Habitat for Hermanity: Your Real Estate Infotainment...Where Housing Hilarity Ensues! San Francisco Bay Area Realtor Herman Chan - Habitat For Hermanity

"The Entertaining Realtor" Herman Chan on The Massive Abundance Entrepreneur Show!

8/13/2014

One of my favorite interviews this year! Host Chris Stafford pecked my brain during his show for entrepreneurs called Massive Abundance. What mistake did I make with Yelp!? If I were new agent with just $1000, what would I do? And more secrets to my success!

Chris also speaks around the country like me, so it meant a lot to me that he writes:

I interviewed the "entertainer" Realtor, Herman Chan. Man, this guy is filled with so much energy and enthusiasm.

And he found a niche marketing as a top producing Realtor being on TV shows, in newspapers, etc. Great way to think outside the box!

Check out the interview here! And leave a comment as well!

CHRIS STAFFORD

Video Re-Cap Of Electrifying Luxury Summit in Silicon Valley Via Herman Chan Real Estate Media Correspondent!

8/13/2014

I got the exclusive scoop on this event for AREAA and Lifestyle Resource Magazine! See what you missed!

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.

Niche Interiors Interview Herman Chan about SF Luxury Homes

8/13/2014

Niche Interiors sits down with Herman Chan to pick his brain the San Francisco Luxury Real Estate and Design Market! Find out the answers these pressing questions on their site!

What are the biggest mistakes you see on the exterior of luxury homes on the market?
What are the top three things homeowners can do to make the best first impression?
Would you recommend the same improvements in Pacific Heights as you would in Noe Valley, Piedmont or Palo Alto? Are there regional trends sellers should pay attention to?

Herman Chan Media Correspondent Brings You Behind The Scenes for Mega Luxury Real Estate Summit Silicon Valley!

7/21/2014

Join me at the Mega Luxury Real Estate Summit! As the Media Correspondent, I'll bring you exclusive access to this unprecedented event, put on by AREAA Silicon Valley & Lifestyle Resources Magazine. I've got the inside scoop on these top producers' secrets. Tweet me (twitter.com/hermanity) any questions you are dying to ask these real estate superstars!

Too Many Ding Dongs Trying to Sell Real Estate & Other Observations from Herman for 7 Sentence Interview!

7/17/2014

I sat down for a quickie interview with Seven Sentences: Daily Inspiration for Creative People. I tell them what millenials want in a realtor and why there are too many ding dongs out there trying to sell real estate! (#truth!)

OUT Magazine's CoverBoy Herman Chan Discusses Why He Didn't Come Out of the Closet, Why Asian Guys are Sexy & His New Book!

7/13/2014

OUT Magazine digs into my past, present & future. One of the most intimate interviews I've ever done, I tell OUT Magazine why I never came out of the closet ("I came out of the womb"), how my immigrant family reacted to me being gay and why Asian guys are super sek-siii (yet still marginalized?!) Oh, I toss in some of my property tips too!

Herman Chan has too many TV, magazine and internet credits to list. Born 35 years ago in San Francisco’s Bay Area, this handsome gay guy is a no nonsense and very funny property guru whose pearls of wisdom help buyers and sellers alike.

OUT Magazien Cover Boy Herman Chan

I'm sandwiched between George Clooney, Anderson Cooper and a Gaysian angel!

How to Pick Right Realtor: Follow Your Instinct. If They're Too Slick, Run! Find One Who Tells It Like It Is! (Herman Chan for US News & World Report)

5/28/2014

US News & World Reports asked me for advice on selecting a real estate agent. My favorite quotes from the article:

COMMUNICATION:

Communication is especially important for buyers house-hunting from afar. Chan has clients in London or Asia who communicate with him via Gchat or FaceTime. He’ll also record tours of potential properties and upload the videos to YouTube with a private link.

POINT OF CONTACT:

Also ask who will be your main point of contact, because some busy real estate agents use a team of assistants or sub-agents to handle day-to-day tasks, and you may not have direct access to the agent you choose. "Maybe some people don't care, but I think that's an important question to ask," Chan says.

FOLLOW YOUR GUT

These questions can help you get a sense of the agent’s process and personality, but the right decision may depend on your instinctive reaction. "Follow your intuition," Chan says. "If they feel too slick, it's not a good sign. It’s a good sign when you find an agent who can tell it like it is."

My Property Beat Radio Interview! Secret Tips For Buyers in SF, Where's Market Headed & Whats 'Price to Entice' About?

