What’s it really like to live in a tiny home? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with entrepreneur Samantha Creech, who not only designed her own tiny home but also lives in it every day. Samantha shares her journey of downsizing, the creative process behind building her home, and the unexpected joys and challenges that come with tiny living.

From rethinking what makes a house a home, to discovering how to design and thrive in a small space, Samantha’s story is both inspiring and practical for anyone curious about the tiny home lifestyle.

Tune in to hear firsthand what it means to live intentionally, create with purpose, and find freedom in less square footage.

It’s Open House, Open Mic on the Kern County Real Estate Review! In this special monthly edition, Laurie McCarty shares the latest Bakersfield housing market update, including insights from the Crabtree Report on affordability, supply and demand, home prices, and job growth. You’ll hear why Kern County continues to stand out as one of the most affordable markets in California — and why local buyers and sellers remain so active.

Laurie also welcomes local agents to spotlight their open houses across Bakersfield, giving listeners a first look at some of the hottest homes hitting the market. Whether you’re searching for your next home, considering selling, or just curious about the latest Kern County real estate trends, this episode is full of valuable insights and opportunities.

For more resources or to connect with Kern County’s #1 real estate team, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com.

Thinking about buying a foreclosure in Bakersfield or beyond? In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down everything buyers need to know before jumping in. From explaining the foreclosure process in California to clarifying the difference between auctions, REO properties, and short sales, Laurie shares practical insights drawn from decades of experience.

You’ll learn:

• Why foreclosures happen and how the process works locally

• The risks and rewards of buying at auction vs. through the MLS

• What financing options (FHA, VA, conventional, cash) really work for foreclosures

• Extra costs and repairs buyers should budget for

• How today’s market compares to the 2008–2009 foreclosure wave

• Action steps for buyers who want to get started safely

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or simply curious about the current real estate market in Kern County, this episode offers clear guidance and expert advice.

For more resources or to connect with Kern County’s #1 real estate team, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com.

This week on the Kern County Real Estate Review, we’re joined by architect Daniel Cater of Cater Design Group to discuss the ambitious restoration of one of Bakersfield’s most iconic buildings — the historic Woolworth’s on 19th Street. From sourcing original 1940s materials to deconstructing and rebuilding the last standing Woolworth’s lunch counter in the country, Daniel walks us through the vision, process, and purpose behind this project. We also explore what this renovation means for the future of downtown Bakersfield and the broader role of historic preservation in community development.

Ever wondered how you can buy your next home before selling your current one? On this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty is joined by Phoebe Jaeckels of Movement Mortgage to discuss the Expanded Access Buy Now, Sell Later program—a powerful option that helps homeowners make a move on their own terms.

From avoiding contingent offers to easing the stress of back-to-back escrows, Phoebe breaks down how this program works, who it’s designed for, and why it could be a game-changer in today’s competitive market. Laurie also shares her weekly “Weekend Equity Boost” project to help you add value to your home.

California’s homeowners insurance market is in crisis, and the ripple effects are hitting buyers, sellers, and homeowners across the state. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with Allyson Pifer, owner of Bridgemark Insurance Services, to explain what is changing and how to protect your home and your transaction.

You will learn why major insurers have paused new policies or left parts of California, what tighter underwriting looks like, and why premiums are rising. Laurie and Allyson cover how these changes affect escrows, refinancing, and day-to-day homeownership. They also discuss practical steps you can take right now so you are not blindsided at renewal or during a sale.

What we cover

• What a standard homeowners policy does and does not cover

• Replacement cost vs actual cash value and why the difference matters

• How fire zones, roof age, plumbing, electrical, and property condition impact approval

• What to do if your insurer will not renew your policy

• The California FAIR Plan basics, when to use it, and common pitfalls

• New carrier requirements that can delay closing, including automatic water shut-off valves and property inspections

• How buyers can shop coverage during escrow and avoid last-minute surprises

• How sellers can prepare so insurance issues do not derail a deal

• Local implications for Kern County homeowners and buyers

This week on the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with Andrae Gonzales, Bakersfield City Councilmember, for an eye-opening conversation about the Bakersfield Community Land Trust—a new initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for local families. If you’re wondering how a community land trust works, or what’s being done to support first-time homebuyers in Bakersfield, this episode is a must-listen.

Laurie and Andrae break down how the Bakersfield Community Land Trust is helping create affordable housing opportunities in our city, who qualifies, how the homes are priced, and why this model could be a game changer for neighborhoods with low homeownership rates.

Plus, we spotlight the hottest open houses happening in Kern County this weekend—don’t miss your chance to explore them.

Whether you're thinking about buying a home in Bakersfield or just want to learn more about the local housing market, this episode delivers helpful insights and practical information.

Summer in Bakersfield is no joke—and neither are the challenges it brings to homeowners! In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty of The McCarty Group shares expert real estate advice tailored to surviving (and thriving) during the hottest months of the year.

From roof inspections and foundation checks to smart irrigation systems and energy-saving upgrades, Laurie walks listeners through practical summer home maintenance tips that protect your investment, lower utility bills, and prevent costly repairs. Plus, she breaks down a major change from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could open the door to homeownership for millions of first-time buyers—thanks to the new VantageScore 4.0 credit model.

Whether you're a longtime homeowner or a first-time buyer navigating your first Central Valley summer, this episode is packed with real estate tips for hot weather living.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Must-do summer maintenance for your home’s exterior and interior

• Smart landscaping strategies to beat the heat

• Tips for staying energy-efficient during high temps

• What the shift from FICO to VantageScore means for buyers

• Featured properties currently on the market in Bakersfield

Subscribe now to the Kern County Real Estate Review for trusted insights from Bakersfield’s #1 real estate team.

📍 Learn more: www.TheMcCartyGroup.com
📞 Call Laurie McCarty: 661-665-SOLD (7653)

Summer in Bakersfield is no joke—and neither are the challenges it brings to homeowners! In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty of The McCarty Group shares expert real estate advice tailored to surviving (and thriving) during the hottest months of the year.

From roof inspections and foundation checks to smart irrigation systems and energy-saving upgrades, Laurie walks listeners through practical summer home maintenance tips that protect your investment, lower utility bills, and prevent costly repairs. Plus, she breaks down a major change from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could open the door to homeownership for millions of first-time buyers—thanks to the new VantageScore 4.0 credit model.

Whether you're a longtime homeowner or a first-time buyer navigating your first Central Valley summer, this episode is packed with real estate tips for hot weather living.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Must-do summer maintenance for your home’s exterior and interior

• Smart landscaping strategies to beat the heat

• Tips for staying energy-efficient during high temps

• What the shift from FICO to VantageScore means for buyers

• Featured properties currently on the market in Bakersfield

Subscribe now to the Kern County Real Estate Review for trusted insights from Bakersfield’s #1 real estate team.

📍 Learn more: www.TheMcCartyGroup.com
📞 Call Laurie McCarty: 661-665-SOLD (7653)

Thinking about selling your home? On this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down the Three P's of Selling — Price, Presentation, and Promotion — and why getting each one right is critical to a successful sale in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re listing a home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, Laurie shares expert advice and real-life examples to help you avoid common pitfalls and attract buyers. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that could make all the difference when it comes to selling your home for top dollar.

Tune in to the Kern County Real Estate Review to hear Laurie McCarty’s trusted real estate strategies that have helped over 11,000 families—and learn how to make your property stand out in the competitive Kern County real estate market.