High-Cost County Loans
High Balance Mortgage Rates - Above $806,500, Still Conforming
High Balance loans bridge the gap between Conforming and Jumbo - agency-eligible loans up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties. See live High Balance pricing below.
Conventional Loan Facts
- Down payment as low as 3% for first-time homebuyers, 5% for others
- Down payment assistance programs available to fully cover the 3% down payment
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required below 80% LTV - automatically removed at 78%
- Maximum DTI typically 45%, up to 50% with strong compensating factors
- Minimum credit score generally 620; best rates at 740+
- Available for primary residence, second home, or investment property
- No upfront mortgage insurance premium - only monthly PMI if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a High Balance mortgage?+
A High Balance loan is a Conventional Conforming mortgage above the baseline limit ($806,500) but at or below the high-cost county ceiling ($1,209,750 in 2026). High Balance loans remain agency-eligible but receive a small risk-based pricing adjustment.
Which counties qualify for High Balance limits?+
FHFA designates high-cost counties annually based on local home prices. California (Bay Area, LA, San Diego), greater NYC, DC metro, parts of New England, Hawaii, and Alaska all have counties with elevated limits. Check the FHFA Conforming Loan Limits map for your county.
How are High Balance rates different from regular Conforming?+
Typically 0.25% to 0.50% in fees higher than baseline Conforming. The risk-based adjustment reflects slightly thinner agency demand for High Balance paper. Rates remain meaningfully better than Jumbo on equivalent borrowers.
Is a High Balance loan a Jumbo loan?+
No. High Balance is still agency-eligible (Fannie/Freddie). Jumbo starts above the high-cost ceiling. The distinction matters for pricing, underwriting flexibility, and product availability.
Is the $2,000 Best Price Guarantee available on High Balance loans?+
No - High Balance loans are excluded from the Loan Factory $2,000 Best Price Guarantee. The program covers Conforming baseline, FHA, and VA only. Rate Direct still offers wholesale High Balance pricing and $0 origination.
Apply for High Balance financing
Wholesale pricing, $0 origination.
Start my application2026 loan limits
Jumbo loan rates
$1M mortgage