What is a Jumbo Loan in Wisconsin 2023?

Depending on the loan amount you need and where you’re buying a home in Wisconsin, you may find it difficult to find financing beyond the conforming loan limits. This is where jumbo loans come into play.

What is a jumbo loan?

A jumbo loan is a type of mortgage that’s designed to help you finance the purchase of a home that exceeds the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In Wisconsin, this type of loan is often needed for high-end homes or properties located in expensive housing markets. With a jumbo loan, you can get the financing you need to buy your dream home, even if it’s more expensive than what a standard mortgage can cover.

If you find yourself in a situation where the home you’re planning to buy requires borrowing beyond the conforming loan limit (CLL), then you’ll need to pursue a jumbo loan. But because of the larger loan amounts and increased risk for lenders, Wisconsin jumbo loans often come with higher interest rates and stricter requirements than conventional loans. For instance, a larger down payment and a higher credit score may be required to qualify for a jumbo loan.

What is the jumbo loan limit in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 across all counties. For example, the conforming loan limit in Dane County is $726,200, so if the loan amount needed is even one dollar more than this amount, it’s considered a jumbo loan.

As a reminder, the loan amount is what determines whether or not you’ll need a jumbo loan, not the price of the home you’re buying. So, if you were to put $50,000 down on a $750,000 home in Madison, 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.

You can find more information on the conforming loan limits specific to where you’re looking to buy a home in Wisconsin by using the FHFA map.

What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Wisconsin?

As previously mentioned, the requirements for a jumbo loan are much more stringent than a conforming loan. Each lender may have different requirements or processes, but below are the typical requirements for borrowers seeking a jumbo loan.

Higher credit score: When it comes to applying for a jumbo loan, credit score requirements are typically more stringent than for conventional mortgages. It’s possible that some lenders may accept a lower score, a credit score of at least 720 is generally required to qualify for a jumbo loan. It’s important to have a strong credit profile and a solid financial history to increase your chances of being approved for a jumbo loan.

Larger down payment: When applying for a jumbo mortgage, keep in mind that down payment requirements are generally more substantial than for conventional loans. While the specific amount will depend on the lender and the borrower’s financial situation, many jumbo loan lenders require a down payment of at least 10%, and some require as much as 20% or more.

More assets: Jumbo loan borrowers are typically required to have additional assets. In particular, lenders may require borrowers to demonstrate sufficient liquid assets or savings to cover one year’s worth of loan payments.

Lower debt-to-income ratio (DTI): When applying for a jumbo loan, Wisconsin 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 jumbo mortgage.

Additional home appraisals: For a jumbo loan, a mortgage lender may require a second home appraisal to ensure that the property’s value is accurate. This is particularly true in places where there are few comparable sales. The appraisal acts as a second opinion and helps the mortgage lender to mitigate their risk. It’s important to note that the cost of a second appraisal may be higher than a typical home appraisal, particularly in areas with fewer sales.

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