Best Jumbo Loan Lender in Raleigh, NC (2026 Update)

If you’re shopping for a luxury or high-value home in Raleigh NC, you’ve likely crossed the new 2026 conforming loan limit of $819,000. That’s when you enter the world of jumbo loans — where strategy, structure, and experience matter more than ever.

At Martini Mortgage Group, led by Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini, we specialize in designing fiduciary-level jumbo loan strategies for homebuyers and homeowners across Raleigh, Wake County, the Triangle, and all 100 counties of North Carolina.

As one of the most trusted mortgage lenders in Raleigh, our mission is simple: help clients protect their wealth, leverage equity intelligently, and finance luxury homes with clarity, confidence, and long-term financial strategy.

What Is a Jumbo Loan (a.k.a., jumbo home loan or jumbo mortgage)?

A jumbo loan, also known as a non-conforming mortgage, is a home loan that exceeds the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits — which for 2026 are set at $819,000 for most North Carolina counties, including Wake County and the Raleigh metropolitan area.

According to Investopedia, a jumbo loan finances luxury or high-value properties that fall outside conforming loan limits. These loans aren’t guaranteed or purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; they’re funded and held by private or portfolio lenders.

Because jumbo loans aren’t federally backed, they come with stricter qualification standards — higher credit scores, stronger income documentation, and larger down payments. Yet, they also provide greater flexibility, especially when structured by a fiduciary mortgage strategist who aligns your financing with your wealth plan and lifestyle goals.

At Martini Mortgage Group, we craft jumbo loan strategies for Raleigh homebuyers and homeowners that balance purchasing power with long-term financial confidence.

In simple terms:

• Conforming Loan: Up to $819,000 — eligible for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac backing.
• Jumbo Loan: Above $819,000 — privately funded, customized, ideal for luxury properties in Raleigh NC and throughout North Carolina.

Why Raleigh Buyers Need Jumbo Financing in 2026

The Raleigh luxury housing market — from North Hills to Inside the Beltline, Cary, and Wake Forest — continues to thrive.

Home prices in many desirable neighborhoods now exceed $900,000–$1.5 million, making jumbo financing a necessity, not a niche.

Here’s why Raleigh jumbo borrowers are on the rise:

✅ Home appreciation & demand: High-income professionals, remote-work relocations, and new corporate headquarters keep demand elevated.
✅ Equity growth: Many move-up buyers leverage their existing equity to purchase their next home without selling.
✅ Low inventory: Competition for luxury listings often requires “Same-as-Cash Mortgage Approval” to stand out.

Who Typically Uses Jumbo Home Loans?

A jumbo home loan is ideal for:

• High-income professionals such as physicians, tech executives, or entrepreneurs
• Buyers with complex income (self-employed, K-1, or investment income)
• Move-up buyers retaining their first home as a rental
• Investors or second-home buyers purchasing in higher-value markets

At Martini Mortgage Group, we help you qualify strategically — optimizing your debt-to-income ratio, liquidity reserves, and documentation so your jumbo financing is smooth and predictable.

Jumbo Loan Options Offered in Raleigh NC

Before diving into specific jumbo loan programs, it’s important to understand that jumbo financing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right structure depends on your income profile, assets, and long-term goals — not just your loan size.

Kevin Martini and Logan Martini specialize in Raleigh NC jumbo loans designed through a fiduciary lens — meaning we focus on your financial strategy, not the lender’s bottom line.

Whether you’re buying a luxury property in North Hills, refinancing in Wake Forest, or upgrading in Inside the Beltline, we help you select the right jumbo financing option to balance flexibility, liquidity, and long-term wealth.

Traditional Jumbo Loan

Perfect for borrowers with stable income and strong credit who want predictable payments.

• Fixed or adjustable-rate options for loan amounts above $819,000
• Flexible term structures (15-, 20-, or 30-year)
• Ideal for luxury homes in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake County

Expanded / Non-QM Jumbo Loan

Designed for borrowers with non-traditional financial profiles — including business owners, self-employed professionals, or retirees — who may not fit standard underwriting boxes.

