Kern County Real Estate Review

When a home insurance claim happens, the process can feel overwhelming fast, and the first steps you take can affect your settlement, timeline, and stress level. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Chris Mooney of Waypoint Adjusting to explain what a public adjuster is, how a public adjuster differs from the insurance company’s adjuster, and why homeo...

New year, new rules — and in California, those rules can change real estate fast. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the most important new California housing and real estate laws taking effect in 2026 and what they mean in real life for homeowners, renters, landlords, investors, and real estate professionals. From tenant and landlord updates that aff...

2026 is not shaping up to be a “crash year.” It’s shaping up to be a clarity year. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty shares her annual predictions for what buyers and sellers should really expect in the year ahead—joined by local mortgage lender Christy White to bring the lending perspective into the conversation. Before the forecasts, Laurie also breaks down a...

First-time home buyers are not who they used to be. And the housing market has not fully caught up. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we take a closer look at what today’s first-time buyers actually want and why so many builders are still delivering housing products that miss the mark. First-time buyers now make up a smaller share of the market, they are older than ever, and m...

Who’s actually buying homes today? Who’s selling — and why? And how different does today’s housing market look compared to just a few years ago? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the newly released national data on today’s home buyers and sellers and explains what it reveals about changing demographics, affordability challenges, moving patterns, and...

Discover the best holiday events in Kern County with our annual Christmas in Kern County special. This episode is one of the most listened to every year because it offers a complete, easy-to-follow guide to Christmas events, holiday activities, and family-friendly things to do throughout Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. Laurie McCarty breaks down the top Christmas parades, local holida...

The housing market is shifting, and in this show we are unpacking two major proposals that could reshape affordability: 50-year mortgages and portable mortgages. Laurie sits down with local mortgage broker, Tisha Borda, to explain what these ideas could mean for buyers, sellers, and Kern County. We also cover the latest market trends, a new Zillow lawsuit, and this week’s standout Home of the Week...

Laurie McCarty sits down with DwellSafe’s Janet Engel, an occupational therapist and aging in place specialist, to explore what it really takes to make a home safer, more comfortable, and better suited for long-term living. From home safety assessments to fall prevention strategies and simple senior home modifications, Janet shares practical insights that help homeowners stay independent longer. L...

End-of-year escrows can get complicated — especially once the holiday closures begin. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie sits down with returning guest Cecile Shanklin of Ticor Title to break down exactly how the holiday season affects escrow timelines — from recorder’s office closures and shortened work weeks to bank delays, year-end tax pushes, and those last-minute s...

How is the government shutdown affecting the real estate market? More than most people realize. In this episode, Laurie McCarty breaks down how the shutdown is beginning to influence mortgage approvals, FHA and USDA loan processing, buyer confidence, and local housing activity in Kern County. Whether you are buying, selling, or just trying to understand how national events reach our local economy,...

It’s a jam-packed episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review! Laurie McCarty and her team spotlight standout Bakersfield properties while breaking down the latest housing headlines every homeowner should know. Tune in for a clear look at local market trends from The Crabtree Report, insights on California’s proposed FAIR Plan insurance rate hike, and what a new state law means for landlords and...

As 2025 comes to a close, many assume the real estate market slows down, but the truth is quite the opposite. In this episode of The Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty explains why the final months of the year can be one of the best times to buy or sell a home. Laurie shares how motivated buyers, reduced competition, and faster closings create real opportunities during the cooler month...

As temperatures cool down, pool season might be the last thing on your mind — but now is the perfect time to assess your pool and start planning for next year. In this episode of The Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty sits down with Mario Sanchez , owner of M&J Plastering , to discuss what real pool maintenance looks like beyond weekly cleaning. From understanding when it’s time t...

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty sits down with local design powerhouse Taylor Hedrick, owner of Rustic Trendz, to talk all things interior design — from her creative journey to the art of crafting timeless spaces. Taylor shares what inspired her signature style, her role in designing social media influencer Krista Horton’s “Horton Hotel” Airbnb, and her thoug...

Laurie McCarty is joined by fellow KNZR host and financial expert Andy Barkate, president of California Retirement Plans, for an in-depth conversation about Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). They explore what REITs are, how they work, the different types available, and the potential benefits and risks of including them in your portfolio. Whether you are retired, planning for retirement, or si...

Thinking about cozy nights by the fireplace this fall? Before you strike a match, tune in as Laurie McCarty sits down with Hoss Brooks, owner of Kern County Chimney Sweeping, to discuss why fireplace and chimney maintenance is essential for every homeowner. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , you’ll learn: What a professional chimney sweep visit looks like How often your chimne...

What’s it really like to live in a tiny home? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with entrepreneur Samantha Creech, who not only designed her own tiny home but also lives in it every day. Samantha shares her journey of downsizing, the creative process behind building her home, and the unexpected joys and challenges that come with tiny living. From rethi...

It’s Open House, Open Mic on the Kern County Real Estate Review ! In this special monthly edition, Laurie McCarty shares the latest Bakersfield housing market update, including insights from the Crabtree Report on affordability, supply and demand, home prices, and job growth. You’ll hear why Kern County continues to stand out as one of the most affordable markets in California — and why local buye...

Thinking about buying a foreclosure in Bakersfield or beyond? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty breaks down everything buyers need to know before jumping in. From explaining the foreclosure process in California to clarifying the difference between auctions, REO properties, and short sales, Laurie shares practical insights drawn from decades of experience. You’...

This week on the Kern County Real Estate Review, we’re joined by architect Daniel Cater of Cater Design Group to discuss the ambitious restoration of one of Bakersfield’s most iconic buildings — the historic Woolworth’s on 19th Street. From sourcing original 1940s materials to deconstructing and rebuilding the last standing Woolworth’s lunch counter in the country, Daniel walks us through the visi...

Ever wondered how you can buy your next home before selling your current one? On this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Phoebe Jaeckels of Movement Mortgage to discuss the Expanded Access Buy Now, Sell Later program—a powerful option that helps homeowners make a move on their own terms. From avoiding contingent offers to easing the stress of back-to-back es...

California’s homeowners insurance market is in crisis, and the ripple effects are hitting buyers, sellers, and homeowners across the state. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty sits down with Allyson Pifer , owner of Bridgemark Insurance Services , to explain what is changing and how to protect your home and your transaction. You will learn why major insurers have...

This week on the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with Andrae Gonzales, Bakersfield City Councilmember, for an eye-opening conversation about the Bakersfield Community Land Trust—a new initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for local families. If you’re wondering how a community land trust works, or what’s being done to support first-time homebuyers in Bak...

Summer in Bakersfield is no joke—and neither are the challenges it brings to homeowners! In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty of The McCarty Group shares expert real estate advice tailored to surviving (and thriving) during the hottest months of the year. From roof inspections and foundation checks to smart irrigation systems and energy-saving upgrades, Laurie wal...

Thinking about selling your home? On this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review , Laurie McCarty breaks down the Three P's of Selling — Price, Presentation, and Promotion — and why getting each one right is critical to a successful sale in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re listing a home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, Laurie shares expert advice and real-life examp...