“Super impressed with how fast and smooth the whole process was — especially given my complex RSU comp structure that traditional banks kept discounting.
Eric and the team had no problem including my full base + RSU compensation. They were extremely fast, set clear expectations from the start, and followed through on everything they promised.
Honestly one of the easiest and most stress-free mortgage experiences I’ve ever had. Highly recommend!”
Non-QM and Jumbo Loans for Chicago’s Most Desirable Properties
Buying a luxury home in North Shore communities like Highland Park, and Northbrook requires a mortgage strategy as sophisticated as the properties themselves. As a local mortgage broker, we deliver exactly that. We specialize in Jumbo Loans in Chicago and flexible Non-QM programs, providing custom financing solutions for borrowers.
Jumbo & Non-QM Loan Options Built for Chicago’s Top Neighborhoods
Financing a high-value home in Chicago or the North Shore calls for a jumbo mortgage built for larger loan amounts and more complex financial profiles. Our Illinois jumbo loans give buyers the flexibility and speed to compete in markets like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, River North, Gold Coast, Bucktown, Highland Park, Winnetka, and Glencoe.
- Higher Loan Amounts: Finance premium condos, single-family homes, and luxury estates beyond conforming loan limits.
- More Than a 30-Year Fixed: Choose from jumbo ARM options, including 7/1 and 10/1 loans, for buyers who expect to sell, refinance, or relocate within several years.
- Competitive Jumbo Rates: Strong borrowers can access attractive jumbo pricing across fixed and adjustable-rate options.
- Fast Pre-Approvals: Get a strong pre-approval quickly so you can compete confidently for higher-priced homes across Chicago and the North Shore.
- Flexible Qualification: Self-employed buyers can use bank statement loans, while high-net-worth borrowers may qualify through asset depletion mortgages or no-ratio loans when traditional income documentation falls short.
- Proven Jumbo Experience: Our 1,000+ client reviews reflect the communication, creative financing options, and reliable closings borrowers expect from LendFriend.
Loan Programs To Suit Every Borrower's Needs!
With access to hundreds of mortgage investors, LendFriend helps borrowers secure jumbo loans through a wide range of programs, including bank statement loans, asset depletion, and crypto mortgages. We focus on finding smart options for buyers with more complex financial profiles.
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Asset Depletion Mortgage for HNW Individuals
Turn your assets into qualifying income with a jumbo asset depletion loan to finance a high-value home without relying on traditional salary documentation.
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Bank Statement Loans in North Shore
Flexible underwriting through jumbo bank statement loans lets business owners and freelancers qualify using actual cash flow instead of standard W-2s or tax returns.
Crypto-Backed Mortgages for Bitcoin and Ethereum Investors
Use cryptocurrency holdings as collateral to buy a home while keeping your digital assets intact. A jumbo crypto mortgage is the large-balance structure for North Shore crypto investors, with eligible holdings discounted and converted into monthly income.
RSU Mortgages For Tech Employees
Use vested stock grants and restricted units to recognize income and secure faster home financing.
Buy Before You Sell
Purchase your next home before selling your current property to simplify timing and reduce stress in competitive markets.
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VA Jumbo Loans in Chicago
Eligible veterans and active-duty service members buying higher-priced homes may be able to use a VA loan above the conventional limits with $0 down, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates.
How We Get You Approved for a Jumbo Loan
Many high-income and high-net-worth borrowers in Chicago’s North Shore have income that does not fit neatly into traditional jumbo guidelines. LendFriend offers flexible jumbo and Non-QM loan options for buyers in Highland Park, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest, and surrounding markets.
Self-Employed or 1099 → Qualify using 12–24 months of bank statements instead of traditional tax-return income
Bonus, RSU or Stock Income → Use eligible variable and equity compensation to increase qualifying income
Higher DTI → Jumbo programs available with debt-to-income ratios up to 50%
Recent Credit Event → Alternative jumbo programs may be available when conventional guidelines are too restrictive
Significant Investment Assets → Eligible brokerage, retirement, and other liquid assets can strengthen qualification and reserve requirements
Start Your Jumbo Loan Application Now
Take the first step toward your North Shore home. Whether you’re looking at a Highland Park estate or a Northbrook residence, our team will match you with a competitive jumbo or Non-QM loan for your Illinois home loan, including options with 10% down and investor-friendly terms.
Your path to closing starts here:
Apply Online in Minutes - Get a preliminary review and rate assessment quickly.
Same-Day Consultations - We’ll review your goals and walk through the loan options that fit.
Move Forward with Certainty - Receive a clear closing timeline. Many local clients close in 30 days or less, with qualified borrowers able to close in as little as 14 days.
Why Choose LendFriend for Your Jumbo Loan in Chicago
We live and breathe jumbo and non-QM loans, we pride ourselves on closing deals that the big banks reject. From Gold Coast condos to Winnetka lakefront estates, we deliver same-day pre-approvals that win offers, zero lender fees on most files, and one dedicated loan officer from application to funding.
Self-employed, RSU-heavy tech execs, doctors, investors, crypto holders, and buyers with recent credit events, we approve and close them every week with lower rates and faster timelines than retail banks. You get wholesale pricing, flexibility, and zero runaround.
Around the Clock
Our team is available 7 days a week to answer questions, review options, and guide you through the jumbo loan process from application to closing.
