A jumbo mortgage means a larger than normal size mortgage. While getting a jumbo size anything usually means getting a good deal - especially when it comes to hamburgers and fries - it may not mean the best deal in the case of mortgages, however. Here are a few things you need to know about jumbo mortgages.

The largest mortgage lenders in the United States - Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, determine mortgage sizes. They determine what is to be considered the standard size each year. Anything above that amount is considered to be what is called a jumbo mortgage. Currently, as of 2006, the amount is set at $417,000. This amount is higher for the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A jumbo mortgage, also referred to as a non-conventional, or non-standard mortgage, also comes with jumbo interest rates. In other words, the amount of interest that you pay for your larger than usual mortgage also comes with higher interest. Part of the reason for this is because the lenders believe that they are at a higher risk for possible loss. Like any other type of loan, though, the interest amounts do vary from one location to another.

For a larger home, jumbo mortgages may be just about the only option you have, but there are still ways around it if the home is not priced too high. Some companies offer a solution in the form of a package mortgage deal - getting a first and second mortgage at the same time. By financing the first mortgage at 80%, you can then get financing on a second mortgage to cover the balance. By going this route, you may also be able to avoid having to pay for private mortgage insurance, too.

A jumbo mortgage is available in either a fixed rate mortgage or as an adjustable rate mortgage. You do need, however, to pay attention to the economy at the time in order to know which way is best at the time. Both have their advantages, and both have their drawbacks depending on which way the economy is going.

Some companies are even offering no doc loans on their jumbo mortgages. Typically this type of mortgage comes with higher interest but some mortgage companies declare that their rates are the same for doc and no doc alike. Other forms may be developing so you will need to do some research to see if another form of jumbo mortgage suits your needs a little better.

As with any loan, you need to do some comparison shopping in order to find the best deal. This means learning the terms that may be involved. The easiest way is to go online and go to a broker website where you can get several mortgage quotes with one application. Separate the principal from the interest and then compare that with the other fees that apply. Before long you will have the best deal. You also may want to investigate the company some, too, if you have not heard of them before.