Podcast
Kern County Real Estate Review
Hosted by Laurie McCarty · EN
The Kern County Real Estate Review is your weekly look at Kern County real estate, homeownership, and the local issues shaping life in Bakersfield and Kern County. Host Laurie McCarty breaks down housing trends, home prices, market shifts, lending updates, and community news with clear, practical insight. If you want to understand what is happening in Kern County and how it affects your home and community, this show delivers.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Could Your Fireplace Delay Your Home Sale? What Bakersfield Home Sellers Should Know
1w ago00:59:48Tap to summarizeCould your fireplace affect the sale of your home?This week on the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Cassandra Melching, Outreach Representative with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, to talk about Rule 4901 and what Bakersfield homeowners need to know about wood-burning fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and compliance when selling a residential property.Laurie also breaks down a new report showing Bakersfield homes are 18% more affordable than the statewide average and what that means for local buyers, sellers, and homeowners watching the market.In this episode, we’re talking about what makes a wood-burning device non-compliant, what options homeowners have, how the change-out incentive program may help with costs, and why it’s better to know about these requirements before you’re already in escrow.If you own a home in Bakersfield or Kern County, are thinking about selling, or just want to stay informed about local real estate issues that could affect your property, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.Listen to the Kern County Real Estate Review with Laurie McCarty, your trusted source for Bakersfield real estate, Kern County housing news, and practical guidance for local homeowners.
Transcribe →Why Isn't It Selling? Reasons why your home is sitting on the market
2w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeWhy isn’t your home selling? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the real reasons homes sit on the market — and what sellers need to understand about today’s real estate market in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County.From overpricing and poor first impressions to weak marketing and buyer psychology, Laurie explains what causes buyers to scroll past a listing, skip a showing, or hesitate to make an offer. She also shares why the first week on the market matters so much, how staging and presentation impact a home’s value, and the biggest mistakes sellers make when trying to “test the market.”If you’re thinking about selling your home in Bakersfield, wondering why your home hasn’t sold, or simply want to better understand the current Kern County real estate market, this episode is packed with valuable insight.Topics include:• Why homes sit on the market• Pricing strategy in today’s market• Home staging and preparation tips• Real estate marketing mistakes• Buyer psychology• Bakersfield real estate trends• How to sell your home faster and for more money
Transcribe →Kern County Real Estate Update: Open Houses, Rates & Buyer Affordability
3w ago00:59:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down what buyers and sellers need to know about the current Kern County housing market, including the latest numbers for homes for sale, homes sold, average days on market, average sold price, and months of inventory.This Open House, Open Mic episode highlights local open houses happening around Kern County, giving buyers a closer look at homes they can tour this weekend while creating more exposure for sellers and their listings.Laurie explains the Federal Reserve’s latest decision to hold rates steady and what it could mean for mortgage rates, homebuyer affordability, and seller strategy. While the Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage interest rates, its decisions can heavily influence the real estate market, buyer demand, and the cost of borrowing.The conversation then turns to the Middle-Class Homeownership Act, a California ballot measure aimed at helping middle-income Californians purchase newly constructed homes with 3% down while encouraging new housing construction across the state.Whether you are buying a home in Bakersfield, selling a home in Kern County, watching mortgage rates, or trying to understand where the local real estate market is headed, this episode offers practical, local insight to help you make a smarter move.Listen to the Kern County Real Estate Review for weekly updates on Bakersfield real estate, Kern County housing trends, mortgage rate news, open houses, homebuyer programs, and local market strategy from Laurie McCarty and The McCarty Group.
Transcribe →Affordable New Construction in Bakersfield: Inside the City View Homes
4w ago00:59:49Tap to summarizeIf you’ve been wondering whether buying a home in Bakersfield is still possible, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with Sharon Edgar, Deputy Director of Golden Empire Affordable Housing, to talk about the City View Homes Development—a new community bringing affordable new construction homes to Bakersfield.They break down what these homes will look like, where they’ll be located, who may qualify, and what the process looks like for buyers who are interested. You’ll also learn what “affordable housing” really means and why opportunities like this are becoming so important in today’s market.If you’ve felt priced out or assumed new construction was out of reach, this episode may change the way you think about your options.
