How much downpayment do I need for a San Rafael home?
For San Rafael median $1,390,000: 20% conventional ≈ $278,000, FHA 3.5% ≈ $48,650. Plus 1-2% closing costs. Most first-time buyers plan for $305,800 cash to close.
For San Rafael first-time buyers
First-time San Rafael 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 Rafael. 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 Rafael stats: median $1,390,000 · $794/sqft · 19 DOM.
Why San Rafael for first-time buyers
Marin geography without Marin's top-tier prices. Mediterranean climate, walkable downtown, Dominican University, easy 101 access.
Roger\'s read: Sun Valley + Terra Linda are the best schools-for-dollar in Marin. Loch Lomond + Dominican stretch have view homes Marin people don't talk about.
San Rafael 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 Rafael?
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 Rafael?
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 Rafael first-time buyer? One call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.