A Manhattan Feng Shui Consultant's Advice

I believe that ANY obstacle can be overcome...personally, in business...or when it comes to finding the 'perfect' home. In my career, I've assisted over 500 clients to find their 'perfect' home. What I've learned is that 'perfect' is something different to everyone. IF my client has THAT reaction to a home...despite its obstacles...I try to help them find a way to make it work for them. I LOVE your suggestions! GBU, my dear friend~

Interesting, did not know about the tree in front issue.  Oddly enough, when we purchased our current home a little over a year ago, there were 3 trees hiding the front door.  We cut them all down and replaced the front door with one that has glass in it, for light.  We installed a new light on the porch.  Before, I felt claustrophobic when I came up the front walk, it was all too tight!  Sounds like natural instincts rose to the occasion!

Carole, there is so much to learn with Feng Shui and I am glad you reiterate the basics, so I am reminded of all the fundamentals all the time.

I love the ideas for the front door!  It just dawned on me after reading this that we almost always use the garage to come in and out of the homes instead of the front door.  I may have to rethink that!  We do have a windchime though - I love to hear it!

Carole ~ The link wouldn't work for me (it goes there but comes up with an error message).  We had new neighbors move in two houses down and there was a very large evergreen in front of the house that really blocked the view of it from the street.  Last week they had the tree cut down.  It looks so much better!  Before, it looked like it "blocked" people from entering, and could be why I never knew the prior neighbors the whole time I've lived here.

Carole- The link didn't work for me, but I agree that if a buyer loves the property, their energy can overcome any obstacle.

Carole - this is an interesting case.

IMO the house is cold and uninviting.  It wouldn't interest me if I were a buyer, but I have rather odd taste sometimes.  But when I separate my feelings out of it ... if the buyer is absolutely in love with it and feels at home while they are in it, then by all means, it's the house for them.  Kind of like one of those "Aha!" moments. 

I don't, for the life of me, understand why people will plant a darned tree right in front of the door.  I have never understood that, Feng Shui principles aside. 

BUT - if I were going to make suggestions to them ... add some brightly colored annuals in the flower beds, perhaps add a couple of large concrete/clay pots full of brightly colored flowers along the front walkway to add some texture and color, paint the door red (if the HOA allows that), in short ... they need to make it their own.

In retrospect ... maybe it's just that the house lacks curb appeal.  It appears flat and without personality.

And I'm big on personality!  ;)

I wish we could hang chimes in our complex but not allowed. That's okay...our entrance is lighted and inviting :)

Thanks again Carole...for all your thoughtful insight.

Carole - the link did not originally work for me, so I cut/pasted it into my browser and it opened fine.  Maybe a quick edit to the post with instructions to do just that would help.  :)

Carole:  As always, you have some very interesting challenges and I'm always fascinated at the solutions offered.  I now need to re-think my front door.

Crole Someday when I am rich enough I will have you consult on my house.  You really love what you do.

It looks like a cute home, and the price is sure good from my perspective.  How about putting a string or two of fairy lights in the tree?  At holiday times it would be festive, and at other times it would help provide light.  I hope they decide to buy it and start enjoying it.

Carole,

I have never had the need to discuss the practice, yet I enjoy reading about it and especially your posts.

Carole - I always wondered why some people have red doors...interesting.

Those tips were very interesting.  I like red doors and a black door can be a nice touch too.  We work with a lot of customers from different countries and they all have different preferences and attitudes towards layouts and certain features.  Learning about all of the small difference makers is so important to find out how each person looks at properties differently.

Awesome suggestions Carole - we too feel obstacles can be overcome with creativity - I've always been attracted to homes with red doors in photos/listings - they just stand out and look inviting!

thanks for shairng

Sincerley,

Grace

I've found that I'm simply happiest when I'm surrounded by Mother and Father Nature's plants and animals with some Beatles playing on the CD player. That's my feng shui.

HI Carole!  I just found this tonight.  I love the good advise and excellent information you gave your clients.  Not only is the red door a great feng shui color-it will look fabulous with the brick on the exterior on the home!!  Placing two matching potted plants at the front door is another perfect solution.  Happy New Year to you and your family!!