How much downpayment do I need for a Lafayette home?
For Lafayette median $2,100,000: 20% conventional ≈ $420,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $73,500. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $462,000 cash to close.
For Lafayette first-time buyers
First-time Lafayette 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 Lafayette. 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.
Lafayette stats: median $2,100,000 · $875/sqft · 14 DOM.
Why Lafayette for first-time buyers
Mature suburban with rural-feeling lots. Acalanes High district is a real estate driver. BART direct to SF, Mt. Diablo views, Lafayette Reservoir trails.
Roger\'s read: Happy Valley and Burton Valley are the Lafayette sweet spots. South of Pleasant Hill Rd. is more transactable; Reliez Valley is the value play within Lafayette.
Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA. Under 620 is usually delay-not-deny — credit repair first.
What's the first-time buyer process in Lafayette?
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.
Lafayette first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.