MONTHLYINSIGHT
or price reductions The safer approach is using licensed professionals for major electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural work, pulling permits when required, and keeping receipts and documentation If work has already been done without permits, it is wise to talk through options before listing so there is a clear plan.
Bold wallpaper or very trendy paint colors
Highly specific design choices can backfire because they often feel like a project. Even if the look is stylish, many buyers calculate the time and cost to undo it The easiest way to keep broad appeal is neutral paint and simple, cohesive finishes. Add personality through decor, art, lighting, and textiles that can be easily changed, allowing buyers to picture their own style in the space
If you are considering renovations and want a plan that makes sense for your home and price range, call or text The McCarty Group at 661-665-SOLD.
Q:
“Do open houses actually help sell a home, or are they just marketing for the agent?”
Open houses can help sell a home, but they are not a magic trick, and they are not the right fit for every property. When they are used strategically, an open house is one more way to create exposure and make it easy for buyers to walk through without the hassle of coordinating a private showing That matters most early on, because a listing gets its strongest attention in the first couple of weeks, and an open house can capture buyers who are touring multiple homes in one day, relocating, or coming in from out of town and trying to see as much as possible in a short window. It can also create a sense of excitement around the home, which sometimes nudges interested buyers to act sooner rather than later.
Now, I also want to be honest. An open house can generate leads for an agent, and that is where some sellers get skeptical I understand that But those two things can be true at the same time. A well-run open house should be about the home first, and it should support the overall marketing plan, not replace it. The real question is whether it fits your home and your goals Homes in remote areas, gated communities, or other hardto-access locations are often better served by targeted private showings and strong online marketing instead. And even for a home that is a great fit, the open house has to be done right. When an open house makes sense, it should be promoted properly, executed professionally, and followed up with real feedback If it is done that way, it is not just marketing. It is a tool to help your home sell.
18499 SHAFTER AVE | $395,000 0.74 ACRE LOT
A high-visibility corner commercial lot with dual frontage, offering flexible zoning ideal for truck parking, auto services, neighborhood retail, or mixeduse development with excellent access and long-term investment potential.
4 TEE LN | $90,000 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
Corner-lot home in the Highland Knolls 55+ community featuring spacious living areas, a well-connected kitchen, a private primary suite, indoor laundry with storage, and resort-style amenities.
by
by
Laurie McCarty Hosted
ENCORE EVERY SUNDAY 8 AM TO 9 AM KNZR 97.7 FM | 1560 AM
OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS! MOVING OUT OF CALIFORNIA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RELOCATE NEW HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST: 15 THINGS TO DO AFTER CLOSING WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER WITH WAYPOINT ADJUSTING
FEBRUARYHOMEMAINTENANCECHECKLIST
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!
Clean and Inspect Dryer Vents: Remove lint from dryer vents and exhaust ducts to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of fire.
Service Your Water Heater: Flush out your water heater to remove sediment and ensure it’s running efficiently. You should be doing this annually!
Inspect Plumbing for Leaks: Check pipes under sinks and near water heaters for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Address issues promptly to avoid water damage.
Organize Your Home Office: With tax season approaching, declutter and organize your home office or filing system to prepare for gathering important documents
REALRESULTS,REALCLIENTS
Keith needed to sell his Oleander home, but he was working outside the country That alone can create a logistical nightmare for most sellers But when he hired Laurie McCarty, distance was no obstacle. She and her team prepared the home, executed a strategic pricing plan, and launched a powerful marketing campaign that made the home stand out.
The results were remarkable. In a market where many homes struggle to get even one offer, Keith’s property brought in multiple offers within days and sold for $15,000 above list price all without him ever having to return to Bakersfield.
Laurie McCarty | Owner & Realtor
Connor McCarty | Realtor
Bob McCarty | Field Services Specialist
Bridgette Sanchez | Realtor
Courtney Montoya | Marketing Coordinator
Genevive Salgado | Listing Coordinator & Realtor
Margaret Edmonston | Realtor
Paige Marchant | Transaction Coordinator & Realtor
Stephanie Llanes | Realtor
Tishana Debenham | Office & Sales Manager
Lauren Sefton | Marketing Manager & Realtor