Kern County Foreclosure Rates and Trends 2026
Kern County foreclosure activity in 2026 shows a slight uptick compared to 2025, though rates remain well below the peaks seen during the 2008 housing crisis. This report breaks down the current numbers and explains your options if you are facing foreclosure.
If you are behind on mortgage payments, understanding these trends can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Current Foreclosure Rates
As of Q1 2026, approximately 1 in every 1,400 housing units in Kern County received a foreclosure filing. This is a slight increase from the 1 in 1,600 rate seen in Q1 2025.
Kern County's rate is slightly above the California state average of 1 in 1,700. However, it is well below the national peak of 1 in 200 seen during the 2010 crisis.
Kern County Rate (Q1 2026): 1 in 1,400
California Average: 1 in 1,700
Year-over-Year Change: +12%
Foreclosure Process in California
California uses a non-judicial foreclosure process, which means the lender does not have to go through court. The entire process typically takes about 120 days from the first Notice of Default to the trustee sale.
Homeowners receive a Notice of Default after being 90 days behind on payments. After that, they have 90 days to cure the default before the property goes to auction.
Notice of Default to Sale: ~120 days
Cure Period: 90 days
Process Type: Non-judicial
Areas Most Affected
Within Kern County, East Bakersfield (93305, 93307) and the Oildale area (93308) have the highest concentration of foreclosure filings. These areas tend to have older housing stock and lower median incomes.
South Bakersfield and the Lamont area also show elevated filing rates compared to the county average.
Highest Filing Areas: 93305, 93307, 93308
Filing Concentration: 2x county average
Options for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
If you are behind on payments, you have several options. You can work with your lender on a loan modification, pursue a short sale if you owe more than your home is worth, or sell your home for cash before the foreclosure completes.
Selling for cash is often the fastest option. Companies like Acquily can close in as few as 21 days, which is well within the 90-day cure period. This lets you preserve your equity and avoid a foreclosure on your credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have after receiving a Notice of Default in California?
You have 90 days to cure your default after receiving a Notice of Default in California. After that, the lender can schedule a trustee sale. The entire process from NOD to sale takes about 120 days.
Can I sell my house during foreclosure in Kern County?
Yes. You can sell your house at any point before the trustee sale. Selling for cash is the fastest option and can close in as few as 21 days.
Will selling my house stop the foreclosure?
Yes. Once your mortgage is paid off through the sale, the foreclosure process stops. You keep any equity remaining after the mortgage payoff.
Is Kern County foreclosure rate higher than average?
Kern County's foreclosure rate of 1 in 1,400 is slightly above the California average of 1 in 1,700 but well below crisis-era levels.
Get Your Free Cash Offer