A new report says Bakersfield’s housing market is staying flat even though this is usually the strongest time of the year.

Gary Crabtree of Affiliated Appraisers says job losses, flat salaries, and a week local economy are keeping people from making home purchases. Crabtree says those who do buy look for new construction and not existing properties

Sales were down more than 18% in July from June but asking prices are up more than 10% from a year ago.

Kelli Forsch