How is it different from a jumbo refinance?

High-balance follows agency rules and is usually easier and cheaper. Jumbo is above the ceiling with stricter rules. See Jumbo Refinance.

What is the 2026 high-balance range?

$832,750 up to $1,249,125 in high-cost California counties.

Yes, with a high-balance cash-out refinance. See Cash-Out Refinance.

What credit score do I need?

Generally 620+, though higher helps.

Do all counties have high-balance loans?

No. Only high-cost counties have a band above the baseline.

Yes, usually at about 20% equity, like other conventional loans.

Will I need an appraisal?

Usually yes, to confirm your home's value.

What if my loan is above the ceiling?

You would use a jumbo refinance. See Jumbo Refinance.

It depends on your savings, costs, and timeline. See Refinance Check-Up (Is it worth it).

Licensed in California · NMLS #362311

Check loan status Borrower sign in

EZOnline MortgageCalifornia Home Loans

(818) 305-6704 Apply now

EZOnline MortgageCalifornia Home Loans

Apply

Home›Refinance›High-Balance Refinance

Refinance · Refinance Types

High-Balance Refinance in California.

In high-cost California counties, there is a loan that sits between conforming and jumbo: the high-balance loan. You can refinance one just like any conventional loan, often with easier terms than jumbo. This page explains a high-balance refinance, in plain language.

If your loan is in the $832,750–$1,249,125 range in a high-cost county, this is for you. Let's break it down.

Start Refinance Rates Estimate my savings

A large two-story California home eligible for a high-balance refinance

Quick answer

A high-balance refinance replaces a high-balance loan — one between $832,750 and $1,249,125 in high-cost California counties (2026) — with a new high-balance loan. Because it follows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules, it is usually easier and cheaper than a jumbo refinance. You can do a rate-and-term or cash-out high-balance refinance.

What this means

California has three loan bands:

A high-balance refinance keeps you in that middle band, which follows agency rules. That means simpler qualifying and often better terms than jumbo. See High-Balance (County Limits).

Conforming: up to $832,750.

High-balance (super-conforming): $832,750–$1,249,125 in high-cost counties.

Jumbo: above $1,249,125.

Step by step

How It Works (Step by Step)

Confirm your band. Your loan is above $832,750 but at or below your county's ceiling.

Set your goal. Rate, term, or cash.

Get a quote. A lender shows your new rate and costs.

Appraisal. Usually required to confirm value.

Follow agency rules. Standard conventional guidelines apply.

Close. Your old loan is replaced.

High-Balance vs Jumbo Refinance

FeatureHigh-Balance RefinanceJumbo Refinance

Loan range$832,750–$1,249,125 (high-cost)Above $1,249,125

RulesAgency (Fannie/Freddie)Lender's own

QualifyingEasierStricter

ReservesStandardOften larger

See Jumbo Refinance.

Requirements (At a Glance)

RequirementTypical high-balance rule

Credit score~620+ (higher helps)

EquityMore equity gives more options

IncomeMust qualify for the new loan

AppraisalUsually required

Loan bandAbove baseline, at or below the high-cost ceiling

Benefits

Easier than jumbo. Follows agency rules.

Often cheaper. Standard guidelines and reserves.

Cash-out option. Access equity within the band. See Cash-Out Refinance.

PMI can be removed. Like other conventional loans, at ~20% equity.

Great for high-cost counties. Avoids jumbo's stricter terms.

Potential Drawbacks (The Honest Part)

Only in high-cost counties. Most counties only have the baseline.

Closing costs. Include them in your math.

Could reset your loan. A new term can add interest.

Above the ceiling, you need jumbo. See Jumbo Refinance.

Real-world California examples

What it looks like in practice

Example 1 — Rate drop in Santa Clara.

Priya has a $1.1 million high-balance loan. Rates fell, so she refinances to a lower rate with standard agency terms.

Example 2 — Cash-out within the band in Los Angeles.

Marcus does a high-balance cash-out refinance to access equity while staying under the ceiling. See Cash-Out Refinance.

Example 3 — Falling from jumbo into high-balance in Orange County.

The Lee family's balance dropped below the high-cost ceiling, so they refinance from jumbo into a high-balance loan with easier terms. See Jumbo Refinance.

Examples are for learning only. Your terms depend on your loan, equity, and county.

Common mistakes

1Assuming you need a jumbo refinance. High-balance may apply under the ceiling.

2Not checking the county ceiling. Limits differ across California.

3Forgetting closing costs. Always include them.

4Overlooking PMI removal. Like other conventional loans.

5Ignoring the break-even. See Refinance Check-Up (Is it worth it).

6Mixing up the bands. Baseline is $832,750; ceiling can reach $1,249,125.

Good questions

Frequently asked questions

Refinancing a loan in the high-balance band ($832,750–$1,249,125 in high-cost counties) into a new high-balance loan.

Next steps

Simpler and cheaper than jumbo

If your loan is in the high-balance band in a high-cost county, a high-balance refinance can be simpler and cheaper than jumbo. Check your county ceiling and run the break-even. EZ Online Mortgage can check your county's 2026 limits and compare high-balance and jumbo refinance options.

Start Refinance Rates (818) 305-6704

Keep learning

High-Balance (County Limits) Jumbo Refinance Cash-Out Refinance Refinance Check-Up (Is it worth it)

This page is for education only. It is not a loan offer or a promise of approval, rates, savings, or terms. County limits and qualification depend on your individual circumstances. Equal Housing Opportunity · NMLS #362311 · CA DRE #01871814.

Call Start my application