Buying a Home in Bakersfield in a Year? Start Here

by Julio Ochoa

If you want to buy a home in Bakersfield but you're six months to two years away, this is for you. These are the questions people ask me when they're not ready yet, answered so you know what to do now, and in what order. Figures were checked in October 2026.

How do I start getting ready to buy a house a year from now?

Start by finding out exactly where you stand, then fix what needs fixing. I break it into four stages: measure, build, get ready, and buy. Move to the next one when you finish the one you're on, not when the calendar says so. If you're about a year out, do the measuring this month and start building right after.

What does a mortgage lender look at first?

A lender looks at five things first:

Your credit score, the one a lender pulls, not the free app score
Your income, the way a lender counts it. Overtime, bonus, self-employment and side income are counted differently.
Your monthly debts, like car payments, student loans, card minimums and child support
Your savings, and where that money came from
Your time on the job

The loan program and the home itself matter too. Know yours instead of guessing.

Should I talk to a lender if I'm not ready to buy?

Yes. You're not applying for a loan, you're learning where you stand and what the gap is. A lender can review all five things in one conversation, usually at no cost and with no obligation. I'm happy to connect you with a couple of local lenders I trust.

How often can I check my credit report for free?

Every week, from all three bureaus, at annualcreditreport.com. Errors are common, and disputes take time. If you're a year or more out, time is the thing you have, so pull your reports now.

How much do I need to save to buy a house?

Add up three things: your down payment, your closing costs, and money left over for after you move. The down payment depends on the loan:

FHA: as little as 3.5% with a 580 score
Conventional: as little as 3% for many first-time buyers
VA and USDA: can be zero for those who qualify

Closing costs are often 2% to 5% of the price, and sellers or assistance programs can sometimes cover part. Divide your total by the months until you buy, and that's what to save each month. Your lender confirms the real numbers.

Is earnest money on top of my down payment?

No. Earnest money is usually 1% to 3% of the price, due within days of an accepted offer, and it's generally applied to your down payment or closing costs. So it's part of your total, not extra. You just need it early.

What should I avoid before buying a house?

Ask your lender first before you do any of these:

Change jobs, go to commission pay, or start a business
Open or close a credit card
Finance a car, furniture or appliances
Co-sign for anyone
Move large amounts of money
Stop paying anything, even a bill you're disputing

Keep every deposit clean with a paper trail. Cash under the mattress is the hardest money to use.

Do I need to take a homebuyer course?

Many down payment assistance programs require one. Certificates can expire, so ask your lender when to take it so it's still valid when you buy.

Is there down payment help in California?

Yes, if you qualify and funds are available. CalHFA MyHome offers up to 3.5% of the price on an FHA loan or 3% on a conventional loan, as a deferred loan, not a gift. California Dream For All opens in short windows, and its 2026 round closed March 16. Ask your lender which programs you qualify for.

When should I get preapproved?

Get fully preapproved when you're about three to six months out. A preapproval means a lender reviewed your income, credit and savings. It's conditional, not final approval, but sellers take it seriously. This is also when we sign a written buyer agreement, which in California lasts no more than three months at a time.

Should I look at homes before I'm ready to buy?

Yes, on a home search, not on a buying trip. Getting alerts teaches you what homes actually cost in the areas you like. Drive those areas on the days and at the hours you'd really be there. When you're closer, know that Bakersfield homes sold for a median 99.1% of list price after a median 39 days in September 2026, according to Redfin, so plan your preapproval around the list price, not a big discount.

What if a lender says I'm not ready?

Ask what would change the answer. That list becomes your plan. Then check in with yourself on the same day every month: credit reports, balances paid down, money saved, and your next step.

Get the full buyer plan

These answers come from my free roadmap, Your Path to Buying in Bakersfield. It includes a savings worksheet and a monthly check-in page you can fill in. If you want to know who's behind it, here's a quick page about me and my about page. You don't have to be ready to talk to me. I'm not a lender, and nothing here is a loan offer.

Call or text Julio at 661-933-8428. Ask me anything, even the random stuff.