Kern County Real Estate Review

Hosted by Laurie McCarty

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178

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

August 31, 202659 min

What If You Could Take Your Mortgage Rate With You? The MOVE Act Explained

What if selling your home didn’t mean giving up your 2% or 3% mortgage rate? A new proposal in Congress called the MOVE Act is putting the idea of “portable mortgages” in the spotlight. In theory, homeowners could take their existing mortgage rate, terms and remaining balance with them when they move to a new home — potentially removing one of the biggest reasons millions of Americans feel financially locked into the homes they already own. But could it actually work? On this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the MOVE Act, the growing problem of mortgage-rate lock-in, and what portable mortgages could mean for homeowners, home buyers and the housing market. Local lender Nicole Hale joins the conversation to explore how a portable mortgage might work in the real world, including qualification requirements, additional financing, appraisals, fees and potential complications. They also discuss who could benefit most, whether portable mortgages could encourage more homeowners to sell, how the proposal might affect housing inventory and first-time buyers, and why homeowners with low mortgage rates shouldn’t assume they have to stay put forever. The MOVE Act is still only a proposal, but if you have a low mortgage rate and have wondered whether you’ll ever be able to afford to move again, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

August 24, 202659 min

City Lights Bakersfield: What’s Coming to the Former East Hills Mall Site

What’s happening at the former East Hills Mall site in Bakersfield? After years of plans, speculation and waiting, the property is finally being transformed into City Lights Bakersfield—and this week, we’re getting an inside look at what’s coming. Laurie McCarty is joined by Vincent Roche, Executive Director with Cushman & Wakefield, who brings more than 40 years of commercial real estate experience to the conversation. They discuss what is being developed at City Lights, where construction stands, the timeline for opening, which businesses and retailers are coming, and what still remains to be added to the project. But this episode goes beyond the question everyone wants answered: “What stores are coming to the old East Hills Mall?” Vincent takes us behind the scenes of how major retail developments come together, what national retailers look for when deciding whether to open in Bakersfield, why certain locations attract investment, and what retailer interest in City Lights may say about the Bakersfield market. Plus, Laurie and Vincent explore what the redevelopment of this long-vacant property could mean for the surrounding area, whether City Lights could spur additional commercial development and investment nearby, and how shopping centers have changed over the last several decades. If you’ve driven past the former East Hills Mall and wondered what they’re building, what businesses are coming, when City Lights will open, or what this major Bakersfield development could mean for the community, this is the episode you’ll want to hear.

August 17, 202659 min

Is Solar Still Worth it in California in 2026?

Is solar still worth it in California in 2026? With changing PG&E billing rules, NEM 3.0, battery storage, evolving solar incentives and plenty of conflicting information, homeowners may be wondering whether installing solar still makes financial sense. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty talks with Marshall Dunn of Sunrun about what California homeowners need to know before going solar in 2026. They break down how solar has changed over the last several years, how PG&E credits homeowners for excess electricity today, what NEM 2.0, NEM 3.0 and the Net Billing Tariff actually mean, and why battery storage has become such an important part of the solar conversation. They also tackle some of the biggest questions and misconceptions surrounding solar: Will solar eliminate your PG&E bill? Does solar still save money under California’s new rules? Who is—and isn’t—a good candidate for solar? What should homeowners know about current tax credits and incentives? And how could growing electricity demand from AI data centers affect the grid, utility costs and the future role of residential solar and battery storage? Plus, if you may sell your home someday, you’ll want to hear the real estate side of the conversation. Laurie and Marshall discuss what happens when you sell a house with solar panels, the differences between owned, financed and leased systems and power purchase agreements, what happens if your roof needs to be replaced, and the questions homeowners should ask before signing a solar contract. Whether you’re considering solar, already have panels on your home, are thinking about adding a battery, or simply want to understand why your PG&E bill looks the way it does, this episode offers a timely look at residential solar in California in 2026—and what homeowners should know before making their next move. Contact Marshall: https://bestcompany.com/reps/marshall-dunn/t/sales/profile

