A jumbo home loan, also known as a jumbo mortgage, is a type of mortgage loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Conforming loan limits are the maximum loan amounts that government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are willing to purchase or guarantee.

Here are some key features of jumbo home loans:

1. Higher Loan Amounts: Jumbo loans are designed to finance higher-priced properties that exceed the conforming loan limits. These loan limits vary by location but generally range from around $548,250 to $822,375 for a single-family home in most areas of the United States as of 2021.
2. Stricter Qualification Requirements: Because jumbo loans involve larger loan amounts, lenders typically impose stricter qualification requirements compared to conforming loans. This may include higher credit score requirements, lower debt-to-income ratios, and more substantial cash reserves.
3. Larger Down Payments: Borrowers seeking a jumbo loan often need to make a larger down payment compared to conforming loans. While down payment requirements can vary, they typically range from 10% to 20% of the property’s purchase price, although some lenders may require even higher down payments.
4. Additional Documentation: Borrowers applying for a jumbo loan may need to provide additional documentation to verify their income, assets, and financial stability. Lenders may scrutinize the borrower’s financial profile more closely to ensure they can afford the higher loan amount.
5. Non-conforming Loan Features: Since jumbo loans do not conform to the guidelines set by government-sponsored enterprises, they may offer different features and terms compared to conforming loans. This could include interest-only payment options, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), or other non-standard loan products.

Jumbo loans are commonly used by borrowers purchasing high-end homes or properties in expensive real estate markets where home prices exceed the conforming loan limits. Additionally, they may be used for investment properties or second homes.