Whether someone is moving for a new job, to be closer to family or simply to experience a new place, Bakersfield could very well be the last place they move to. California enjoys warm, sunny skies all year round, making it the favorite state of thousands of Americans and tourists alike.
Finding a new home in Bakersfield CA doesn’t have to be difficult, but going at it alone without any help will make it a long, arduous process. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get support, starting with the tips in this blog.
Here are some things everyone should do when searching for their dream home in Bakersfield.
1- Partner with a local real estate agent
When moving to Bakersfield, it’s important you choose the right neighborhood, which is something only a local real estate agent will be able to help with. Some areas of Bakersfield have high crime rates and have a reputation for being dangerous. A reputable real estate agent will help home buyers to avoid these areas, pointing them in the direction of neighborhoods that are better suited to their needs, especially if they have children to think of as well as themselves. Real estate agents will also be able to provide home buyers with information about local schools, community activities, and whether other families are living in the area. Bakersfield has something for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding the right neighborhood that suits.
2- Bear the climate in mind
While the weather is a huge selling point for most people moving to Bakersfield, it’s important to factor this in when choosing a home. If a home buyer is moving from a colder climate, they might not think twice about whether their new home has air conditioning. Home buyers may also want to choose a place that has netting on the windows so they can keep them open during the night. It’s always best to ask a real estate agent how a home has been built and whether it will be efficient at keeping the heat out for optimal comfort.
3- Hire a car and drive around
The best way to find a home in Bakersfield is to see them in person. Public transport isn’t the best in this city and it can be hard to walk from one area to the next, as neighborhoods are spread over large distances. If home buyers don’t have a car already, they should consider hiring one to visit a few homes over a weekend. This will help them to get a better feel for both the area and the places they might be buying in the future. While online viewings can be helpful for those who live far away, there’s nothing quite like an in-person visit.
4- Wait for a good deal
Real estate in Bakersfield isn’t cheap. While it isn’t as pricey as some areas in California, home buyers moving from out of state may be surprised by how much certain homes cost. It’s a good idea to avoid rushing into a home and waiting for prices to drop a little bit. Buyers should keep an eye on trends in the real estate market and ask their real estate agent what months are the best time to buy. Buying a home in the off-season can cause prices to be much lower than expected. Alternatively, prospective buyers may want to rent a home in Bakersfield until they can find a place they want to buy. This will allow them to watch the property market rise and fall, allowing them to jump on the best deal they can find when it arises.
5- Don’t shy away from compromise
Some people put a lot of pressure on themselves to find the perfect home, but that’s something that doesn’t always exist. Often, finding the perfect home is about realizing what’s most important to a particular family and focusing on that. For example, a home without a backyard in an amazing neighborhood could be everything a small family needs, especially if they don’t plan to sit out and sunbathe often. It’s easy to get caught up in finding the best deal, but this will never look the same for everyone.
Everyone can find a great home in Bakersfield, they just need to start looking today.
