Frequently Asked Questions

Our process begins with an assessment of your financial situation. Once we confirm you are eligible, you can look for homes that suit your needs just like you regularly would. When you find a home that you like, you can confirm whether it's eligible for the program by reaching out to us. We usually respond in less than 24 hours.

You'll get our cash as soon as you close on the home. We'll then work with the city to split the lot, develop it and sell it.

We will build a new home, most likely an ADU (accessory dwelling unit). We will not build any commercial real estate.
We will build a fence (6' tall) and add landscaping to ensure privacy for your family.

Following the lot split, we generally expect the value of your existing property will decrease by 5%. As part of our process, an independent appraisal is conducted to determine your home’s new value

As of today, we are limited to California only. We are focusing on cities that have adopted Assembly Bill 1033, such as San Jose. This allows us to easily split the lot and get our money back in a matter of months.

Very little! Our goal is to take as little of your time as possible. Our dedicated team works efficiently to make the process quick and easy for you. All you’ll need to do is sign some paperwork once you agree to move ahead with the process.

We will buy ≈1,500 sqft of back yard. The actual square footage will depend on your home's conditions (i.e. protected trees, access, grading, etc.) and what the city allows us to do.

Yes. Your mortgage lender needs approve the release of the ≈1,500 sqft of back yard, in exchange for $200,000 in cash. Even though you are free to work with any financial lender, we have partnered with financial institutions that can help you get access to financing quicker.

There is no fee and no obligation to check eligibility for the Yard Trades program.

Nope! We cover all costs associated with the process, including consulting services, permiting fees, lawyers, etc. You get the cash and forget about everything else.

It will be occupied either by a new owner or long-term, qualifying tenants. Short-term rentals like Airbnb are not allowed.

A new single-family home, ADU or duplex will be built. We do not build any commercial real estate.

Our process enables homeowners to benefit from California's new SB 9 and AB 1033 laws. These laws, aimed at addressing the state's housing shortage, offer homeowners financial incentives to utilize their extra or underused yard space for new homes, all while allowing them to remain in their current residences.

Many homeowners are still unaware of these laws due to its recent implementation. Navigating this new law can be complex and costly, often requiring several months of interaction with government agencies and incurring tens of thousands of dollars in fees for permits, contractors, and realtors. Yard Trades simplifies this process by handling everything for the homeowner, making it seamless and stress-free.

Your life, home, and property value will experience minimal impact. You will continue to own 100% of your home, retain enjoyable backyard space, and have full use of your driveway.

After the split, your property will be smaller, which typically results in a slight decrease in home value, usually around 5% to 10%. While the lot split won't affect your property taxes, you can request a reevaluation to potentially lower them.

Disclaimer: Yard Trades does not offer tax or accounting services and makes no guarantees. Please consult a tax or land assessment professional.

No, your utility bills will only apply to your home and will not be affected by any home built on the lot you sold.

Construction timelines can vary, but at Yard Trades, we aim to complete projects as swiftly as possible. Prolonged construction usually means higher costs, so we are always committed to finishing the job efficiently and promptly.

No, the money you get is for you to keep.

No, Yard Trades never takes a share of your home's appreciation in value.

Yard Trades provides private access to the new lot, usually through a side setback or alleyway. We also ensure your privacy by installing new fencing along the lot line.

Your property needs to be zoned for single-family use, be relatively flat, and have sufficient space—typically about 30 feet between your home and the back property line—for a new, small home. We ensure a hassle-free experience by offering expert guidance at every stage.

If your property isn’t eligible for SB 9 or AB 1033, you may still have other options to maximize its value. For more information, email us at hello@yardtrades.com or call/text us. We'll be happy to explore how we can assist you.