First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide: Redwood City to Millbrae and Beyond

by Alexander Kononoff

Buying your first home is exciting—but in the Bay Area, it can also be overwhelming. With high prices, fast-paced sales, and competitive offers, first-time buyers in Peninsula cities like Redwood City, Menlo Park, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Portola Valley, and Atherton need more than luck—they need a plan.

Whether you’re buying a cozy condo in San Mateo or dreaming of a single-family home in San Carlos, here’s what you need to know before taking the leap.

1. Get Pre-Approved Early

In competitive markets like Burlingame and Menlo Park, serious buyers come to the table with a mortgage pre-approval letter in hand. It shows sellers you’re ready—and helps you set a realistic budget from the start.

Pro Tip: Work with a local lender who understands Peninsula property types, especially if you're considering a condo or townhouse with HOA fees.

2. Understand What You Can Afford

Home prices vary widely across the Peninsula:

Foster City offers newer construction and planned communities with great schools and waterfront living.
Belmont and San Carlos feature hillside homes and charming suburban neighborhoods.
Atherton and Portola Valley are among the most exclusive and luxurious zip codes in the country.

First-time buyers often start in Redwood City, Millbrae, or San Mateo, where there’s a blend of condos, townhomes, and more affordable single-family homes.

Don’t forget to budget for:

Property taxes
HOA dues (common in condos)
Earthquake insurance
Potential commute costs

3. Explore Each Community’s Personality

Each Peninsula town offers a different lifestyle. Consider what matters most to you: walkability, schools, commute time, outdoor space, or future growth.

Redwood City: A vibrant downtown, Caltrain access, and a growing tech presence.
San Mateo: Central location, diverse housing options, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Millbrae: Excellent transit (BART + Caltrain), good schools, and proximity to SFO.
Menlo Park: Tucked between Palo Alto and Redwood City, with tree-lined streets and proximity to Meta (Facebook HQ).

Take time to visit different neighborhoods on weekdays and weekends to get a feel for the vibe.

4. Be Flexible About Property Type

The path to homeownership might start with:

A condo in Foster City with water views
A townhouse in Belmont near top-rated schools
A fixer in San Carlos with future upside

The Peninsula’s market is highly competitive, so keeping an open mind about size, location, and condition can open up more options.

5. Work With a Local Agent Who Knows the Peninsula

Each of these cities—whether it's high-end Atherton or up-and-coming Portola Valley—has its own real estate rhythm, pricing trends, and market quirks. A knowledgeable local agent can help you:

Spot off-market opportunities
Understand disclosures and inspections
Submit strong, smart offers
Stay calm and focused through the ups and downs

Final Thoughts

From starter condos in San Mateo to first homes in Redwood City or Millbrae, buying on the Peninsula is a big investment—and a huge step forward. But with the right guidance, it's one you can take with confidence.

Need help navigating your first home purchase on the Peninsula?
Let’s talk about your goals, timeline, and the best cities that fit your lifestyle and budget.