Transcribe →What to Do About Bad Neighbors and How It Affects Your Home
Apr 2000:59:49Tap to summarizeBad neighbors can do more than create frustration. They can impact your home’s value, your ability to sell, and even create legal issues if they are not handled properly.In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we break down one of the most overlooked factors in real estate. How neighbors affect your home.You will learn practical ways to handle difficult neighbors, when it may make sense to involve an HOA or local enforcement, and how to recognize when a situation has gone from manageable to something much more serious.We also take a closer look at what buyers are actually noticing during showings. From noise and property condition to activity in the neighborhood, these details can quickly influence how a buyer feels about a home.If you are thinking about selling, this episode is especially important. We cover when neighbor issues may need to be disclosed, how they can impact your home’s value, and the risks of not addressing known problems upfront.We also discuss real situations that can cause deals to fall apart, including ongoing disputes, police activity, and property line conflicts.Whether you are buying, selling, or currently dealing with a difficult neighbor, this is information every homeowner should understand.
Transcribe →Inside California’s Illegal Grow House Problem — And the Homes Left Behind
Apr 1300:57:55Tap to summarizeNot every home is what it seems.In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we’re taking a closer look at a growing issue in California that many buyers don’t even realize exists until it’s too late: illegal marijuana grow houses and the homes left behind.From the outside, these properties can look completely normal. Inside, they can tell a very different story.We’re breaking down what actually happens inside these homes, including electrical tampering, plumbing alterations, hidden mold, and structural damage that can cost thousands to repair. We also walk through the warning signs buyers should be looking for, how these properties end up back on the market, and why some homes that seem like a “deal” may come with serious risks.If you’re currently house hunting, investing, or even just keeping an eye on the market, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Knowing what to look for could save you from making a costly mistake.In this episode, we cover:What illegal grow houses really look like insideRed flags buyers should never ignoreThe true cost of hidden damageHow these homes impact property values and neighborhoodsWhat buyers and sellers need to know before moving forwardWhether you’re buying your first home, searching for an investment property, or planning to sell, this episode will give you the insight you need to make confident, informed decisions in today’s market.Listen now to the Kern County Real Estate Review with Laurie McCarty.
Transcribe →The #1 Thing That Makes Buyers Say Yes (It’s Not What You Think)
Apr 600:59:50Tap to summarizeWhat actually makes a buyer say “yes” to a home?It’s not always price—and it’s not always upgrades. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down one of the most overlooked factors that can influence how quickly a home sells and how buyers respond the moment they walk in.With the spring real estate market in full swing, presentation matters more than ever. Laurie explains how something as simple as cleanliness can shape a buyer’s first impression, impact perceived value, and ultimately affect your bottom line.Joining the conversation is Erika Gonzalez, owner of Crystal Clean, sharing practical, expert-level cleaning strategies that go beyond surface-level tidying. From the areas buyers notice first to the biggest cleaning mistakes sellers make, this episode is packed with actionable advice for homeowners preparing to sell—or anyone wanting their home to feel refreshed and more functional.If you’re thinking about selling your home in Bakersfield or Kern County, or just want to understand what today’s buyers are really looking for, this is a must-listen.In this episode, you’ll learn:What truly influences a buyer’s first impressionWhy cleanliness plays a bigger role than most sellers realizeThe most important areas to focus on before listing your homeCommon cleaning mistakes that can hurt your home’s appealPractical, time-efficient cleaning tips from a professionalThe Kern County Real Estate Review airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. with an encore Sunday at 8 a.m. on KNZR, and is available on all major podcast platforms.For more information or to connect with Laurie and The McCarty Group, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com or call 661-665-SOLD.
