MARISSA TORRES, REALTOR®

A professional reviews mortgage loan rates, analyzing charts and statistics on a whiteboard, highlighting important trends in the housing market. If you’re anything like me, you’re so busy that sitting down to read the news and digest all the “adulting” stuff is really hard. And I’m a real estate agent—so I know how loud it gets. There’s been so much noise around Zillow, Redfin, Compass, by-out companies, MLS rules, broker compensation… it’s just a lot. And honestly, even fo

Calculator, glasses, and pen rest on a financial report, reflecting careful business analysis and planning. If you’re selling a home in San Bruno, San Mateo County, Palo Alto or anywhere in Silicon Valley, comparative sales—“comps”—are one of the single most important tools you’ll use. I’ve been thinking a lot about comps lately, and honestly, they do two big jobs for sellers: they help keep you grounded and they help expose bad comparisons that could hurt your sale. Below I

A couple discussing home insurance policies with a professional in San Bruno Market. Short answer: Very. Let’s look at the January 2026 data for 94066 single-family homes ZIPTrendsKPIverticalWtext_94066… Median Sale Price $1,616,525Up 9% from the previous month. Median Days on Market 8 daysDown from 18 days the month before. % of List Price Received 110%Buyers are paying above asking. Months of Inventory 0.7 months Anything under 1.5 months is considered a strong seller’s mar

Cars travel along a busy highway surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, under a clear sky at dusk. I was stopped at a Palo Alto light the other day, waiting for the green, when I noticed a Rivian with hot-pink lettering on an Illinois plate. It was such a small, joyful moment — the kind of thing that only happens when you spend your workday in your car, driving between showings, inspections, and neighborhood tours. That one quirky sight got me thinking about what life

A focused discussion on steps to buying a house, with two individuals reviewing details on a digital tablet and taking notes. San Bruno is competitive — but predictable when you understand the flow. Inventory typically hovers around 37–40 active listings. Homes move quickly. Preparation is everything. Here’s the 2026 buyer roadmap. Step 1: Financial Clarity Before looking at listings: Talk to a local lender Review credit score Determine realistic monthly comfort Current 30-Ye

Market research and revenue reports laid out on a desk at home, highlighting the analysis of financial data with a vibrant pink pen for notes and annotations. When you’re buying a home — especially in places like San Bruno, San Mateo County, or anywhere in Silicon Valley — the comps you use to justify your offer matter more than you might think. Here’s a quick, practical breakdown of why that is, how appraisers use comps, and what buyers (and agents) should do to avoid surpri

A couple explores a bright and welcoming home, considering it as their potential new place to buy. San Bruno isn’t a one-size-fits-all city. Three neighborhoods frequently come up in buyer conversations: CrestmoorRollingwoodPacific Heights Each offers different trade-offs in 2026. Let’s break them down. Crestmoor Known for: More consistent sunshine Hillside views Mid-century architecture Strong neighborhood identity Pricing:Typically above entry-level single-family pricing. H

Visitors engage in a discussion during the San Bruno Open House, exchanging notes and ideas in a bright, modern space. San Bruno is not a “walk in and think about it for three weeks” market. With: Median 8 days on market 110% sale-to-list ratio 0.7 months of inventory Open houses are part of a compressed timeline. Here’s what to expect. 1. High Traffic Is Normal Especially in entry-level single-family homes (~$1.1M–$1.4M), it’s common to see: 20–50 groups through over a weeke

A person enters a modern condo unit, highlighting the contrast between condominium living and single-family homes. In San Bruno, pricing tiers naturally split buyers into two paths: Condos around $800K+Single-family homes around $1.1M+ But the smarter choice isn’t just about price — it’s about long-term positioning and lifestyle fit. Let’s break it down. Condos in San Bruno Typical Pricing:~$800K to $1M+ Median price per square foot:Approximately $796–$831 Pros Lower entry pr

A modern kitchen undergoing renovation, featuring light wood cabinetry and a central island, with tools and materials scattered around the workspace. I've done a few videos about what renovating means for buyers—but today I want to talk about what it means for you, the seller. If you're looking to sell your property and you know you need to put a little bit of money into it to prep for market, you're probably wondering: Where should I spend my renovation dollars to get the mo

