The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is raising the baseline conforming loan limit (CLL) for 2024, and we’re here to help you understand what this means.
According to the FHFA*, laws restrict Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to
“purchasing single-family mortgages with origination balances that are below a certain amount.”
Read on to learn the reason behind this limit change, what these limits are in the Colorado counties we serve, and what the increase means for homebuyers.
Why has the limit been raised?
The loan limit increase comes as housing prices continue rising, though at a slower rate than seen in 2021 and 2022. With an increased loan limit, homebuyers can more easily borrow enough to cover the cost of their new home purchases.
Home values rose 5.5% between the third quarter 2022 and the third quarter of 2023, with a 2.1% gain between the quarters. In most counties across the country, the 2024 baseline conforming loan limit for a single-family home is $766,550. That’s an increase of $40,350 from the 2023 baseline limit of $726,200.
What does this mean in high-cost areas?
High-cost areas are counties such as Boulder, where the loan limit has a higher “ceiling” due to the higher costs of housing. Read on to see the limits in the Colorado counties we serve.
What does this mean for borrowers?
Higher conforming loan limits are an “added value” to the homebuyer. They allow you to purchase a higher-priced home while keeping your loan amount in a CLL that has more flexibility with underwriting guidelines and programs.
Below, you’ll find a snapshot of conforming loan limits for one-unit properties in the counties within our field of membership.
New limits in the Colorado counties we serve:
| New Conforming Loan Limit | One-Unit Property |
|---|---|
| Larimer, Weld, Grand, El Paso, Mesa, and Delta Counties | $766,550 |
| Boulder County | $856,750 |
| Denver, Broomfield, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Douglas, Park, Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Adams Counties | $816,500 |
| Summit County | $1,006,250 |
| Eagle County | $1,149,825 |
If you’re looking to better understand loan limits as part of the homebuying process and want to find out more, please contact our mortgage team. We are here to help. You may also check our mortgage resources or attend a complimentary mortgage seminar.
