What counties qualify for high-balance conforming loans in California?

In 2026, the California high-cost counties eligible for the $1,209,750 ceiling include Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Monterey. San Bernardino and Riverside counties are at the baseline $806,500.

Is high-balance more expensive than baseline conforming?

Typically yes — adjustments add 0.25–0.5% to the rate for high-balance. For a Southern California buyer near the ceiling, it's worth quoting BOTH a high-balance loan at the $1,209,750 limit AND a jumbo above it, since jumbo sometimes prices better than high-balance in a given week.

Conventional & Government

Agency

High-Balance Conforming

Name: Francisco Williams — Mortgage Broker
Address: 552 E Badillo St, Covina, CA, 91723, US
Telephone: (213) 880-8107
Price range: $$

Conforming loans above the baseline limit, available in CA high-cost counties (Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Bay Area).

Available throughout Southern California through Francisco Williams, CCIM, NMLS #1858674.

Apply for this program (213) 880-8107

620

Min FICO

95%

Max LTV

full doc

Docs

Ideal borrower

CA buyers in high-cost counties needing more than the baseline conforming limit.

Program highlights

Up to $1,209,750 in high-cost CA counties (2026 limit — verify annually)
Agency pricing — better than jumbo in many cases
Same Fannie/Freddie eligibility as standard conforming

Typical uses

CA high-cost county purchases
Refi above baseline limit

Frequently asked questions

What counties qualify for high-balance conforming loans in California?: In 2026, the California high-cost counties eligible for the $1,209,750 ceiling include Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Monterey. San Bernardino and Riverside counties are at the baseline $806,500.
Is high-balance more expensive than baseline conforming?: Typically yes — adjustments add 0.25–0.5% to the rate for high-balance. For a Southern California buyer near the ceiling, it's worth quoting BOTH a high-balance loan at the $1,209,750 limit AND a jumbo above it, since jumbo sometimes prices better than high-balance in a given week.

Program details shown are representative guidelines and subject to individual lender overlays and CFPB / agency requirements. Rates shown are illustrative and subject to change without notice. Actual rate, APR, and terms will depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value, property type, occupancy, loan amount, loan program, and other factors. Not all applicants will qualify.