How much downpayment do I need for a San Bruno home?
For San Bruno median $1,250,000: 20% conventional ≈ $250,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $43,750. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $275,000 cash to close.
For San Bruno first-time buyers
First-time San Bruno 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 San Bruno. 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.
San Bruno stats: median $1,250,000 · $833/sqft · 14 DOM.
Why San Bruno for first-time buyers
Working-class roots becoming more polished. BART, SFO 5 minutes away, mid-century ranch architecture, walkable downtown on San Mateo Ave.
Roger\'s read: Crestmoor + Rollingwood (above the freeway noise) are the best long-term holds. Pacific Heights of San Bruno is a real thing locals know about.
San Bruno 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 San Bruno?
620+ for conventional, 580+ for FHA. Under 620 is usually delay-not-deny — credit repair first.
What's the first-time buyer process in San Bruno?
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.
San Bruno first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.