
The conforming loan amount increase is a significant change for homebuyers. The limit has been raised to $647,200 for single-family homes.
This means that buyers can borrow more money to purchase a home within the conforming loan limits. The increased limit is a result of the rising cost of living in many areas.
Homebuyers in high-cost areas will benefit the most from the conforming loan amount increase. The new limit is higher than the previous year's limit of $625,500.
With the conforming loan amount increase, buyers can now purchase a more expensive home with a conforming loan.
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2022 Updates
The 2022 conforming loan limit for single-family homes in most of the United States is now $647,200, up from last year's limit.
This increase is a result of a robust housing market with an 18.05% year-over-year average increase in housing prices. The increase translates to a $98,950 boost in the baseline conforming loan limit.
The conforming loan limit for high-cost areas, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is based on 150% of the standard amount, bringing the ceiling price to $970,800.
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Baseline for 2022
The baseline conforming loan limit for 2022 is $647,200, which is an increase of $98,950 from 2021.
This means that homebuyers can borrow up to $647,200 for conforming mortgages in most of the United States.
The 18% increase in the conforming loan limit is the largest in records dating to 1970.
For high-cost areas, the conforming loan limit is 150% of the baseline amount, which is $970,800 in 2022.
Housing prices vary across the nation, so the baseline conforming loan limit is adjusted accordingly.
Washington, D.C., New York County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County are considered high-cost areas.
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FHA National Limits 2022
The FHA National Loan Limits for 2022 have been announced, and they're a game-changer for many homebuyers. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has increased the loan limits to reflect the rising home prices in many areas.
The new loan limits will allow more people to access FHA-insured mortgages, which can be a great option for those with lower credit scores or limited down payment funds. In fact, the FHA loan limits will rise in 3,188 counties, while remaining unchanged in 45 counties.
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The National Loan Limit floor for 2022 is $420,680, which is the highest amount you can borrow for an FHA-insured single-family mortgage in most areas of the U.S. This amount represents 65% of the recently announced FHFA Conforming Loan Limit.
If you live in a high-cost area, the maximum loan limit ceiling is $970,800, which is 150% of the 2022 CLL. But if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you're in luck - your FHA loan limit ceiling is $1,456,200 for a one-unit property.
Here's a quick rundown of the FHA loan limits for 2022:
Keep in mind that these loan limits are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the FHA or a lender for the most up-to-date information.
Expanded Program Updates
We've got some exciting updates to share with you, and they're all about expanding and improving our existing programs.

The 2022 updates include a new module for our popular certification program, which now covers an additional 20% of the curriculum.
This means that students can gain even more knowledge and skills to help them succeed in their careers.
The new module focuses on emerging technologies and trends, so students can stay ahead of the curve.
The certification program now requires 40 hours of coursework, up from 30 hours previously.
Our mentorship program has also been revamped to provide more personalized support and guidance to participants.
Mentors are now matched with mentees based on their specific needs and goals.
Mentors have also been given more training on active listening and effective communication skills.
The mentorship program now has a dedicated online platform for participants to connect and share resources.
The online platform includes discussion forums, webinars, and a library of educational resources.
The platform has been well-received by participants, with 90% reporting an increase in their confidence and skills.
We've also introduced a new scholarship program to support students from underrepresented groups.
The scholarship program provides full tuition coverage for 10 students per year.
The program is open to students from diverse backgrounds and industries.
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Benefits and Implications

The conforming loan amount increase has significant benefits for homebuyers. Homebuyers can now purchase a home for $681,000 with 5% down or $809,000 with 20% down, and avoid the jumbo loan realm.
This means homeownership is within reach for more borrowers. Homebuyers can start using 2022's conforming loan limits right now, allowing borrowers to obtain conventional financing at lower rates.
With the increase in conforming loan limits, homebuyers can now purchase homes that would have qualified for conventional financing a year ago. This is especially true for high-cost areas, where homebuyers can now purchase a home for $1,021,000 with 5% down or $1,213,000 with 20% down.
Homebuyers who previously bought homes that did not qualify for conventional financing may also be able to refinance their jumbo to a conforming loan. If their loan amount is near $647,200, they may be able to take advantage of the conforming loan limit increase.
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Why Act Now?

Several lenders are currently offering the higher conforming loan limit of $802,650.
This gives you a unique window of opportunity to take advantage of the increased amounts before the official nationwide rollout.
Home prices continue to rise, making it a competitive market where acting promptly can give your clients a competitive edge.
Acting now can give your clients the best chance to secure a loan at this higher limit before it becomes more difficult to qualify.
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Background and History
The conforming loan amount increase has a rich history that dates back to 1934 when the Federal Housing Finance Board (FHFB) established the conforming loan limits. The FHFB set the initial conforming loan limit at $40,000.
In 1970, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act increased the conforming loan limit to $27,200. This change allowed more homeowners to qualify for mortgages.
The conforming loan limit has been adjusted periodically since then, with the most recent increase occurring in 2020.
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Understanding the Increase

The new higher conforming loan limit is $802,650, allowing borrowers to purchase more expensive homes without needing jumbo loans.
This limit is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the average U.S. home price, so it's a good idea to check the current limit before making any purchasing decisions.
Government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase or guarantee loans up to this new limit, giving borrowers more options for financing their homes.
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What Are Limits?
The conforming loan limit is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) each year. It determines the maximum size of a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase or guarantee.
This limit is adjusted annually to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price, as required by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA). The baseline conforming loan limit is the starting point for this calculation.
Loans above the conforming loan limit are known as jumbo loans, which typically have higher interest rates and stricter qualifications.
The primary advantage of conforming loans is that they often offer lower interest rates compared to non-conforming loans. This can result in significant savings on your monthly mortgage payment.
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Understanding Higher

The new higher conforming loan limit of $802,650 is now being offered by several lenders, providing borrowers with increased purchasing power.
This limit is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the average U.S. home price, so it's essential to check the current limit before making a purchase.
Government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase or guarantee these loans, making it easier for buyers to secure financing.
The higher conforming loan limit means borrowers can buy more expensive homes without needing a jumbo loan.
Why This Matters
The Expanded Loan Amount Conforming Program is a game-changer for homebuyers. It allows for higher loan amounts to be considered conforming, rather than jumbo loans, which typically have stricter underwriting requirements.
This means better pricing options for homebuyers, as jumbo loans often come with less favorable terms.
You could get a $850,000 home in conforming terms, not jumbo terms, with this program. This is a huge advantage for those looking to purchase high-end properties.
With conforming terms, you'll have more flexibility in your loan options, which can lead to significant savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will conforming loan limits increase in 2024?
No, conforming loan limits decreased from $806,500 in 2025 to $766,550 in 2024.
What is the loan limit increase for 2025?
The loan limit for most of the country is increasing to $806,500 in 2025, a 5.21% increase from the 2024 limit. This change applies to whole loans and MBS pools with issue dates on or after January 1, 2025.
Sources
- https://www.kbhshomeloans.com/2024/04/24/higher-home-loan-limits-make-it-easier-to-build/
- https://www.realestatedailymagazine.com/post/new-conforming-loan-limits
- https://www.rate.com/resources/extended-loan-amount-program
- https://www.apmortgage.com/blog/conforming-loan-limits-increase-2017
- https://loanpronto.com/blog/2022-conforming-loan-limit-increase/
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