Qualifications

Robert is qualified to navigate the complexities of the entitlement process, backed by a strong educational foundation and more than two decades of experience in construction and real estate. His expertise is further strengthened by active participation in civic and governmental committees, providing valuable insight into public processes and policy.

About

Education

• B.A Governmental Studies at St. Mary’s College with Honors

• Juris Doctorate from San Francisco Law School

– Instructor Moot Court Board

Credentials and Certifications

• Licensed Real Estate Broker

• Certified Green Building Professional- Build it Green

• Licensed Contractor for nearly three decades

Civic Experience

City of San Carlos

Commissioner, Economic Development 

Member, Below Market Rate Ordinance Review and Update

Member, Green Building Ordinance Committee

HEART Housing

Member, Endowment Committee

Sales and Acquisitions

Robert Stafford’s success with homeowners stems in part from his comprehensive, customized marketing strategies for each individual property. His approach leverages both print and digital platforms to reach a broad and targeted audience of prospective buyers.

Marketing Strategy Includes:

  • A dedicated property website featuring detailed information and a virtual tour

  • Exposure through web-based Multiple Listing Services (MLS)

  • Placement in Homes & Land

  • “Just Listed” mailers and high-quality brochures to maximize local visibility

  • Professional photography and drone videography to capture the home and its surroundings

  • 3D Matterport walkthroughs to provide an immersive online viewing experience

  • Targeted social media advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor

  • Email campaigns to a curated list of agents, potential buyers and local contacts

  • Staging consultations or full professional staging to enhance market appeal

  • Broker tours and private agent previews to build early momentum

  • Open house events supported by neighborhood outreach

  • Digital ads tailored to likely buyer demographics

  • Listing syndication across national platforms such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com

  • Custom property booklets highlighting features, upgrades, inspections, and floor plans 

Entitlement Process

Robert serves as a trusted guide through the entitlement process. This is an essential step in securing the right to develop property for a specific use. While the process can be complex, time-consuming and costly, understanding what can and cannot be done with a property is critical to determining the feasibility and ultimate success of any project.

Examples of Entitlements Include:

  • Mixed-use Commercial/Residential

  • Mixed-use Commercial/Retail

  • Multi-family (High or Medium Density)

  • Subdivisions

  • Single-family Dwellings

  • Accessory or Secondary Units

At Stafford Realty, the entitlement process is made clear and manageable by proactively and transparently engaging with city staff, regulatory agencies, adjacent property owners, and a seasoned team of consultants. While many developers and law firms describe the entitlement process as a complicated and daunting undertaking, Stafford Realty approaches the process with expertise, strategy and a commitment to illustrating the path forward.

Environmental Review (CEQA)

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state law that applies to all discretionary land-use decisions. Environmental conditions and regulations often dictate how and when a property can be developed or redeveloped. Engaging in environmental review prior to a formal submittal can significantly streamline the approval timeline.

Most Common CEQA Outcomes Include:

  • Categorical Exemptions

  • Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs)

  • Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs)

Each CEQA pathway carries its own timeframe, cost considerations and required technical studies. Stafford Realty draws on an expert team of biologists, engineers and planning consultants to help clients navigate this regulatory process with clarity and confidence to ensure full compliance while minimizing delay.

Annexation

Annexation is the process of incorporating a property into an existing city or municipal service area.

Typically, property owners next to a city can choose to annex their land, gaining access to city services. For example, an owner in unincorporated San Mateo County could annex into Portola Valley to use city services.

Benefits of annexation may include:

Local police and fire protection

City public works services

Lower-cost utilities

More predictable zoning and local political engagement


Another common scenario is connecting a home on a septic system to a city sewer district, such as the West Bay Sanitary District in Portola Valley. Advantages may include:

Positive environmental impact

Lower or eliminated septic maintenance costs

Ability to expand the main residence

Opportunity to add a legal secondary unit

Before annexing, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Stafford Realty can help evaluate the benefits without committing to a full development plan.

Subdivision

The San Francisco Peninsula is largely built out and much of the coast is heavily regulated, causing subdivision projects to feel overwhelming. Most of the simple opportunities are long gone. What remains is often highly valuable, but also more complex and costly. These challenges require careful planning and skilled management.

Partnering with Stafford Realty provides a strategic, transparent approach supported by experienced consultants. In many cases, Stafford Realty can defer some or all compensation until the project is fully entitled, developed or sold.

Types of Subdivision Services:

• Re-Subdivision

Dividing an existing parcel within a current subdivision into two or more new parcels.

• Lot Line Adjustments

Shifting boundary lines between parcels to unlock development potential or create a more effective layout.

• Secondary Units

“Granny units” or accessory dwellings add meaningful value. They can support extended family or household staff and also function as long-term rental units.

Real Estate Consulting (Fee Based) 

Stafford Realty can act as your advocate, serving as your owner representative and applicant. We handle the day-to-day complexities of bringing a property to its highest and best use, allowing you to stay focused on your priorities.

Our expertise gives owners flexible options for compensation. You can engage us through a reasonable monthly retainer, an equity position, a traditional broker fee, or a percentage of the value created. Most engagements use a combination of these approaches.

Contact us

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