Are you planning to buy a luxurious house in Ohio or a home in an expensive market this year? If so, you might be wondering what a jumbo loan is and if it’s right for you. Whether your sights are set on a home in Columbus or a condo in Cleveland, join us as we break down what a jumbo loan is in Ohio, the 2024 conforming loan limits, and what’s needed to qualify for this type of loan.
What is a jumbo loan?
A jumbo loan in Ohio is a type of mortgage that enables homebuyers to borrow more than the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for conforming loans. The conforming loan limit (CLL) is the maximum amount of money that a lender will provide to borrowers at a specific interest rate and is established each year. Jumbo loans are necessary for homebuyers who want to purchase a high-value property, such as a luxury home, that exceeds the conforming loan limit.
If you find yourself in a situation where the home you wish to purchase requires borrowing beyond the CLL, then you’ll need to pursue a jumbo loan. Because of the larger loan amounts, jumbo loans typically carry stricter requirements and higher interest rates than conforming loans. Lenders may require a higher down payment, a lower debt-to-income ratio, and a stronger credit score to qualify for a jumbo loan in Ohio.
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In Ohio, the conforming loan limit is $766,550 across all counties. For example, the conforming loan limit in Cuyahoga County is $766,550, so if the loan amount needed is even $766,551, it’s considered a jumbo loan.
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 Cincinnati, the loan would be $680,000, which is under the conforming loan limit for this area. In this case, your loan wouldn’t be considered a jumbo loan.
You can find more information on the conforming loan limits specific to where you’re looking to buy a home in Ohio by using the FHFA map.
What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Ohio?
Borrowers must meet stricter requirements to qualify for a jumbo loan than they would for a conforming loan. Each lender may have different requirements or processes, but below are the typical requirements for borrowers seeking a jumbo loan.
Higher credit score: To qualify for a jumbo mortgage, borrowers typically need to have a credit score of at least 720. However, some lenders may be willing to accept scores as low as 660, although less frequently. A higher credit score demonstrates a borrower’s ability to manage credit responsibly and is a crucial factor that lenders evaluate when considering jumbo loan applications.
Larger down payment: Buying a high-priced home typically requires a larger down payment from the buyer. Conventional mortgages may offer programs for down payments as low as 3%- 5%, but jumbo loans require a minimum down payment of 10%, with some lenders requiring up to 30%. If the buyer puts down less than 20%, they will likely need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
More assets: Jumbo loan borrowers are typically required to have additional assets. In particular, lenders may require borrowers to demonstrate sufficient liquid assets or savings to cover one year’s worth of loan payments.
Lower debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Whether a buyer is applying for a conventional loan or a jumbo loan, lenders evaluate your spending habits and creditworthiness by analyzing your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The DTI is determined by dividing the total of your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. While some lenders may accept a DTI as high as 50% for a conforming loan, those applying for a non-conforming loan should aim for a DTI under 43% and ideally closer to 36%.
Additional home appraisals: When you buy a home in Ohio, lenders will require a home appraisal to confirm that the property’s value is equal to or higher than the loan amount. In some cases, a lender may require an additional appraisal for a jumbo loan. In places with very few comparable property sales, the cost of the appraisal may be higher than in areas with more frequent sales.
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Mekaila is a Marketing Program Manager at Redfin and has spent the last 5+ years covering topics like interior design, real estate trends, and buying/selling resources. She lives in the Greater Seattle area and enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with family/friends. She dreams of a modern and warm home with lots of natural light, sunset views, and a backyard perfect for hosting.
