How to Use Prayers to Sell a House
A long-standing tradition in selling a home for many religious home sellers and even some non-religious home sellers is to turn to prayer and burying a St. Joseph Statue.
The belief is St Joseph, the patron saint of families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, house sellers, buyers, engineers, craftsmen, and the working class, will want a quick sale to get out of the ground as quickly as possible.
As a 20-year veteran of selling homes in Massachusetts, I believe this practice is more common than I would have believed. Heck, why not take advantage of everything you have at your disposal for a quick, successful home sale?
Are you interested in selling your house fast and for top dollar? Have you ever heard of using prayer and a statue to sell homes? If you are a first-time home seller, this may be something new.
The St. Joseph Novena for selling a house involves prayers and traditions to seek St. Joseph's intercession for a quick and profitable property sale.
This novena consists of specific prayers recited over nine consecutive days. Each day's prayer focuses on aspects of St. Joseph's life and virtues, such as faithfulness, obedience, and guidance. Maximum Real Estate Exposure is a comprehensive resource for the St. Joseph prayer.
The prayers express a deep trust in St. Joseph's ability to assist. Home sellers ask for his help in finding a suitable buyer for the property.
One tradition associated with the novena is the practice of burying a statue of St. Joseph in the yard of the house to be sold. The belief is that doing so will help speed up the sale of the house. After the sale is completed, the seller should dig up the statue. It should then be given a place of honor in their new home to thank St. Joseph for his intercession.
The prayers within the novena vary, but they commonly reflect gratitude towards St. Joseph for his protection and guidance. Of course, the primary purpose is to request his intercession in selling the house quickly and profitably.
Some prayers also involve making personal requests or intentions known to St. Joseph. This highlights the belief in his powerful intercession before God.
Part of Catholic Faith But Open to All
While I was a practicing Catholic growing up, as I grew older, religion has not been a part of my life. I've never used prayers or statues to sell homes. Does that mean you shouldn't? Of course not.
The St. Joseph Novena and associated practices are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and faith. They reflect the broader Christian belief in the communion of saints and the intercessory power of figures like St. Joseph.
These practices demonstrate a blend of spiritual devotion and tangible actions (like the burying of the statue) as expressions of faith and trust in divine assistance for earthly concerns.
For those using the novena, it's recommended to approach it with faith and sincerity. You must recognize it as a spiritual aid rather than a guaranteed solution. The novena's effectiveness depends on the depth of one's faith and the sincerity of one's prayer. In other words, the mere performance of the ritual isn't enough.
However, it's believed to work even when it's not the best time to sell a house.
Who Was St. Joseph?
St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, is a figure of humility and protection in the Christian tradition. Despite the few details about his life in the scriptures, his role as the provider and protector of Mary and Jesus is pivotal.
The Catholic Church honors him as the patron saint of the Universal Church, workers, and families. They observe his virtues of faith, obedience, and care for his family.
His feast day celebrated on March 19th, invites believers to reflect on his life of service and devotion.
Joseph's significance extends beyond his biblical role. He symbolizes quiet strength and unwavering faith. This makes him an ideal intercessor for those facing life's challenges, including selling a home.
The tradition of seeking his help in real estate sales speaks to his perceived ability to provide for and protect those who call upon him. It is not just real estate agents who use this strategy. Some for sale by owners will also use it as a home sale method.
The Tradition of St. Joseph in Real Estate
The tradition of invoking St. Joseph's help to sell a house traces back to the 16th century. Legend has it that St. Teresa of Avila buried St. Joseph's medals as a plea for land for new convents. Doing so led to successful acquisitions. This practice evolved into burying St. Joseph statues.
Home sellers continue this tradition today, hoping for St. Joseph's blessing to sell their homes swiftly.
This ritual involves burying a statue of St. Joseph upside down in the yard, facing the house, or towards the direction of the desired sale. The belief is that doing so will encourage St. Joseph to work harder to leave the ground, ensuring a faster sale.
While it may sound superstitious, many swear by its effectiveness, viewing it as a physical manifestation of their prayers and faith. I know many real estate agents who purchase statues to increase their chances of a fast sale.
The role of religion in real estate sales has been going on for quite a while.
Preparing for the Novena
Before starting the novena, selecting a suitable St. Joseph statue is crucial. The statue should be small and durable enough to bury. Many choose plastic to avoid damaging the environment. Finding an appropriate location is also essential. It should be a quiet, respectful place to reflect and pray undisturbed.
The preparation phase also involves setting clear intentions. Reflect on your reasons for selling your home and what you hope to achieve. This clarity will guide your prayers and strengthen your faith throughout the novena.
How to Perform the St. Joseph Novena
The St. Joseph novena involves nine days of prayer, reflecting on St. Joseph's life and virtues. Participants pray daily, asking for St. Joseph's intercession in selling their home.
Day 1: Start by reciting the Lord's Prayer, followed by a prayer to St. Joseph, expressing your request for help selling your house. Conclude with the Hail Mary.
Day 2 through Day 8: Begin with the Lord's Prayer. Read a passage from the Bible related to St. Joseph's life, reflecting on his virtues of patience, diligence, and trust in God.
Follow this with the daily prayer to St. Joseph, tailored to your intentions. Each day, conclude with the Hail Mary and a prayer reflecting your desires and gratitude.
Day 9: The final day involves a thanksgiving prayer, regardless of the house's sale status. Recite the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and a prayer thanking St. Joseph for his guidance. You should ask for continued support until the house is sold.
Throughout the novena, maintain a positive mindset and visualize your goal of selling your home. Faith and intention play crucial roles in this spiritual journey.
Tips for Maximizing the Novena’s Effectiveness
1. Combine Faith with Action: While the novena is a powerful spiritual tool, combining it with practical house-selling efforts can enhance its effectiveness. Ensure your house is well-maintained, priced correctly, and marketed effectively. St. Joseph appreciates diligence and responsibility.
2. Remain Patient and Positive: Success might not come overnight. Maintain a positive outlook and patience throughout the process. Faith in St. Joseph’s intercession is essential to gracefully enduring the waiting period.
3. Create a Peaceful Environment: Before starting the novena, create a peaceful and prayerful environment in your home. This ambiance invites positivity and may appeal to potential buyers.
4. Engage the Entire Family: Involve your family in the novena. Collective prayer can strengthen the request and foster a supportive atmosphere at home.
5. Reflect on St. Joseph's Virtues: Emulate St. Joseph's humility, work ethic, and trust in God’s plan. These virtues can guide your actions and mindset during the selling process.
Testimonials and Success Stories
You don't have to go far to find stories of those who have found success with this home-selling tactic. There are testimonials all over the internet. I have also had several discussions online with other agents who regularly use prayer and the statute in combination.
When selling a house by owner, you may also want to try it. Selling without a real estate agent is always more complicated. You will need every edge you can get.
Conclusion
Is this St. Joseph novena one big superstition, or does it work? I will leave that for you to decide. If you're struggling to sell your home and want to try something new, give it a shot.
With three decades of experience, Bill Gassett is an authority in the real estate sector. Bill writes informative articles for numerous prestigious real estate sites to help buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents. His work has been featured on RIS Media, the National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placester, Realty Biz News, Credit Sesame, and his own authority resource, Maximum Real Estate Exposure. Reach out to Bill Gassett for his real estate, mortgage, and financial expertise.
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