How We Turned a Tough Steep Slope Lot into a Win-Win Partnership

How We Turned a Tough Steep Slope Lot into a Win-Win Partnership

Today we listed a stunning new construction home + DADU on a challenging ECA steep slope lot that was once owned by the legendary Oberto family (of Oh Boy! fame).

A few years ago, a savvy seller bought the existing house plus the connecting lower lot with big dreams of development. He did everything right: full survey, soils report, arborist study, and even secured a rare steep slope exemption from the City. He was looking for both a builder for his own home and a buyer for the tricky lot below.Steep slope lots like this don’t usually have broad appeal because of the extra costs and risk. So instead of a traditional sale, I suggested a joint venture with the right builder. Drawing on 25+ years of experience matching builders with complex projects, we found the perfect partner.The result? A true win-win. The builder constructed both homes. The original owner now enjoys his dream new-construction house on the upper lot and receives a portion of the proceeds from the new home we just listed. The partnership saved everyone time and money while making bank financing much smoother.If you own a developable lot with ECA steep slope challenges, or you’re open to a joint venture with a proven builder to maximize your investment, let’s talk. Seattle Land Broker specializes in turning difficult properties into successful projects.DM me or call today to see how we can create your own success story. 

Hey Seattle Neighbors with NR-Zoned Lots on Alleys!

Hey Seattle Neighbors with NR-Zoned Lots on Alleys!

Today we did a deep dive on a classic Seward Park property: 45 feet wide by 129 feet deep — total lot size 5,786 sq ft.The big surprise? Zoning and the alley actually allow two full duplexes with each unit a spacious 2,140 sq ft! That’s bigger than what the market supports right now, so we smartly scaled it down to a very comfortable 1,800 sq ft per unit.Thanks to that valuable alley access, we easily fit 4 off-street parking spaces, plus generous front and back yards. The result? Four solid family-sized homes on one lot — and way more value than most owners realize.Moral of the story: Your lot is the real asset here. In many cases, the land is now worth significantly more than the house sitting on it.If you own an NR-zoned lot on an alley, let’s schedule a quick 15-minute meeting — completely free of charge. We’ll run the exact numbers for your property and show you what your land could actually be worth in today’s market. No pressure, just honest insights.  

FAQ's

FAQ's

As Seattle’s land specialist, here are answers to the most common questions I receive:

1. Is my lot worth more as land or with the house?
Often yes — especially in NR or LR zones. Older homes on larger lots frequently have higher “tear-down” land value due to new density rules allowing multiple units.2. How does steep slope ECA affect my property?
Slopes 40%+ (with 10ft vertical rise) are Environmentally Critical Areas. They usually block new construction and require 15-ft buffers, geotech reports, and extra permits. This shrinks buildable area and can lower value.3. What’s the difference between NR1, NR2, NR3?
These are Neighborhood Residential zones (former single-family). NR1 = largest lots/lowest density, NR2 = medium, NR3 = smallest lots/highest density. New rules now allow 3–4+ units on most NR lots.4. What’s happening with MHA fees?
Mandatory Housing Affordability fees are high ($8–$50+/sq ft). They’ve slowed development significantly. Relief proposals are active — changes could boost land values in 2026–2027.5. Where have all the buyers gone in L Zones?
Lowrise (LR) zones have slowed due to high MHA fees, construction costs, and interest rates. Long-term demand remains strong — buyers will return when economics improve.6. What can I build on my property?
Depends on zoning, lot size, and ECAs. Most NR lots now allow a house + ADUs or 3–4+ units (duplex/triplex/fourplex). I can give you exact options for your address.7. Can I build in the backyard?
Yes — Detached ADUs (backyard cottages) are allowed in most zones. Up to ~1,000 sq ft, no parking requirement, and you can have two ADUs total.8. How much is my backyard worth?
A permitted DADU often adds $200k–$350k+ in value and rental income. I can run the numbers for your specific lot.Need a free lot valuation or development feasibility check? Message me directly — replies are fast and confidential.— Your Seattle Land Broker

Seattle Backyard Owners: Unlock Hidden Value Without Selling Your Home!

Seattle Backyard Owners: Unlock Hidden Value Without Selling Your Home!

I recently connected with a property owner in Seattle’s Central District who was ready to sell their home off-market.What they didn’t know? They could keep their existing house and build TWO new homes in the backyard.This setup is possible on thousands of properties across Seattle thanks to current zoning opportunities. Whether you want extra income, multigenerational living, or simply more equity in your land — we can help you discover exactly what’s possible on your lot. (Attached is a real example of what this can look like — modern, functional, and value-adding.)Want to know what you could build in your Seattle backyard?Schedule a call on our website — no obligation, just straight answers on your property’s potential.

