Not every home is what it seems.

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we’re taking a closer look at a growing issue in California that many buyers don’t even realize exists until it’s too late: illegal marijuana grow houses and the homes left behind.

From the outside, these properties can look completely normal. Inside, they can tell a very different story.

We’re breaking down what actually happens inside these homes, including electrical tampering, plumbing alterations, hidden mold, and structural damage that can cost thousands to repair. We also walk through the warning signs buyers should be looking for, how these properties end up back on the market, and why some homes that seem like a “deal” may come with serious risks.

If you’re currently house hunting, investing, or even just keeping an eye on the market, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Knowing what to look for could save you from making a costly mistake.

In this episode, we cover:

• What illegal grow houses really look like inside
• Red flags buyers should never ignore
• The true cost of hidden damage
• How these homes impact property values and neighborhoods
• What buyers and sellers need to know before moving forward

Whether you’re buying your first home, searching for an investment property, or planning to sell, this episode will give you the insight you need to make confident, informed decisions in today’s market.

Listen now to the Kern County Real Estate Review with Laurie McCarty.

What actually makes a buyer say “yes” to a home?

It’s not always price—and it’s not always upgrades. In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down one of the most overlooked factors that can influence how quickly a home sells and how buyers respond the moment they walk in.

With the spring real estate market in full swing, presentation matters more than ever. Laurie explains how something as simple as cleanliness can shape a buyer’s first impression, impact perceived value, and ultimately affect your bottom line.

Joining the conversation is Erika Gonzalez, owner of Crystal Clean, sharing practical, expert-level cleaning strategies that go beyond surface-level tidying. From the areas buyers notice first to the biggest cleaning mistakes sellers make, this episode is packed with actionable advice for homeowners preparing to sell—or anyone wanting their home to feel refreshed and more functional.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Bakersfield or Kern County, or just want to understand what today’s buyers are really looking for, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What truly influences a buyer’s first impression
• Why cleanliness plays a bigger role than most sellers realize
• The most important areas to focus on before listing your home
• Common cleaning mistakes that can hurt your home’s appeal
• Practical, time-efficient cleaning tips from a professional

The Kern County Real Estate Review airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. with an encore Sunday at 8 a.m. on KNZR, and is available on all major podcast platforms.

For more information or to connect with Laurie and The McCarty Group, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com or call 661-665-SOLD.

What if one of the biggest real estate opportunities in California has been hiding in plain sight for decades?

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, we take you inside California City—a place with one of the most fascinating and misunderstood real estate histories in the country.

Originally envisioned in the 1950s as a massive desert metropolis that could rival Los Angeles, California City became one of the largest land booms in U.S. history… followed by a dramatic slowdown that left behind miles of empty streets and thousands of vacant lots.

So why are builders, investors, and homebuyers suddenly paying attention again?

We break it all down:

• The surprising history of California City and how it became a “paper city”
• The rise and fall of one of California’s biggest land development projects
• Why affordable housing is bringing new attention to the area today
• What buyers need to know before purchasing land or a home in California City

• The biggest mistakes people make when buying land (and how to avoid them)

We’re also joined by Clearview Homes, a local builder actively developing new homes in California City, sharing how buyers can purchase a home for under $300,000—and in some cases, get in with as little as $500 down.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Is California City a good place to invest?”
• “Why is land so cheap in California City?”
• “Can you really buy a home in California for under $300K?”
• “What should I know before buying vacant land?”

This episode answers all of it.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, investor, or just curious about California real estate, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Because sometimes the biggest opportunities… come from the most unexpected places.

Topics Covered:
California City real estate, affordable housing in California, buying land in California, Kern County real estate market, first-time homebuyer tips, California real estate trends, investing in land, Mojave Desert housing development

What would happen if one spouse suddenly had to manage everything alone?

In this powerful episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty shares the essential financial and real estate planning steps every couple should take before life takes an unexpected turn.

From understanding your mortgage and insurance policies to organizing household systems and important documents, this episode walks through the real-life gaps that often leave surviving spouses overwhelmed—and how to prevent them.

You’ll learn:

• The “Saturday Morning Preparedness Test” every couple should try
• What your spouse should know about your home, finances, and monthly obligations
• How to create a simple Homeowner Emergency Binder to organize everything in one place
• Why understanding property title, insurance policies, and accounts matters more than you think
• The most overlooked “invisible responsibilities” that can create stress after loss
• How preparation today creates peace of mind for the future

Laurie also shares real insights from working with homeowners navigating major life transitions, along with practical, easy-to-implement steps that can be done in just one afternoon.

