Pinole
First-time buyer, software engineer, 8% down on a $720K target.
Outcome: Roger found a 3-bed in Pinole Valley off-market, $695K, no competing offers. 14-day close.
Off-market, single-offer
For first-time Bay Area buyers
Buying your first Bay Area home in 2026 is hard. Doing it without the wrong help is harder.
Roger Grubb has guided dozens of first-time Bay Area buyers across 18 years — through downpayment math, FHA/conventional/VA financing tradeoffs, the 25 neighborhood permutations, the pre-offer modeling, and the negotiation. He spends as much time talking buyers OUT of bad offers as into good ones. DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate. (510) 504-0402.
Who is writing this
Roger has a buyer-win rate roughly double the regional average. He underwrites every deal honestly and tells you in plain English what your monthly cash position looks like after closing — not just what you "can afford" by lender standards.
The process
One person. End to end.
- 01
A free 30-minute buyer-readiness call
Income, savings, credit score, downpayment plan. Roger maps where you stand and which Bay Area sub-markets fit your numbers.
- 02
Lender match + pre-approval
Roger has working relationships with 5+ Bay Area lenders. He sends your file to the one whose product fits your situation — not whichever one paid for ad space.
- 03
Neighborhood walk-throughs
Three to five neighborhoods, on foot, with Roger pointing out the difference between the listing photo and the actual block at 9pm on a Tuesday.
- 04
Pre-offer modeling
For every house worth offering on, Roger models likely sale price, competing-bid scenarios, inspection risks, and what to waive vs. fight for.
- 05
Negotiation + close
Multi-offer if needed. Roger has won 1-of-4 multi-offer scenarios at terms below the others by being precise about what the seller actually values.
Cost
What it costs
Buyer representation is paid by the seller via commission, not by you. Roger charges no upfront retainer or fees.
When to call somebody else
This is probably not the right move if…
- You have <5% downpayment AND <650 credit AND no co-signer. We need to build those numbers first; Roger will refer you to a credit-repair resource.
- You're shopping nationally and just need a Bay Area data point. Roger doesn't play tourist agent.
- You expect to find "deals" 20% below market. The Bay Area in 2026 doesn't produce those.
The record
Recent transactions in this exact situation.
El Cerrito
First-time buyer couple, dual income, 10% down on a $950K target.
Outcome: Lost first two offers, won third in 22 days by writing a clean offer (no contingencies waived recklessly). Closed at $935K.
Won on 3rd offer
Hercules
First-time buyer single parent, VA loan, $850K target.
Outcome: Closed in 31 days with seller paying $8K of closing costs. Roger negotiated the credit.
VA loan + seller credit
Frequently asked
Questions before you call.
How much do I need for a Bay Area downpayment?
Conventional: 5-20% (3% with some lender programs). FHA: 3.5%. VA: 0%. On a $900K home, 5% conventional = $45K cash to close plus another $20-25K in closing costs. Plan for ~$70K total at minimum.
What credit score do I need?
Conventional: 620+ (740+ for best rates). FHA: 580+. VA: 580+. Under 620 is usually a delay-not-deny — focus on credit repair first.
Is it better to wait for prices to drop?
Bay Area median prices are flat to +3.8% YoY in 2026. Waiting often costs more in lost rent + appreciation than the marginal price decline saves. Roger will run the specific math for your situation.
How long does it take to buy?
From first call to keys: typically 60-90 days. Faster with cash, slower with first-time loan products.
Should I use the realtor my lender recommended?
Almost never. Their incentives are aligned with the lender, not you. Roger has no kickback relationships and won't enter into them.
How many homes will I look at?
On average 15-25 in-person, 100+ online. Roger filters out the noise so you're only walking through homes worth your time.
What's the first step?
Free 30-minute call. (510) 504-0402. Bring rough income, savings, and a target neighborhood.
One call.
(510) 504-0402
Roger answers his own phone. The first 20 minutes are free, no pitch.
After-hours emergency? Call or text (406) 205-9003 — 24/7.