what modern family and friends can teach you about working together in a land assembly
Ever wonder what sitcom stars and real estate have in common? Surprisingly, a lot. Especially when it comes to getting the best deal possible by working together.
Whether you’re a homeowner sitting on a property with development potential, or you’ve heard whispers from a neighbour about “assembling” your block—this post is for you. Because the same principles that helped the stars of Modern Family and Friends negotiate million-dollar paydays can help you make the most of your land.
And no, you don’t need an agent or a Hollywood lawyer—just a little strategy, some good relationships with your neighbours, and the confidence to hold your ground.
the secret behind the big payouts — they stuck together
In 2012, the Modern Family cast hit a wall. They weren’t being paid what they were worth. Instead of going solo and trying to negotiate their own deals, they joined forces—literally. Five of the main actors filed a lawsuit together to break their contracts and walked out of a table read as a group. It worked. Their salaries jumped from $65,000 to $175,000 per episode.
And this wasn’t the first time Hollywood showed us how powerful women and men can be when they collaborate. In the 90s, the cast of Friends was dealing with pay gaps. Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox were getting less than others—and instead of quietly accepting it, they teamed up. David Schwimmer, who could’ve negotiated a higher salary alone, said no thanks. He brought the group together to demand equal pay. By the end of the series, they were all making $1 million an episode.
What’s the takeaway here?
They knew their value. And they knew they were stronger together.
what does this have to do with your property?
If you own a home in a neighbourhood where developers are eyeing bigger projects, you might one day be approached to sell. And if you say yes—great. But here’s the truth: if you say yes alone, you might be leaving money on the table.
Developers love getting deals done one by one. It’s easier. Cheaper. Less resistance. But when you and your neighbours work together—just like those TV stars—you become a block of land that’s worth far more than the sum of its parts.
That’s when things get interesting. Suddenly, you’re not just selling a house—you’re unlocking the future potential of a site. Developers pay premiums for that.
So even if you’re sitting on the most important lot (the corner, the one with the alley access, or the one everyone needs to connect the pieces), don’t go it alone. Like David Schwimmer, you might be able to make more by teaming up than by going solo.
it’s not about being pushy — it’s about timing
There’s an art to getting what you want. The Modern Family actors didn’t start with lawsuits—they escalated slowly and strategically. That’s a good model.
You don’t have to storm out of meetings. You just need to know when the moment is right to stand firm. In real estate, that means understanding the developer’s timing, pressures, and deadlines. If a builder is racing against a financing window or city permit deadline, you suddenly hold more power.
And that’s where working with someone who understands the development process comes in. Because when you know what the other side is working with, you don’t need to play hardball—you just need to be smart.
your neighbours are your power
Here’s the thing: if you’re a relationship builder, that’s a huge advantage in land assemblies. You’re not just haggling over prices—you’re building trust, sharing information, and moving forward as a group. That’s powerful.
A successful land assembly can turn an ordinary home sale into a life-changing financial opportunity. But more than that, it can turn a quiet street into a well-orchestrated effort led by everyday people—people like you.
deadlines create leverage
Production was about to start when the Modern Family cast made their move. They knew the pressure was on. That’s when they acted—and that’s when the studio paid up.
Real estate works the same way. Developers face deadlines. If you and your neighbours have aligned your timing, you can use those deadlines to your advantage. You might not be rushing to a table read, but you might be holding out for the offer that changes your future.
real unity = real results
The lessons from these iconic shows are about more than just Hollywood drama. They’re about women and men who believed in their value, leaned on each other, and refused to settle.
And that’s exactly what land assemblies are about, too.
So if you’ve been approached, or you’re starting to hear those conversations about selling in your neighbourhood—pause. Take a breath. Talk to your neighbours. And find someone who can help guide the process.
Because working together can turn your home into the opportunity of a lifetime.
Curious what your block might be worth as a group?
I offer free, no-pressure consultations to help landowners understand their development potential. Whether you’re ready to take action or just want to learn more, I’m happy to help you explore the possibilities.
Let’s talk strategy—on your terms.
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