When it comes to purchasing a home, buyers may find it difficult to find financing beyond the conforming loan limit. In this instance, you may need to apply for a jumbo loan. Whether your sights are set on a Ranch-style home in Tulsa or a new-construction in Yukon, let’s break down what a jumbo loan is in Oklahoma, the 2023 conforming loan limits, and what’s needed to qualify for this type of loan.
What is a jumbo loan?
So what are jumbo loans in Oklahoma? They are large loans that exceed the loan limits set by the FHFA for conforming loans. Jumbo loans allow borrowers to finance homes that exceed the conforming loan limit (CLL), making it possible to buy high-end properties that may not be otherwise affordable.
If the home you’re purchasing will require you to borrow more than the CLL, you’ll need to apply for 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 Oklahoma.
What is the jumbo loan limit in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 across all counties. For example, if you’re buying a home in Tulsa County, where the median sale price is $275,000, a loan limit exceeding $726,200 would be considered a jumbo mortgage.
Keep in mind that the loan amount is what determines whether or not you’ll need a jumbo loan, not the home price. So, if you were to put $50,000 down on a $750,000 home in Bixby, the mortgage would be $700,000, which is under the conforming loan limit for this area. In this case, your loan wouldn’t be considered a jumbo loan.
This FHFA map will give you more specific information related to the conforming loan limits in your county.
What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Oklahoma?
As previously mentioned, the requirements for a jumbo loan are much more stringent than a conforming loan. The specific requirements may vary from lender to lender, but below are the typical requirements for borrowers seeking a jumbo loan.
Higher credit score: To qualify for a jumbo mortgage in Oklahoma, 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 reviewing jumbo loan applications.
Larger down payment: Jumbo loans typically require larger down payments than conventional loans. Generally, lenders require a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s purchase price to qualify for a jumbo loan. However, some lenders may require a higher percentage, depending on the borrower’s creditworthiness and overall financial situation. Don’t forget that larger down payments can help to reduce monthly mortgage payments, as well as overall interest costs over the life of the loan.
More assets: Jumbo loan lenders generally require borrowers to demonstrate a strong financial profile, including substantial liquid assets or savings. To qualify for a jumbo loan, borrowers must have enough reserves to cover at least one year of mortgage payments. This requirement ensures that borrowers have the financial flexibility to meet their loan obligations in the event of a financial hardship.
Lower debt-to-income ratio (DTI): A mortgage lender will look at a borrower’s DTI (debt-to-income ratio) to assess their creditworthiness and spending habits. For a conforming loan, a DTI as high as 50% may be acceptable to some lenders. However, jumbo loan borrowers are required to have a lower DTI, ideally under 43% and closer to 36%. This is because jumbo loans are riskier for lenders due to the larger loan amounts. Applicants with a higher DTI may still qualify for a jumbo loan, but it could result in a higher interest rate or a stricter approval process.
Additional home appraisals: When you buy a home in Oklahoma, mortgage 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 neighborhoods with more frequent sales.
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