The Colorado Springs real estate market trends report for 2024 noted that the average sales price is currently $434,000. The current conventional loan limit for El Paso County is currently set at $766,550. So for home buyers that request a loan amount greater than this, a Jumbo mortgage is likely in store.
Why is this important? Different loan programs have their own guidelines and one of the most important is the maximum limit for a loan while still meeting program requirements.
The vast majority of home loans are those underwritten by guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making up nearly two-thirds of the entire mortgage market in the United States. This also means loans that fall within these guidelines will carry more competitive rates compared to a loan that is not eligible for sale in the secondary market.
Nationwide, the maximum conforming loan limit is $766,550 in most markets. However, some high-cost locations like Denver County are set slightly higher at $816,500.
Finally, any loan amount that is above either the conforming limit or above the high balance limit in designated areas is a jumbo loan. If you’re purchasing a high-cost home, here is what you can expect when submitting a loan application for a jumbo loan.
Jumbo Loan Application:
Jumbo Loan Application:The initial step is to complete and submit a loan application either online or face-to-face with your loan officer. The loan application is referred to by lenders as the 1003. Once submitted, the lender will ask for various pieces of information from you as well as from third parties.
The documentation you can expect to provide is copies of your check stubs covering the latest 60-day period as well as the last two years W2 forms. However, if you’re self-employed you’ll need to provide your last two years of federal income tax returns.
You will of course need a down payment to close a jumbo loan and there will also be various closing costs you’ll need to pay at the settlement table. In order to make sure there are enough funds for a down payment and closing costs, be prepared to provide copies of bank and/or investment account statements showing sufficient funds to close. In addition to funds for a down payment and closing costs, you’ll also need to document additional available funds called “cash reserves.”
* Please read the Jumbo Purchase page for the latest down payment requirements and loan limits.
Cash reserves are identified as the number of total monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, in an account that belongs to you. A common cash reserve requirement for a jumbo loan in Colorado Springs is 3-6 months. If your total monthly mortgage payment is $4,500 and the cash reserve requirement is 3 months, you’ll need an additional $13,500 on top of your down payment and closing costs. Note, that non-liquid accounts like 401K or IRA do satisfy these requirements.
Third-Party Documentation:
Your lender will also work with different third parties and order documents and services needed to close the jumbo loan. For example, the lender will order a property appraisal report. This report is ordered through an appraisal management company that will randomly select an appraiser from a pool of approved appraisers. The appraisal will determine the market value of your pending purchase using a copy of your sales contract and comparing recent sales of similar properties in the neighborhood over the past 12 months.
The property must be able to be legally transferred and all current liens on the subject property will need to be cleared at closing. This is accomplished by ordering a title report from a title insurance company. The report will list all current and previous liens recorded. Liens cannot be transferred to the new property, but must be settled prior to closing. These and other services will be ordered, received, and included in the loan package. Once complete, the loan moves to the underwriting department.
The underwriter will review the entire file and compare the lending guidelines with the documentation included in the loan file. Once the underwriter determines the loan does meet program guidelines, the lender will order your closing papers. If the underwriter has any questions, your loan officer and loan processor will be notified about anything that is still needed.
Jumbo Loan Closing – Settlement:
Jumbo Loan Closing – Settlement:Your loan documents are then digitally delivered to your closing agent. The agent receives a list of instructions provided by the lender the agent must follow. The agent will then prepare your final settlement statement and will show the final amount due from you at the settlement table.
This amount will reflect amounts due to various third parties for services rendered, lender fees, as well as a credit for the amount of the earnest money deposit you provided when your offer was accepted. This statement will be delivered to you at least 24 hours prior to your closing.
At your settlement, you will sign your closing papers and wire your necessary funds to the settlement agent. You may also present a cashier’s check. Once everything is signed, the settlement agent then returns the signed documents to the lender. But it’s not all finished yet.
The lender must make sure the settlement agent follows the lender’s instructions exactly. Most of the time everything is done properly but on rare occasions, the lender will have a question the agent needs to answer or perhaps an initial needed on a document is missing. This takes place in the mortgage company’s funding department.
Once the loan has completed its final review, a number is given to the settlement agent referred to as a “funding number” which is essentially a digital code that releases the funds for the mortgage. The jumbo loan process has now been completed.
Buyers can learn more about all the latest 5% and 10% down payment options available to qualified buyers in Colorado Springs today. Many programs offer both secure fixed rate and adjustable rate options, for both purchase and refinance transactions. Please contact us with questions by calling the number above, or just submit the Quick Contact Form on this page for a rapid response.