Jumbo Loans
Jumbo Loans
Each year the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets the conforming loan limits that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac follow. For 2026, the limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 in most of the United States, and up to $1,249,125 in designated high-cost areas and in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Any loan above your county’s limit is considered a “jumbo loan.” Jumbo loans can have different rates and qualification requirements than conforming loans, but they let you borrow more and secure a home you may not have been able to otherwise. In much of the Lake Tahoe market, that’s the loan most buyers need.
Whether it’s a conforming loan or a jumbo loan, Aaron Hinson and the Luna Lending team can help you decide what loan is the best option for you. It may be your first home or your fifth home — we’ll still be available for you with our expert insight every step of the way, from finding out if you’re qualified to signing off on your new home.
The Jumbo Loan Process
Before we start anything, you can use our jumbo loan qualifier tool to see what you are eligible for. Based on your financial history and current situation, we can evaluate the options available to you, including any rates and terms that might play into your decision. After measuring the advantages and drawbacks of each loan option, we want you to feel confident that you are choosing the right one that will help you comfortably settle into your new home.
Is a Jumbo Loan Right for Me?
While the high rates and risk might be a dealbreaker for many borrowers, there are still plenty of benefits that jumbo loans offer. One of the most notable includes having options up to $3 million in financing. You may also avoid financial penalties for the large amount of money you will be borrowing, assuming mortgage rates are low. If a jumbo loan sounds like something that fits your situation, use our free qualifier tool today to see if you are eligible!
Jumbo Loans in Lake Tahoe: What Buyers Should Know
Around the lake, a lot of homes sell for more than the $832,750 conforming limit, so jumbo financing is often the norm here, not the exception. That’s true on both sides of the state line, from South Lake Tahoe and Meyers to Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook and Incline Village.
A few things work differently with jumbo loans in Tahoe:
- Second homes and vacation homes. Many Tahoe buyers live in the Bay Area, Sacramento or Reno. Jumbo programs for second homes are common, but they usually expect a larger down payment and more cash in reserve than a primary home.
- Short-term rental plans. If you plan to rent the home out part of the year, tell us up front. It can change which loan fits, and local vacation rental rules on each side of the lake affect whether rental income can count.
- Self-employed income. If your tax returns don’t reflect what you really earn, we can look at jumbo programs that qualify you with bank statements instead.
- Insurance and property taxes. Wildfire coverage and property taxes are part of your payment, and both look very different on the California and Nevada sides. Our guide to buying on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe walks through it.
Because we’re a broker, we compare jumbo programs from multiple wholesale lenders instead of offering one bank’s loan. On a large loan, that’s usually where the savings are. Learn more about working with a local Lake Tahoe mortgage broker, or request a free jumbo loan quote.
Lake Tahoe Jumbo Loan FAQs
What is the jumbo loan limit in 2026?
A jumbo loan is any loan above your county’s conforming loan limit. For 2026, that limit is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most of the country, and up to $1,249,125 in designated high-cost areas.
How much do I need to put down on a jumbo loan in Lake Tahoe?
It depends on the program, the loan size and whether the home will be your primary residence or a second home. Second homes and larger loans usually need a bigger down payment than a primary home. We’ll show you the options side by side.
Do I need a jumbo loan to buy a second home in Lake Tahoe?
Only if your loan amount is above the conforming limit. With a larger down payment, some buyers keep the loan at or under $832,750 and use a conforming loan instead, which can be easier to qualify for. We can run both scenarios.
Can I get a jumbo loan if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Along with traditional programs that use tax returns, there are jumbo options that qualify you using 12 or 24 months of bank statements. Rates and down payment rules differ, so it’s worth comparing.
Do you offer jumbo loans on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe?
Yes. Luna Lending is headquartered in Zephyr Cove, Nevada, and Aaron Hinson is licensed in Nevada, California and Colorado. We finance homes in Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.
Get Your Jumbo Loan Quote Now!
The Home Purchase Process
Looking to buy a home in California or Colorado, but don’t know where to start to get a mortgage? Here’s how our loan process works:
- Complete our quick and easy secure online application
- Receive options based on your unique situation
- Choose an offer that best suits you
We make purchasing homes a breeze. We streamline the process so you can focus on picking the right mortgage for your home with none of the headaches.