Non-conforming loans, also known as jumbo loans or non-conventional loans, are mortgage loans that do not meet the criteria established by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans often exceed the maximum loan limits set for conforming loans and may not adhere to standardized lending criteria. Non-conforming loans typically exceed the maximum loan amount limits set for conforming loans, making them suitable for higher-priced properties or borrowers seeking larger loan amounts. These loans may have more flexible lending criteria, including requirements for higher credit scores, larger down payments, and different debt-to-income ratios compared to conforming loans. Non-conforming loans are less attractive to lenders for sale in the secondary mortgage market, as they carry more risk due to their non-standardized nature. As a result, lenders often hold these loans in their own portfolios.