Outside the Box Thinking Gets Homes SOLD!

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Outside the Box Thinking Gets Homes SOLD!

You've seen the statistics! You know that the real estate market is down across the nation. Sellers in the 2008 spring market will be fighting to be noticed in a sea of foreclosed homes, builder's models and investor's flips. So what can you do to make your home stand out and get noticed? What little trick might give you an edge? Maybe it is time to think outside the box!

THINK Feng Shui

Using the ancient Chinese discipline of Feng Shui to create balance and a flow of energy throughout the home may get it sold more quickly. Before dismissing this concept as a bunch of malarkey, look closer. Removing clutter is one of the key ways to get your home sold and a cornerstone of Feng Shui. The flow of energy or Chi through the home determines how the buyer feels when they step inside the home. A home with a balanced Chi will invite the buyer to linger longer in the home. As a Realtor, I know showing homes there are some properties that "just feel right" from the moment you step over the threshold. Buyers literally languish in certain homes absorbing the atmosphere.

Improving your home's energy using Feng Shui might be as simple as setting intentions. Write down your selling mission and place in an affirmation box. Or, take that first ad or the MLS listing sheet and write SOLD across it. Place this where you will see it everyday like your wallet or your car's dashboard and reaffirm that your home will be sold.

Delve deeper into Feng Shui and discover if the five elements are out of sync for your property. Fire, earth, water, metal and wood should be represented in colors or objects and balanced to keep the positive energy flowing.

If your home's Chi is really out of whack, consider an online Feng Shui consultation with an expert. Carole Provenzale, owner of Feng Shui Long Island, could be just the ticket to getting the energy balanced and your home sold in this changed real estate market.

THINK St. Joseph

St. Theresa way back in the 1500's started something big when she needed to find additional land to build convents. She buried a trinket and prayed to a saint. Not just any trinket or saint, she prayed to St. Joseph, saint of the home, and encouraged other nuns to join her with prayers. They buried St. Joseph medallions back then, but now a statue is in vogue. Kits are available with a small statue of the saint and directions on how to properly bury the figure in your front or back yard.

THINK Expert Real Estate Assistance

While I have no statistics on whether ancient Chinese or Catholic beliefs help to sell homes, I do know that receiving expert advice on pricing and preparing your home for sale are the tried and true ways to success. Online sites like Zillow are a great way to get started with a ballpark idea of your home's value. But this is not the market to play around with rough guesses and selling by owner. You NEED expert advice; A Realtor® who shows homes and writes offers in your neighborhood on a daily basis to provide you with an accurate marketing analysis for your home. Your real estate agent can give advice on getting you home ready to sell including everything from basic staging to expert Feng Shui. And most importantly, they can get your home price right in this changing real estate market so that your home is one of those SOLD this spring!

Need an Expert Market Analysis for a home in Ham Lake, Lino Lakes or other community in the Forest Lake school district? Click Here to set up your FREE Listing Consultation.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

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Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes on 01/26/2008 10:05 AM

Comments (30)

55035, 55304, anoka county, feng shui, home seller, market analysis, mn, real estate, realtor, st joseph

Originally posted at: Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities: Outside the Box Thinking Gets Homes SOLD!

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30 Comments on Outside the Box Thinking Gets Homes SOLD!

JAN

2008

Thanks for the links. I'm all for placing my home in an energetic atmosphere.

Very well writen post - You had me going and rolling my eyes with the statue, but you finished strong. Your clients have no idea how lucky they are.

Capre diem,

Chris

I'm a big proponent of Feng Shui, which loosly translated into English means "quit living like a slob"! So, I don't advise all my cleints to use anything called Feng Shui, I just help them declutter, rearange the furniture...and maybe paint the front door RED!

Sorry for the spelling mistakes in the above post! I know how to spell, but not type or proofread! LOL

Christina--A little positive energy goes a long way!

Chris--One person's New Age, wacky thinking is an answer to another's prayers! As homes sit longer on the market, there are increased requests for these products and services. Nothing will work if the home is overpriced. Working with an expert Realtor is essential in this market whether in or out of the box.

Michele--Funny, I missed that translation in the research. :) But there is something to the feel of homes that sell; an energy that cannot be ignored. As for typos...There is an edit button so you can fix and not feel like the worst typist in the world. That title is reserved for me!

Teri, ah yes thinking outside the box. So true... whatever it takes, but I have learned so much from Carol here in the rain.

