What makes a loan a 'jumbo' loan?

Any loan amount above the conforming limit for the county where the property is located is technically a jumbo loan. The 2026 baseline conforming limit is set by FHFA, and high-cost counties have raised caps. Above that ceiling, you're in jumbo territory.

What credit score do I need for a jumbo loan?

Most jumbo lenders want 700 or higher, and the best pricing usually starts at 740. Some portfolio lenders go lower with strong compensating factors (large reserves, low DTI, relationship pricing).

How much down payment is required?

10–20% is typical on a primary residence. Some lenders offer 5% down jumbo for very strong borrowers, while second homes and investment properties usually require 20–30%+.

Do jumbo loans have PMI?

Some jumbo programs require PMI when LTV exceeds 80%, others use a piggyback structure or lender-paid MI. Many full-doc jumbo programs from depository banks simply price the risk into the rate rather than charging separate PMI.

How many months of reserves do jumbo loans require?

6 months of full PITI is a common baseline for primary residences, 12 months for second homes and investment properties. Retirement assets typically count at 60–70% of vested value, and brokerage assets count at face value.

Can I get a jumbo loan if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Full-doc jumbo programs use two years of tax returns plus a YTD P&L. Non-QM jumbo programs offer bank-statement or asset-based qualification for borrowers whose tax returns understate cash flow.

Are jumbo loans assumable?

Most jumbo loans are not assumable — they're typically held in the lender's portfolio or sold to private-label investors who don't allow assumption. Government loans (FHA and VA) are the assumable categories.

Jumbo Loans in Charleston, SC | Limits, Requirements

Loan amounts above conforming limits. Tighter underwriting, larger reserves, often coastal price points.

Borrowers in Charleston, South Carolina can use Jumbo financing for primary residences in most cases, subject to the 2026 loan limit applicable to South Carolina. Talk to a licensed loan officer to confirm eligibility for your situation — credit, debt-to-income ratio, and property type all factor into approval.

Before reaching out, verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access. MLO Finder shows source-linked review snapshots where available but is not a lender and does not originate loans.

Jumbo loans are for borrowers whose loan amount exceeds the conforming limit for their county. They're common in high-cost markets, for higher-priced homes anywhere, and for cash-out refinances that push the new balance past the conforming cap. Underwriting is tighter and reserve requirements are higher than conforming, but pricing can be very competitive for strong borrowers.

Buyers in Charleston, South Carolina purchasing above the county conforming limit will end up in jumbo territory, where lender selection matters more than on conforming loans. Each jumbo lender has its own credit, reserve, and pricing rules — and the spread between the best and worst offers on the same file is often larger than on conforming. Get written loan estimates from at least two or three licensed loan officers serving Charleston who actively place jumbo loans before locking. Verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access before applying. MLO Finder is a directory, not a lender.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer, rate quote, or commitment to lend. Verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access. MLO Finder is a directory, not a lender, and does not originate loans.

Jumbo Loans in Charleston, SC

What this loan type means for Charleston buyers.

Who Jumbo loans are for in Charleston.

What it takes to qualify for a Jumbo loan.

Common myths about Jumbo loans.

Jumbo loan limits in South Carolina.

Helpful Guides & Resources

Licensed mortgage professionals serving Charleston.

Travis Patrick Howard

Zachary K Larichiuta

Jumbo loan questions Charleston buyers ask.

Jumbo financing in Charleston, SC.

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