How do superstitions play into real estate decisions?
From setting dates for paperwork, showing and open houses to how homes are prepped for sale and perceived by buyers, various superstitions can be at play in those decisions...
Number 13: In many cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. Some people avoid properties with this house number or apartment number. Realtors may avoid listing a home ending in the number 13, offering a purchase price ending in 13, setting a deadline or closing for the 13th of a month, or holding an open house on the 13th...particularly if it's a Friday. The thought is this: Since it's generally deemed unlucky, why use it?
Feng Shui: Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that involves arranging the environment to promote harmony and balance. Many homebuyers and sellers consult Feng Shui experts to ensure good energy flow and placement of furniture and decor. (The most serious mistake you can make in your bedroom is positioning your bed in what is known as the coffin position. In this position, the door and bed align perfectly opposite each other, so that your feet point directly at the door when you lie in bed.)
St. Joseph Statue: Some people bury a statue of St. Joseph, the patron saint of home and family, upside down in their yard when trying to sell a property, believing it will help the house sell more quickly.
Tried and... possibly true? In the front yard of her first listed home, Ann buried St. Joseph. The home was at a price-point suitable to the seller but was not yet in the hot selling price-range of our West Michigan housing market and the seller needed it sold a.s.a.p. He'd already spent weeks trying to sell it on his own and had already built a home he'd financed so needed the proceeds of the sale to offset his new build quickly. Long-story-short, on her last scheduled open house she hooked a buyer and an offer was in the inbox before she reached home. St. Joseph was there in the yard, but there was more at work; like the great advice given to the Seller to prep the home, the multiple open houses she held, and the great rapport she had with the buyer and their agent. Bottom line, the homeowner's goals became hers and she was all-in... St. Joseph, et al and it SOLD right where it was supposed to $$.
Color symbolism: Colors have different meanings in various cultures. Red, for example, is associated with good luck in Chinese culture, while in some Western cultures, it may be seen as a bold or aggressive color. Buyers or sellers may consider color symbolism when decorating or painting their homes. Good Realtors® will advise that neutral colors are the best bet.
Salt & Sage: Some people believe that sprinkling salt at the doorstep can help cleanse a new home and ward off bad energy. Some believe burning sage in a home has that same affect.
Mirror placement: In some cultures, it is believed that mirrors should not face the bed or the front door because they can reflect and amplify negative energy or "cut" the flow of chi (life force energy).
South-facing homes: In Indian Vastu Shastra, it is believed that south-facing homes bring prosperity and wealth, while north-facing homes are considered inauspicious. (Given the popularity of the North Face apparel brand in these parts, we think this is highly unlikely to affect real estate in West Michigan anytime soon.)
Open houses and full moons: Some people believe that holding open houses during a full moon can attract more positive energy and potential buyers.
The history of a property: Superstitions can also revolve around the history of a property. Some individuals are wary of purchasing homes with a history of tragic events, deaths, or other negative occurrences. Maybe tragic historical spots are better suited as entertainment venues, like this new 2023 'Spirits Spot' in downtown Grand Rapids?
Housewarming gifts: Giving or receiving housewarming gifts, such as a plant, a horseshoe, or a loaf of bread, is thought to bring good luck and positive energy to a new home.
