Loans Buy a home Jumbo loans
Jumbo loans: when you need more than the conforming limit
A jumbo loan is a mortgage larger than Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy. In 2026, that limit is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most of Colorado. Above it, each lender sets its own rules.
New to this loan? Start here: The four main loan types A 3-minute lesson
Who it fits
Buyers whose price puts the loan above their county’s limit: larger homes, custom builds, ranch properties and resort-area second homes. Jumbo lenders look for strong credit, a steady income history and savings that remain after closing.
Larger homes here often come with acreage, outbuildings or land used for income. Each jumbo lender sets its own rules on these, so we match the property to a lender whose rules fit it.
Before you go jumbo
A jumbo loan is one of several ways to finance a higher price. These come first:
- Your county’s limit. In higher-cost counties the conforming limit is higher, so a loan up to that limit is still a conforming loan. Most of Southwest Colorado sits at the baseline limit of $832,750, while San Miguel County, home to Telluride, has a higher limit of $994,750.
- A larger down payment. If a little more down keeps the loan at or under the limit, the conforming rules apply.
- A conforming first mortgage and a second mortgage. Two loans can cost less or more than one jumbo; the blended rate shows which.
- VA. With full entitlement, VA has no loan limit, so a veteran can borrow above the conforming limit without a jumbo loan.
- FHA. FHA limits are set by county and reach $1,249,125 in the highest-cost areas. Look up a county.
What it costs
Jumbo loans usually cost more than conforming loans. Pricing is set by each lender and moves with the market, and the rules on credit, down payment and savings are stricter. A jumbo loan is still the right tool when the price puts the loan above your county’s limit and none of the routes above fits.
For a home you live in, federal ability-to-repay rules apply, so income, assets and debts are fully documented. Some lenders also offer jumbo loans that count income from bank statements, at a higher cost.
Calculators and guides
Common questions
What is the jumbo loan limit in Colorado for 2026?
A one-unit loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan in most Colorado counties. Some counties have higher limits, such as San Miguel at $994,750 and the Denver metro at $862,500. Limits for 2 to 4 units are higher. FHFA sets them each year.
How much do I need to put down on a jumbo loan?
Each lender sets its own minimum, and it is usually more than a conforming loan requires. Larger loans and second homes often need more. We compare lenders to find the requirements that fit your situation.
Can I use a VA loan instead of a jumbo loan?
If you have full VA entitlement, yes. VA sets no loan limit, though the loan must fit your income and the appraisal.
Can a second mortgage keep me under the limit?
Some buyers pair a conforming first mortgage at or under the limit with a second mortgage for the rest. Compare the total cost, the blended rate on both loans and the terms of the second.