Avoid 6 Costly Errors When Moving to a Larger Bakersfield Home (and Save Thousands)

Avoid 6 Costly Errors When Moving to a Larger Bakersfield Home (and Save Thousands)

Bakersfield, CA — Moving up to a bigger home should feel exciting, not stressful. But many Bakersfield homeowners make avoidable mistakes that cost time, money, and sleep. Below are the six most common (and costly) move-up errors—and how to avoid them so you can upgrade smoothly and save thousands.

Quick download: Want the full checklist? Get our free guide, “6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home.” Call/text 661-760-7082 or request it on our site.

1) Listing Before You’re Financially Ready

The mistake: Rushing your current home to market without understanding your financing, down payment strategy, or what your new monthly payment will be.
Why it hurts: You can end up with an offer you can’t accept or a payment that blows up your budget.
What to do instead:

• Get fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified).

• Ask your lender to run “buy before sell,” bridge, or HELOC options so you know exactly how you’ll fund the move-up.

• Request a side-by-side payment breakdown (current vs. future) including taxes, insurance, and HOA.

2) Ignoring the Timing Between Closings

The mistake: Selling your home without a plan for when you’ll close on the next one.
Why it hurts: You could own two homes at once—or have none during a gap.
What to do instead:

• Use seller rent-back, extended post-possession, or contingent timelines that align both closings.

• Work with an agent who negotiates flexible occupancy so you don’t pay for storage or temporary housing.

3) Pricing Your Current Home Wrong

The mistake: Overpricing to “leave room to negotiate” or underpricing without a launch strategy.
Why it hurts: Stale listings sell for less; underpriced homes can leave money on the table.
What to do instead:

• Use recent Bakersfield comps and a data-driven launch plan (pro photos, staging advice, and targeted buyer marketing).

• Aim for strong first-week traffic; that’s when the best buyers show up.

4) Buying the Wrong “Bigger” Home

The mistake: Chasing square footage without considering commute, schools, layout, energy costs, or maintenance.
Why it hurts: A bigger home with a poor floor plan or high utilities can feel smaller and cost more long-term.
What to do instead:

• Make a needs vs. nice-to-have list (bed/bath count, lot size, home office, multi-gen space).

• Tour homes at different times of day; ask for utility history and estimated ownership costs.

• Consider neighborhoods in Northwest Bakersfield (93312) and other areas that fit your lifestyle and budget.

5) Forgetting to Prepare Your Current Home for Market

The mistake: Skipping simple, high-ROI prep because you’re focused on the next house.
Why it hurts: Small defects look bigger to buyers and lead to lower offers.
What to do instead:

• Knock out easy wins: paint touch-ups, landscaping refresh, deep clean, light fixtures, door hardware.

• Pre-inspect for deal-killers (roof, HVAC, plumbing).

• Stage key rooms (entry, living, kitchen, primary bedroom).

6) Going to Market Without a Move-Up Strategy

The mistake: Treating this like a first-time purchase. Move-up buyers face two transactions that must work together.
Why it hurts: Missed deadlines, financing hiccups, and avoidable stress.
What to do instead:

• Work with a Bakersfield team that orchestrates both sides—pricing, marketing, offer sequencing, and closing timelines.

• Ask about our VIP Buyer List (including off-market opportunities) so you can shop confidently while your home is selling.

Free Resource: “6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home”

We created a straightforward guide that expands on each point, adds checklists, and includes timing templates you can copy.

• Call/Text: 661-760-7082

• Request online: Your Home Sold Guaranteed – The Norris Group (Bakersfield/Kern County)

Move-Up Buyer FAQ (Bakersfield)

Q: Should I buy first or sell first?
A: It depends on your financing and risk tolerance. With a strong pre-approval and tools like rent-back or bridge options, many clients secure the next home first, then sell for top dollar without rushing.

Q: Can I avoid owning two homes at once?
A: Yes. We align escrow timelines, negotiate post-possession, or structure contingencies so both closings line up cleanly.

Q: How do I compete for my next home while mine is still on the market?
A: Use our VIP Buyer access (including pre-market listings) and submit offers with credible lender support and flexible terms. We’ll position you as the safest choice.

Your Next Step

If you’re planning to move to a larger home in Bakersfield, let’s map your numbers, timing, and neighborhoods in one short strategy session. You’ll leave with:

• A buy/sell timing plan

• A net sheet showing estimated proceeds

• A shortlist of homes that fit your criteria

?? Call/Text The Norris Group Inc. at 661-760-7082 to get your free Move-Up Strategy Session and the “6 Mistakes” guide today.