How much downpayment do I need for a San Mateo home?
For San Mateo median $1,780,000: 20% conventional ≈ $356,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $62,300. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $391,600 cash to close.
For San Mateo first-time buyers
First-time San Mateo 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo stats: median $1,780,000 · $962/sqft · 14 DOM.
Why San Mateo for first-time buyers
Larger and more varied than its Peninsula neighbors. From mid-priced Hillsdale to luxury Hayward Park to walkable downtown San Mateo.
Roger\'s read: Aragon HS catchment is the school sweet spot. Hayward Park is the historic-architecture gem. Shoreview/Sugar Loaf has the most upside.
San Mateo 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 Mateo?
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 Mateo?
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 Mateo first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.