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October 2026
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!
OCTOBER EDITION
Local Events OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
3
9-11
9-11
Jr. League Oktoberfest @Jr. League Community Ctr
Disney on Ice @Dignity Health Arena
Greek Food Festival @St. George Orthodox Church
5:30PM
Varying Times
Varying Times
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
9-31
10
17-18
Scare Valley @KC Fairgrounds
Cruisin’ Shine Car Show @Downtown Bakersfield
Via Arte Chalk Festival @The Marketplace
Varying Times
9:00am-4:00pm
9:00AM-8:00PM
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
17
21
24
Condors Home Opener @Dignity Health Arena
Switchfoot & Anberlin @Fox Theatre
Sotto Le Stell @KC Museum
7:10PM
7:30PM
5:30PM
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
25
27
30-31
REZA: Edge of Illusion @Fox Theatre
Bluey’s Big Play @Dignity Health Arena
Safe Halloween @KC Museum
6:30PM
6:00PM
5:00PM-9:00PM
CLICK EACH EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS
Issue no.33
MONTHLY INSIGHT What’s Really Happening in the Kern County Housing Market? The newest Kern County housing numbers are in, and they show a market that is becoming more balanced while still remaining active. Buyers have more time to make thoughtful decisions, sellers are still receiving strong prices, and nearly 500 homes went under contract in September. At the same time, homes are taking a little longer to sell than they did earlier this year. So while the pace of the market has changed, there is still plenty of activity happening across Kern County. At the end of September, there were 1,483 homes for sale throughout Kern County, about 5% fewer than in September 2025. We also had approximately 3.6 months of inventory. In simple terms, that means buyers have more choices and more breathing room than they did during the extremely competitive market of a few years ago, but we are far from having an overwhelming supply of homes. Buyer activity is still there, too. A total of 409 homes closed escrow in September, which was lower than both August and September of last year. However, 497 homes went pending during the month. Pending sales actually increased 3.5% from August and were only about 1% below last year. What does that mean? Buyers have not disappeared. They are still purchasing homes, but they are taking more time to compare their options and make decisions. Prices were another encouraging part of September’s report. The median sold price across Kern County reached $417,000, up from $396,000 in August and $390,000 one year ago. The average sold price was $432,000. That does not mean every home increased in value by the same amount. Real estate is extremely local, and the value of an individual property depends on its neighborhood, condition, size, upgrades and recent comparable sales. Sellers are also still receiving close to their asking prices. Homes sold for approximately 99% of their final list price on average. Where expectations may need to shift is timing. The average home spent 47 days on the market, compared with 38 days in August. That means pricing, condition, presentation and marketing matter more than NEED TO CONTACT US? they did during the frenzy of a few years ago. The takeaway? Slower does not mean stopped.
Laurie_McCarty
Buyers have more time to make thoughtful decisions, while sellers can still achieve strong results with the right strategy.
TheMcCartygroup/Laurie Mccarty
If you’re wondering what these countywide numbers mean for your specific home, call or text The McCarty Group at 661-665-SOLD (7653).
TheMcCartyGroup
Market data included in this article was obtained from the Golden Empire MLS and was current as of the date of publication. Real estate statistics are subject to change as new market activity is reported.
