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.

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.

Laurie also breaks down the recent spike in “help with mortgage” searches, what the data truly means, and how today’s housing landscape compares to the Great Recession, offering a clear and steady look at the real estate market.

Topics: aging in place, home safety assessment, senior home modifications, DwellSafe, occupational therapy, fall prevention, independent living, home accessibility, real estate market update.

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 surprises that can throw a closing off track. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or agent, Cecile shares what you should be planning for right now to avoid delays and keep your transaction on schedule.

This week’s news segment dives into a major industry headline: Zillow’s new ChatGPT app and why it’s raising questions across the real estate world about data control, IDX rules, and the future of AI-driven home search.

And to wrap up, Laurie shares an Equity Boosting Tip focused on creating an entertainer’s kitchen before the holidays — with simple, affordable upgrades that add comfort now and value later.

Tune in for expert insight, practical guidance, and everything you need to navigate the year-end real estate season with confidence.

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, this episode explains what is happening and what to watch in the weeks ahead.

Laurie also shares the latest updates on Bakersfield’s sewer rate proposals and a new Equity Boosting Tip focused on making your home more turn-key.

Great for listeners searching for Kern County real estate insights, mortgage information, or government shutdown effects.

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 tenants when it comes to providing appliances.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner wanting to stay informed, this episode offers practical advice, real-world context, and a showcase of homes that capture the best of Kern County living.