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January 2025

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO OUR

Monthly Newsletter Welcome to the latest edition of our Real Estate Insights Newsletter! As your dedicated real estate agent, my mission is to keep you informed and empowered with the most up-to-date information, trends, and opportunities in the housing market. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home, sell your current property, or simply keep abreast of the latest in real estate, you've come to the right place. Every issue, we'll delve into expert advice, market analysis, and valuable tips to navigate the complex world of real estate with confidence. Thank you for joining our community of informed buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts. Let's embark on this journey together, making informed decisions and turning real estate dreams into reality.

In this newsletter you will find: Latest listings, real estate news & local events. Keep on reading!

JANUARY EDITION

LOCAL Events

JANUARY

1-9

Christmas Tree Recycling @Kern County Fairgrounds

Kids Sewing Class @The Studio

Music Bingo Night @Centro Cali Brewing

9:00AM

3:30PM

6:00PM

JANUARY

USA Softball Welcomes Mike White@Saltys Event Center

Book Bedazzling & Wine Night@Wine Me Up

The Offspring @Dignity Health Arena

3:30PM

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

JANUARY

Emo Night @Legends Lounge

Bridal Expo@Kern County Fairgrounds

True Crime Dinner @Hodels

8:00 PM

11:30 AM

6:00 PM

CLICK EACH EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS

Issue no.24

MONTHLY INSIGHT The One Thing Buyers Notice First (And It’s Not What Most Sellers Think)

Most homeowners assume buyers walk in and immediately judge the big-ticket items. The kitchen. The bathrooms. The backyard. Those things matter, but they are not usually the first thing that determines whether a buyer is interested. The first thing buyers notice is the overall impression of care. Within seconds, buyers are subconsciously asking: Has this home been maintained? Does it look clean and cared for? Will I be inheriting a list of problems? That judgment forms fast, and it is surprisingly hard to reverse once it is made. This is why the “little” things often carry more weight than sellers expect. Scuffed baseboards, sticky doors, torn screens, burnt-out bulbs, stained grout, chipped paint, worn carpet at the entry, and cluttered surfaces all communicate the same message: there may be more here to deal with than I want. Buyers do not always say that out loud, but you can see it in how quickly they move through the home and how often they ask about repairs, age of systems, or maintenance history. Cleanliness and presentation play into this too, and it is not about perfection or a staged magazine look. It is about whether the home shows as orderly and move-in ready. Overfilled closets, crowded counters, and rooms packed with too much furniture can make spaces feel smaller and distract from what the home actually offers. On the flip side, a home that is tidy, bright, and simple to take in helps buyers picture themselves living there. Another part of that first impression is whether the home makes sense as they walk through it. Buyers pay attention to how rooms connect and whether the spaces have an obvious purpose. When a room feels ambiguous, buyers can get distracted trying to figure out how they would use it, and that hesitation can make the home feel less functional than it really is. Clear function helps buyers quickly understand the value of what they are seeing. Then there is the cost question. Even if buyers cannot name a number, they are watching for clues that the home could be expensive to operate or maintain. Drafty windows, harsh indoor temperature, older equipment, neglected landscaping, and visible wear can trigger concerns about monthly costs and future repairs. In today’s market, buyers are much less excited about surprises, especially expensive ones. The good news is that appealing to today’s buyers does not require a full remodel. Often, the most effective improvements are the unglamorous ones: handle the deferred maintenance, freshen paint where it shows wear, replace the small broken items, deep clean thoroughly, improve lighting, and simplify the way each space is presented. When the home looks cared for, buyers tend to assume the big things have been cared for too. For sellers, the takeaway is simple. Buyers might love a beautiful kitchen, but they trust a home that looks maintained. When the first impression signals “this home has been taken care of,” buyers are more likely to stay engaged, schedule a second look, and write stronger offers. If selling is on your radar for the year ahead, The McCarty Group can walk through your home with a buyer’s eye and point out the few changes that typically make the biggest difference.

NEED TO CONTACT US? Laurie_McCarty TheMcCartygroup/Laurie Mccarty Laurie McCarty TheMcCartyGroup 661.665.SOLD Kern County Real Estate Review

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS

JANUARY EDITION

FEATURED LISTINGS $390,000

$650,000

$459,000

HUGE LOT

ADU

BAKERSFIELD

LEBEC

BAKERSFIELD

240 S REAL RD, 93309

6641 DIGIER RD, 93243

601 LAS ARENAS CT, 93314

$395,000

$410,000

2.5

$499,900

NORRIS DISTRICT

BAKERSFIELD

9904 TOSCANA DR, 93306

12305 QUIET PASTURE DRIVE, 93312

7116 JOLYNN STREET, 93308

2.5

MORE EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM

2.5

Issue no.24

KEEPING IT “REALTOR” In this section of the newsletter we want to keep it REAL. Want to see your question answered? Email or send us a DM!

Q: “If my home doesn’t sell right away, when should I adjust the price?”

