For many individuals and families, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, with rising real estate prices, some may find themselves seeking financing beyond the conforming loan limit. This is when you may need to apply for a jumbo loan.
What is a jumbo loan?
What exactly is a jumbo loan in Iowa? A jumbo loan is a specialized type of mortgage that comes into play when you’re seeking financing for a home that surpasses the conforming loan limits (CLL) established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Typically, this type of loan is necessary for upscale, luxurious properties or those situated in pricey housing markets.
If the loan amount needed is more than the CLL, you’ll need a jumbo loan. Iowa jumbo loans allow you to borrow more money to buy a more expensive home, but they also come with higher interest rates and stricter requirements than conventional loans.
What is the jumbo loan limit in Iowa?
In Iowa, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 across all counties. For example, if you’re buying a home in Des Moines County, where the median sale price is $132,000, a loan limit exceeding $726,200 would be considered a jumbo loan.
As a reminder, the amount being borrowed 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 Burlington, 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.
For more information on the conforming loan limit in your county, use the FHFA map.
What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Iowa?
Borrowers must meet stricter requirements to qualify for a jumbo loan than they would for 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: When it comes to jumbo loans, lenders generally look for a credit score of 720 or above to qualify a borrower. While some lenders may accept a score as low as 660, this is typically the lowest threshold for qualification.
Larger down payment: Jumbo mortgages typically require larger down payments than traditional mortgages. 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. Keep in mind 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): When applying for a jumbo mortgage, Iowa lenders typically look for a borrower with a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) below 43%. Ideally, a DTI closer to 36% or lower is preferred. The DTI is calculated by dividing the sum of all monthly debt payments by gross monthly income. A lower DTI signifies a borrower’s ability to manage their current debt load while taking on additional mortgage payments. It also indicates greater financial stability and the ability to make on-time payments towards their non-conforming loan.
Additional home appraisals: When you buy a home in Iowa, 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 areas with very few comparable property sales, the cost of the appraisal may be higher than in places with more frequent sales.
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