At Seattle Land Broker, we don’t just sell land in Seattle — we sell a LOT of land in Seattle

At Seattle Land Broker, we don’t just sell land in Seattle — we sell a LOT of land in Seattle

Take a look at the map below. Each pin represents a successful land transaction we’ve closed. What you’re seeing is not random activity. It’s concentrated expertise across Seattle’s most competitive infill neighborhoods: Ballard, Greenwood, and Phinney Ridge; Wallingford, Green Lake, and Fremont; Capitol Hill and the Central District; Mt. Baker; and key corridors in Southwest Seattle.Hundreds of deals. Street by street. Block by block.This map tells a powerful story. It shows exactly where the highest-velocity infill redevelopment corridors are right now. It highlights the neighborhoods we have dominated for teardowns, small-lot development, and urban infill projects. More importantly, it proves our unmatched depth of experience in these hyper-local markets.When you work with Seattle Land Broker, you’re partnering with a team that has already successfully navigated the complexities of Seattle’s zoning, permitting, design review, and buyer demand in these exact areas. We understand which streets command premium prices for redevelopment potential. We know the buyer profiles actively seeking infill opportunities. We’ve seen which project types are getting approved fastest.Property owners frequently ask us: “Have you sold anything on my street or in my neighborhood?” With several hundred closed land deals, the answer is very often “yes” — sometimes multiple times on the same block.That institutional knowledge is invaluable. It allows us to price properties more accurately, market them more effectively to the right buyers, and guide owners through the entire process with confidence and clarity.Whether you own a vacant lot, a single-family home with redevelopment potential, or a small multifamily site, our proven track record in Seattle’s infill market gives you a significant advantage.Ready to find out what your property is truly worth in today’s Seattle land market?Contact Seattle Land Broker today for a confidential, no-obligation valuation. Let our experience work for you.

Today I worked with the children of North Seattle property owners looking to maximize their parents’ home value.

Today I worked with the children of North Seattle property owners looking to maximize their parents’ home value.

Their oversized lot had excellent redevelopment potential, but developing the back portion required access through the neighbor’s property. I coached them on a professional, friendly approach to create a true win-win situation that benefits both families.This is a big part of what we do at Seattle Land Broker — helping owners collaborate with neighbors to unlock maximum value from their land in Seattle’s infill market.Thinking about selling or developing your property? Let’s talk.

Why Your Big Seattle Lot Could Be Worth More as Land Than as a House (And Why Most Agents Won’t Tell You)

Why Your Big Seattle Lot Could Be Worth More as Land Than as a House (And Why Most Agents Won’t Tell You)

Before the internet existed, I was already selling real estate in Seattle the old-fashioned way — walking neighborhoods with Kroll maps and a magnifying glass, searching for the city’s hidden land opportunities. Those early years taught me to spot the true potential in every parcel: lot width and depth, gentle topography, corner locations, alley access, and proximity to utilities. That hands-on expertise became the foundation of everything I do today.

Over the past 13 years, in partnership with Seattle In Progress, we’ve developed proprietary software that analyzes and grades thousands of Seattle properties. It quickly identifies which homes are worth significantly more as land than as the existing structure—especially oversized or large lots or back yards that are perfect for thoughtful infill development.
Many agents still “hide the ball” on this information because they primarily represent buyers. At Seattle Land Broker, we do the opposite. We openly share these insights with property owners so you can make fully informed decisions and capture the maximum value your land truly holds.If you own an oversized lot in Seattle, you already know it has potential. Our software and decades of experience let us tell you exactly how much more your property could be worth if sold for its land value versus keeping the existing home. We help owners understand zoning possibilities, redevelopment options, and how to position their property to attract the right developers — all while protecting your interests first.Whether your lot is in Ballard, Wallingford, Capitol Hill, or any Seattle neighborhood, our transparent approach has helped countless owners unlock hidden value they didn’t even know existed.Ready to find out what your oversized lot is really worth in today’s Seattle market? Contact Seattle Land Broker for a confidential, no-obligation valuation. Let our experience and technology work for you.

