I found the amount of 'all-cash' offers in sf totally disturbing. SF homes are from 1-3million in a decent area. That amount of money can't be saved by working.

I found the amount of 'all-cash' offers in sf totally disturbing. SF homes are from 1-3million in a decent area. That amount of money can't be saved by working. That is money passed down or achieved by some nutty liquidity event - but those are quite rare. Where is this money coming from? This money is from Trusts [1] with hidden directors and foreigners (from politically unstable areas) using land as a great place to secure their money. If you own a deed that is registered with sf county - good luck to china, venezula, or russian officials trying to take it. Transferring titles is a circus - even if you live here. Thus your cash is secure, and you can continue your shady dealings in those countries not to worry about the current political winds. Example of trusts: [1] http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-suing-Academy-of-Art-over-real-estate-empire-7396553.php http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-suing-Academy-of-Ar... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/all-cash-buyers-real-estate_n_3861227.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/all-cash-buyers-rea...