Flexible Loan Programs
Choose from fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (7/1, 10/1), non-QM, bank statement, or asset depletion programs personalized to complex incomes or self-employed borrowers.
Get Pre-Approved Quickly
Our jumbo preapproval process strengthens your offer and gives sellers confidence in your ability to close on higher-priced properties. You can apply for a jumbo loan online in minutes, making it faster and easier to get started.
Top Rates Without Hidden Fees
We shop multiple lenders to secure the best jumbo rates for your profile, with no unnecessary points, hidden fees, or last-minute changes.
Dedicated, Personalized Guidance
Your jumbo mortgage specialist understands Chicago’s luxury market, structures applications for approval, and guides you through underwriting from start to finish.
Access to High-Value Properties
Finance luxury homes, condos, and estates that exceed the Illinois jumbo loan limit. We help buyers understand higher loan amounts without worry and flexibility.
BORROWER TESTIMONIALS
See Why Jumbo Borrowers Choose LendFriend Mortgage
See how homebuyers across the country have worked with LendFriend Mortgage to navigate larger loan amounts, complex income, and jumbo mortgage financing.
★★★★★
“Eric is my go to guy for all lending needs. This is my third time with Lendfriend and will be back for future purchases and refi!”
“The team at LendFriend made buying our home in Florida so easy. We had an expiring lease and LendFriend was able to move very quickly to get us closed in under 30 days before the lease ended.
They also got us a great rate on a jumbo loan and were available day and night to answer all of our questions. If you’re looking for a mortgage broker that makes the process stress-free while still getting you a great rate, you have to call LendFriend.”
“We had a great experience working with LendFriend, specifically, Michael and team. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the entire process. Communication was clear, and they made everything feel smooth and easy.”
“LendFriend is the absolute best. I found them after I was denied by a lender due to an appraisal issue. I spoke with dozens of lenders, but LendFriend was the only one that could figure out a solution.
They were able to close my jumbo loan in less than 3 weeks and hit my closing date. If you need a lender to step in and save the day, call LendFriend!”
“The staff from my new favorite mortgage company Lendfriend is the best experience I’ve ever had from any lending organization...Their customer Service was very attentive and always prepared to assist me in every way...Ask for Eric !!”
FAQs – Getting a Jumbo Loan In Illinois
What loan amount qualifies as a jumbo loan in Cook County?
In Cook County, the 2026 conforming loan limit for a one-unit property is $832,750. Any mortgage above this amount is considered a jumbo loan.
Because home prices in communities like Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northbrook often exceed this threshold, jumbo mortgages are the standard financing option for many North Shore buyers.
How much can I borrow with a jumbo loan?
With strong qualifications, jumbo loans in Cook County can reach well into the multi-million range. Approval depends on factors like credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and reserves. Higher credit and more reserves unlock lower jumbo rates and better terms.
Do jumbo loans require perfect credit?
No. While a 750+ score helps secure the best jumbo pricing, borrowers with slightly lower scores can still qualify if they show compensating strengths, such as a larger down payment or significant liquid assets.
Can I get a jumbo loan if I’m self-employed or have complex income?
Yes. We offer non-QM jumbo programs like bank-statement mortgages and asset-depletion loans. These allow entrepreneurs, consultants, high net worth individuals and retirees who want to live along Chicago's North Shore qualify without relying on W-2s or traditional tax returns.
What property types are eligible for jumbo financing?
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, second homes, and 2–4 unit investment properties. In the North Shore, that might mean a historic estate in Winnetka, a modern lakefront home in Highland Park, or a luxury new construction in Glencoe. We match you with jumbo lenders that offer the best fit for your property type.
How do jumbo loan interest rates compare to conventional rates?
In Cook County, 30-year jumbo mortgage rates are often very competitive with conventional loan rates—and in some cases, even lower. Many North Shore borrowers choose jumbo ARM rates like a 7/1 or 10/1 if they expect to refinance, sell, or relocate within a few years. We compare current jumbo mortgage rates across lenders to ensure you secure the best structure for your situation.
Can I refinance a jumbo loan?
30-year jumbo mortgage rates are often very competitive with conventional loan rates—and in some cases, even lower. Many North Shore borrowers choose jumbo ARM rates like a 7/1 or 10/1 if they expect to refinance, sell, or relocate within a few years. We compare current jumbo mortgage rates across lenders to ensure you secure the best structure for your situation.
Can I use a jumbo cash-out refinance on a home in Chicago's North Shore?
Yes. Many owners in Winnetka, Glencoe and Lake Forest rely on a jumbo cash-out refinance when they want liquidity without selling the home or their investments. On a Chicago's North Shore home, expect the maximum loan-to-value, reserve requirement and pricing to shift with the loan amount, which is why we compare several jumbo lenders before you apply. If you own in Chicago's North Shore and have VA eligibility, a VA cash-out refinance or a VA jumbo cash-out refinance may let you access more of your equity than conventional jumbo guidelines permit.
Do jumbo loans require 10% down?
Many jumbo programs start at 10% down for strong borrowers, but requirements vary by lender, loan size, property type, and borrower profile. In competitive high-cost markets like Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka and Northbrook, most lenders will require 20% down, especially on luxury condos, second homes, or investment properties. At LendFriend, we recommend using a 20% down payment if you want access to the best jumbo loan rates.