A Story of Homeownership with Brian and Grace of Plantation Coffee

In the photo, from left to right: Baby Minha, Grace, Brian, at Plantation Coffee in San Carlos

A Story of Homeownership At Plantation Coffee

The Surprise That Started It All

Three years ago, Brian and Grace joined San Carlos’ Below Market Rate (BMR) housing waitlist, knowing their chances were slim. “When one of the units popped up, it went quickly, we were disappointed,” Brian recalls. They figured their chance had passed, but then Grace found a BMR condo unit on Zillow that was both available and within budget. “We clicked the button like any typical Zillow user and asked to schedule a showing,” Brian says. “We assumed we’d just show up to an open house, like we did for rentals. But buying a BMR unit isn’t that simple.

Understanding BMR Rules in San Carlos

The BMR housing program in San Carlos gives income-qualified buyers a chance to own homes priced below market value. Applicants must meet income limits, show financial readiness, and ideally live and/or work in the city. The process includes pre-approval, city review, and a waitlist that can take years. Units are offered in order of waitlist priority.

In the photo from left to right: Baby Minha, Grace, Brian, and Sue (Brian’s mother)

From Confusion to Connection

It was a familiar feeling, overwhelmed, uncertain, unrepresented. Then a connection at the coffee shop changed everything. “My mom, Sue and owner of Plantation Coffee, knew Viv Kelvin and Mark Martinho from Vabrato Real Estate,” says Brian. Brian’s father, Young, reached out to Viv the day before she was set to fly overseas for a family emergency. She met with them that same evening and quickly put them at ease.

Even after flying to the UK, Viv stayed involved, reviewing disclosures and HOA docs remotely. While she cared for her parents, Mark stepped in without missing a beat. “He was responsive and truly cared,” Brian shares. “We never felt alone, even during such a critical time.” Mark helped guide them through the contract.

A Process Measured in Patience

While Viv was in the UK, Mark helped them through the paperwork as the city reviewed their eligibility. “Waiting to see if someone ahead of us would take the unit was the hardest part,” Brian says. For weeks, the couple lived in uncertainty. But Viv and Mark stayed present, answering questions, easing stress, and showing genuine care. “They supported us through every frustration,” Brian adds. Two weeks later, the news came, the unit was theirs. They got the home!

In the photo from left to right: Sue (Brian’s mother), Grace, Brian, Baby Minha, and Young (Brian’s father)

Home, At Last

Loan approved, sale closed and key in hand! After years of uncertainty, Brian and Grace are now homeowners. Looking back at the whole journey, Brian said, “there were many times where we wondered if these individuals who we came across in the past two months (from reaching out to Zillow to today) would act differently if the property we were purchasing was four times as much.”

“What struck us the most about working with Viv and Mark was their genuine care,” Brian shares. “It’s easy to tell when someone’s just doing a job versus when someone really wants the best for you. They were with us through every vent, every question, every late-night worry.

I think, to be treated this way, even if it wasn’t a $10M dollar house we were purchasing, we really felt that we were cared for, and we really will remember this for the rest of our lives.”

In the photo from left to right: Mark Martinho, Grace, Baby Minha, Brian, and Viv Kelvin

Support That Doesn’t Stop at Closing

After closing, Viv and Mark stayed involved. They sent their handyman, Roberto, to help with small repairs like a clogged sink and some squeaky doors. “He came by after work, checked things out, and fixed all the broken things,” Brian says. It was a reminder that with Viv and Mark, the support doesn’t stop at closing, it continues with the same care they gave from day one.

Advice to Others

For other first-time buyers considering the leap, Brian offers this advice, “Be ready for things that don’t go your way. That’s why you need someone you trust. We would recommend Viv and Mark in a heartbeat.” As for what’s next? The family of three is settling in, with baby Minha in their arms and a place they can finally call their own.

For More News

For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog

About the Authors

Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.

Contact Mark and Viv of Vabrato Real Estate