Your Real Estate Expert for Berkeley and Beyond
“Marilyn is exceptional. Her knowledge base, enthusiasm for her job, professional ethics, organization, sensitivity to our aesthetic requirements, loyalty and gentle perseverance set her apart.”
-- Bill and Carol Seidel
Marilyn Garcia, PhD
Broker Associate, Realtor®
DRE# 02014153
District Homes
1758 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94707
Direct:
(510) 390-5406
NEW LOAN LIMITS
Good news for homebuyers and sellers in 2026: the limit for conforming loans in high-cost areas (including much of the Bay Area) has increased once again, to $1,149,825.
Why does this matter? Conforming loans, which meet the guidelines for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, typically come with lower interest rates and require smaller down payments than jumbo loans. With the new, higher limit, more Berkeley buyers can now qualify for conforming loans, even for homes priced well above the loan limit once you factor in the down payment. This expands financing options and helps reduce monthly costs for many buyers.
The limits are even higher for properties with two to four units. For example, duplexes in high-cost areas now qualify for conforming loans up to $1,472,250. The limit rises to $1,779,525 for triplexes and $2,211,600 for fourplexes. This opens up more opportunities for buyers interested in house-hacking, multi-generational living, or building long-term wealth through rental income.
In a market like ours, where affordability is always a challenge, that extra flexibility can be a real boost. It could bring some move-up buyers back into the market and help first-time buyers compete more effectively. Anything that makes borrowing easier and more affordable is likely to support both demand and price stability in our area as we move into the spring season.