3/20/2014

New Real Estate Podcasts with The Property Beat on BlogTalkRadio

Real Estate talk show hosts Cliff Perotti & Lisa Perotti had me on their program The Property Beat...and boy what fun! These 2 grilled me about what's happening in this outrageous SF market, how I started videoblogging and more!

Tune into the show to find out my answers to:

1. What are the challenges you see for a first time home buyer in SF today?

2. What do you think about the market today vs. last year… is it better, flat or not as good?

3. what advice do you give a buyer who’s writing an offer in a multiple offer situation?

4.   So, is your notoriety helping your clients? Or is it helping you get clients?

5.   We’re seeing some agents out there that like to price a property on the low side, in an effort to generate overbid frenzy. Do you recommend this strategy for a seller today?

6.   What are the top three things you think a seller can do to maximize the selling price of their home?

US News & World Report Asked Me About HomeBuyer Mistakes!

2/4/2014

7 Homebuying Mistakes to Avoid: If you’re on the housing search, sidestep these homebuyer pitfalls -by Susan Johnston for Us News & World Report

"For most people, a home is the largest purchase they’ll ever make, so choosing the wrong property can have disastrous implications for their wallets and well-being. Still, many homeowners feel a strong sense of pride in putting their mark on the property, building equity and having a place to truly call their own. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time buyer, here’s a look at seven homebuying mistakes to avoid.

1. Using the wrong real estate agent. Just because your sister’s college roommate’s friend just got a real estate license doesn’t mean she’s the right agent for you. San Francisco real estate agent Herman Chan suggests vetting agents and looking for someone who does real estate full time and knows the local inventory. “You can lose an offer if you’re not responsive in a couple of hours,” he says. Request the agent’s sales data, and find out how he or she communicates. Chan recommends asking questions like these to gauge the agent’s tech-savyness: “Is it OK if I text you? Is it OK to DocuSign things? If I can’t make an open house on Sunday, can you shoot me a video?” If you prefer to check texts and emails on your phone, you may not want an agent who insists on faxing contracts.

2. Shopping before you get preapproved. Before you get serious about buying real estate, find out how much mortgage you qualify for and get a preapproval letter from your lender. “If you fall in love [with a property], write that offer and then find out you can’t afford it, it’s an emotional roller coaster you can’t afford,” Chan says. Many agents won’t even take buyers to showings until they have a preapproval letter for that very reason.

Read the other 5 tips here!

Herman Chan: The Tech Savvy Real Estate Broker uses DocuSign

1/30/2014

You might remember I posted this fantastical image on my Instagram (@hermanity) of the Docusign office in San Francisco earlier this month. I can now reveal Docusign invited me to their swank new San Francisco HQ to chat about how I use Docusign , especially with Google Drive. The feature just went live on their site! Check it out!

Seriously folks, if your Realtor doesn't offer Docusign to you, they are doing you wrong! It'll change your life. When they need your signature ASAP (which is like always!), no more scrambling around for a printer, finding a scanner, or god forbid using a fax! It's all electronic, paperless & mobile!

Herman Chan Real Estate broker agent docusign google drive san francisco tech savvy

Herman Chan of LuxSFHomes.com is a technology savvy pioneer and personality in the real estate industry. He does business faster, better, and more efficiently with the use of technology and has no plans to stop. He arms himself with the tools and software to most effectively do his job while on the move. Considering the multiple documents needed for the modern real estate transaction, Herman knows it's a no-brainer to go green and mobile. DocuSigning helps him do just that.

Often found with his iPad or Mac, Herman is capable of selling any property at any moment. Interested buyers? Herman uses DocuSign for Google Drive to easily and quickly send disclosure packets without having to ever print a single page. Sellers want to list their mansion on the spot? No problem. Herman uses DocuSign Ink on his tablet to capture the sellers' signatures right there in order to close the deal in-person without leaving the property.

Herman encourages current and future real estate agents to embrace DocuSign. Not only does it save time but also it saves deals. Last year, on a road trip to Los Angeles, he received an urgent call (Hands-free of course) from his Berkeley buyer. She saw a hot property at an open house, but offers were due in an hour! Any delay would have cost his client her dream home. Without skipping a beat, Herman quickly pulled over, whipped out his iPad and sent his client the paperwork to DocuSign. Within minutes she DocuSigned the offer and shortly after, the sellers accepted the offer. SOLD! Thanks to DocuSign.

