What's the First Step to Buying a Home in Bakersfield? (Answered by Bakersfield's #1 Real Estate Team)

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, you’re probably asking the same question most of our buyers start with:

“What’s the first step to buying a house?”

At Gregorio Real Estate Group, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers go from “just looking” to “keys in hand.” Over the last four years alone, we’ve closed:

• 172 transactions
• Over $66,279,403 in volume
• 68 listings sold
• 104 buyers represented
• With an average sales price of $385,000

We’re known as one of the top-performing real estate teams in Bakersfield and Kern County, and it all begins with one smart first step: getting financially ready.

Step One: Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

The real first step in buying a home is getting pre-approved with a reputable lender.

A full pre-approval:

• Shows you how much you can comfortably afford
• Gives you realistic monthly payment estimates
• Helps you understand down payment and closing cost options
• Makes your offer stand out to sellers

In a market where well-priced homes in Bakersfield can attract multiple offers, a strong pre-approval is your golden ticket.

Our team works closely with trusted local lenders, and we can connect you with pros who move quickly and communicate clearly.

Why the First Step Should Involve a Real Estate Team (Not Just a Lender)

A lender tells you what you can afford.

We help you decide what actually makes sense for your life.

When you reach out to Gregorio Real Estate Group first, we:

• Help you clarify your timeline, goals, and must-haves
• Recommend lenders who fit your situation
• Explain the overall process from pre-approval to closing
• Set expectations about today’s Bakersfield market: competition, offer strategies, inspections, and timelines

You’re not just pre-approved—you’re prepared.

Meet Your Bakersfield Buyer Team

In Bakersfield and greater Kern County, your home search is guided by:

• Josh Gregorio – Team Lead & Owner, Top Bakersfield Agent
• 16+ years of experience
• Rising Star award
• Top Team award at Miramar Calloway
• Diamond award
  Known for deep local knowledge, calm leadership, and elite negotiation skills.
•  
• Gail Stevenson – Experienced Bakersfield Agent
  Professional, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator—Gail keeps buyers informed and confident through every step.
• AJ Gonzalez – Bakersfield Agent & Aggressive Opportunity Finder
  Tech-savvy, hungry, and hardworking—AJ is relentless about finding the right homes and keeping buyers competitive.

Together, they form the most knowledgeable, hardest-working buyer team you can have on your side in Bakersfield.

Our Systems Give You an Edge from Day One

Because we also represent many sellers, we understand the market from both sides. Our listings often:

• Sell in 7–14 days
• Go at or over asking price
• Benefit from Zillow Showcase, professional photography, drone footage, 3D Matterport, paid social media ads, and exposure to a database of 1,000+ buyers

That listing experience gives us powerful insight into how sellers think—which we use to structure offers that get accepted.

How to Take the First Step Today

If you’re even thinking about buying in Bakersfield:

1. Reach out to Gregorio Real Estate Group.
2. We’ll schedule a quick buyer strategy session (call/text/Zoom/in person).
3. We’ll connect you with a trusted local lender for pre-approval.
4. Then we’ll start matching you with homes that actually fit your budget and lifestyle.

You don’t have to figure out the process alone.

You deserve Bakersfield’s #1 team of skilled negotiators, marketers, and advisors on your side from the very first step.