Transcribe →Inside California City: The Wild History and the Future of One of California’s Most Affordable Housing Markets with Clearview Homes
Mar 3000:59:50Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the biggest real estate opportunities in California has been hiding in plain sight for decades?In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we take you inside California City—a place with one of the most fascinating and misunderstood real estate histories in the country.Originally envisioned in the 1950s as a massive desert metropolis that could rival Los Angeles, California City became one of the largest land booms in U.S. history… followed by a dramatic slowdown that left behind miles of empty streets and thousands of vacant lots.So why are builders, investors, and homebuyers suddenly paying attention again?We break it all down:The surprising history of California City and how it became a “paper city”The rise and fall of one of California’s biggest land development projectsWhy affordable housing is bringing new attention to the area todayWhat buyers need to know before purchasing land or a home in California CityThe biggest mistakes people make when buying land (and how to avoid them)We’re also joined by Clearview Homes, a local builder actively developing new homes in California City, sharing how buyers can purchase a home for under $300,000—and in some cases, get in with as little as $500 down.If you’ve ever wondered:“Is California City a good place to invest?”“Why is land so cheap in California City?”“Can you really buy a home in California for under $300K?”“What should I know before buying vacant land?”This episode answers all of it.Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, investor, or just curious about California real estate, this is a story you won’t want to miss.Because sometimes the biggest opportunities… come from the most unexpected places.Topics Covered:California City real estate, affordable housing in California, buying land in California, Kern County real estate market, first-time homebuyer tips, California real estate trends, investing in land, Mojave Desert housing development
Transcribe →Before Loss Happens: The Financial & Real Estate Plan Every Couple Needs
Mar 2400:59:50Tap to summarizeWhat would happen if one spouse suddenly had to manage everything alone?In this powerful episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty shares the essential financial and real estate planning steps every couple should take before life takes an unexpected turn. From understanding your mortgage and insurance policies to organizing household systems and important documents, this episode walks through the real-life gaps that often leave surviving spouses overwhelmed—and how to prevent them.You’ll learn:The “Saturday Morning Preparedness Test” every couple should tryWhat your spouse should know about your home, finances, and monthly obligationsHow to create a simple Homeowner Emergency Binder to organize everything in one placeWhy understanding property title, insurance policies, and accounts matters more than you thinkThe most overlooked “invisible responsibilities” that can create stress after lossHow preparation today creates peace of mind for the futureLaurie also shares real insights from working with homeowners navigating major life transitions, along with practical, easy-to-implement steps that can be done in just one afternoon.Whether you’re married, own a home, or simply want to protect your family, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about estate planning, financial preparedness, and protecting your spouse.Because preparing your spouse isn’t planning for the worst… it’s planning for peace.
Transcribe →Surviving After Loss: How to Handle the House After Losing a Spouse
Mar 1600:59:49Tap to summarizeWhat happens to the house after losing a spouse or going through a divorce?In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty walks through one of the most difficult and often overlooked situations homeowners face — navigating real estate decisions after a major life loss.From understanding your financial picture to deciding whether to keep or sell the home, this conversation provides practical guidance for anyone facing the emotional and financial weight of these decisions. Laurie breaks down what steps to take first, what mistakes to avoid, and how to move forward with clarity instead of pressure.You’ll also learn how home equity plays a critical role in long-term financial stability, why many retirees rely on their home as a major asset, and what homeowners in Bakersfield and Kern County should consider when planning for the future.This episode covers:• What to do with a house after losing a spouse• Selling a home after death or divorce• How to handle real estate during probate or separation• Understanding mortgage, title, and financial responsibilities• Protecting yourself from low offers and high-pressure buyers• When to keep the home vs. when to sell• How home equity impacts retirement planning• Real estate guidance specific to Kern County and BakersfieldWhether you are currently facing a loss, helping a family member, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers real-world insight to help you make informed decisions during a challenging time.📞 For guidance, contact Laurie McCarty and The McCarty Group at 661-665-SOLD🌐 Learn more at themccartygroup.com
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