Unlock Your Seattle Backyard: Turn Alley Access into Extra Income or Value! Talk to Seattle Land Broker First

Unlock Your Seattle Backyard: Turn Alley Access into Extra Income or Value! Talk to Seattle Land Broker First

Planning to develop your large Seattle backyard with alley access? Whether you're exploring a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU/backyard cottage), checking zoning setbacks, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), utility hookups, or alley improvements, start with the right expert.Seattle Land Broker (SLB) can find you the right builder while handling the big-picture "highest and best use" analysis—including development potential, ROI, separate addresses, and maximizing your lot. We stand out as the go-to agent for homeowners and investors evaluating backyard development or DADU potential on Seattle properties. We can refer homeowners to permit expeditors to speed up the approval process.Our team deeply understands urban infill, tear-downs with big yards, alley-access challenges, and land-use nuances that directly impact your project's feasibility and value.Before diving into permits or construction, get a development-minded second opinion from Seattle Land Broker—we speak the language of builders and investors.(What’s your timeline—short-term build for rental income or prepping for resale?)

Tired of real estate agents harassing you with unwanted calls and fake offers in the mail?

Tired of real estate agents harassing you with unwanted calls and fake offers in the mail?

Many sellers tell us they feel agents are hiding the ball during their interactions.At Seattle Land Brokers, we do things differently.


We provide full transparency — explaining every development option for your property, how buyers evaluate it, realistic density potential, and real challenges like utilities, trees, backyard DADUs, and zoning on NR and L Zoned properties. All of this is completely free with no pressure — just an honest call or screen share.
Selling land value? Let’s talk openly. Seattle Land Brokers – Honest expertise for oversized lots and development properties.

Tiny 432 sq ft studio with ocean views listed for a jaw-dropping $18.8 million!

 Tiny 432 sq ft studio with ocean views listed for a jaw-dropping $18.8 million!

This past week, a tiny 432 sq ft studio with ocean views listed for a jaw-dropping $18.8 million. The shocking truth? The value was almost entirely in the land, not the tiny house itself. 

If you own a Seattle property with a home under 1,200 sq ft on a lot larger than 6,000 sq ft, we should talk.Most agents only see (and value) your house. Seattle Land Broker is the only agent in Seattle who truly specializes in understanding how much your land is really worth—especially in NR and Z zones, backyard DADUs, and oversized lots. Let’s unlock the hidden value under your home.

Just sold: 9,680 sq ft NR3-zoned lot in West Seattle’s Highpoint neighborhood!

Just sold: 9,680 sq ft NR3-zoned lot in West Seattle’s Highpoint neighborhood!

The existing house was secondary — the real value was in the oversized land. We found the perfect buyer: a Seattle nonprofit developer who can achieve significantly higher density than a typical for-profit builder.

Our deep knowledge of Seattle land, zoning, and builder networks helped the seller maximize their return by matching the property with the buyer who could unlock its full potential.

Thinking of selling? If your land is worth more than the house on it, we’ll help you get top dollar. DM us for a free evaluation.

Seattle Land Brokers – Land value experts.

Oversized 7,500 sq ft lot in South Park....Sold!

Oversized 7,500 sq ft lot in South Park....Sold!

We were approached by a South Park property owner who wanted to sell his oversized 7,500 sq ft NR3 lot. In today’s sluggish Seattle real estate market, most builders aren’t buying due to decreased values.

Thanks to our vast experience, we successfully navigated a complicated site issue with the City regarding vacating the alley. Even more importantly, we placed the deal with the only realistic buyer — a local nonprofit that can achieve higher density under the new code. Knowing how to handle the alley vacation and identifying the perfect buyer got the deal done. When you need maximum value from your Seattle land, talk to the specialists at Seattle Land Broker.

Seattle homeowners with oversized or NR-zoned lots: Want expert advice on how to maximize property value with your backyard or side yard?

Seattle homeowners with oversized or NR-zoned lots: Want expert advice on how to maximize property value with your backyard or side yard?

We are Seattle’s top consulting team for property owners evaluating land development potential. Homeowners consistently turn to us first for honest, no-cost feasibility reviews that help maximize property value.Recently, we assisted a property owner exploring side-yard development. We presented multiple options including keeping the existing house. We identified critical issues: problematic sewer line, neighbor’s fence encroachment, alley encroachments, and key triggers for street improvements, curb ramps, and storm drains.Our guidance helped the seller confidently decide to sell as a single-family home rather than risk development.If you have extra land, consult with Seattle’s leading experts first. Message us for your free lot evaluation today!

Seattle homeowners and real estate agents: Need expert guidance on urban infill and backyard development?

Seattle homeowners and real estate agents: Need expert guidance on urban infill and backyard development?

As Seattle’s long-time leading consultants for urban infill development, we frequently receive calls from other agents seeking our advice on complex properties.

Recently, an agent contacted us about a large oversized lot in Belvedere Terrace, North Seattle. While the lot appeared perfect for redevelopment, we pulled a title report and discovered restrictive covenants that limit the property to only one house per lot.

