The Bridgewaters, Massachusetts

For the 4th straight year, the conforming mortgage loan limit will remain at $417,000.

What is a conforming loan? A conforming mortgage is one that conforms to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage underwriting requirements. Banks and lenders can sell these mortgages to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac which make up the bulk of the mortgage backed securities. 

FHA mortgage limits are based on up to 125 percent of the area's median housing prices, a variety of housing types, and the state and county in which the property is located.

The conforming, conforming jumbo and FHA loan limits for single family homes, townhomes and condos in Massachusetts for 2009 are as follows:

Loans in excess of conforming and conforming jumbo loan limits are referred to as "jumbo" or "super jumbo" home loans, depending on their size. Jumbo mortgages are often more costly than conforming mortgages because they do not have the backing of the U.S. government.