First, every home is a unique situation, so there isn’t a true “one size fits all” answer. This guidance can also change as the market changes. But in today’s market, one thing is consistently true: momentum matters, and you have the most leverage early. Those first 10 to 14 days are the sweet spot. That is when your listing gets the most attention and the most clicks. If that attention is not turning into showings, it is a sign that something is keeping buyers from scheduling a tour. Most of the time, that “something” comes back to price, especially when the marketing, photos, and condition are on point. Here is the part most sellers do not realize. Waiting too long rarely protects your bottom line. The longer a home sits, the more buyers start to wonder, “Why hasn’t it sold?” That question alone can shift the power to the buyer. Once a listing feels stale, you often see weaker offers and a longer chain of price reductions. Ironically, a smart, strategic adjustment early can help you sell for more because it brings the serious buyers back into the conversation. A good rule of thumb is this. If you are not seeing consistent activity in the first two weeks, start planning for a possible price adjustment. You do not always have to reduce immediately, but you should be prepared. If you hit around the 30-day mark with limited showings, minimal serious interest, and no offers, it is time to act. Your Realtor should be your best resource here. They can compare your home to the most recent sales, current competition, and real time buyer feedback. If they bring up a price adjustment, try to listen with an open mind. It is not a criticism of your home. It is a strategy to get it sold for the strongest price the market will support.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

JANUARY EDITION

CALLING ALL

INININVEVEVESTSTSTOR OR ORS!S!S! 1400 PINECONE CT | $349,900

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms This 3B/2B Wofford Heights home offers open-concept living with vaulted ceilings, a stylish granite-look kitchen, a cozy fireplace great room, a spacious loft, and mountain-town charm near Lake Isabella.

205 SUZANNE LN | $250,000

4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms This 4-bedroom, 3-bath split-wing home offers 1,650 sq. ft., a private block-wall yard, covered patio, and a great location near schools and Taft College—perfect for personalizing or investing.

6413 LYNCH CANYON DR | $330,000

Duplex This well-kept duplex near Lake Isabella offers two 3-bedroom, 1-bath units. Recent updates include fresh paint and a new A/C system, with one unit beautifully remodeled.

WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM

Issue no.24

Local Expertise Trusted Insights

Hosted by Laurie McCarty

NEW SHOWS EVERY SATURDAY 11 AM TO 12 PM ENCORE EVERY SUNDAY 8 AM TO 9 AM

KNZR 97.7 FM | 1560 AM

OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS!

LOOKING FORWARD: 2026 REAL ESTATE MARKET PREDICTIONS

WHAT FIRST-TIME BUYERS WANT… AND HOW BUILDERS AREN’T DELIVERING

TODAY’S HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS: INSIGHTS FROM THE NEW NAR REPORT

ARE 50-YEAR MORTGAGES THE ANSWER TO AFFORDABILITY?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO HEAR MORE

JANUARY EDITION

JANUARY HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST Regular maintenance protects your biggest investment— your home! Be proactive now to avoid headaches later. As you check off each task below, you'll ensure your home stays in excellent condition year-round!

Declutter and Organize Your Home: Start the year fresh by tackling clutter in closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Donate or recycle items you no longer need. Inspect Roof and Gutters: Check for debris or damage after winter storms to prevent leaks or structural issues. Trim Outdoor Plants and Trees: Prune overgrown branches or plants to promote healthy growth before spring and reduce the risk of storm damage. Plan for Spring Maintenance Projects: It’s not too early to prepare for spring! With just a couple of months to go, start identifying larger tasks, gathering supplies, or scheduling professionals to get ahead.

REAL RESULTS, REAL CLIENTS LET US MAKE YOU OUR NEXT SUCCESS STORY

Kathy and Dennis Kamps were facing one of the hardest kinds of sales. They were settling a loved one’s home after a loss. The property had been lived in for many years, needed significant work, and had a large amount of accumulated belongings to sort through. It was an emotional and logistical challenge. Laurie McCarty and The McCarty Group stepped in with clear guidance and a tailored marketing plan, securing an all-cash buyer who purchased the home as-is, with a short escrow. As Dennis shared, “Laurie is very caring and professional. I would highly recommend The McCarty Group. Would definitely use them again. Thank you, Laurie!”

CLICK TO READ MORE WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM

ISSUE NO.24

MEET THE TEAM At The McCarty Group, our success is driven by a dedicated team of experienced Realtors and skilled administrative staff. Each member plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and expertise. From guiding you through the buying and selling process to ensuring every detail is handled with care, our team is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals.

THE MCCARTY GROUP SOLUTIONS

At The McCarty Group, we're committed to providing unparalleled service and innovative solutions to meet your real estate needs. Here are three exclusive programs we offer to meet your needs and provide peace of mind: Guaranteed Sold: We guarantee to sell your house by an agreed date and for an agreed amount. If it doesn’t sell, we’ll buy it ourselves. You can rest assured knowing your home sale is in capable hands. Improve to Move: Need to make some updates or repairs before listing your home? With our Improve to Move program, we recommend the best improvements and coordinate the work using our trusted network of contractors. We'll cover the costs upfront, and you can reimburse us at closing with no hidden fees or interest. Love it or Leave it: We’re committed to finding you a home you truly love. If for any reason you fall out of love with your new home within the first 12 months, we’ll sell it for you, free of charge. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Take advantage of these unique options designed to make your real estate journey smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more!

We want to thank you! A huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey over the years. Your support has been the cornerstone of every milestone. If this is the year you're thinking of making a move, let's chat about how we can turn your real estate goals into reality!

-Laurie McCarty DRE:01090506 661.665.SOLD DRE:01100927

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE