Bakersfield Relocation Realtor

Q: What’s the Value of My Home?

A: Understanding your home’s value is a great starting point! Our team is here to help you determine a fair and competitive listing price. We’ll consider factors like:

• Recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood
• Your home’s unique features, condition, and upgrades
• Current market trends and conditions
• To get started, we invite you to:

Fill out our online home valuation form

Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our expert agents

Receive a personalized report outlining your home’s value and recommended listing price

Our goal is to empower you with accurate and reliable information, so you can make informed decisions about your home.

Q: How Do Property Taxes Work in Kern County, California?

A: Understanding property taxes is essential for homeowners. Here’s what you need to know:

Payment Schedue

In Kern County, property tax bills are sent twice a year by the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Due dates are:

• First installment: November 1 (delinquent after December 10)
• Second installment: February 1 (delinquent after April 10)

Mortgage Escrow Account Option

To simplify payments, you can incorporate your tax payments into your monthly mortgage payment through a mortgage escrow account. This is especially helpful for:

• First-time homebuyers
• Anyone who wants to spread out their tax payments throughout the year

Want to Learn More?

For more information on Kern County property taxes, visit https://www.kcttc.co.kern.ca.us

Q: What If I Need More Time to Move After Selling My Home?

A: We totally get it! Selling your home can be a big transition, and sometimes you just need a little extra time to get everything sorted out. That’s where a rent-back agreement can be a lifesaver.

A rent-back agreement allows you to negotiate renting your home back from the buyer after the close of escrow. This means you won’t have to rush to move out on the exact closing date.

Here are the key terms to consider:

• Dates of agreement: How long you’ll be renting the property
• Consideration: Any fees or rent you’ll pay to the buyer
• Seller’s obligations: Maintenance and delivery of the property
• Utilities: Who’s responsible for paying for utilities during the rent-back period
• Entry: The buyer’s right to enter the property during the rent-back period
• Assignment: Whether the agreement can be transferred to someone else (only with approval)
• Insurance: We recommend purchasing renters insurance to protect yourself

Our expert realtors will guide you through the negotiation process to ensure a smooth transition. We’re here to make your home sale as stress-free as possible!

Q: What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?

A: When it comes to buying a home, understanding your mortgage options is crucial. We’re here to break it down for you!

Pre-qualification is an initial assessment of your financial situation. Loan professionals will review your:

• Debts
• Assets
• Income
• Down payment

This step gives you a rough idea of how much you might be able to borrow.

Pre-Approval: The Recommended Next Step.

Pre-approval takes it a step further. You’ll submit a mortgage application, and lenders will review:

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2s (2 years)
• Tax returns (2 years)
• Bank statements (2 years)
• Credit report

This thorough review gives you a clear understanding of:

• Your budget for a home
• Estimated monthly payments
• Down payment options
• Estimated closing costs

We work closely with a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and private lenders. Our recommended lenders can guide you through the pre-approval process.

Why Choose Pre-Approval?

Pre-approval gives you a stronger negotiating position when making an offer on a home. It also helps you avoid surprises down the road.

We’re here to help you navigate the mortgage process. Contact us to get started!

Q: What Are the Costs of Buying a Home?

A: Congratulations on considering purchasing a home! We want to ensure you’re prepared for all the costs involved. Let’s break it down:

Down Payment: How Much Do I Need?

Your down payment will depend on the loan you select, ranging from:

• 3% to 30% of the home’s overall price
• 0% down payment options available for eligible buyers

Closing Costs: What’s Included?

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 6% of your loan principal and may include:

• Application fees
• Earnest money deposit
• Appraisal
• Inspections
• Origination/underwriting fees
• Transfer tax
• Title insurance fees
• Real Estate Commissions

Reserves: Having a Safety Net

To ensure you have a financial cushion, lenders may require you to have additional cash reserves, typically:

• Two months’ worth of mortgage payments set aside

Still Have Questions?

We want to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions when buying your dream home.

Contact us today, and our expert team will guide you through the home-buying process!

Homeowners’ Top Reasons to Sell

31% Want different features/ amenities

29% Home no longer meet their needs

26% Need a home office to work

23% Want to be closer to loved ones

22% Want a smaller home that is less work

17% No longer need to live near their office

How is technology integrated into our services?

According to the National Association of Realtors, “REALTORS® most often prefer to communicate with their clients through text messaging, at 94%. Ninety-two percent preferred to communicate via telephone, and 90% through e-mail” (Realtor.com, 2024).

We work exclusively with our clients and customize every client’s form of preferred contact. As your realtors, we use the best available forms of technology for communication cell phones, email, zoom, social media, texts, digital signatures, mobile notary, mail, or in person.