The downturn in Arizona's real estate market is translating into business for Catholic gift stores around the Valley, where shoppers are asking for the St. Joseph Home Selling Kit.
The kit, which includes a statue of St. Joseph and an instructional booklet, is said to invoke the powers of the patron saint to bring a quick and profitable sale of a home.
Why St. Joseph?
Joseph had firsthand experience with the fickleness of supply and demand in the housing market, of course. The story of how he managed to find a room for his bride (albeit in a manger) has become the basis of the Christmas message for more than 2,000 years. For that reason, Catholic legend has it that St. Joseph is the patron saint of real estate agents.
The ways the kit is used are as unique as the people who buy them, but most sellers bury the statue in the front yard of the listed home. When the sale occurs, the saint is exhumed and transported to the new residence.
Sibcy Cline Realtors® - Cincinnati, OH
REALTOR, PBD SFR SRS
The Melcher Agency - Phoenix, AZ
Romero, CRS, CDPE
TREGO REALTY - Cedar Rapids, IA
Mario, I first didn't hold much stock in this (and I'm Catholic) but the more stories I heard, the more I am a believer. I need to order some of those statues!
Dec 24, 2006 01:57 PM
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590
Mario,
I graduated St. Joseph's Prep. School in Philadelphia. My daughter was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. I take St. Joseph Aspirin for headaches. I'v driven through St Joseph, MO and San Jose, CA.
When I sold my home in Litchfield Park, AZ in 2003...guess what?
I buried the statue. It sold in 4 days.
Dec 24, 2006 07:18 PM
The Melcher Agency - Phoenix, AZ
Romero, CRS, CDPE
With market taking a downturn, our sellers look to us for ideas, this happens to be one of these ideas. As simple as this is, it is added value service someone else may not offer or think about..
Dec 25, 2006 01:53 AM
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
My Board of Realtors sells them. I was admiring how such a small amount of plastic can cost so much. What a money maker. I have to get into plastics.
Dec 25, 2006 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
644,580
644,580
Mario Trejo
Romero, CRS, CDPE
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