...after handing over a check for $150,000, Helm was stunned to learn that the photo was of a house next door to the vacant 3,600-square-foot lot he’d actually been bidding on. The lot, which doesn’t even have a water connection, has an assessed value of $4,000, the Marin Independent Journal reports.

Marin broker Jeff Helm said he had a title company research this and this is the 1st time in 10yrs this has happened to him. Maybe the title company gave him bad information, but too bad.  Because the county doesn't care. It's cash only. No returns. All sales final.   OUCH!!

AREAA Mega Luxury Real Estate Summit
AREAA (The Asian Real Estate Association of America) Silicon Valley Chapter held its Mega Luxury Real Estate Summit on July 23 at the Sheraton Palo Alto. Guests mingled over champagne and lunch, and enjoyed photo opportunities and interviews with realtor, writer, media correspondent, and television personality Herman Chan. 
 

The Changing Landscape of the City
Long time San Francisco residents will notice something strange in the above charts: historically inexpensive neighborhoods, especially downtown and the surrounding areas, are now some of the most expensive...Over the past year, rents have continued to increase, but not uniformly. Asking rents have increased tremendously downtown, mid-market, and in the southern part of the city that offers the shortest commutes to the South Bay.

"Looking Up: Images to Uplift and Inspire" is a collection of stunning photographs from Herman Chan, Real Estate Broker and Personality. His special way of viewing the world is captured in these images of architecture, design and homes. Shot over the course of two years of his life, this book is more than a study in lines, angles and perspective, it is peppered with inspirational quotes from his favorite icons throughout history.  This book is a reminder of keeping a positive attitude.  Always looks up! 

20/20 did a segment about haunted houses. Apparently, in a market where good deals are hard to come by (shortsales/foreclosures dried up), there are some peeps out there who don't mind paranormal roommates. A gal in Pleasanton, CA loves the ghosts living in her restaurant The Blue Agave Club.  In fact, the broker of Past Life Homes actually specializes in selling haunted homes in Northern California & says:

“Right now we are in a seller’s market in almost all of northern California,” Hagley said. “You can have a dead body swinging from the chandelier, and I’m still going to have ten offers on the phone.”