It's Friday the 13th again, time to discuss superstitions and - more importantly - why they might affect your bottom line.
- Friday the 13th - This day has been considered bad luck for a very long time. Fridays in general have been considered unlucky since the medieval times thanks to "hangman's day". Also, in the Christian religion, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. The number 13 is also considered unlucky by itself. There is the common superstition that if 13 people are seated at a table, the first to leave will be the first to die. Combine the two together and it's no wonder the day is synonymous with trouble. The horror films didn't help the cause any, either. Don't be surprised if clients are wary of closing a deal on Friday the 13th. In fact, it might make a good excuse for a well-deserved day off.
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Black Cats - Poor black cats have a bad rap. The saying goes that if a black cat crosses your path, it means bad luck. This superstition seems to stem from the Middle Ages and the start of witch hunts in Europe. Cats in general were suspected of being a witch's "familiar" and black cats were even more suspect. Make sure you keep this superstition in mind when showing homes in neighborhoods with outdoor cats, especially if one is solid black. Extremely superstitious clients may not want to move to a neighborhood with a black cat on the loose - unless of course, they're house hunting in Japan. Black cats are actually considered good luck there. - Ladders - You've most likely been warned at least once in your life to not walk under a ladder. This superstition also comes from fear of witchcraft. An open ladder forms a triangle, which Early Christians believed represented the Holy Trinity. By walking through this symbol, a person was percieved as being in cahoots with Satan. That being said, it's probably a good idea to heed this one, as there are also many safety concerns when walking near ladders. Make sure that all construction equipment is put away before showing a house. You don't want any accidents on your watch.
- Broken Mirrors - A broken mirror is said to cause seven years of bad luck. It's also a good way to end up with some nasty cuts. This superstition is one of the oldest. Distorted reflections - even in water - have been connected with disaster since ancient times. But why seven years? This is believed to come from the Roman belief that the body undergoes a regeneration every seven years. Buyers might be turned off from a home with a broken mirror as a result of this superstition - or the issue of safety - so encourage sellers to fix cracked mirrors ASAP!
Remember, even if you don't believe in superstitions, some of your clients might. Having a little sensitivity about the more common ones could save a sale one day. At the end of the day, it's all about getting to know your clients and trying to find their dream home. If that means checking the neighborhood for furry friends before suggesting a listing, it's probably not too much to ask.
Have you ever had an experience with superstition jeopardizing a sale? How did you deal with it?
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