Bottom Line Up Front
Conventional loans account for ~80% of purchase financing. They conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines with California limits up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties. Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties with flexible terms from 15 to 30 years.
Overview
Conventional loans account for ~80% of purchase financing. They conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines with California limits up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties. Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties with flexible terms from 15 to 30 years.
Who Qualifies?
620+ credit (740+ for best rates). DTI ≤45%. 3% down first-time, 5% repeat. Gift funds allowed.
Key Benefits
- ✓Lowest rates for strong credit
- ✓No upfront MI premium
- ✓PMI cancellation at 80% LTV
- ✓CA limit $1,209,750
- ✓Primary/second/investment eligible
✅ Pros
- Best rates with 740+ credit
- PMI removable
- Wide availability
- Multiple term options
⚠️ Considerations
- PMI below 20% down
- Stricter credit than FHA
- Reserves may be needed
California-Specific Information
California's $1,209,750 conforming limit covers properties that would require jumbo loans in other states.
Rates & Pricing
Priced on credit score, LTV, property type, and occupancy. Best: 740+/20%+ down/primary residence.
Why Choose Save Financial for Conventional Loans?
Save Financial is a trusted California mortgage broker (NMLS #377740) with 45 years of combined experience and relationships with 20+ wholesale lenders. We specialize in finding the best conventional loans rates and terms for California borrowers. Our $500 price guarantee means if we can't beat another lender's offer, you get $500. We serve 60+ California cities from our offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey, and our team speaks English and Spanish.
Call (888) 703-1840 or get a free quote online — open 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM.
$500 Cash Loan Price Match Guarantee
Get a written offer from any lender. If Save Financial cannot beat it for the same product, we pay you $500 cash.
NMLS #377740 · DRE #01875766 · Call (888) 703-1840
| County | 1 Unit | 2 Units | 3 Units | 4 Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Contra Costa | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| El Dorado | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| Fresno | $526,700 | $674,150 | $814,950 | $1,012,875 |
| Kern | $526,700 | $674,150 | $814,950 | $1,012,875 |
| Los Angeles | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Marin | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Monterey | $920,000 | $1,177,550 | $1,423,200 | $1,768,275 |
| Napa | $1,017,750 | $1,302,750 | $1,574,550 | $1,957,050 |
| Orange | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Placer | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| Riverside | $766,550 | $981,250 | $1,186,000 | $1,473,975 |
| Sacramento | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| San Bernardino | $766,550 | $981,250 | $1,186,000 | $1,473,975 |
| San Diego | $1,006,250 | $1,288,050 | $1,556,750 | $1,934,900 |
| San Francisco | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| San Mateo | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Santa Barbara | $838,750 | $1,073,650 | $1,297,800 | $1,612,975 |
| Santa Clara | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Santa Cruz | $1,112,450 | $1,424,350 | $1,721,500 | $2,139,600 |
| Sonoma | $877,450 | $1,123,250 | $1,357,700 | $1,687,450 |
| Ventura | $1,059,300 | $1,355,900 | $1,638,750 | $2,036,475 |
Reviewed By
Mike Baasti, Licensed Mortgage Broker
Founder of Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740) in Newport Beach, CA. 20+ years in residential and investment lending across conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, hard money, bank statement, and specialty mortgage programs.