How much downpayment do I need for a Hillsborough home?
For Hillsborough median $4,850,000: 20% conventional ≈ $970,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $169,750. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $1,067,000 cash to close.
For Hillsborough first-time buyers
First-time Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough. 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.
Hillsborough stats: median $4,850,000 · $1276/sqft · 30 DOM.
Why Hillsborough for first-time buyers
Residential-only luxury. Half-acre minimum lots, mature canopy, three private country clubs. Burlingame-adjacent.
Roger\'s read: North Hillsborough trades fastest. Lower South + Hayne / Tobin areas have the trees + lots. Country Club estates have the prestige.
Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough?
620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA. Under 620 is usually delay-not-deny — credit repair first.
What's the first-time buyer process in Hillsborough?
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.
Hillsborough first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.