San Francisco County’s 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125 — already the high-cost ceiling, the maximum the FHFA allows anywhere in the country. That means there’s no higher conventional tier to move into before Jumbo financing becomes necessary. And with the citywide median sale price running past $1.7 million, and neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, and Sea Cliff pricing well above that, a large share of San Francisco purchases require Jumbo financing as a matter of course, not as an exception reserved for mansions.
That makes Jumbo lending in San Francisco a different discipline than in most U.S. markets. I underwrite Jumbo loans here with an understanding of how this city’s buyers actually get paid — often a mix of base salary, bonus, and RSU or stock-option vesting from employers with a significant local footprint — and how San Francisco’s housing stock, from Edwardian flats to high-rise condos, gets appraised.
A Jumbo mortgage is any home loan that exceeds San Francisco County’s conforming loan limit of $1,249,125, which means it falls outside Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchasing guidelines and instead follows the underwriting standards set by the individual lender or investor. Because San Francisco sits at the ceiling of the FHFA’s high-cost scale, Jumbo financing here begins at the same dollar threshold as the most expensive counties anywhere in the U.S.
Key Features:
Loan amounts above $1,249,125 for a single-family home in San Francisco County
Down payments typically starting around 10-20%, depending on loan amount and property type
Credit score requirements generally starting at 700, often higher for larger loan amounts
Underwriting that can incorporate RSU vesting history, bonus income, and asset-based qualification
Financing available for single-family homes, condos, and select new-construction units
For San Francisco purchases between roughly $1.25 million and $2 million — a range that covers a large share of the city’s single-family and condo inventory, particularly in neighborhoods like Noe Valley, the Marina, and Cole Valley.
For financing above $2 million, common in Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, and Sea Cliff, where estate-level properties and complex asset profiles require more flexible underwriting. Full detail is available on our Super-Jumbo Mortgage Loans page.
For physicians relocating to or already practicing in San Francisco — at UCSF Health, Sutter Health’s CPMC campuses, or Zuckerberg San Francisco General — who need Jumbo-level financing but want the reduced down payment structure of a physician loan rather than standard Jumbo terms.
Pacific Heights
One of San Francisco's most established luxury neighborhoods, known for grand Victorian and Edwardian mansions with Bay and Golden Gate views. Single-family homes here commonly transact well above $4 million, with estate-level properties reaching considerably higher.
Presidio Heights
Bordering the Presidio, this quiet, low-density neighborhood of large single-family homes on generous lots regularly sees transactions in the $4 million to $10 million-plus range.
Sea Cliff
San Francisco's premier waterfront enclave, with direct views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Sea Cliff properties routinely command some of the highest per-square-foot prices in the city.
Russian Hill and Nob Hill
Dense, historic neighborhoods where condos and top-floor units in pre-war and boutique modern buildings frequently price in the $2 million to $6 million range, driven by views and walkability to the Financial District.
Jumbo underwriting built around San Francisco's high-cost conforming ceiling, not a generic national template
Experience documenting RSU, stock-option, and bonus income for tech-sector borrowers
Direct communication throughout your file — no call-center handoffs
Familiarity with San Francisco's condo and TIC approval processes
Competitive Jumbo pricing sourced across multiple investor programs
Confidential pre-approval conversations before you make an offer
Ryan Lehrman, NMLS #235295
Credit profile: Generally a 700+ credit score, with stronger pricing available above 740
Down payment: Typically 10-20%, varying by loan amount and property type
Income documentation: Two years of tax returns, current pay stubs, and — for RSU or bonus income — vesting schedules and award history
Reserves: Lenders commonly require 6-12 months of mortgage payments in liquid reserves for larger San Francisco Jumbo loans
Initial consultation — We review your income structure, target neighborhoods, and loan amount to identify the right Jumbo program.
Documentation and pre-approval — We assemble your income, asset, and credit documentation, including RSU or bonus history if applicable.
Property identification — You shop with a strong pre-approval letter in hand, which matters in San Francisco's competitive offer environment.
Underwriting and appraisal — We coordinate appraisal and underwriting with attention to San Francisco-specific property types, including condos and TICs.
Closing — We finalize your Jumbo financing and get you to the closing table on your timeline.
It depends on the loan amount, but San Francisco's price point means many buyers qualifying for Jumbo financing show household incomes well into six figures, often supplemented by RSU vesting or bonus income. I can review your specific numbers and tell you what loan amount your income supports.
Yes. Lenders generally want a two-year history of RSU grants and vesting, along with evidence that grants are likely to continue. I document this regularly for San Francisco borrowers at technology employers and structure the file so underwriting counts it correctly.
Not always. Some Jumbo programs allow down payments as low as 10%, depending on loan amount, credit profile, and reserves. Higher loan amounts in Super-Jumbo territory typically require larger down payments.
Ready to finance your upper-tier San Francisco property? Schedule a confidential consultation today.
Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I moved to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University and have proudly called Phoenix home ever since.
My journey into the mortgage industry began with a friend’s encouragement, who saw how my energy and people-first mindset could make a difference. He was right — I found my calling.
I’ve always embraced what makes me different. With ADHD as my secret weapon, I thrive in fast-paced, detail-heavy environments. I’ve built my career on clear communication, creative problem-solving, and putting clients first, always.
Outside of work, my greatest motivation is my wife and three amazing kids. I’d be honored to help guide you through your lending journey with care, clarity, and commitment.
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