Jeanne and Ralph

Backyard Estates took care of us really well. We were looking for a smart way to invest—something that would let us recoup costs and gain a little extra as we moved into retirement.

Extra income would be nice when you’re on a fixed income and want fewer problems.

We talked through all the possibilities, and for us, extra income would be nice when you’re on a fixed income and want fewer problems. We like passive income—we’re not very energetic anymore!

Even though we had never considered doing something like this before, the numbers made perfect sense. We had a low-interest 15-year fixed mortgage, and the rent ended up being more than twice our payment. That means the mortgage is covered and we still bring in about $1,600 extra every month.

That means the mortgage is covered and we still bring in about $1,600 extra every month.

Plus, the value of our property has climbed to over a million dollars—even though the main house was built in the 1950s. It’s been wonderful for us, and we didn’t even realize at first what a sweet spot we were stepping into.

It’s been wonderful for us, and we didn’t even realize at first what a sweet spot we were stepping into.

For us, the ADU feels like a safety net. If we ever need more income, we can rent out the main house and move into the ADU. And honestly, if that day comes, it’ll be a place I’d really enjoy living.

If you’ve got property and room to build—oh gosh, you can’t do better than Backyard Estates.

To anyone considering it, our advice is simple: If you’ve got property and room to build—oh gosh, you can’t do better than Backyard Estates. They’re personable, they’re on top of everything, and we loved our experience from start to finish.