Teri, your writing always makes me THINK. These three tips are wonderful, particularly teaming up with an EXPERT (like YOU). Why would they go with anyone else?

I too have learned so much from Carole...good things happen to good people...who have positive energy running through them and their home :)

Teri, Living in an environment where positive energy is always flowing is not only good for selling a home, but good for everyday sanity.

Teri, Thank you so much for the mention and the link. I have seen Feng Shui help sell homes--fast! I truly believe the consumer needs an Expert Realtor such as yourself in the area they are looking who is open minded to trying ideas such as Feng Shui and St. Joseph's to getting their homes sold. I have noticed peole are much more open minded as well...a perfect combination to work with you!

I have a true story to share in regards to St Joseph. A friend of mine told me his sister was about to give in trying to sell the home that had been on the market for almost a year. I told him to tell her to get a St Joseph statue and bury it upside down, 6" below the grass line with the statue's face looking at the house. He told me that she did as I instructed and received a full price offer within one week and sold the property.

Suppose it really had an effect? Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps it was more that she actually believed. Believing has moved mountains, moving houses is easy in comparison.

Creative post Teri, I have clients using St Joseph right now & Feng Shui. An open mind is important.

JAN

2008

Missy--Sometimes outside the box thinking motivates people. I have learned so much about Feng Shui from Carole that it isn't such a stretch in thinking anymore...Others swear by it. As we are questioned about these practices, I say anything is worth a try...It just might be the thing to get your home sold!

Gary--As experts we have to keep THINKING and educating...thanks for the compliment too! :)

Sally--If a Feng Shui consult makes a client energized about the possiblity of their home selling more quickly, then I am all for it. Whatever works in this changed market!

Mana--Absolutely...Clearing the clutter is not just a good way to sell, it is a good way to live!

Carole--In this changed market we need to bring in all sorts of thinking to help the sellers get there homes sold. What works for one, might not work for all but expert advice is necessary to getting homes sold! I keep an open mind. It was my pleasure to include you...Your expertise in Feng Shui could enlighten sellers on creating a positive energy and inviting floorplan so buyers feel warm and welcome upon entering a home. In a changed market, motivated sellers are looking at options to give their home the edge in the market. Whatever works!

William--Thank you for sharing this story! Sometimes a little faith can move a mountain. I was raised as a Catholic so there were many stories of saints when I grew up. As a kid, I was always told to pray to St Anthony when I was looking for something that I lost. So if people want to believe that St Joseph or even St Anthony can help find buyers, so be it. They never said how long it would take to find things though. :)

Steve--Sellers know that the market has changed and are willing to try the unusual to get the edge. Nothing wrong with that...It shows their motivation and committment to getting their home sold. Our expert help doesn't hurt a bit though!

Teri, Feng Shui is something every Realtor needs to bone up on. I listed and sold a home within hours because of Feng Shui. The buyers knew the position of the home, knew that it was not on a T, etc. Feng Shui buyers often will not buy a home if the numbers are not "good," either. I just rented a home that was leased by a couple with the Feng Shui preferences. The home had all of their requirements.

Knowledge is power Teri, I learned a long time ago to keep an open mind...good things happen if you let them. Nice post.

JAN

2008

Teri

I'd loved your post. Carole is a great consultant and a wonderful eprsonality. Hope everybody count on her experienced Feng Shui and unique energy.

Maria Borci

Teri, nice post....you are just getting better and better. I like this post and nice writing.

Teri--I should have known the Lady in Red would be into Feng Shui! :) Red is an important color in Feng Shui. I have never had an experience where someone insisted on a home with good Feng Shui but want to be versed in the subject as it is something that many people do believe in.

Gary--Thank you! We should always keep and open mind when it is something that could help or might be important to our clients.

Maria--Carole is a wonderful blogger and I have learned so much about Feng Shui from her...Thanks for your comments. :)

Jeanean--Thanks!! So glad you enjoyed the post!

MAR

2008

A little positive energy will make your day.

APR

2008

Teri - I just ran across this previous post and I'm glad I did. You have a great way of incorporating good real estate information, the value of a REALTOR, and your own perspective on the professional services you provide for your clients. Thanks for sharing.

APR

2008

Sasha--It certainly will won't it? Thinking positive can bring great results!

Lynn--Thank you!! Sometimes the information just all comes together! :)

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Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Ham Lake, MN

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Theresa "Teri" Eckholm/REMAX Specialists assists Minnesotans to find their way home with helpful tips and quality service. Dedication to customer service has made Teri the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.

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