All Forum Posts by: Felicia Nitu

Imagine having an extra $100,000 (or more) in your pocket without spending a dime upfront. What would you do? Plan a dream vacation? Secure your family’s future? What if I told you that your property holds this untapped potential, just waiting to be unlocked?

Thanks to California’s new SB-9 law lot split, you could create an entirely new, additional property from your current lot within months—turning your real estate into an even greater asset.

It gets even better! You could have this project completed at no risk to you and if we don’t succeed, you pay absolutely nothing.

In one year, you could be the owner of an additional, buildable property and have exponentially more options with your property investment.

A detached ADU offers privacy, flexibility, and added property value. It can be up to 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft., depending on location. If built on a multifamily property, you may be allowed up to 8 detached ADUs.

Benefits of a Detached ADU:

// More Privacy
Separate living space from the main home
Ideal for rental income, guests, or multi-generational living

// Added Property Value
Increases overall property appeal and potential resale value
Provides a long-term investment opportunity

// Independent Living
Allows for separate entrances and utilities
Creates a fully functional living space with its own kitchen and bathroom

For agents and investors, detached ADUs present a valuable opportunity for strong rental income and long-term appreciation. Agents can attract buyers looking for versatile housing options, while investors can maximize returns by adding highly desirable rental units to their portfolios.

Why Development Analysis Matters for Every Buyer

Development analysis isn’t just for investor-friendly agents—it’s a powerful tool for any buyer looking to add value to a property. Whether you're purchasing a home or an investment property, understanding zoning regulations, development potential, and opportunities for improvement can help you make smarter decisions.

A thorough development analysis can reveal whether a property has the potential for an ADU, lot split, or expansion opportunities, giving buyers a clearer picture of how to maximize its value. Even homeowners who aren't investors can benefit from this information when planning renovations or future resale strategies.

How Agents & Investors Benefit
For real estate agents, offering development analysis can set you apart, helping clients see the full potential of a property beyond its current use. Investors, on the other hand, can make faster, more informed decisions about which properties align with their goals.

By leveraging development analysis, both buyers and agents can uncover hidden value, making every real estate transaction more strategic and rewarding.

Real estate investors are always looking for agents who understand their needs and can provide valuable insights beyond just buying and selling homes. By becoming an investor-friendly agent, you can position yourself as a trusted resource and attract more clients looking to build their portfolios.

What Investors Look for in an Agent

Investors value agents who can simplify the investment process and offer:

• Market analysis to help identify profitable opportunities.
• Financing options that fit different investment strategies.
• Reliable vendor connections for property management, renovations, and legal support.

Why This Matters for Agents & Investors

For agents, working with investors creates repeat business since investors often buy and sell multiple properties. It also expands your network and builds long-term client relationships. Investors, on the other hand, benefit from an agent who understands cash flow, ROI, and market trends, making their decisions easier and more strategic.

By learning the Language of Real Estate Investing, you can build trust, stand out in the market, and become the go-to agent for serious investors.

SB-423 streamlines the approval process for new housing projects, cutting timelines from years down to as little as 3 to 6 months. This means developers can move forward with construction much faster, helping to address the housing shortage more efficiently.

How It Works?

For projects with 150 or fewer units:

• I. The city must complete an Eligibility Review within 60 days of submission.

• II. Approval, including Design Review, must be finalized within 90 days.

For projects with more than 150 units:

• I. The city must complete an Eligibility Review within 90 days.

• II. Approval, including Design Review, must be finalized within 180 days.

• How Agents & Investors Benefit
  For real estate agents, faster approvals mean more inventory hitting the market sooner, creating new opportunities for buyers. Investors benefit from reduced holding costs and quicker returns on their projects, making development more financially viable. With SB-423, the path to building new housing is now much faster and more predictable.
  

SB-1123 builds on the foundation of SB-684 by allowing up to 10 homes to be developed on vacant lots in single-family zones. This expansion provides a powerful tool to increase housing supply in areas where development was previously limited.

