Steps Buyers Should Take Now to Become a Homeowner in Bakersfield in 2026

If becoming a homeowner in Bakersfield in 2026 is even remotely on your radar, the best thing you can do right now is start preparing. Not scrolling listings, not going to open houses, and not guessing what you might qualify for — but making a clear plan.

The buyers who successfully buy homes aren’t the ones who wait until they feel “ready.” They’re the ones who start early, get informed, and take intentional steps.

Below are the exact steps buyers should be taking right now if they want to be in a position to buy a home in Bakersfield next year — whether that’s six months away or a full year out.

Step 1: Talk to a Lender (This Is Not a Commitment)

This is the step buyers avoid the most, and it’s the one that changes everything.

Many buyers believe running credit will hurt them, that talking to a lender means they’re committing to buy, or that they should wait until they find a house first. None of that is true.

The real commitment happens when you find a home, make an offer, and get that offer accepted.

Talking to a lender is simply about information. A lender will help you understand how much you can qualify for, what your estimated monthly payment would be, how much down payment is required, what closing costs may look like, and whether you’re ready now or need time to prepare.

Without this step, buyers are guessing. And guessing is what keeps people stuck.

Step 2: Understand the Real Down Payment Numbers

One of the biggest surprises for buyers is how low the minimum down payment can actually be.

For example, FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. On a $400,000 home, that’s $14,000.

Once buyers see real numbers, something clicks. Instead of thinking, “I’ll never save enough,” it becomes, “Okay, I can work toward this.”

When buyers know their exact target, they can create a monthly savings goal, adjust spending, and make decisions with intention instead of fear. Sometimes all buyers need is the homework so they can get laser focused and make a plan.

Step 3: Make a Plan (Even If It Takes a Year)

Not every buyer will be ready immediately, and that’s okay.

I’ve worked with many buyers who needed time. One young couple got qualified but didn’t love the amount they were approved for. Instead of giving up, they made changes.

The wife decided to pursue a better job and earned a raise. They moved out of their apartment and stayed with family, which allowed them to cut bills dramatically and save more money. A little over a year later, they purchased a brand-new home.

The key wasn’t timing. It was intention.

If your lease is up next summer or sometime in 2026, now is the perfect time to start saving, improving credit if needed, and making a plan for how you’ll get there. A lender can help map this out step by step.

Step 4: Know What Can Affect Your Approval (Especially Car Payments)

Here’s something many buyers don’t expect: car payments are one of the number one reasons buyers can’t qualify for a home loan.

High monthly car payments can significantly reduce buying power. Sometimes the solution is paying off a car, refinancing a loan, waiting for a lease to end, or having a family member take over a vehicle.

These aren’t decisions buyers should guess on. A lender will tell you exactly what matters and what adjustments will make the biggest impact.

Step 5: Explore New Construction Options Early

Many buyers assume new construction is out of reach, but in Bakersfield, it can actually be one of the most affordable options.

New construction homes often offer incentives such as paying most or all of a buyer’s closing costs and funds that can be used to lower the interest rate. Brand-new homes also come with warranties, and monthly payments can be competitive with resale homes.

Exploring new construction early allows buyers to understand pricing, time incentives correctly, and plan their savings based on real options instead of assumptions.

Step 6: Educate Yourself on the Full Buying Process

Buying a home involves many steps, and fear often comes from not knowing what to expect.

Having a clear understanding of the process helps buyers feel confident, avoid costly mistakes, and stay calm during escrow. Education makes the process smoother and less overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.

Step 7: Start Now — Even If You’re Not “Ready Yet”

If you don’t start now, you’ll never know how close you actually are.

Some buyers find out they need just a few months of saving, a small credit adjustment, or one debt paid off. Others discover they’re ready right now and didn’t even realize it.

Either way, clarity beats waiting.

If buying a home in Bakersfield in 2026 is your goal, the smartest move you can make today is getting clear on where you stand and creating a plan to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be ready to buy before talking to a lender?
No. Talking to a lender is not a commitment. It’s simply a way to understand where you stand financially and what steps, if any, you need to take to prepare to buy a home.

Will checking my credit hurt my score?
A lender may run your credit as part of the pre-approval process, but this is typically a small, temporary impact. Knowing your numbers early often saves buyers time, money, and stress later.

How much do I need for a down payment in Bakersfield?
Many buyers are surprised to learn that FHA loans allow a minimum down payment of 3.5%. For example, on a $400,000 home, the down payment would be $14,000. Other loan programs may offer different options depending on your situation.

What if I’m not ready to buy until late 2026?
That’s perfectly okay. Starting early allows you to create a plan, save intentionally, improve credit if needed, and be ready when the timing is right.

Do car payments really affect my home loan approval?
Yes. Car payments are one of the most common reasons buyers have reduced buying power. High monthly payments can significantly impact what you qualify for, which is why reviewing this early with a lender is so important.

Is new construction a good option for first-time buyers in Bakersfield?
In many cases, yes. New construction homes often offer incentives such as closing cost assistance and interest rate buy-downs, which can make buying more affordable than many buyers expect.

What if I find out I’m not ready yet?
That’s still a win. Knowing what you need to work on gives you a clear goal and timeline instead of uncertainty. Many buyers only need a few months of preparation before they’re ready.

How do I get started?
The best first step is to Click Here to connect with a  trusted local lender and get educated on the home buying process so you can make informed decisions and create a plan that works for you.

When you’re ready, we can:
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Just say the word 💛

Monique Diaz

Realtor® CalDRE 01506717

661-304-6078

Specializing in New Builds & Resale

👷🏻‍♀️Over 17 New Builds Represented in 2024

Bakersfield Real Estate Group at Watson Realty

https://moniquediaz.bakersfieldishome.com