For many individuals and families, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, with rising real estate prices, some may find themselves seeking financing beyond the conforming loan limit. This is where jumbo loans come into play.
What is a jumbo loan?
A jumbo loan in Utah is a type of mortgage that is used to finance homes that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Oftentimes, this type of loan is necessary for high-end, luxury homes or homes located in expensive housing markets, like Salt Lake City or Park City.
If you find yourself in a situation where the home you wish to purchase requires borrowing beyond the conforming loan limit (CLL), then you’ll need to pursue a jumbo loan. It’s important for homebuyers to understand the requirements and implications of obtaining a jumbo loan in Utah. For instance, borrowers typically need a higher credit score and a larger down payment to qualify for a jumbo loan.
What is the jumbo loan limit in Utah?
In 2023, the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in most U.S. markets is $726,200. However, this limit can be higher in areas where the median home price is significantly above the national average.
- $726,200 is the conforming loan limit in most Utah counties
- $1,089,300 is the maximum limit in higher-cost counties
Keep in mind that the amount being borrowed is what determines whether or not you’ll need a jumbo loan, not the price of the home. So, if you were to put $100,000 down on a $780,000 home in Emery County, the mortgage would be $680,000, which is under the CLL for this area. In this case, your loan wouldn’t be considered a jumbo loan.
The following counties in Utah have a conforming loan limit beyond $726,200 for 2023:
| County | FHFA Conforming Loan Limit |
| Box Elder County | $744,050 |
| Davis County | $744,050 |
| Morgan County | $744,050 |
| Summit County | $1,089,300 |
| Wasatch County | $1,089,300 |
| Weber County | $744,050 |
For more information on the conforming loan limit in your county, use the FHFA map.
What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Utah?
Borrowers must meet stricter requirements to qualify for a jumbo loan than they would for a conforming loan. The specific requirements can vary from lender to lender, but below are the typical requirements for borrowers seeking a jumbo loan in Utah.
Higher credit score: In order to have your loan application approved for a jumbo loan, most lenders will require a credit score of 720 or higher. While some lenders may be more lenient and accept a score as low as 660, a score below this is generally not accepted. In contrast, a credit score as low as 620 could suffice for a conforming loan with some lenders.
Larger down payment: When applying for a Utah jumbo loan, keep in mind that down payment requirements are generally more substantial than for conforming loans. While the specific amount will depend on the lender and the borrower’s financial situation, many jumbo loan lenders require a down payment of at least 10%, and some require as much as 20% or more.
More assets: Jumbo loan borrowers are typically required to have more assets than those seeking conventional loans. Lenders will review a borrower’s assets to ensure they have enough liquid assets or savings to cover at least one year of loan payments. This requirement is in place to mitigate the increased risk associated with larger loan amounts.
Lower debt-to-income ratio (DTI): For Utah jumbo loans, lenders typically look for a borrower with a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) below 43%. Ideally, a DTI closer to 36% or lower is preferred. The DTI is calculated by dividing the sum of all monthly debt payments by gross monthly income. A lower DTI signifies a borrower’s ability to manage their current debt load while taking on additional mortgage payments. It also indicates greater financial stability and the ability to make on-time payments towards their jumbo loan.
Additional home appraisals: For a jumbo loan, lenders may require an additional home appraisal as a second opinion, especially if the property is located in an area with few comparable sales. This is to ensure that the home is worth the loan amount or more and to mitigate the lender’s risk. The cost of the appraisal may also be higher in housing markets with limited property sales.
Source: redfin.com