Bakersfield Real Estate Market Update – July 2025

Source: Golden Empire MLS (Kern County’s local MLS). Data summarized from GEMLS via TrendGraphix.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Bakersfield, here’s what the latest numbers from July 2025 tell us about the local housing market. I’ve broken it down in simple terms and explained what each stat means so you can make sense of the trends.

Snapshot of July 2025 (compared with June 2025 and July 2024)

• Homes for sale (active listings): 1,511

  • Up 0.4% from June (1,505)

  • Up 48% from July last year (1,021)

• Homes sold (closed sales): 541

  • Essentially flat month-to-month (down 0.2% from 542 in June)

  • Down 7% from July last year (582)

• Homes under contract (pendings): 641

  • Up 22.6% from June (523)

  • Up 9.2% from July last year (587)

• Average days on market: 42 days

  • Up from 36 days in June (+16.7%)

• Sale-to-Original-List-Price ratio: 97%

  • Down from 98% in June (on average, sellers accepted about 3% below their original asking price)

• Months of inventory: 2.8 months

  • Unchanged from June

What these numbers mean (in plain English)

1) Inventory is much higher than last year

There were 1,511 homes for sale in July—48% more than a year ago.
Why this matters: More listings = more choices for buyers and more competition for sellers. If you’re selling, you can’t assume your home will stand out by default. Good pricing, quality photos, and strong marketing make a bigger difference when buyers have options.

2) Pending sales jumped, so activity is alive

641 homes went under contract, which is 22.6% higher than in June and 9.2% higher than last July.
Why this matters: “Pending” means buyers and sellers agreed on a price and terms. Closings usually show up 30–45 days later. Today’s higher pending count suggests we’ll see steady or stronger closed sales in the next report—buyer demand hasn’t disappeared.

3) Closings were steady month-to-month but lower than last year

Closed sales were basically flat compared with June but 7% lower than last July.
Why this matters: Last year had fewer homes to choose from; this year buyers are taking a bit more time to compare because there’s more inventory. That slows the pace of closings even when demand is decent.

4) Homes are taking a little longer to sell

The average days on market rose from 36 to 42.
Why this matters: When buyers have more options, they shop around. Well-priced, well-presented homes still move quickly, but properties that start too high or show poorly sit longer and often need a price adjustment.

5) Sellers are negotiating a bit more

The sale-to-original-list-price ratio dropped from 98% to 97%.
What that means: On average, a home listed at $400,000 sold for about $388,000—roughly 3% below the original asking price. That’s an average; standout homes can still get multiple offers and sell at or above list, while overpriced homes can require deeper cuts.

6) Months of inventory remains seller-leaning, but the market is balancing

At 2.8 months of inventory, we’re still below the 4–6 month range many pros consider a “balanced market.”
Why this matters: We’re not in a buyer’s market, but the clear rise in active listings and slower pace suggest the intense seller advantage is easing. Think of it as a competitive but fair environment: the best-prepared listings win, and buyers can negotiate more than they could a year ago.

Guidance for Bakersfield home sellers

• Price with the market, not above it. With 48% more inventory than last year, buyers notice overpriced listings quickly. The first two weeks are crucial for showings.

• Win on presentation. Professional photos, light repairs, and clean, uncluttered rooms help you compete.

• Be ready to negotiate. With the average sale at 97% of original list, plan your pricing and concessions strategy up front so you don’t lose momentum later.

Guidance for Bakersfield home buyers

• You have more choices. Inventory is up, and average negotiation is about 3% off original list. That’s meaningful room to work with.

• Watch pendings. The jump in homes under contract shows buyers are acting when the right home hits the market. Be pre-approved and ready to move on a well-priced listing.

• Use the comps, not the headlines. Different prices and neighborhoods move at different speeds. Look at recent, similar sales to decide what’s fair for your target home.

Bottom line for July 2025

Bakersfield’s housing market is active and competitive, but not overheated. Inventory is way up versus last year, days on market have lengthened, and sellers are negotiating slightly more. At the same time, the strong rise in pending sales shows buyers are still out there and writing offers. Smart pricing and smart shopping make the difference on both sides.