One of the hottest and most popular book series in recent times is "Fifty Shades of Grey." It has made British author E.L. James a rich woman, and she's about to get even richer with the movie trilogy scheduled to begin in 2015.
Not only has the book series increased the author's wealth, it is also turning up the heat on an apartment building in Seattle.
This particular Seattle complex is called Escala, which is the same apartment name that is in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" books. Those who are avid readers of the novels know that this is the place where fictional character, billionaire Christian Grey, lives.
Because of the popularity of the book and the upcoming movie, real estate broker Erik Mehr has transformed into a very busy man. He has been getting a lot of calls lately from folks looking to rent a room for a night or even to get their photos taken inside the building.
Interestingly enough, some even went as far as to ask about the fictional "red room," probably not knowing for certain that it doesn't exist -- well, at least not in this apartment building.
"Our silly phone calls have spiked again where people want to rent the room," Mehr told CNNMoney. "I don't think they realize that this is a condominium building that residents live in and there is no red room."
While the "Fifty Shades of Grey" books have definitely caused issues for residents at the Escala, the series also has brought some perks, especially for Erik Mehr.
The value of apartments at Escala has risen since the release of the books, and even more so since the first trailer of the movie touched down. The price of a condo in Seattle has risen by 10 percent, while the price for an apartment at Escala has surged by up to 75 percent since 2010.
This is unbelievable, and it also goes to show the effect popular fictional media can have on life in the real world.
As of now, only six homes at Escala remain unsold, and each is on sale for around $1 million.
If the movie turns out to be a success, chances are prices could escalate to over $2 million. Escala's real estate broker, Erik Mehr, should now be one of the happiest men alive.