Whether you’re married, own a home, or simply want to protect your family, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about estate planning, financial preparedness, and protecting your spouse.

Because preparing your spouse isn’t planning for the worst… it’s planning for peace.

What happens to the house after losing a spouse or going through a divorce?

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty walks through one of the most difficult and often overlooked situations homeowners face — navigating real estate decisions after a major life loss.

From understanding your financial picture to deciding whether to keep or sell the home, this conversation provides practical guidance for anyone facing the emotional and financial weight of these decisions. Laurie breaks down what steps to take first, what mistakes to avoid, and how to move forward with clarity instead of pressure.

You’ll also learn how home equity plays a critical role in long-term financial stability, why many retirees rely on their home as a major asset, and what homeowners in Bakersfield and Kern County should consider when planning for the future.

This episode covers:
• What to do with a house after losing a spouse
• Selling a home after death or divorce
• How to handle real estate during probate or separation
• Understanding mortgage, title, and financial responsibilities
• Protecting yourself from low offers and high-pressure buyers
• When to keep the home vs. when to sell
• How home equity impacts retirement planning
• Real estate guidance specific to Kern County and Bakersfield

Whether you are currently facing a loss, helping a family member, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers real-world insight to help you make informed decisions during a challenging time.

📞 For guidance, contact Laurie McCarty and The McCarty Group at 661-665-SOLD🌐 Learn more at themccartygroup.com

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty breaks down what’s really happening in the Bakersfield housing market and answers the question many buyers and sellers are asking right now: Is now the time to buy a home?

Laurie and Adlai discuss the latest real estate market trends in Bakersfield and Kern County, including rising buyer activity, limited inventory, and how quickly homes are selling. Laurie shares new local data showing homes are selling faster than they were this time last year and explains what that means for both buyers and sellers navigating today’s market.

They also take a closer look at mortgage rates and why they recently jumped back above 6%, including how global events can impact the housing market right here in Bakersfield. If you’re wondering whether rising interest rates should affect your decision to buy or sell, this conversation provides helpful context and practical advice.

As part of the show’s monthly Open House, Open Mic special, Laurie also speaks directly with local real estate agents about several open houses happening across Kern County, giving listeners a preview of homes they can tour this weekend. From spacious family homes to properties with unique features like workshops, RV parking, and private ADUs, there are options for a wide range of buyers.

Plus, Laurie highlights this week’s Home of the Week—a stunning custom estate in Kernville, California, set on five scenic acres with sweeping lake and mountain views, a dramatic living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a chef’s kitchen, and an impressive seven-car garage.

Whether you’re buying your first home, thinking about selling, relocating to Bakersfield, or simply keeping an eye on the market, this episode provides valuable insight into what’s happening in Kern County real estate right now.

To learn more about any of the homes featured in this episode or to schedule a private showing, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com or call 661-665-SOLD.

Is what you think you know about the housing market actually true?

In this special Real Estate Pop Quiz episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty puts common housing market beliefs to the test with a fast-paced true-or-false game covering pricing strategy, buyer psychology, negotiations, and today’s real estate trends. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction so you can make smarter decisions in today’s market.

But that’s not all.

Laurie also breaks down the City of Bakersfield’s newly unveiled Old Town Kern Vision Plan, a 20-year redevelopment proposal that could impact infrastructure, mixed-use housing, commercial growth, property values, and long-term investment opportunities in the area. If you own property near Old Town Kern or are watching for redevelopment opportunities in Bakersfield real estate, this is a must-listen conversation.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or homeowner wondering how today’s market really works, this episode delivers clear, practical insight grounded in decades of local experience.

For more information or to connect with The McCarty Group, visit TheMcCartyGroup.com or call 661-665-SOLD.

Play along. Test your instincts. And walk away better informed about the Kern County housing market.

Does staging actually help a home sell faster and for more money? Or is it just about making a home look nice?

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty explores why preparation is one of the most important steps when selling a home in today’s Bakersfield and Kern County real estate market.

With buyers paying more per month and becoming more selective, presentation can directly impact buyer perception, negotiating power, days on market, and final sale price.

Laurie is joined by staging experts Courtney Montoya and Lauren Sefton, who work behind the scenes preparing listings before they ever hit the MLS. Throughout the episode, they share practical, actionable advice sellers can use right now, including:

• What buyers notice immediately when they walk in• The rooms that matter most to stage• Common mistakes sellers make before photos• Simple weekend projects that create the biggest impact• Whether staging is worth it at every price point• How preparation can influence offer strength

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, this episode explains how to position your property to stand out and sell strong.

Because the difference between sitting… and selling often comes down to preparation.