Follow Herman and get great tips on his real estate Info-tainment site at http://www.habitatforhermanity.com/

DocuSign for Google Drive: The easiest and quickest way to get your documents signed

New customers and existing free and trial users of DocuSign are eligible to Save $50/user on our annual plans* when purchasing for up to 10 users on DocuSign.com with promo code DIGITAL50. Offer Code good until Jan 31st. *Discount not available for the DocuSign individual plan

Herman Chan on Stage at RealTech with Josh Flagg, Sherry Chris, Fred Glick & more!

1/27/2014

"Brought to you by Reesio, RealTech 2014 is expected to draw over 700 brokers and agents, and promises to be an even bigger and better event. We have an all-star lineup of speakers from some of the top companies in the industry who will share their expertise about real estate tech with you. This is a must-attend event for brokers and agents looking to grow their business and to utilize the latest technologies in doing so." Click here for more!

Herman Featured Real Estate Expert for Demand Media

1/20/2014

I guess my video series Real Simple Real Estate for San Francisco Chronicle via Demand Media ain't doing too bad. I got his cute note today. Check out my real estate and design tips.

As one of only 20 selections from our 6,000+ Network, we’re proud to have you representing us in such a forward-facing way. Thanks for all your hard work, and for being such an esteemed member of Demand Media Studios!

Sotheby's International Realty and Herman Chan Join Forces!

1/16/2014

San Francisco Real Estate Broker Sotheby's International Realty Condos, SFR, Townhomes, Estates, Luxury

NASDAQ Quotes Herman Chan on Ways Buyers Overpay

1/14/2014

A bunch of my tips made it onto the NASDAQ! Read the full article: 7 Ways Home buyers Overpay.

Here are my fav pieces of advice!

"First-time homebuyers, as well as those looking in a hot market, are susceptible to overpaying because they have a hard time exercising discipline when it comes to price, according to Herman Chan, a real estate broker in San Francisco.

"Any buyer can make a mistake, and if they don't keep a level head, that mistake can end up costing them a lot of money," Chan says.

"It's easy to get caught up in frenzy of an open house," Chan says. "With people jam-packed like sardines acting like piranhas, it brings out the competitive nature in all of us, and it's all too easy to end up overpaying because of the hype."

More here!

Hermanity Made InvestorsBeat's Top 50 to Follow!

1/10/2014

One of my tweeples informed me I was included in Investors Beats top 50 real estate people to follow! Really humbled to be along side the other 49 on the list. Thank you!

From InvestorBeat.com:

"50 to follow on Twitter: Are you taking full advantage of what social media has to offer?

Here's a list of real estate individuals we think you should be following on Twitter. Those included in the list are tweeting useful information for investors and entrepreneurs in the real estate industry. Sharing property tips, tricks and more, why not “Follow” along."

7 Home-Seller To-Do's Before Hiring Agent (Herman's Tips for Bankrate.com)

1/10/2014

Spring season is around the corner! If you are an owner, you what that means: you are thinking of putting your home on the market. But before you do , check out my tips on Bankrate.com! Avoid those costly boo-boo's before taking to a Realtor.

From Bankrate.com
When you sell your home, you'll likely get an earful of advice about finding the right agent. You're less likely to hear what you should do before your first meeting with that agent. If you don't prepare, you could suffer financial consequences, according to Herman Chan, a real estate broker in San Francisco.

"Anything you can do to make (the agent's) job easier is going to benefit you during the process and when sale time comes," Chan says. "What's important to remember is that you're mostly likely going to be working very closely with this person on a very big transaction, so it's a good idea to be prepared and ready to provide them with as much information as possible right off the bat."

Here are seven things the seller needs to do before contacting and hiring a real estate agent.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/to-do-before-hiring-agent-1.aspx#ixzz2pzXQOjEP

Super Agents Live Talk Show Debuts with Herman Chan & "Millionaire Real Estate Agent" Author Dave Jenks!

12/20/2013

herman chan super agents live real estate internet celebrity

NY Times best selling author Dave Jenks ("Millionaire Real Estate Agent") and I are the 1st interviews for Super Agents Live Talk Show. Listen to how I got started (hint: it had nothing to do with real estate!) and how you can too!

Herman Chan is a speaker, trainer and real estate internet celebrity. In this episode Herman tells us how he went from being a model and working at The Gap to selling high end homes and speaking at conferences.

