and Low Down Payment Conventional Loans in San Diego.
Frequently asked questions
For 2026, the FHFA high-cost conforming limit for a 1-unit home in San Diego County is $1,104,000. Loans above that amount are generally jumbo. The test is loan amount, not list price.
No. Jumbo vs conforming is based on loan amount, not purchase price. A higher-priced home with a larger down payment can still land in high-balance conforming territory.
When credit and down payment support conventional pricing, you want a path to remove mortgage insurance once you have enough equity, and you want to compare monthly cost against FHA on your real numbers, not a program name.
Ready for clear numbers?
Start with a quick pre-approval. It only takes a couple of minutes.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Equal Housing Lender