Most buyers need 3%–10%—but many pay less with the right strategy.

Krista Mashore & Jaynlin Slone are real estate agents in Brentwood, California, helping buyers understand the real numbers.

The 3 Main Costs

Down Payment

• FHA: ~3.5%
• Conventional: 3%–20%
• VA: 0%

Closing Costs

• ~2%–3%

Reserves

• 1–3 months recommended

How to Buy with Less Money

• Down payment assistance
• Seller credits
• Lender credits

Many buyers in Brentwood CA spend less than expected.

Common Mistakes

Waiting for 20% down
Overestimating costs
Not exploring programs

FAQ

Do I need 20% down?
No—most buyers don’t.

Can I buy with $10K–$20K?
Sometimes, yes.

Final Thoughts

You likely need less than you think—but a plan matters.

The Mashore Group
Krista Mashore & Jaynlin Slone

44 Sycamore Ave

Brentwood, CA 94513

925-325-4663

<p>The post How Much Do I Need Saved to Buy a Home in Brentwood, CA? first appeared on The Mashore Group.</p>

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“How much will I actually pay in property taxes?”

Because your monthly payment isn’t just your mortgage — taxes can significantly impact what you can afford.

The Short Answer

In Brentwood, CA (94513), property taxes are typically:

 Around 1.1% to 1.3% of the home’s purchase price annually

However, that’s just the base rate — and this is where many buyers get surprised.

What Makes Up Property Taxes in Brentwood?

Your total tax bill usually includes:

1. Base Property Tax (About 1%)

This is set by California law under Proposition 13.

2. Local Assessments & Bonds

Brentwood has additional:

• School bonds
• Infrastructure assessments
• Community facilities districts (CFDs) in some neighborhoods

These can add:
0.1% – 0.3%+ depending on the area

Example: What This Looks Like Monthly

Let’s say you buy a home for $800,000 in Brentwood:

• 1.2% tax rate = $9,600/year
• That’s about $800/month added to your payment

Why Taxes Vary in Brentwood

Not all homes are the same.

Taxes can change based on:

• Neighborhood
• New construction vs resale
• Mello-Roos (in newer communities)

The Hidden Cost Many Buyers Miss

Newer neighborhoods in Brentwood often have:
Higher assessments (Mello-Roos)

This can add hundreds per month — and many buyers don’t realize it upfront.

How to Know EXACTLY What You’ll Pay

Before buying, you should always:

Review the property tax breakdown
Ask for a net sheet estimate
Understand if Mello-Roos applies

This avoids surprises after closing.

FAQ 

Are property taxes higher in Brentwood than other areas?
They’re fairly typical for California, but newer communities can have higher assessments.

What is Mello-Roos in Brentwood?
It’s a special tax used to fund infrastructure in newer developments.

Do property taxes go up every year?
Yes, but increases are limited (usually up to 2% annually under Prop 13).

Can I lower my property taxes?
Not usually — they’re based on your purchase price.

Are taxes included in my monthly payment?
Yes, if you escrow them through your lender.

Final Thoughts

Property taxes are a major part of your monthly cost — but they’re predictable if you understand them upfront.

The key is:
Knowing the difference between base tax and the added assessments

Next Step

If you want help breaking down:

• Exact taxes for specific homes
• Monthly payment estimates
• Which neighborhoods have higher or lower taxes

We can walk you through it clearly.

The Mashore Group
Krista Mashore & Jaynlin Slone
44 Sycamore Ave
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-325-4663
https://www.TheMashoreGroup.com

<p>The post How Much Are Property Taxes in Brentwood, CA 94513? first appeared on The Mashore Group.</p>

The post How Much Are Property Taxes in Brentwood, CA 94513? appeared first on The Mashore Group.