What it is
The conforming loan limit is the largest loan Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy in a given county. Loans at or under the limit that meet their guidelines are called conforming loans. Loans above it are called jumbo loans.
How it's set
The FHFA updates the limit each year based on changes in home prices. Most of the country shares a baseline limit. In high-cost areas, including parts of some large metro areas, the limit is higher.
For 2026, the FHFA’s baseline conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 in most of the country (FHFA, announced November 2025). Your county's limit may be higher, so check before you shop.
Why it matters
Conforming loans follow standard guidelines, so they often come with more flexible terms, such as lower down payment options. Jumbo loans are held by lenders or private investors, so rules can be stricter.
- Jumbo loans may need a larger down payment
- Jumbo loans often have higher credit score expectations
- Jumbo loans may require more cash reserves after closing
- Pricing can differ between conforming and jumbo, in either direction
Near the limit?
If your loan would land just over the line, a slightly larger down payment may keep you under it. For example, on a home where you planned to borrow a little more than the limit, adding the difference to your down payment could keep the loan conforming.
Compare both paths. Sometimes a jumbo loan works out fine, and keeping more cash in savings matters more to you. Gift funds, proceeds from selling your current home or a lower offer price can also help close the gap. Your loan consultant can run the numbers both ways so you can see the trade-off in your monthly budget and your savings.
FHA and VA limits
FHA sets its own loan limits by county, and they're often lower than conforming limits. VA loans work differently. Veterans with full entitlement generally don't have a VA loan limit, though the lender's own rules still apply.
Working with CapCenter
CapCenter offers both conforming and jumbo loans, with ZERO Closing Costs (restrictions apply). You need a credit score of at least 620 for a CapCenter loan. A loan consultant can tell you your county's limit and which loan fits.