August 10, 202659 min

The 5 Stages of Foreclosure Grief: How to Take Action Before the Clock Runs Out

Foreclosure Isn’t Just Financial—It’s Emotional When a homeowner starts falling behind on mortgage payments, the biggest obstacle to finding a solution isn’t always money. Sometimes, it’s the emotional process that comes with facing the possibility of losing a home. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down what she calls the Five Stages of Foreclosure Grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Drawing from more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners through financial hardship, Laurie explains how each stage can influence the decisions people make—or prevent them from making any decision at all. Why do homeowners ignore letters from their lender? When does hope turn into dangerous delay? How can anger, fear, or shame quietly cost someone valuable time and home equity? And why can accepting the reality of the situation actually be the moment a homeowner begins taking back control? Laurie also shares the practical steps homeowners can take when they’re struggling with mortgage payments, including contacting their lender or loan servicer, understanding foreclosure deadlines and hardship options, determining how much equity they have, and talking with a trusted Realtor before their choices become limited. If you’re facing financial hardship, worried about falling behind on your mortgage, or concerned about someone who may be at risk of foreclosure, this episode offers an important reminder: the sooner you understand your options, the more choices you may still have.

August 4, 202659 min

More Choices for Buyers, More Competition for Sellers: Kern County Market Update

Is the Kern County real estate market shifting in favor of buyers, or is it simply returning to a healthier balance? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the latest Bakersfield and Kern County housing market numbers, including a modest increase in available homes, stable asking prices and what just over three months of inventory means for today’s buyers and sellers. Buyers may finally have more room to compare their options, but well-priced and well-presented homes can still attract strong interest. Laurie also examines a recent report on California housing affordability—and explains why Ridgecrest, Rosamond, Delano and the Bakersfield area ranked among the most attainable communities in the state. Later, Courtney Montoya, Lead Designer with The Staging Standard, joins the show to reveal how professional home staging helps properties photograph better, makes rooms easier for buyers to understand and allows a listing to stand out in a more competitive market. She also shares advice for occupied homes, explains which rooms deserve the most attention and discusses the difference between decorating for yourself and staging for a future buyer. Plus, local Realtors take listeners inside several Bakersfield open houses and highlight homes currently available throughout the community.

July 27, 202658 min

How AI Is Changing Real Estate

Is artificial intelligence replacing Realtors—or simply changing how real estate professionals serve their clients? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty explores how AI is transforming the home-buying and selling process, from property valuations and smarter home searches to listing descriptions, virtual staging, negotiations, and personalized marketing. Laurie explains why an AI-generated home value can be a helpful starting point but may overlook renovations, location, property condition, buyer preferences, and other factors that influence what a home is actually worth. She also shares why successful real estate negotiations require more than numbers, how digitally enhanced listing photos can cross the line into misrepresentation, and what buyers and sellers should know about increasingly convincing AI-powered scams, fake emails, voice cloning, and wire fraud. The episode also explores how experienced Senior Real Estate Specialists help older adults and their families navigate downsizing, assisted living transitions, home improvements, cash-sale options, and traditional home marketing. AI can provide information, but can it replace local knowledge, professional judgment, trusted relationships, and decades of real estate experience? Listen to learn how technology and human expertise can work together to help Kern County homeowners, buyers, and sellers make smarter, safer decisions.

July 20, 202658 min

The Truth About Title Lock Insurance

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Cecile Shanklin, Sales Manager with Ticor Title, to answer a question many homeowners are asking right now: is title lock insurance a scam? With more ads warning homeowners about title fraud, stolen home titles, and property deed theft, it can be hard to know what is real, what is exaggerated, and what protection you actually need. Laurie and Cecile break down what title lock insurance really does, what it does not do, whether it actually prevents fraud, and how it differs from title monitoring and title insurance. They also discuss what homeowners should watch for, what to do if something suspicious is recorded against your property, and why buyers and sellers should understand the title protection they may already have. Cecile also shares what Ticor Title is now providing to clients with each transaction and why purchasing additional title lock protection may not always be necessary. Whether you own a home in Bakersfield, are buying or selling real estate in Kern County, or simply want to protect your property from title fraud and real estate scams, this episode will help you separate fear-based advertising from the facts. Listen now to learn what every homeowner should know about title lock insurance, title fraud, title monitoring, and protecting your home’s ownership.

