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When All Else Fails, Bake Cookies! Selling Traditions and Beliefs

By
Real Estate Agent with EXIT Realty Beatrice Associates 9506757

Picture this: you’re eager to sell your home and you want everything to go just right, a quick offer and closing top dollar and not hassles?

Believe it or not, many homeowners and real estate agents swear by various traditions, beliefs and rituals to get that much-desired sale.

Let’s take a look at some popular beliefs home sellers may turn to to get their house sold.

The Power of the Red Door: More Than Just Aesthetic

There's more to the red door superstition than meets the eye. In various cultures, a red door isn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it’s steeped in tradition and belief.

History & Belief:


In some cultures red symbolizes good luck, fortune, and positivity. It’s no wonder then that many homeowners believe a red door can attract prosperity and favorable deals.

Meanwhile, in early American tradition, a red door was a sign of a safe home where travelers could rest and were welcome.

The Psychological Edge:


Beyond just cultural significance, a bright red door can make your property stand out in a sea of beige and brown.

It’s eye-catching, memorable, and can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. It says, "Hey, remember that house with the bold, red door? Let's give it another look!"

Feng Shui: Harmony, Flow, and Quick Sales

Feng Shui is more than just a home decor trend; it's a lifestyle choice and, for some, a selling strategy.

The Philosophy:


Derived from ancient Chinese traditions, Feng Shui focuses on harmonizing everyone with their surroundings. It’s all about the chi or energy. When energy flows freely, it is believed to bring positivity, including potential buyers…. They may just feel positive about your home!

Putting It into Practice:


A Feng Shui-approved home can indeed be more attractive. Think open spaces, clutter-free environments, natural light, and strategic placements of furniture and decorations.

Such a home feels welcoming, peaceful, and might tip the scales in your favor during a sale.

Smudging: Clearing Negativity, One Puff at a Time

The art of smudging transcends beyond just being a New Age trend. It’s ancient, sacred, and believed to be highly effective.

Roots in Tradition:


Cultures have long believed in the power of burning sage to clear negative energies. The smoke is said to purify spaces, objects, and even people.

The Selling Edge:


While the spiritual benefits of smudging are debated, one thing's for sure: the scent of burning sage is unique and can leave a house feeling fresh, mystical, and cleansed.

And hey, any lingering negative vibes from that argument about who left the milk out might just get chased away!

The Legend of the St. Joseph Statue: Bury and Believe

This is probably one of the more popular yet widely embraced superstitions in the realm of getting your house sold.

The Tale:


The story goes that if you bury a statue of St. Joseph (yes, the biblical figure) upside down in your yard, offers will start coming in. It’s believed he’ll work diligently underground to ensure your house gets sold with the understanding you will turn him right side up and unearth him.  Talk about divine blackmail.

Does It Really Work?:


While there's no scientific evidence backing this up, countless testimonials exist.

Whether it's sheer belief, the placebo effect, or St. Joseph working his underground magic, many homeowners have walked away with a sold sign and a story to tell.

Other Home-Selling Rituals: Myths or Magic?

Different strokes for different folks, as they say. Every culture and corner of the world has its beliefs, traditions, and superstitions quirks when it comes to selling homes.

Salt sprinkled across the doorway is believed to ward off evil and attract good vibes. Lighting certain candles, particularly green ones, is thought to bring in the energy of prosperity and success.

The rituals are many, varied, and always intriguing.  Hey why not turn to a time-honored ritual to give yourself the edge up.

When All Else Fails Bake Cookies!!

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies permeating the house?  A time-honored tradition that many turn to to give a warm, inviting smell and feel to a home.

Plus, I am all for being offered a fresh cookie still warm from the oven when I show my clients a home!

Don't Forget the Basics When Selling Your Home

While the world of superstitions and home-selling rituals is certainly intriguing, it's crucial to remember the basic principles of selling your home. Don’t skip these tried and true methods proven to get a home sold in conjunction with your beliefs.

