Conventional Loans in San Francisco
For San Francisco's successful professionals, conventional loans offer the best combination of rates, terms, and flexibility. No PMI with 20% down, $1,249,125 conforming limit, and access to condos throughout the city. Your financial success deserves equally impressive financing.

Why SF Buyers Choose Conventional Loans
San Francisco attracts ambitious professionals who've worked hard to build their financial profiles. Conventional loans reward that success with the best rates and terms available. With the high-balance conforming limit of $1,249,125, many SF properties qualify without jumping to jumbo requirements. And for those with 20% down, eliminating PMI saves over $1,000 monthly on typical city purchases.
No PMI @ 20% Down
Save $800-$1,200/month on typical SF purchase
$1,249,125 Limit
High-balance conforming covers much of SF market
Flexible Terms
10, 15, 20, 25, or 30-year options
Condo Friendly
More condo eligibility than FHA
San Francisco Neighborhoods Within Conforming Limits
The $1,249,125 limit opens doors throughout San Francisco. From the sunny streets of Noe Valley to the charming blocks of Cole Valley, these neighborhoods offer conforming loan opportunities.
Noe Valley
$1.5M-$3M
Family-friendly, sunny, village feel
Cole Valley
$1.3M-$2.5M
Charming, near Golden Gate Park
Hayes Valley
$1M-$2M
Trendy, walkable, restaurants
Glen Park
$1.2M-$2M
Quiet, BART access, parks
Bernal Heights
$1.3M-$2.2M
Views, diverse, community
Inner Richmond
$1.2M-$2M
Restaurants, cultural diversity
Compare Your SF Mortgage Options
See how conventional compares to other loan types for your situation.
Payment CalculatorSF Professionals Share Their Experience

Jennifer & Michael Wong
Cole Valley, SF
February 2026
"Both in tech, had been saving for years. Emmett helped us time our stock sales perfectly for a 25% down payment. No PMI and an incredible rate—our monthly payment is less than we expected!"

David Nakamura
Hayes Valley
January 2026
"Startup founder with complex income. Banks could not figure out my finances. Emmett structured my application using bank statements and asset documentation. Closed in 30 days!"

Reviewed by Emmett Clark
NMLS #233747 • 20+ Years Experience • SF Conventional Expert
"San Francisco buyers with strong financials consistently benefit from conventional loans. The $1,249,125 conforming limit covers substantial city inventory, and eliminating PMI with 20% down creates significant monthly savings. I help tech workers optimize their stock sales and income documentation for the best possible rates."
San Francisco Conventional Loan FAQs
What is the conforming loan limit in San Francisco for 2026?
The 2026 conforming loan limit in San Francisco County is $1,249,125. This high-balance limit allows buyers to finance significant portions of SF properties while still enjoying conforming loan benefits.
How much down payment do I need for a conventional loan in SF?
As little as 3% for first-time buyers or 5% for others. However, 20% down eliminates PMI—on a $1M SF property, that's $1,000+ monthly savings that often makes the larger down payment worthwhile.
Can I use tech stock for my SF down payment?
Absolutely! We help SF tech workers use stock sales, RSU vestings, and bonus income for down payments. With proper documentation and timing, your tech compensation becomes your path to SF homeownership.
Are SF condo HOA dues considered in qualification?
Yes, HOA dues are included in your debt-to-income calculation. Many SF condos have significant HOAs ($400-$1,200/month), which we factor into your qualification. We help you understand total carrying costs.
Explore Other San Francisco Loan Options
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- ✓ Local San Francisco market expertise
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