A realtor engages with a couple in a bright, modern kitchen, discussing the details of a potential home purchase. San Bruno isn’t an inexpensive market. With entry-level condos around $800K and single-family homes near $1.1M, 20% down can feel like a massive hurdle. But here’s the truth: Many buyers in San Bruno purchase with less. Let’s look at what that actually means. 5% Down Example: $800K Condo Down payment: $40,000 Loan: ~$760,000 Mortgage insurance likely applies Highe

Renovations can make a house feel like yours — or they can become a money pit. One quick rule I picked up from Carol Casetta of The SHARK Group (one of the agents who inspired me to become an agent) has saved my clients time and money: don’t spend good money on bad projects. What that means in plain terms: don’t pour cash into short-term fixes or cosmetic updates when there’s a bigger structural or layout problem that will force you to redo the work later. In other words, fix

A couple discusses upsizing options with a real estate agent in a bright, modern kitchen. San Bruno isn’t just a first-time buyer market. It’s a life-stage market. As families grow, kids leave, or priorities shift, your home may stop fitting the way it once did. Here are three signs it might be time to right-size. 1. Your Space No Longer Matches Your Daily Life If you’re constantly: Short on storage Rearranging furniture to make rooms work Working from a dining table It may b

New homeowners sit thoughtfully in a room mid-renovation, contemplating the importance of living in their space before making drastic changes. You just closed on a home in San Bruno (congrats!), and your mind is already racing through paint colors, a new kitchen island, and that dreamy bathroom layout. But before you swing a sledgehammer or call a contractor, consider this: waiting to remodel, typically six months to a year, often saves money, prevents buyer’s remorse, and le

A real estate agent discusses the features of a house with a potential buyer during a property tour. You don’t need to be house-hunting to be strategic. In San Bruno’s competitive market, preparation is often the difference between panic and confidence. Here’s what you can do now — even if your move is 6–12 months away. 1. Understand Your Current Position If you’re renting: Know what comparable homes are selling for in your desired neighborhood. If you own: Track your home’s

A participant attentively engages in a discussion, holding a microphone to ask a question during a panel session. San Bruno is competitive. With limited inventory and strong demand, it’s easy to feel urgency. But before you tour homes or submit offers, pause and ask yourself these three questions. 1. What Is This Move Solving? Are you: Outgrowing your current space? Trying to stabilize monthly housing costs? Preparing for a life change? Looking to build equity long-term? Buyi

A man deeply engaged in reading, surrounded by an array of open books and taking notes, immersed in his study. Buying your first home in San Bruno isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a mindset shift. With entry-level condos around $800K and single-family homes starting near $1.1M, the numbers can feel intimidating. But here’s what I wish more first-time buyers understood. 1. You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out You don’t need: Perfect credit 20% down A fully mappe

A frustrated person reacts to discovering an unexpected error on their laptop screen. San Bruno inventory typically sits around 37–40 active listings. That means buyers don’t have unlimited options — and mistakes can compound quickly. Here are the most common missteps I see in this market. 1. Falling in Love Before Running the Numbers It’s easy to emotionally attach to a home. But before that happens, buyers should understand: Their true monthly payment Reserve requirements L

Evaluating Moving Options: A woman contemplates critical decisions while reviewing charts and reports, highlighting the complex considerations of relocating within San Bruno. Not every buyer is new to San Bruno. Some already live here — but their needs have changed. And in a city with distinct micro-neighborhoods, moving a few miles can feel like a completely different experience. Here’s how to decide if a local move makes sense. 1. Sunshine vs. Microclimate San Bruno’s eleva

A great agent doesn’t just open doors — they walk you through the numbers, disclosures, and fine print before you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. When I meet with a buyer for the first time, I don’t ask: What’s your max budget?How many bedrooms do you need?What rate did you get quoted? I ask something different. “What are you hoping this move will actually change for your life?” Because in San Bruno, buying is rarely just about the house. It’s about the shift.