Most real estate agents are not aware of these hidden covenants and land-use restrictions. Listing without proper due diligence can be a very costly mistake. Our guidance helped the agent counsel their client correctly and avoid wasting time and money.

When it comes to Seattle land development feasibility, consult the experts first. Message us for a no-cost consultation on your oversized lot today!

Why Your Property Might Be Worth MORE as-is Than as a Development Site

Why Your Property Might Be Worth MORE as-is Than as a Development Site

Hey Seattle property owners — if you’ve ever wondered whether your land is truly “developable,” this quick case study might save you a ton of time (and disappointment).I recently pulled the records on a solid-looking Seattle parcel and sat down with the two biggest buyers actively purchasing land in town right now. Both came back with the exact same conclusion after looking at the utility infrastructure.[Image attached: water & sewer lines overlaid on the street]See that yellow line running down the street? That’s an undersized sewer main with zero extra capacity for additional units. Translation: major redevelopment is off the table unless you’re ready for a very expensive upgrade.Bottom line? In this case the existing structure actually holds more value than tearing it down for development.Important heads-up: a lot of those unsolicited mailers and cold-call offers you’re getting haven’t vetted the utilities yet. They’re pricing the dream, not the reality.At Seattle Land Broker we specialize in giving landowners the straight story on developable property in Seattle — utilities, zoning, buyer appetite, the works. Whether you’re curious about your own land or just want a second opinion, I’m happy to jump on a quick call (no pressure, no sales pitch). I can even refer you to the utility experts I trust if you want to dig deeper.Got land in Seattle? Drop a comment or message me directly. Let’s figure out what your property is actually worth in today’s market.

733 N 78th Street

733 N 78th Street

Persistence pays off.

We had been in touch with the seller of 733 N 78th Street for several years. When the timing was finally right, he reached out to multiple developers and requested highest and best offers.

Our buyer stepped up with compelling terms, a clean structure, and a quick close — delivering certainty and a smooth transaction for the seller.

This fantastic location just minutes from Green Lake will soon be home to 3–4 new residences. We’re excited to see this property transformed and to help bring more thoughtfully designed housing to the neighborhood.

If you’ve been considering selling your land — even if it’s “not quite time” — we’re happy to start the conversation early.

CONTACT US BEFORE LISTING YOUR TEARDOWN PROPERTY

CONTACT US BEFORE LISTING YOUR TEARDOWN PROPERTY

1755 NE 89th Street is a small home on a large, corner lot in Maple Leaf. The seller went to the expense of having the house painted, inspected, and sewer scoped. Then they listed the home. Seattle Land Broker brought a buyer who waived the inspection and closed quickly with all cash. The seller paid commissions to the Listing Broker and to the Buyer Broker.

If you are considering selling your small, single-story home on a large lot, reach out to us and save yourself the hassle of preparing the home for listing…and paying compensation to brokers. We make the selling process seamless.

We just sold 5010 NE 45th Street in Laurelhurst

We just sold 5010 NE 45th Street in Laurelhurst

Seattle Land Broker recently represented a buyer in securing one of Laurelhurst’s rarest offerings—a substantial vacant lot once part of a historic legacy estate and never before built on. Tucked behind elegant stone walls and adjacent to Villa Academy, this property offers exceptional potential, including the ability to create a signature single-family residence or pursue NR3 zoning for up to six units across two possible lots. With temporary driveway access secured and future curb-cut or shared-easement options available, our client now has a true once-in-a-lifetime canvas for building in one of Seattle’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Considering costly upgrades before listing your fixer home? Ask us first!

Considering costly upgrades before listing your fixer home? Ask us first!

Seattle Land Broker brought an all-cash buyer to purchase this home in Licton Springs. The buyer conducted only a short feasibility study, and the sale closed about a week later. There was no inspection, no repair requests, and no corrections required from the seller.

The seller had been advised by their agent to make major improvements before listing the home, including new flooring and roofing, but these were unnecessary due to the property’s development potential. We recommend that sellers contact us first before investing in costly renovations on fixer properties.

THIS SELLER WAS IMPRESSED BY A SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE STREET

THIS SELLER WAS IMPRESSED BY A SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE STREET

At Seattle Land Broker, we like making the sales process simple and stress-free for property owners. After helping with the development of a 6-home project across the street, we identified 338 NE 90th Street as another great development opportunity. The owner was open to selling, and we brought a well-qualified builder. The sale required no repairs and caused no disruption to tenants. This owner was impressed with how smooth and easy the transaction was and provided Seattle Land Broker with a 5-star Google review!