Hi Ken, I would recommend trying peninsula Place or Shelter Creek in San Bruno. Both are close to Bart, shopping, 280 & 101. The have resort like living with Pool and Tennis.

If you are not working with another agent, email me and I will send you a list of homes in your price range, including SSF.

I would suggest you talk with a couple of mortgage bankers to see if you qualify, and how much your monthly payment will be. Remember, it's what you are approved for, it's what you can afford.

If you would like a couple of phone numbers to mortgage bankers, feel free to ask.

Regards,

Dave Tap Tapper
Realtor
Cashin Company http://www.DavidTapper.com
650-403-6252
415-370-7195
Redt4u@aol.com

Hi Ken,

It sounds like you can afford to purchase a condo in that price range. The others have mentioned the important factors to consider and how much the estimated payments are. I have a 1-bedroom condo listing on El Camino Real, by See's Candies, really close to Tanforan Mall. The closest Bart station is the South San Francisco one which is about a 5-minute drive. It's a short sale and the approved price is $210,000. If you're interested to receive more listings, please let me know, I can set you up on an e-mail alert.

Regards,
Fiona

Ken,

I recommend that you first speak to a loan agent/mortgage broker in regards to your finance questions. This will ensure you know exactly what you can afford monthly and what purchase price you can be pre-approved up to. Once you know that, you can gear your search toward the complexes close to the BART station. In SSF there are a few complexes close to Bart...1400 El Camino Real is about a 30 second walk to the Bart station and there a couple of complexes on Mission Road which would be about a 10 minute walk. Your credit score and down payment are a great start and interest rates are phenomenal right now, you are already ahead of the game by starting the process. Good luck and if you have any additional questions feel free to contact me.

Nicole Machado
Realtor
650.291.4996
nmachado@prucal.com

Ken
Yes you will qualify up to about $300,000 purchase.
Your total monthly payment for loan at 5%, property taxes, and HOA dues of $300 per month will cost aobut $1800 per month which is about 40% of your gross income. Since you have no other debt, this will work with lender and will be doable for you - though a little tight.
I do not think you will get a 2 bedroom for that price but maybe a 1 bedroom or studio.
If you want to be near Bart, you need to look Millbrae and north as Millbrae as far down as Bart goes on the Peninsula.
CalTrain comes down further.
Let me know if I can help.
Arn