How Long Will It Take to Sell My Home in Bakersfield?

When homeowners in Bakersfield start thinking about selling, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How long will it take for my home to sell? While every property is unique, we can look at current data and local market trends to set realistic expectations.

As of August 2025, the average days on market (DOM) in Kern County was 38 days. Within Bakersfield, homes sold slightly faster, averaging 36 days on the market. These numbers give us a strong baseline, but they only tell part of the story. Some homes sell in a matter of days, while others can linger for months.

So, what determines how quickly a home sells in Bakersfield? Let’s break it down.

What Does "Days on Market" Really Mean?

Days on Market (DOM) refers to the number of days a property is listed on the MLS before it goes under contract. It starts the day the home becomes active and ends the day it switches to pending or contingent.

It’s important to understand that DOM is not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of how buyers are responding to your home. A shorter DOM usually signals strong demand and proper pricing, while a longer DOM can raise red flags for buyers who may assume something is “wrong” with the property.

Why Bakersfield’s DOM Is Lower Than the County Average

Bakersfield’s 36-day DOM is slightly faster than the overall Kern County average of 38 days. There are a few reasons for this:

• Bakersfield is the population hub. With more buyers focused here than in rural or outlying areas, well-priced homes attract more attention.

• Diverse housing options. Bakersfield offers everything from starter homes to luxury estates, giving buyers more inventory to choose from and creating faster matches.

• Affordability. Even though Bakersfield reached record price highs earlier this year, the city remains significantly more affordable than California’s coastal metros, which continues to drive strong demand.

Factors That Speed Up a Sale

Not every home sells in 36 days—some move in less than a week. Here are the main factors that can put your home in the “fast-seller” category:

1. Pricing Strategy

Correct pricing is the single most important factor. Homes that are priced competitively—aligned with recent comparable sales—attract multiple buyers quickly. Overpricing, on the other hand, often results in extended market time and eventual price reductions.

2. Condition of the Home

Move-in-ready homes sell faster. Buyers today have limited time, and many are hesitant to take on big projects. Fresh paint, updated fixtures, clean landscaping, and professional staging all make a measurable difference.

3. Marketing Exposure

It’s not just about being listed—it’s about how your listing is presented. Professional photos, video tours, social media advertising, and open houses maximize exposure and get more buyers through the door.

4. Neighborhood Location

Properties in highly desirable neighborhoods—whether it’s Northwest Bakersfield, Seven Oaks, or City in the Hills—often draw more demand. Proximity to amenities, shopping, and major freeways also plays a role.

5. Time of Year

Seasonality still matters. In Bakersfield, spring and early summer typically see faster sales because families want to move before the new school year. However, with strong year-round demand, homes can and do sell quickly in every season.

Factors That Can Slow Down a Sale

On the flip side, there are common reasons a home might sit on the market longer than the 36-day average:

1. Overpricing

Overpriced homes often experience a “silent rejection” from buyers. Instead of making low offers, most buyers won’t bother scheduling a showing.

2. Deferred Maintenance

Homes with visible issues—roof leaks, aging HVAC, or cosmetic wear—tend to sit longer. Even if the price is right, buyers mentally add repair costs to their offer, delaying negotiations.

3. Limited Marketing

Simply listing a home on the MLS without a comprehensive marketing plan often results in fewer showings. Today’s buyers expect digital tours, social media exposure, and targeted outreach.

4. Unique or Niche Properties

Not every home appeals to a broad audience. Large rural properties, homes with unusual layouts, or luxury estates may require more time to find the right buyer.

5. Market Conditions

While Bakersfield remains strong, broader economic factors—such as rising mortgage rates or seasonal slowdowns—can stretch DOM.

What Bakersfield Sellers Should Expect

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Bakersfield, you can reasonably expect:

• Well-priced, move-in-ready homes → often sell in 7–21 days.

• Homes priced slightly above market or needing updates → closer to the 36-day average.

• Overpriced or unique homes → could take 60–90+ days.

Understanding where your home falls on this spectrum is key to setting the right expectations.

How DOM Impacts Your Bottom Line

Here’s why DOM matters beyond just timing:

• Buyer Perception: The longer a home sits, the more buyers assume it’s overpriced or undesirable.

• Negotiating Power: Homes that linger on the market often invite lower offers.

• Carrying Costs: Every extra month on the market means another mortgage payment, utility bill, and maintenance cost.

The good news? Sellers who price correctly and prepare their homes can often sell faster and for more money.

The McCarty Group Advantage

At The McCarty Group, we know that reducing DOM isn’t just about speed—it’s about maximizing your return. Here’s how we do it:

• Data-Driven Pricing: We analyze local sales data to recommend the right list price that attracts buyers without leaving money on the table.

• Professional Staging & Preparation: Our team helps you declutter, stage, and highlight your home’s best features.

• High-Impact Marketing: From professional photography to social media campaigns and radio features, we put your home in front of more buyers.

• Expert Negotiation: Once offers come in, our experience ensures you don’t just sell quickly—you sell for top dollar.

Final Thoughts: How Long Will It Take to Sell Your Home?

While the average DOM in Bakersfield is 36 days, your home’s timeline will depend on pricing, condition, marketing, and location. Some homes sell in a weekend, while others take longer.

The key is working with a Realtor who understands local trends, has a proven marketing system, and can guide you through every step of the process.

If you’re ready to sell your Bakersfield home and want to minimize your days on market while maximizing your profit, The McCarty Group is here to help.

📞 Call us today at 661-665-SOLD to schedule a free consultation and see what your home could sell for in today’s market.