• Qualify using bank statements, assets, or rental income instead of tax returns
• Flexible debt-to-income allowances
• Excellent for entrepreneurs or investors seeking custom jumbo home loans in Raleigh

Portfolio Jumbo Loan

A custom-designed jumbo mortgage that’s held and serviced by the lender — ideal for high-net-worth borrowers seeking flexibility beyond standard loan programs.

• Tailored underwriting (e.g., complex income, unique assets, trust or partnership ownership)
• Custom repayment terms, adjustable features, and asset-based qualification
• Best for clients who want discreet, strategic jumbo financing in Raleigh, NC

How to Qualify for a Jumbo Home Loan in Raleigh, NC

Qualifying for a jumbo loan can feel more complex — but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward and strategic.

Here’s what lenders (and fiduciary-style advisors like us) evaluate most:

• Credit Score: Typically 700+, though exceptions exist with compensating factors.
• Down Payment: Usually 10–20%, depending on the property and program.
• Income Documentation: Verified via W-2s, tax returns, or alternative documentation (for Non-QM loans).
• Cash Reserves: Expect to show 6–12 months of mortgage payments in reserves.
• Appraisal Review: Jumbo properties often require two independent appraisals.

At Martini Mortgage Group, we make the qualification process transparent — helping you understand why each factor matters and how to optimize it before you apply.

Why Raleigh Homebuyers Choose Martini Mortgage Group for Jumbo Financing

Choosing the best jumbo loan lender in Raleigh, NC isn’t about who advertises the lowest rate.
It’s about who provides clarity, consistency, and confidence — before, during, and long after closing.

Here’s why discerning borrowers choose us:

✅ Loan-First Strategy: We start with your wealth goals and cash flow, not a rate sheet.
✅ Fiduciary Guidance: Your best interest is our only interest.
✅ Same-as-Cash Mortgage Approval: Compete confidently in Raleigh’s high-end housing market.
✅ Mortgages Under Management: Ongoing monitoring to capture refinance or restructuring opportunities.
✅ Local + Experienced: Decades of insight into Wake County’s luxury housing trends and lender programs.

Common Mistakes Raleigh Jumbo Borrowers Should Avoid

🚫 Starting with a bank instead of a strategist — Banks can only offer their own limited menu of loan

🚫 Overleveraging cash reserves — Liquidity is king for jumbo buyers; structure matters.

🚫 Assuming all jumbo loans are alike — Each lender has unique rate, reserve, and documentation rules.

🚫 Ignoring post-closing strategy — The right advisor helps you manage your mortgage for life.

TL;DR: Why the Best Jumbo Loan Lender in Raleigh NC Matters for Luxury Buyers

If your dream home in Raleigh, NC or across Wake County exceeds the new $819,000 conforming loan limit, you’ll need a jumbo mortgage — but not just any jumbo loan will do.

If your dream home in Raleigh, NC or across Wake County exceeds the new $819,000 conforming loan limit, you’ll need a jumbo mortgage — but not just any jumbo loan will do.

✅ Jumbo loans (also called non-conforming mortgages) finance luxury or high-value properties that fall outside traditional Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limits.

✅ Because they’re privately funded, they require higher credit scores, more documentation, and stronger financial profiles — but offer unmatched flexibility when structured by a fiduciary mortgage strategist.

✅ At Martini Mortgage Group, led by Kevin Martini and Logan Martini, we specialize in creating custom jumbo financing strategies for Raleigh homebuyers and homeowners that align with wealth, lifestyle, and long-term financial goals.

✅ We offer multiple options — including Traditional Jumbo, Non-QM Jumbo, and Portfolio Jumbo Loans — all tailored to Raleigh’s competitive housing market.

✅ Our Loan-First Strategy ensures you understand your comfort zone before you shop, and our Mortgages Under Management program helps you manage your wealth after closing.

Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or restructuring, the smartest move isn’t to chase the lowest rate — it’s to work with a team that acts in your best interest every step of the way.

📞 The Martini Mortgage Group is the best jumbo loan lender in Raleigh NC, helping North Carolina’s most discerning buyers finance confidently, strategically, and for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jumbo Loans in Raleigh NC