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 many are buying on their own or without children at home. Their priorities have shifted toward affordability, flexibility, energy efficiency, and lower monthly costs. Yet much of the new construction hitting the market still reflects a buyer profile from a decade ago.

We break down:
• How the first-time buyer demographic has changed
• Why traditional “starter homes” no longer fit many buyers’ lifestyles
• The disconnect between affordability challenges and what builders are producing
• What buyers are actually prioritizing today
• How this trend impacts Bakersfield and Kern County specifically

This episode is a must-listen for first-time buyers, homeowners, builders, investors, and anyone trying to understand where the housing market is headed next.

Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, watching new construction trends, or just trying to make sense of today’s market, this conversation offers insight you will not hear in the headlines.

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 buyer priorities. From surprising age trends to how people are financing their homes, Laurie walks listeners through what’s really happening behind the headlines — and what it means for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and anyone watching the market.

Whether you’re thinking about making a move, planning to sell in the future, or simply want to better understand where the housing market is headed, this episode offers clear, practical insight you can actually use.

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 holiday markets, charity events, ice skating, concerts, Christmas light attractions, and must-see seasonal experiences happening across Kern County. If you’ve been searching for Bakersfield Christmas events, Kern County holiday activities, or the best things to do this December, this episode has it all.

Whether you’re planning holiday outings, looking for unique shopping events, wanting to support local charities, or hoping to find the best Christmas lights in Bakersfield, this guide will help you map out your entire season.

Tune in for the ultimate Christmas and holiday event roundup for Kern County and make this December unforgettable.