First Impressions Matter:


Before potential buyers enter your home, they're greeted by its exterior. Ensuring a clean, well-maintained exterior can set the tone for the entire viewing.

A mowed lawn, pruned bushes, and a welcoming entryway can speak volumes. After all, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. While a red door might attract some eyes, a tidy and inviting exterior will seal the deal.

Cleanliness and Declutter:


Once inside, buyers should be able to envision themselves in the space. This vision can be blurred by clutter or personal belongings lying around.

A clean, decluttered home showcases the property's potential. It allows visitors to imagine how they would live in your house, yet make it their home.

So, while smudging might clear out the bad vibes, a thorough cleaning and decluttering can genuinely let the positive energy flow.

Pricing It Right:


No matter how many statues you bury or how well you've mastered Feng Shui, it will be a tough sell if the house is overpriced. Understanding the local market, assessing the true value and setting a realistic, competitive price is probably the most essential step in selling your home.

Pair this with effective marketing, and you'll have a winning combination. In the grand scheme, the magic often lies in the basics.

While indulging in rituals and beliefs can be reassuring, the core of home selling rests in these tried and true principles. Pair them with your chosen beliefs; you might find the perfect blend for a quick, profitable sale.

In Conclusion: Home-Selling Magic or Mere Folklore?

At the end of the day, while these traditions, superstitions or beliefs might not directly influence, they play a significant role in bolstering the seller's confidence.  Or they may have merit that is hard to quantify.

So, if you're in the market to sell and feeling adventurous, why not give one or two of these traditions a shot?  If anything, you’ll have an exciting tale to tell. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, there's some truth to these age-old beliefs. Happy selling!  

Author Bio:

Kevin Vitali is a Realtor in Massachusetts that covers Essex and Northern Middlesex Counties.  Kevin has been a full-time agent for 22+ years and, in that time, has become an avid real estate blogger covering topics to empower home buyers and sellers.

Show All Comments Sort:
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kevin. My first broker believed heavily in the St. Joseph statue and had boxes full in the office basement. They worked for her and her volume proved it. Enjoy your day.

Sep 21, 2023 05:02 AM
Kevin Vitali

Hey Wayne Martin, I wrote an article about burying a St. Joseph article and promoted it on Linkedin and Facebook.  The comments from REALTORS who engaged in the practiv=ce for themselves was much higher than I thought.

Sep 21, 2023 05:28 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Basics matter but you never know what else might work!

Sep 21, 2023 05:08 AM
Kevin Vitali

Absolutely Kat Palmiotti 

Sep 21, 2023 05:26 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Kevin. Personally I love a red door. But I've read several articles recently saying that red doors turn off buyers... and a black door is the most popular. At some point hard to know whom to believe. :) I have clients who totally swear by the ST Anthony statue. So hard to poo-poo that suggestion. As for cookies... sorry, I don't bake cookies (ever). I'm the world's worst cookie baker and would worry about turning people off with them!

Sep 21, 2023 05:39 AM
Kevin Vitali
EXIT Realty Beatrice Associates - Middleton, MA
Helping Massachusetts Home Buyers and Home Sellers

Nina Hollander, Broker When writing this article, I found beliefs and traditions to vary from culture to culture; a red door can be lucky for some and lousy jui-jui for others.  

Or transacting during the start of a new moon cycle can be a positive thing symbolizing new beginnings, or for a different culture its a time to pause and reflect.

Sep 21, 2023 05:49 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Kevin Vitali good to be aware of all of this... but there's so much, at some point I just get a headache!

Sep 21, 2023 05:54 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Kevin,

A great post for pulling out the stops to have your listing sell. I've had many who are firm believers  in placing the ST Anthony statue on the property. It does work so hard to scoff at results!

Sep 21, 2023 08:49 AM
Kevin Vitali

Hey Dorie Dillard Austin TX what ever works! I certainly cant hurt and maybe it adds that boost a seller needs.

Sep 22, 2023 05:19 AM