Exclusive 2026 Buyer's Guide
New Construction Homes in Bakersfield, CA
Every active builder and community in Bakersfield and Shafter in one place — base pricing, floor plan sizes, and exactly how the new construction buying process works, from deposit to move‑in.
In new construction, the builder typically pays the buyer's agent commission — so having me in your corner costs you nothing out of pocket. Compensation is always negotiable and never set by law, and I confirm the arrangement at each community before we tour.
Start here
4 Things to Know Before Buying New Construction in Bakersfield
A deposit is required
To secure the home and lot you want, you'll put a deposit up front — typically $2,500–$10,000 depending on the builder. It goes toward your closing costs, or if the builder covers closing costs, toward your down payment.
Use the builder's lender
To receive the builder's incentives, you'll usually need to use their on‑site lender. That's what unlocks the best deals — even if you plan to shop your rate elsewhere, start here.
Incentives vary by site
Builder incentives range from $5,000 to $30,000 back in closing costs depending on the site and builder. Every situation is different — I can help you compare them side by side.
Solar isn't optional — but how you pay for it is
California requires solar on all new construction, so every community here includes it. What changes site to site is whether it's owned, leased, or purchased. Each hits your monthly payment differently.
Do You Need a Realtor to Buy New Construction?
The on‑site agent works for the builder. I work for you — and in new construction the builder typically pays my commission, so representation costs you nothing out of pocket. I help you compare sites, negotiate incentives, and read the fine print. We'll sign a written buyer representation agreement before we tour, which spells out my services and exactly how I'm paid, and I'll register as your agent on your first visit to each community.
The communities
All 24 New Construction Communities in Bakersfield & Shafter
Grouped by builder. Filter by budget and the part of town you want, then text me the ones you like and I'll set up tours.
About these prices. Figures shown are base plan pricing — each builder's starting price per floor plan, before lot premiums, upgrades, and design center selections. Builder pricing and incentives change frequently, sometimes weekly, and vary by homesite and by how the home is financed. I call every community directly before we tour so you're working from today's numbers and today's incentive package — not last month's. Nothing on this page is an offer or a quote.
The buying process
How the New Construction Buying Process Works in Bakersfield
Sign a buyer representation agreement
Before we tour, we'll put our working relationship in writing. The agreement spells out what I do for you, how long it runs, and how my compensation is handled — including that the builder typically pays it. Compensation is negotiable and never set by law.
This is required before touring homes. It also protects you: you'll know exactly what you're agreeing to before anyone shows you a model.Tour communities
We'll visit the sites that fit your budget and lifestyle. Register me as your agent on your first visit to each builder — that's what protects your representation at that community.
Choose your home, lot & floor plan
Pick a move‑in‑ready home or build‑to‑order. Select your homesite and floor plan, and confirm how solar is handled at that site.
Get pre‑approved & set your budget
Confirm your comfortable price range with a lender. For new construction, connect with the builder's on‑site lender too — that's how you unlock their incentives.
Write up the contract & place your deposit
Sign the builder's agreement and put down your deposit ($2,500–$10,000). We'll confirm the incentive package in writing before you commit.
Your deposit applies toward closing costs or your down payment — it's not an extra fee.Personalize your finishes
Depending on the builder and how far along the home is, you may choose cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures at the design center. Upgrades are added to your total here.
Finalize financing
Complete underwriting, lock your rate, and let the appraisal happen. Ask the builder's lender about rate options if your home is months from completion.
Construction & progress updates
For build‑to‑order homes, we track milestones together — foundation, framing, and finishes — right through to completion.
Pre‑closing walkthrough
We walk the finished home together, create a punch list of any touch‑ups, and you learn how the home's systems (including solar) work.
Even on a brand‑new home, a walkthrough — and an optional inspection — is smart. I always recommend it.Closing day — welcome home
Sign your final paperwork, fund the loan, and get your keys. Your builder warranty starts now, and I'm still just a text away for anything you need.
Good to know
Bakersfield New Construction: Frequently Asked Questions
Let's go
Tour Bakersfield New Construction Communities With Your Own Agent
- Pick a few communities from this guide that fit your budget and goals.
- Text me to schedule tours — we'll sign a representation agreement, then I'll register as your agent and set everything up.
- Get pre‑approved so we can lock in your budget and unlock builder incentives.
- Compare & choose — we'll weigh incentives, solar, and fit side by side.
Chris Choate | Keller Williams Realty · DRE #02136737 · (661) 444-8156 · 11420 Ming Ave, Suite 530, Bakersfield, CA 93311.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a contract or an offer. Pricing, square footage, availability, incentives, and solar terms are set by each builder and subject to change without notice.
Broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. In new construction, the builder typically pays the buyer's agent commission, but builder policies vary by community and are subject to change — the arrangement for any specific community is confirmed in writing before you tour or write an offer. Buyers sign a written representation agreement with their agent before touring homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.