San Francisco Couple Unknowingly Bought Dirt Alley, Resells to Artist

The couple paid $25,000 for what they thought was a neighboring duplex, but ended up being a strip of dirt between their home and the next.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:48am by Ben Kaplan

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A San Francisco couple, JJ Hollingsworth and her husband, accidentally purchased a dirt alley behind their home at a tax collector's auction, thinking they were buying the neighboring duplex. After unsuccessfully trying to get the city to rescind the deal, they were eventually able to sell the alley to an artist for $26,000.

Why it matters

This story highlights the potential pitfalls of real estate auctions, where buyers may not fully understand what they are purchasing. It also raises questions about the city's responsibility in accurately describing properties up for sale to avoid such mix-ups.

The details

Hollingsworth and her husband bid $25,000 on what they thought was a neighboring $1 million duplex, but ended up owning a dirt alley between their home and the next. They tried unsuccessfully to get the city to rescind the deal and refund their money. Eventually, an artist contacted Hollingsworth, interested in purchasing the alley to paint a quilt on it. After verifying the buyer's credentials, Hollingsworth sold the alley for $26,000, with provisions to ensure she and her neighbors could still access the space.

  • In March 2026, Hollingsworth and her husband placed a $25,000 bid on what they thought was a neighboring duplex at a tax collector's auction.
  • After realizing they had purchased a dirt alley, Hollingsworth and her husband spent months trying to get the city to rescind the deal.
  • An artist contacted Hollingsworth about purchasing the alley to paint a quilt, leading to the eventual $26,000 sale.

The players

JJ Hollingsworth

A San Francisco resident who, along with her husband, accidentally purchased a dirt alley at a tax collector's auction, thinking they were buying a neighboring duplex.

Alemayehu Mergia

Hollingsworth's neighbor, who was also relieved to see the alley sold after the couple's months-long struggle to get the city to rescind the deal.

The Artist

An individual who contacted Hollingsworth about purchasing the dirt alley to paint a quilt on it, ultimately leading to the $26,000 sale.

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What they’re saying

“When he explained that he was going to paint a quilt in the alley, that's when I melted.”

— JJ Hollingsworth (cbsnews.com)

“It's a great relief, you know. We were counting the days.”

— Alemayehu Mergia, Hollingsworth's neighbor (cbsnews.com)

“We got up out of our chairs and screamed and shouted. Opened a bottle of champagne and I don't remember much after that.”

— JJ Hollingsworth (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city may need to review its procedures for accurately describing properties up for auction to avoid similar mix-ups in the future.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding what you are purchasing, even in real estate auctions, and the potential for local governments to improve transparency and accuracy in their property sales processes.