BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 As the government shutdown drags on, its impact is being felt in an already sluggish housing market. Local realtors say buyer confidence is dropping, listings are rising, and homes are staying on the market longer than usual.<\/p>\n
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Kevin Oliver, a California realtor with more than 20 years of experience, says this year has been one of the slowest he\u2019s seen in a long time.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur houses are staying on the market longer \u2014 we\u2019re not able to turn them as fast \u2014 and that directly impacts my bottom line and my ability to support my family,\u201d Oliver said.Oliver points to inflation and rising costs as key factors driving the slowdown.<\/p>\n
According to the Crabtree Monthly Housing Report, the Bakersfield market has seen about a 22% decline in buyer demand compared to last year. <\/p>\n
In September 2024, there were roughly 802 homes listed for sale across Kern County. <\/p>\n
Now, in 2025, that number has grown to more than 1,000 active listings \u2014 a sign that homes are sitting unsold for longer periods.<\/p>\n
Despite the downturn, Oliver says this moment could present an opportunity for motivated buyers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a little bit of an open window for buyers to come in, as long as sellers are pricing correctly and doing what they need to be doing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Crabtree Report also shows that home prices are holding steady. <\/p>\n
Houses that sold for about $409,000 in 2024 are now seeing a slight decrease of roughly $9,000, averaging $400,000 in 2025.<\/p>\n
But the ongoing government shutdown is creating new challenges for both buyers and sellers. Oliver says several key federal programs \u2014 including USDA, FHA, and federal flood insurance \u2014 have been delayed or put on hold, making it harder for many buyers to secure loans.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt affects all the federally backed loans \u2014 your USDA, some of the FHA. You also have your federal flood insurance \u2014 things like that \u2014 that are harder to get while the government\u2019s shut down,\u201d Oliver explained.<\/p>\n
These delays, combined with economic uncertainty, are making it difficult for agents to close deals and for buyers to make big financial commitments.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are uncertain, and when you have uncertainty, they\u2019re not going to make a big move like buying a home,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cThat hesitation slows down the market even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, housing experts believe the market could begin to stabilize next year, giving buyers and sellers a fresh start once the shutdown ends and confidence returns.<\/p>\n
You can read the full report below.<\/p>\n
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