Conventional loans are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They offer the widest range of terms, the lowest long-term cost for well-qualified borrowers, and the most flexibility across property types. Here is how the program works specifically for buyers, owners, and investors in San Francisco and the rest of San Francisco County.
$1,209,750 (2026 high-balance conforming)
≈ $1.35M
620
3% (first-time), 5% (otherwise)
San Francisco is a condo-heavy, jumbo-dominant market. HOA financials, project warrantability, and non-warrantable condo lenders make lender selection the single biggest factor in whether a loan closes on time.
A dual-income couple buying their first home in Petaluma with limited savings but strong credit and no consumer debt.
Conventional beat FHA by roughly $180 per month once mortgage insurance was compared, and the PMI drops off entirely once the balance hits 78% of value.
Selling an existing home and rolling equity into a larger property, closing both transactions in the same week.
Staying at the high-balance conforming limit instead of crossing into jumbo saved a meaningful amount in rate and avoided jumbo reserve requirements.
Examples are illustrative composites of typical files, not offers of credit or guarantees of terms.
Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Mission, Sunset, Richmond, Bernal Heights, SoMa, Marina
Full San Francisco market pageYes. Conventional Loans are available throughout San Francisco County. The default program for most Northern California buyers. Mark compares pricing across 80+ wholesale lenders and picks the one whose guidelines fit San Francisco property types and your file.
$1,209,750 (2026 high-balance conforming). Above that amount the file is priced as a jumbo or portfolio loan, which changes reserve and documentation requirements.
Most purchases close in 21 to 30 days, and rush files have closed faster when the appraisal and insurance are ordered on day one. Local considerations here: Condo warrantability reviews, HOA reserve requirements, TIC vs. condo financing.
As little as 3% for a first-time buyer on a primary residence, 5% otherwise. Anything under 20% requires PMI, which we model as part of the total monthly cost.
$806,500 baseline, up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties like San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa.
Mark Dankman, NMLS #251068, 925.934.6600, mail@resourcehomeloan.com