How much downpayment do I need for a Richmond home?
For Richmond median $695,000: 20% conventional ≈ $139,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $24,325. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $152,900 cash to close.
For Richmond first-time buyers
First-time Richmond 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 Richmond. 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.
Richmond stats: median $695,000 · $480/sqft · 17 DOM.
Why Richmond for first-time buyers
A working-class city with deep history and pockets of beauty (Point Richmond, Marina Bay) being rediscovered. Where Roger’s current duplex listing on Van Fleet Ave lives.
Roger\'s read: The Annex (where the Van Fleet listing lives) is quietly one of the best value-per-sqft plays in the inner East Bay. Point Richmond holds value through downturns better than the rest of the city.
Richmond 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 Richmond?
620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA. Under 620 is usually delay-not-deny — credit repair first.
What's the first-time buyer process in Richmond?
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.
Richmond first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.