Herman breaks down how he uses social media and how that has built his authority in the industry. That authority has yielded speaking and television appearances. He has an easy to implement approach for Instagram. He also explains how his videos have yielded media attention.

Herman has a just do it mentality that inspired me to begin shooting some videos. I think you are going to enjoy this episode.

Honored to Emcee AREAA Silicon Valley's Installation for Evan Huynh! Congrats!

12/17/2013

Herman Chan 2014 Silicon Valley President

With 2014 AREAA Silicon Valley President Evan Huynh

Herman Chan AREAA Ivan Choi 2014 National Chair

With my friend AREAA 2014 National Chair Ivan Choi

So Honored to emcee the AREAA Silicon Valley Installation of my friend Evan Hunyh. My co-host Jacki Ueng & I made a splash at PURE Lounge to celebrate Evan's installation! Congrats Evan!

My lovely talented Co-Host Jacki Ueng of Noodletown series

Herman's Home For The Holidays! His 2014 Home Buying & Decor Tips for Edge Magazine

12/16/2013

Check out my feature for EDGE Magazine "Home For the Holidays with Herman Chan" where they grill me about home buying tips for 2014 and what to do with your newly purchased abode!

"Herman Chan is a man you want in your corner when it comes to real estate advice. And once you’ve purchased your dream home, keep him around for interior design and decorating tips that will keep you on budget and on trend."

Full article here!

Herman Chan Real Estate Agent San Francisco LGBT Realtor Edge Magazine

Edge Magazine Grills Herman Chan For Real Estate Tips

My Real Estate Predictions for 2014 (Radio)

12/12/2013

Congrats to my Interior Decorator friend Paisley for her 1 year anniversary of her radio show At Home With Paisley w/ co-host Krisztina Bell!

Yours truly called in to just wish her well but Paisley put me on the hot seat and asked me for my real estate predictions for 2014! (Micro-units, housing growth in 2nd tier cities, suburban goes urban & more!)

I come into the show around 15 min in. Listen here!

Herman Chan Quoted on Bankrate & Fiscal Times: "Do Rentals Really Ruin the Neighborhood?"

11/5/2013

Bankrate and Fiscal Times tapped me for my thoughts on rentals in neighborhoods.

It's a long-held belief that rental properties hurt the values of nearby homes.

"Buyers are definitely concerned about too many renters," says Herman Chan, a real estate broker in San Francisco. "People are less inclined to make an offer on a house that is in a street filled with apartment buildings (because) they perceive (the area) to be more congested, have less parking, and consider the residents more transient."

Read the full article here (I'm cited again at the end). LMK if you (dis)agree?!

Pop Culture Guest Host on #SayWhat?! Show!

11/5/2013

Check out #SayWhat web show for the latest & greatest in pop culture foolery!

Earlier I had blogged about Tori Spelling losing a fortune on her real estate sales. She's releasing a ding dong book now to make moola. Girlfriend is a hot mess! Apparently, the peeps at #SayWhat!? agree. They invited me as a guest host to talk Tori (it's kinda sorta NFSW but that's entertainment)! God, is gonna get me!

Herman's Secret Tips for Buyers (Love Letter!) & East/West Coast Market Comparison on Atlanta Radio!

10/23/2013

One of the highlights of my trip to Atlanta was my radio interview on "At Home with Paisley." Me, Paisley McDonald and co-host Krisztina Bell
were just three Southern belles chattin' up a storm about houses and design!

Click here to hear the whole interview, full of sass and advice!

herman chan sf realtor with radio host paisley

herman chan design lifestyle expert on air w/ paisley and krisztina

Bankrate Chats with Herman Chan: Home Buyer Checklist!

10/3/2013

Check out my Google Hangout for Bankrate.com with Greg McBride Senior Financial Analyst. "A Checklist For Buying Your Home Sweet Home"

Will the government shutdown affect real estate?
Should sellers do For Sale By Owner in hot market?
How should you vet your realtor?
Advice on getting pre-approved
Insider tips on getting your offer accepted in sellers market
Beware hidden costs!

Herman Chan Speaks at Luxury & Global Forum Atlanta

10/1/2013

Come see me chat it up with my Atlanta peeps about all things lux and global real estate!
October 6, 2013 1-4pm at the Residences at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Register here!
Happy to be invited by my friends at AREAA. This is my first foray into the South! Any advice honeychile!?

Herman Chan Luxury Global AREAA Speaker