FAQ

First, Yardsworth will show you exactly how much of your yard you’ll have to sell. This is not up to Yardsworth or you but instead is governed by state law (CA Senate Bill 9). Then, a purchase price is set and Yardsworth helps you split your parcel so that the rear part of your yard can legally be sold. Last, Yardsworth will landscape and beautify your front yard and backyard for free and install a fence on the boundary line.

Typically, 90% of your property value is based on the size of your home and its location in the city. Most backyards are valued at 3% – 5% of total property value. Despite that, Yardsworth offers homeowners up to 20% of total property value (usually between $100k – $300k) for backyard space.

Yardsworth’s evaluation and offer can happen very quickly – often within 24 – 48 hours.

The state requires a minimum square footage on the new property line. However, Yardsworth only needs 1500 square feet at the rear of the property.

Yardsworth will own the new, small parcel that is split off from your original lot. Your original lot and remaining yard, and all structures on that part of your property are still owned by you.

Yes, you still own all structures on the portion of your property that is not split and purchased by Yardsworth.

When you sell land (and not your home), you are selling a part of your land that has been assessed a tax value. If your assessed land tax value is equal to or greater than the purchase price, there should be no taxable gain and therefor no tax.

Disclaimer: Yardsworth does not provide tax and accounting services and makes no guarantees. Please speak with a tax and/or land assessment professional.

In most cases, your lender will allow for a partial lien release based on new property lines. Yardsworth covers all these costs. As a backup, Yardsworth can help you to refinance your mortgage or simply pay off your mortgage completely for you with the purchase amount.

The value of your property may decrease slightly when you sell a piece of your backyard. However, the cash received in the sale will typically far exceed any decrease in value.

Yes. Senate bill 9 (SB9 – also known as the H.O.M.E. Act) was signed into state law in January of 2022. Here is a great overview of the act by the California state senate. It was written in order to help homeowners stay in their homes and to generate meaningful income from underutilized backyards.

Yardsworth typically creates private access for its tenants occupying a backyard rental unit via a side yard setback. We ensure you will still enjoy privacy and well landscaped outdoor spaces for your home.

No. You retain full use of your driveway forever! If a tenant has a car, it will be parked on the street.

Yardsworth will likely build a rental on the land it purchased from you. The length of time for construction can vary, but Yardsworth will aim to complete it as quickly as possible to minimize any disruptions.

No, the purchase of your yard is your money to keep, tax-free. It is not a loan. Use it to pay down your mortgage, for college tuition, to buy a boat, take a vacation, or anything else you’d like to do!

No, Yardsworth never shares in any appreciation of your home value. The value and upside of your home is (and should always be) only yours!

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

If anything, your property tax will decrease slightly with a smaller lot size.

The next step is to schedule a free call / consultation with a Yardsworth representative. Feel free to email info@yardsworth.com with any questions.

Yardsworth can’t help everyone. But, you can apply for an SB9 Lot Split within the city you live on your own. Contact your local Planning Office.

Yes. This is newly available to CA homeowners that are owner-occupants through CA State Bill 9. The law went into effect in January 2022.

In almost every case, Yardsworth will put standard, long-term renters into any rentals it creates. Its renters are highly qualified with excellent credit, clean rental history, proof of employment, etc.

Yes. This is newly available to CA homeowners that are owner-occupants through CA State Bill 9. The law went into effect in January 2022.

In almost every case, Yardsworth will put standard, long-term renters into any rentals it creates. Its renters are highly qualified with excellent credit, clean rental history, proof of employment, etc.

Yardsworth will likely build a rental on the land it purchased from you, which requires a standard building construction process. The length of time varies, but Yardsworth will aim to complete it as quickly as possible to minimize any disruptions.

In most cases, no. If anything, your property tax will decrease based on a smaller lot size.