The conforming loan limit explained: where the line is and what crossing it means
High-balance is not jumbo
The line, briefly
A loan above the baseline limit but within a high-cost county's limit is still conforming. Lenders often call it high-balance or super-conforming, and it follows agency rules with some added pricing or terms. Only a loan above the county's own limit is jumbo.
Last reviewed against the primary sources listed below.
Side by side
| High-balance | Jumbo | |
|---|---|---|
| Above the baseline limit | Yes | Yes |
| Above the county limit | No | Yes |
| Agency rules apply | Yes | No, lender rules |
Questions about the line
Is a high-balance loan a jumbo loan?
No. It is conforming because it is within the county's limit.