How much downpayment do I need for a Cupertino home?
For Cupertino median $2,650,000: 20% conventional ≈ $530,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $92,750. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $583,000 cash to close.
For Cupertino first-time buyers
First-time Cupertino home-buyer realtor — honest guidance, no upsell.
Roger Grubb is a 18-year Bay Area realtor (DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate) who has guided dozens of first-time buyers through Cupertino. He spends as much time talking buyers OUT of bad offers as into good ones — buyer-win rate roughly 2x the regional average. Free 30-min readiness call: (510) 504-0402.
Cupertino stats: median $2,650,000 · $1472/sqft · 9 DOM.
Why Cupertino for first-time buyers
Suburban Silicon Valley, Asian-majority demographics, hyper-focused on schools. Apple Park dominates the city. Strong shopping and dining at Main Street.
Roger\'s read: The "Monta Vista catchment" streets trade at a 10-15% premium over the rest of CUSD. Hyde Avenue Middle School zone is the entry-tier for the district.
Cupertino first-time buyer FAQ
Do I need 20% down?
No. Conventional loans go to 3% down with PMI. FHA at 3.5%. VA at 0%. The right answer depends on your monthly cash flow tolerance and how long you plan to hold the home.
What credit score do I need to buy in Cupertino?
620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA. Under 620 is usually delay-not-deny — credit repair first.
What's the first-time buyer process in Cupertino?
1) Free 30-min readiness call. 2) Lender pre-approval. 3) Neighborhood walk-throughs. 4) Pre-offer modeling. 5) Negotiation + close. Roger does all 5 personally.
Cupertino first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.