San Diego County’s 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,104,000 — a high-balance limit, though notably below the absolute FHFA ceiling of $1,249,125 that applies in California’s most expensive counties. That gap matters in a county where pricing swings dramatically by neighborhood: the countywide median sits near $950,000 to $1.05 million, while La Jolla’s median runs closer to $2.5 million and Point Loma’s waterfront properties can reach $5 million or more. For buyers in these coastal neighborhoods, Jumbo financing isn’t a specialty product — it’s simply what the market requires.
I underwrite Jumbo loans for San Diego buyers with an understanding of how this market’s income actually works: biotech and research-sector equity from employers like Illumina and the Torrey Pines research corridor, executive compensation from Qualcomm and the broader tech base, and physician income tied to UC San Diego Health, Rady Children’s, and Scripps. I also structure VA Jumbo financing for San Diego’s substantial active-duty and veteran population.
A Jumbo mortgage is any loan amount above San Diego County’s conforming limit of $1,104,000, placing it outside Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchasing guidelines. Because San Diego’s limit sits below the FHFA’s absolute ceiling, the conforming-to-Jumbo threshold here is somewhat lower than in counties like Los Angeles or San Francisco, which means Jumbo financing kicks in a bit earlier relative to home values.
Key Features:
Loan amounts above $1,104,000 for a single-family home in San Diego County
Down payments typically starting around 10-20%, depending on loan amount and property type
Credit score requirements generally starting at 700, often higher for larger loan amounts
Underwriting that can incorporate biotech/research equity, executive compensation, and physician contract income
VA Jumbo financing available for eligible veterans, with no county loan limit
For San Diego purchases between roughly $1.1 million and $2.5 million, covering a meaningful share of Pacific Beach, Point Loma’s more accessible inventory, and North County coastal communities.
For financing above $2.5 million, common in La Jolla’s highest tier, Point Loma’s waterfront estates, and Rancho Santa Fe’s custom compounds. Full detail is available on our Super-Jumbo Mortgage Loans page.
For eligible veterans and active-duty service members, VA loans carry no county loan limit, making them a strong option for San Diego’s above-conforming purchases without the down payment requirements of a standard Jumbo loan.
For physicians affiliated with UC San Diego Health, Rady Children’s Hospital, or Scripps who need Jumbo-level financing with the reduced down payment structure of a physician loan.
La Jolla
Known locally as "the Jewel," this coastal community carries a median home price near $2.5 million, driven by ocean views, proximity to the Torrey Pines biotech corridor, and consistently strong demand.
Point Loma
A peninsula community with pricing that spans roughly $1.07 million to well above $5 million depending on bay or ocean views, popular with both civilian buyers and those connected to Naval Base Point Loma.
Coronado
Home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, this island community across the bay from downtown offers a distinct small-town coastal lifestyle with pricing well into Jumbo and Super-Jumbo territory.
Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch
Inland luxury enclaves where custom homes commonly range from $3 million to $15 million, popular with biotech executives and those seeking privacy on larger lots.
Jumbo underwriting built around San Diego County's specific conforming threshold and coastal pricing variance
Experience documenting biotech/research equity, executive compensation, and physician contract income
VA Jumbo expertise for San Diego's active-duty and veteran homebuyers
Direct communication throughout your file
Competitive Jumbo pricing sourced across multiple investor programs
Confidential pre-approval conversations before you make an offer
Ryan Lehrman, NMLS #235295
Credit profile: Generally a 700+ credit score, with stronger pricing available above 740
Down payment: Typically 10-20%, varying by loan amount and property type, or as low as 0% for eligible VA borrowers
Income documentation: Two years of tax returns, current pay stubs, and — for equity or research-sector income — vesting schedules and award history
Reserves: Lenders commonly require 6-12 months of mortgage payments in liquid reserves for San Diego's larger Jumbo loans
Initial consultation — We review your income structure, target neighborhood, and loan amount to identify the right Jumbo program.
Documentation and pre-approval — We assemble your income, asset, and credit documentation, including equity or VA eligibility documentation if applicable.
Property identification — You shop with a strong pre-approval letter across San Diego's coastal or inland markets.
Underwriting and appraisal — We coordinate appraisal and underwriting with attention to San Diego-specific factors like coastal view premiums and Mello-Roos assessments in newer communities.
Closing — We finalize your Jumbo financing and get you to the closing table on your timeline.
It depends heavily on neighborhood — a La Jolla purchase near the area's $2.5 million median requires substantially more qualifying income than a Jumbo purchase just above the $1,104,000 conforming line. I can review your specific numbers and target neighborhood to tell you what loan amount your income supports.
Often, yes, since VA loans carry no county loan limit and typically require no down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. I can walk you through how VA Jumbo financing compares to a conventional Jumbo loan for your specific situation.
Yes, with the right documentation. Lenders generally want a two-year history of equity grants or vesting, along with evidence of continued employment. I structure this regularly for San Diego borrowers in the biotech and life sciences sector.
Ready to finance your upper-tier San Diego property? Schedule a confidential consultation today.
Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I moved to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University and have proudly called Phoenix home ever since.
My journey into the mortgage industry began with a friend’s encouragement, who saw how my energy and people-first mindset could make a difference. He was right — I found my calling.
I’ve always embraced what makes me different. With ADHD as my secret weapon, I thrive in fast-paced, detail-heavy environments. I’ve built my career on clear communication, creative problem-solving, and putting clients first, always.
Outside of work, my greatest motivation is my wife and three amazing kids. I’d be honored to help guide you through your lending journey with care, clarity, and commitment.
Who we are
Our website address is: https://staging.loansbylehrman.com/
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