I find myself all to often brainstorming with clients about how we can effectively sell their property in a sluggish market. The normal outcome of these sessions usually has an aroma of marketing, networking, pricing, repairs, clean-up, landscaping, home staging or buyer incentives...until now.
Introducing St. Joseph the Patron Saint of Carpentry! Upon entering my office a few days ago, I find a Fed-Ex box on my desk. I am a self admitted horrible multi-tasker (my wife will back me on this) and at the time I was talking on my cell phone, so it was my natural response to set this box aside, and focus on whatever it was I was into at the moment. When I did get around to opening the box, I noticed the sender is a client of mine, so I eagerly ripped apart the seals to find not one but two smallish green packages with this Patron Saint of Carpentry situated in plastic staring out at me. As a man that grew up in the buckle of the Bible-Belt, Catholicism was not something that was front and center in my world, so I needed a little help understanding this gift. He looked pretty sad to be a Saint, so I took it upon myself to investigate this man of history.
I found that according to http://www.luckymojo.com/, Saint Joseph (San Jose in Spanish and San Giuseppe in Italian) is petitioned by many conservative Catholics as one who grants an easy death, but in the wider world of Catholic folk-magic, he is the Patron Saint of real estate matters and home sales. Eureka! Now we're on to something. The reason given for this belief is that he was a carpenter who taught his "step-son" Jesus the carpentering trade, and he always saw to it that Jesus was well housed.
On the front of the package reads the words "The SOLD Realty Co." clearly defining the purpose of the Saint statuette. A quick survey around the box and I find "Can't sell your home? Ask St. Joseph... He's helped 1000's!" OK, sounds reasonable to me, but how do I put this little man of power to work? I mean for $2.99 this guy better pack a big punch with that tiny 2 cm plastic axe!
I found that there is a method to the "mojo" of "Joe". He is to be buried in the yard of the home you desire to sell. While differing methods seem to abound, here is a list that the handy burial instructions for him include:
- upside down
- in the rear of the yard
- 3' from the rear of house
- facing the house
- simply on the property
- right-side up
- in the front yard
- exactly 12" deep
- facing away from the house
- when sold remove, etc., etc.
I guess you can pick and choose from these based on how much snow happens to be in your yard.
There is a disclaimer for St. Joseph. "For this practice to be fully effective, however...sellers must, of course, first do such practical yet all important chores, as completing all necessary fix-up, properly staging the home and finally, adjusting the price so as to reflect true market value...". It's refreshing to know that my advice to sellers is at least on the right track (reference my opening paragraph).
If the plastic statue can bring me such good fortune, what else is out there concerning this holy man? Referencing my favorite general information source on the planet, aka Google, I am delighted to find additional real estate help methods with the Saint's name attached:
1 Dressed and Blessed Saint Joseph Candle
1 Statuette of Saint Joseph
1 Bottle Saint Joseph Oil
1 Saint Joseph Chromo Print
1 Saint Joseph Holy Card
I don't know if I will have the opportunity to explore these additional options of serendipity. Nothing against St. Joseph, any other Saint of old or the Catholic church, but I will continue to stick with my belief of provision. I will put my trust in the higher power of God and the work of His Son. In doing this continue to accept guidance and direction concerning life, relationship, love, business...and selling houses.
Comments(4)