There is certainly a lot of hard work and preparation that goes into selling a house, but what happens when you've done everything right and the stars just aren't aligning? Some frustrated sellers resort to less conventional methods to try and help the process along. So, with Halloween right around the corner, let's dig out our rabbit foot key-chains, knock on wood and let's explore some commonly held superstitions held by many home sellers and real estate agents to help guide the tides of good fortune when trying to sell a home!
The origins of this practice are hazy, with some sources tracing it back to the 16th century - but hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and the fact that even many nonreligious people have resorted to burying a statue of St. Joseph in their yard make it one of the most popular real estate superstitions around. St. Joseph is the Catholic Saint not only of workers and fathers, but also of homes and house-hunting. The standard is to bury the statue face down in the yard, within a few feet of the 'for sale' sign. Just don't forget to dig up the statue when the home does sell and find a respectful place for it in your new home!
This practice originated in the Philippines and is associated more with financial prosperity than getting a home sold, but some believe that scattering coins when trying to sell a house can increase your chances of getting your asking price, or a great offer on the home. You can also place coins under your doormat for a general invitation to wealth entering your home, or even under your keyboard to increase the financial success of your online business! So, some may suggest that before lowering your asking price again, plant a few strategically placed coins throughout the home.
Home staging experts often utilize Feng Shui strategies to help a house be as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Feng Shui, in its simplest form, is creating harmony between people and their environments. Some of the most common Feng Shui methods for creating an inviting potential new home is clearing clutter, focusing on the entryway to the home, and bringing plants into the space to enliven it. The great thing about Feng Shui is you can carry many of the tips into your new home, to create a continued sense of harmony and positive energy as you start your new life in your new space!
While Feng Shui focuses on inviting positive energy into a space, smudging is a practice that focuses on erasing bad energy. This ancient practice consists of burning different varieties of herbs and allowing the smoke to 'cleanse' the area. The herb most associated with this practice is white sage. This tradition exists in many religions and cultures. It is implied that by cleaning out any negative energy from the house you are trying to sell, it will not only make the space more inviting to the next owners, but also allow you to break ties with your old space and have a fresh, clean start in your new one.
Different numbers have different characteristics depending on where you are in the world. In the United States, the number 13 is historically unlucky. Many real estate agents have described instances of resistance to houses being sold that contained the number in street addresses - or perhaps a condo on the 13th floor. (Interestingly, many high-rises do not have a 13th floor - or at least not one labeled as such!) It is ill-advised to schedule a showing, or a closing on the 13th of any month - especially not if it falls on a Friday! In China, the number 8 is very closely associated with wealth and prosperity. A property with the number 8 in the address, or an asking price that ends in the number 8 can be very appealing to these types of buyers. Even if you do not put any stock in the significance of certain numbers being luckier than others, it may help to consider the flip side, and that potential buyers might.
This is a very traditional technique that many agents and home sellers use. The smell of freshly baked cookies is believed to create a positive sensory experience for potential buyers, tapping into their subconscious and creating a sense of warmth and coziness. Beware though, many experts are now suggesting that the smell of baked goods is too complex (even if it is delicious) and other scents, such as citrus or peppermint can have a more positive effect on visitors.
We can all agree that smart marketing techniques and hard work are the best way to get a house sold, but with almost fifty percent of the population giving some weight to common superstitions, they are much more than tossing a pinch of salt over your shoulder or only opening umbrellas outside. They can give someone a sense of control and confidence, especially in situations that may seem beyond your control - so whether you consider yourself superstitious or not, having a little luck on your side can never hurt!