Why San Francisco buyers choose Save Financial
The country's most jumbo-saturated mortgage market. SF's tech-driven RSU and equity income makes specialized non-QM and asset-depletion programs essential for many buyers.
As a California-licensed mortgage lender shopping across 40+ wholesale and correspondent investors, Save Financial matches each San Francisco borrower to the loan program with the sharpest pricing and most flexible guidelines — not just whatever one bank happens to offer that week.
San Francisco mortgage market: what you need to know
- Median SF sale prices sit above the high-balance conforming limit — virtually every loan is jumbo.
- RSU and equity compensation income requires sophisticated underwriting; not all lenders accept it correctly.
- TIC (Tenancy-in-Common) financing is a specialty product common in SF condos and small multi-units.
- SF's tiered transfer tax can exceed 6%; structuring the purchase contract correctly matters.
- Self-employed founder and consultant population makes bank statement loans highly relevant.
San Francisco transfer tax
Tiered: 0.5% under $250K up to 6% on transfers above $25M. Highest transfer tax in the state.
Best loan programs for San Francisco
Based on Save Financial's funded-loan data for San Francisco and San Francisco County over the past 18 months, these are the most-used loan programs in this market:
Jumbo Loan
Best fit for San FranciscoNon-QM Bank Statement Loan
Best fit for San FranciscoConventional Loan
Best fit for San FranciscoHELOC
Best fit for San FranciscoRefinance
Best fit for San FranciscoSan Francisco neighborhoods we lend in
We've funded loans throughout the San Francisco metro, including:
Pacific Heights · Noe Valley · Russian Hill · Mission District · Sunset · Richmond · Castro · SoMa · Marina · Hayes Valley
And every other neighborhood and ZIP code in the San Francisco County area. If your target home is in California, we can finance it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the conforming loan limit in San Francisco?
the conforming loan limit in San Francisco County is $1,209,750 for one-unit properties. Loans above this amount are classified as jumbo loans. Save Financial originates both conforming and jumbo loans for San Francisco buyers.
What is the median home price in San Francisco?
The current median home price in San Francisco is approximately $1,440,000. Pricing varies significantly by neighborhood — Pacific Heights and Noe Valley typically trade above median, while inland and outer neighborhoods offer more accessible pricing.
How much is the transfer tax in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, the real estate transfer tax is Tiered: 0.5% under $250K up to 6% on transfers above $25M. Highest transfer tax in the state.
What loan programs work best in San Francisco?
Based on Save Financial's lending data, the most-used loan programs in San Francisco are: Jumbo Loan, Non-QM Bank Statement Loan, Conventional Loan, HELOC, Refinance. The specific program that fits you depends on your credit, down payment, employment type, and target neighborhood.
Does Save Financial close loans in San Francisco?
Yes. Save Financial is licensed across all 58 California counties, including San Francisco County. We close loans in every San Francisco ZIP code with an closes loans efficiently when borrower documentation is complete.
How much do I need to put down to buy a home in San Francisco?
It depends on the loan program. For a conventional loan in San Francisco, the minimum down payment is 3% for first-time buyers and 5% for repeat buyers. For an FHA loan, it's 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher. For a VA loan (military service members and veterans), it's $0 down. For a jumbo loan above $1,209,750, most lenders require 10-20% down. On a $1,440,000 home, that means: $20,000-$30,000 for FHA, $30,000-$50,000 for conventional, or $130,000-$260,000 for jumbo.
What credit score do I need for a San Francisco mortgage?
Minimum credit score depends on the loan program: FHA accepts 580+, VA typically 620+, Conventional 620–680, and Jumbo 700+ for best rates. See our loan program pages for credit score requirements by program, or get a custom quote tied to your actual score.
How long does it take to close on a home in San Francisco?
Save Financial closes San Francisco mortgages efficiently when documentation is complete. The the national average is meaningfully longer. We close faster because we use in-house underwriting, electronic document signing, and have direct relationships with appraisers throughout the area. Fast closes give your offer a competitive advantage — sellers prefer buyers who can close efficiently.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information — it tells you roughly what you might qualify for. Pre-approval is a verified commitment based on documented income, credit pull, and asset verification — it shows sellers you can actually close. In a competitive San Francisco market, you need pre-approval to get your offer taken seriously. Save Financial provides full underwritten pre-approvals in 24 hours.
Can self-employed borrowers get a mortgage in San Francisco?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers in San Francisco have several options: conventional loans using 2 years of tax returns, bank statement loans using 12-24 months of business or personal deposits (no tax returns needed), or asset-based loans that qualify on investment portfolio rather than income. Save Financial originates all three. Bank statement loans are especially popular with San Francisco business owners who write off expenses heavily and show low taxable income.
Buying in San Francisco? Let's talk.
Get a custom rate quote in 60 seconds. A California-licensed loan officer who knows the San Francisco market will reach out within one business hour.