Everybody’s best guess as to the conforming loan limit in 2026 seems to be $819,000 as two more major lenders have fallen in line with an “anticipated” loan ceiling at that figure well before the official announcement is made around Thanksgiving.
Following United Wholesale Mortgage’s lead earlier this week, CrossCountry Mortgage and Rate have both said they will buy loans right now up to $819k. Rate also is raising its limit to $1,228,500 in Alaska and Hawaii. PennyMac also has boosted its limit to $819k in all 50 states.
A handful of lenders always jump the gun on the ceiling at which Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase and securitize mortgage. But moving this soon is unprecedented.
But by making “this proactive adjustment” ahead of time, Rate said it is helping buyers and home owners gain access to more affordable financing options.
“This early action not only supports home buyers in a dynamic market — it also empowers our loan officers with the tools and pricing advantages they need to win and serve clients more effectively,” said Jeremy Vollett, chief capital markets officer at the Chicago-based lender. The company has more than 850 branches across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
CrossCountry’s Jenn Stracensky offered a similar statement. “By raising limits early, our Early Bird Program empowers borrowers to act now and move closer to their dream of home ownership,” the CEO said.
CrossCountry is the country’s largest distributed retail mortgage lender with some 700 branches. It also services loans across the 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The actual conforming loan limit is recalculated annually by the Federal Housing Finance Agency to reflect changes in the national average purchase price for conventionally financed single-family homes from one September to the next. The current lid is $806,500.