Boosting Affordable Housing & Homeownership

By allowing more homes on vacant lots, SB-1123 helps create new housing opportunities near key community resources, such as public transit, job centers, and schools. This change can make homeownership more accessible, especially in high-demand areas, while also addressing the state's housing shortage.

How Agents & Investors Benefit

For real estate agents, SB-1123 introduces new inventory into the market, allowing them to connect buyers with properties that offer greater development potential. Investors can take advantage of this law by converting underused vacant lots into multi-home developments, increasing property value and generating more revenue.

With SB-1123, vacant lots in single-family zones now offer greater development potential, benefiting communities, homebuyers, and real estate professionals alike.

SB-9 provides a valuable opportunity for property owners to build new housing without affordability restrictions. This means new units can be developed without the requirement to designate them as affordable housing, making projects more flexible and financially viable.

Restrictions on RSO and Older Units

If a property includes Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) units or housing built before 1978, demolition is not allowed under SB-9. These protections ensure existing rent-controlled housing remains intact.

Ellis Act Considerations

For landlords who previously withdrew units from the rental market using the Ellis Act, an Urban Lot Split is still possible, as long as withdrawn RSO units remain at least 70% intact. If these units are demolished or significantly altered, an SB-9 lot split won’t be allowed.

How Agents & Investors Benefit

For real estate agents, SB-9 opens new opportunities to market properties with development potential, making listings more attractive to buyers seeking value-add opportunities. Investors can capitalize on SB-9 by adding new housing units, increasing rental income, and maximizing property value, all without affordability restrictions.

By understanding these rules, agents and investors can identify prime opportunities and make informed decisions on SB-9 projects.

California allows multifamily properties to expand housing capacity with at least one ADU inside, up to 25% of existing units, plus two detached ADUs on the same lot. This opens the door for more rental income, flexible housing solutions, and smarter property investments.

How Multifamily ADUs Add Value?

// More Rental Opportunities
· Convert underused spaces like garages, basements, or storage rooms
· Add up to two detached ADUs for additional rental units

// Maximized Property Potential
· Increase unit count without major redevelopment
· Attract long-term tenants with affordable housing options

// Easier Approval Process
· State law requires approval of qualifying ADUs
· Works for both small and large multifamily buildings

For landlords and investors, this is a practical way to increase property value and rental income.

How Development Analysis Attract More Buyers
Agents who highlight expansion potential, lot splits, and ADU opportunities can triple the pool of interested buyers. Properties marketed with this analysis stand out in competitive markets.

More Offers, Higher Value
Listings featuring development potential receive 20% more offers on average. Buyers see added value in properties with future growth opportunities.

While properties may have expansion potential, understanding lot splits, ADU options, and zoning rules can be complex. Many agents miss opportunities by not showcasing a property's full value.

CityStructure’s Development Analysis instantly identifies a property's build potential, helping agents market listings more effectively at a fraction of the cost of traditional assessments.

Wholesaling in real estate involves finding low-priced properties and selling them quickly for a profit. Success depends on strategic pricing, strong marketing, and effective techniques to attract motivated buyers.

How can Real Estate Agents benefit from wholesaling?

// Lead Generation
· Build relationships with investors actively seeking deals
· Expand referral networks through wholesaler connections

// Faster Transactions
· Close more deals in less time with cash buyers
· Avoid long listing periods and financing delays
· Help sellers offload properties quickly while earning commissions

// New Business Opportunities
· Offer investors a steady stream of off-market properties
· Develop expertise in alternative real estate strategies

Most areas allow wholesaling, but some require disclosures or a real estate license. Agents don’t need experience to start, but understanding contracts and market trends helps. Investors wholesale various property types, with high-demand areas selling fastest. Deal timelines shift based on market conditions and buyer-seller cooperation. Strong networks, thorough research, and legal awareness drive success.