Home Buyer's Guide

Colby Spears Real Estate

11
Steps to homeownership
2–7
Avg. homes viewed
21–30
Days in escrow
A note from Colby

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. I'm here to guide you every step of the way — from our first conversation to handing you the keys.

About Colby
CS
Colby Spears
Realtor® · Colby Spears Real Estate

Colby Spears is a dedicated and experienced realtor committed to helping his clients achieve their real estate goals while building lasting relationships. Striving to impact others and connect with new people is what motivates him most.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, Colby is now building a family of his own with his wife and three children — giving him a strong, in-depth understanding of his hometown market.

In just his second year in the business, Colby was honored as the 2022 Rising Star by the Association of Realtors. He went on to earn the top producing agent award on his team in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2025, he took a leap of faith and opened his own office at Keller Williams Realty. He brings extensive experience with both buyers and sellers, the luxury market, and ranch properties.

Your 11 steps
1

Schedule your consultation

We'll meet in person or virtually to discuss your wish list, budget, preferred neighborhoods, and timeline.

2

Get pre-approved

We'll connect you with our trusted lending partner to secure your pre-approval letter and give you a competitive edge.

Preferred lender

Nick Cushman · Level One Financial
661-619-2290 · Nick@LevelOneFinancial.com

3

Search for your home

We'll curate a personalized list and schedule showings. Most buyers find their home after viewing 2–7 properties.

4

Make an offer

We'll craft a strong, competitive offer and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.

5

Open escrow & earnest money

Escrow opens and you'll submit your Earnest Money Deposit — typically 1% of the purchase price — applied toward closing costs.

6

Finalize your financing

Your lender will request documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Stay responsive to keep things on track.

7

Home inspection

A licensed inspector evaluates the home's structure, systems, and major components to give you a clear picture of its condition.

Preferred inspectors

Built Right Inspections · Cal-Pro Inspections

8

Request for repairs

Based on the inspection, we'll negotiate with the seller to address health hazards, electrical, plumbing, or water intrusion issues.

9

Appraisal & loan finalization

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm market value, while underwriting works toward issuing final loan approval.

10

Remove contingencies

On Day 17, we formally remove contingencies — inspection, loan, and appraisal — solidifying your commitment to close.

11

Final walk-through & closing

We verify the home is in agreed condition, you sign closing documents, the loan funds, the deed records — and you're a homeowner!

Do's & don'ts during escrow
✓ Do
✗ Don't
Make all payments on time
Open new credit cards
Keep accounts open
Make large purchases
Maintain employment
Change jobs
Respond promptly to lender
Miss document deadlines
Keep cash in bank account
Deposit large cash sums unannounced
Notify us if finances change
Co-sign any other loans
Why work with Colby

Local expertise

Born and raised in Bakersfield — he knows this market's neighborhoods, trends, and hidden gems.

Proven results

2022 Rising Star. Top producing agent in 2022, 2023, and 2024. 31 sales in the last 12 months.

Exceptional negotiation

Every dollar matters. Sharp negotiation from offer through final close.

Seamless communication

Consistent, proactive updates so you always know exactly where things stand.

Relationships first

Colby's goal is to be your realtor for life, long after the keys are in your hand.

What clients are saying
5.0
★★★★★
20 reviews on Zillow
★★★★★
Sep 2025
First-time home buyer
Colby did an amazing job assisting my 23-year-old daughter with the purchase of her first home. As a first-time buyer she had a lot of questions — Colby was very patient and always available to guide her through every step.
— MaryNorton9
★★★★★
Aug 2025
Home sale
Colby is a true dedicated professional. This sale was a real test of a realtor, and Colby really shined all the way through. My wife and I both appreciated his wise counsel and steady guidance.
— Coachpaul68
★★★★★
Jun 2025
Home sale · Emerald Estates
Colby did an outstanding job selling my house quickly and efficiently. He had excellent communication throughout the entire process — always on top of things and never missing a beat.
— Esmeralda Herrera
★★★★★
May 2025
Home sale
Colby did an outstanding job selling our home. He is very professional and knowledgeable. I would 1,000,000% recommend him for both buying and selling.
— secnars85
★★★★★
Mar 2025
Home purchase
Colby provided excellent service and helped us close in a timely manner. He had great suggestions and advice, and really knew what we were looking for. Would highly recommend.
— lsaechao27
★★★★★
Mar 2025
Home sale
Colby will go out of his way to make a deal in your best interest. With his knowledge of the area and his genuine character, I highly recommend him whether you're buying or selling.
— George Fisher
★★★★★
Sep 2024
Home purchase · Belsera
Colby was very nice and always answered any questions we had. Highly recommend to family and friends — awesome guy to work with.
— ginalynb97
★★★★★
Sep 2024
Bought & sold
Colby was great to work with from the beginning — anything I asked, he answered. He got us into our second home, our dream home. Would greatly recommend!
— zuser20200416214803296
View all 20 reviews on Zillow
Your team
CS
Colby Spears
Realtor® · DRE #02139489
Instagram@Colby__spears
FD
Fabiola "Faby" Dees
Transaction Assistant
NC
Nick Cushman
Preferred Lender · Level One Financial
Office
Keller Williams Realty
8700 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311
BRE #01823868