July 13, 202658 min

Real Estate in Bakersfield: Open Houses, Fed Rate Talk & Home Value Tips

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty brings listeners another edition of Open House, Open Mic, spotlighting active open houses and homes for sale in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Laurie breaks down the latest Kern County housing market statistics, including local inventory, closed sales, pending sales, average home prices, days on market, and what these numbers really mean for Bakersfield buyers and sellers. While national headlines may sound dramatic, the local market is showing signs of stability, with steady inventory, strong pending sales, and home prices holding firm. The conversation also turns to mortgage rates and recent comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh about inflation, political independence, and why buyers should not assume rate cuts are guaranteed. Laurie explains how Fed decisions can impact mortgage affordability, buyer demand, and seller strategy in the Bakersfield real estate market. Plus, Laurie shares an Equity Boosting Tip perfect for summer: how to take your home from builder-grade to memorable by creating a staycation-style space buyers will remember. From backyard seating and shade to lighting, pools, patios, and small design touches, this episode is packed with practical advice for homeowners who want to boost appeal and stand out when it is time to sell. Whether you are buying a home in Bakersfield, selling a home in Kern County, watching mortgage rates, or simply trying to understand the local real estate market, this episode gives you clear, practical insight from one of Kern County’s most trusted real estate teams. For more information, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com or call 661-665-SOLD.

July 6, 202658 min

The American Dream Still Lives at Home

In this Fourth of July episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty takes a closer look at one of the most powerful ideas in American life: the American Dream of homeownership. For generations, owning a home has represented more than a place to live. It has stood for freedom, stability, independence, family, opportunity, and the chance to build something lasting. But how did homeownership become such an important part of the American Dream, and what does that dream look like for buyers, sellers, and homeowners today? This episode explores the history of homeownership in America, from early ideas of land ownership and self-reliance to the rise of the modern mortgage, the GI Bill, post-World War II suburbs, and the classic image of the American home. Laurie also discusses how the dream has changed in today’s housing market, why many buyers feel discouraged, and why homeownership still matters for families right here in Kern County. Patriotic, honest, hopeful, and centered on the place where so much of American life happens, this episode is a reminder that home has never been just four walls and a roof. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a longtime homeowner, a seller preparing for your next chapter, or someone wondering if homeownership is still possible, the American Dream has changed over time, but it is still very much alive.

June 29, 202659 min

Should You Ever Skip a Home Inspection?

Should you ever skip a home inspection when buying a house? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Jacob Freeman of Signature Property Inspections for an important conversation every buyer should hear before closing on a home. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you have purchased before, the home inspection process is one of the most important parts of buyer due diligence. A house can look clean, updated, and move-in ready during a showing, but that does not always mean there are no hidden issues. From roofing concerns and HVAC problems to plumbing, electrical, structural, safety, and maintenance issues, a professional home inspection can reveal problems buyers may never notice on their own. Laurie and Jacob discuss why some buyers consider skipping the home inspection, what to expect during a home inspection, what an inspection is actually designed to do, and what it does not cover. They also talk about the real estate inspection contingency, common home inspection findings in Kern County, and why even newer homes and new construction properties should still be inspected. This episode also covers home buying mistakes that can lead to costly surprises, what red flags buyers should know, which problems found during a home inspection should be taken seriously, and which issues may be more manageable than they appear. Jacob also explains why attending the inspection in person can be so valuable and how a home inspection report can help buyers make a more confident decision. If you are buying a home in Bakersfield, Kern County, or anywhere in California, this episode will help you better understand the home inspection checklist, avoid hidden home problems, and protect yourself before closing. Listen now to learn what home inspectors look for, why the inspection report matters, and why skipping a home inspection could be a mistake that costs far more than the inspection itself.