Laurie McCarty
661.665.SOLD Kern County Real Estate Review
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS
OCTOBER EDITION
FEATURED LISTINGS $324,900
$374,900
$445,000
BAKERSFIELD
BAKERSFIELD
BAKERSFIELD
10300 EVORA LN, 93306
231 WINTER MEADOW WAY, 93308
10826 AVENIDA FRASCA DR, 93311
2
2
2
4
2
2
4
2
2
$489,000
$559,900
$524,900
BAKERSFIELD
TEHACHAPI
BAKERSFIELD
12008 ERNESTINA CT, 93306
23921 PARKE CT, 93561
5101 DEWALT ST, 93308
4
2.75
2
3
2.5
2
MORE EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM
3
2
RV PARKING
Issue no.33
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: “Laurie, I need to sell my home, but I’m really nervous about putting it on the market right now. We’re getting closer to the holidays, interest rates are high, and I keep hearing conflicting things about the economy and housing market. Would I be better off waiting until next year to list?” Maybe, but I would not wait simply because the calendar says we’re heading into the holidays. The first thing I would want to know is why you need to sell and what you hope waiting will accomplish. If you’re relocating, downsizing, moving closer to family, or need to sell before purchasing another home, your personal circumstances may matter much more than trying to predict the “perfect” month to list. There is also a common misconception that buyers disappear during the holidays. We may see fewer people casually looking, but the buyers who are active can be very motivated. At the same time, some homeowners decide to wait until spring to sell, which can mean less competition for the homes that are on the market. I also would not make a decision based solely on hoping interest rates will be lower next year. Rates could improve, stay similar, or move higher, and other things can change too, including home prices, inventory, and the cost of the home you may be buying next. Before deciding, I would look at your home’s current value, what you owe, how much preparation it may need, where you are moving, and whether selling now puts you in a better overall position. There may be a good reason to wait. There may also be a very good reason not to. The key is to make the decision based on your specific situation and a realistic plan, not an assumption that next year will automatically be a better market.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
OCTOBER EDITION
CALLING ALL
INININVEVEVESTSTSTOR OR ORS!S!S! 2801 BELDEN LN | $375,000
3 bedroom | 2 bathroom This single-story home offers a functional floor plan with multiple living spaces, an updated kitchen and primary bath, a cozy brick fireplace, and plenty of opportunity to make it your own.
9855 VISTA RD | AUCTION The list price is not indicative of the seller's final reserve amount. This property is part of an online bidding event; please visit the auction company's website to place bids. Inspections of this property and contact with occupants are strictly prohibited. Property is sold as is and no for sale sign allowed.
28106 HWY 119 | $585,000
6 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms This unique 2.77-acre horse property offers 6 bedrooms, two primary suites, a gourmet kitchen, extensive equestrian amenities, 88 owned solar panels, and exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living, livestock, RVs, and more.
WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM
Issue no.33
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!
LIVING NEAR AN AI DATA CENTER: WHAT COULD IT MEAN FOR YOUR HOME’S VALUE?
BUILDING HOMES IN A FACTORY: INSIDE PLANT PREFAB'S APPROACH
WHAT IF YOU COULD TAKE YOUR MORTGAGE RATE WITH YOU? THE MOVE ACT EXPLAINED
CITY LIGHTS BAKERSFIELD: WHAT’S COMING TO THE FORMER EAST HILLS MALL SITE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO HEAR MORE
OCTOBER EDITION
OCTOBER 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! Inspect Gutters Clear out leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid clogs and potential water damage from autumn rains.
HVAC System Check Schedule a professional tune-up for your HVAC system to ensure it’s ready for cooler weather.
Inspect Windows & Doors Check for drafts and apply weatherstripping or caulking where necessary to maintain energy efficiency.
Check Irrigation System Adjust watering schedules as temperatures cool and inspect sprinkler heads for leaks or clogs.
REAL RESULTS, REAL CLIENTS LET US MAKE YOU OUR NEXT SUCCESS STORY Selling one home while buying another can feel like a lot to manage at once. For Brittany and Shane, The McCarty Group helped coordinate both sides of their move, from selling their previous home to purchasing the next one. With so many details, deadlines, and moving pieces involved in two transactions, the team worked to keep everything organized, communicated, and moving forward so Brittany and Shane could focus on the move itself instead of worrying about what came next. Brittany shared: “The McCarty Group is amazing. They made selling my old and buying my new home as easy as possible! I would 1000% recommend y’all using them for your next sell/buy.” When you are buying and selling at the same time, having one team coordinate the entire process can make all the difference. CLICK TO READ MORE
WWW.THEMCCARTYGROUP.COM
OCTOBER EDITION
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.
Laurie McCarty | Owner & Realtor Connor McCarty | Realtor Bob McCarty | Field Services Specialist Bridgette Sanchez | Realtor Courtney Montoya | Marketing Coordinator Genevive Salgado | Listing Coordinator & Realtor Hailey Owen | Listing Department Margaret Edmonston | Realtor Paige Marchant | Transaction Coordinator & Realtor Stephanie Llanes | Realtor Tishana Debenham | Office & Sales Manager Lauren Sefton | Marketing Manager Sharouk Qumsieh | Realtor Kassandra Wernhart | Realtor
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