I've got as long as I'd like to take, but I wont have access to the property until after I build the house. We are moving directly to the new house from out of state. Ultimately I'd like to have it nice and flat and looking like a nice yard. However, I'm not in love with the idea of spending big bucks on grass seed. Even now on a very small yard I spend about 100 bucks a season just over seeding. I may try your system , just mow and fill and see how it looks in a couple of years. But the temptation of doing it all at once and getting it over with is great also. thanks, bw