Admin

Does Superstition Play a Role When Listing a Home For Sale?

By
Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

While scrolling through new listings in the Arizona Regional MLS today, one listing jumped out at me.  The main photo was not unusual.  The list price versus square footage looked accurate for the area in Scottsdale.  In fact, everything looked great.  But the list price caught my eye as they used only one number when creating this listing. 

Listing agents will tell you it's best to include zeros as the 4 or 5 digits of every price because you don't want to miss out by using 9s.  But what about numbers that give you bad vibes?  

Not wanting to misunderstand that aspect of listing a home for sale, I consulted Google and found these answers.

  • Number 13: In many Western cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. This is why some buildings skip the 13th floor, and some people avoid hosting important events on the 13th of the month.
  • Number 4: In some East Asian cultures, the number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "death" in languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
  • Number 7: On the flip side, the number 7 is often considered lucky in many cultures. In Western cultures, it's associated with luck and magic. Think of the seven colors in a rainbow, seven days of the week, and seven wonders of the world.
  • Number 8: In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered very lucky because it sounds like the word for "wealth" or "prosper".
  • Number 666: In Christian tradition, 666 is known as the "number of the beast" and is associated with the devil or evil.
  • Number 9: In Thai culture, the number 9 is considered lucky because it sounds like the word for "progress".

Okay that got me nowhere and did not answer my question.   The reason this list price seemed so odd is that the home is listed at $1,111,111.   

Have you ever seen a home at that list price?  Zip, nada, never.  

 

 

Posted by

Search the Arizona Regional MLS

Search for Homes

      

 

HomeSmart Elite Group                                  

8388 E Hartford Dr., Suite 100

Scottsdale, AZ 85255                                                         

(602) 620-2699   DIRECT

www.GotGreen.info                  facebook   Google + twitter   youtube   linkedin   pinterest   

 

Comments(26)

Show All Comments Sort:
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Jan- I'm not superstitious about it but our first home was 15711, our second 1107, and our third and first FL home was 3011.  I told Larry I wanted our next home to have 11 in the address. I was joking but woulld have been fun if it had 11 in the address. 

Jun 16, 2025 06:38 PM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

This is such a fascinating and unusual observation, Jan! Pricing a home at $1,111,111 definitely stands out. It's interesting to consider if it's a strategic move to grab attention, or if superstitions truly play a role in buyers' minds.

Jun 16, 2025 08:02 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Jan - strategies and reasons seem to be a part of the real estate practice.  Especially pricing.  But superstition and cultural influences can play roles too.  Other factors likely too. 

Carol Williams - a SCS Second Chance Saturday suggestion.  May the conversation continue.  

Jun 17, 2025 04:11 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Jan. I am not superstitious when it comes to numbers but have had clients over he year that were. The was a building near downtown Chicago built in the 1920's that had an address of 666. The building was sold and the first thing the new owner did was get an address change. Enjoy your day.

Jun 17, 2025 04:49 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ a fun post. I haven't had to deal with superstitions often in my 33 years. I did have one client who always want to list at a price with the last three number a specific set of number because she believed her homes sold more quickly that way. I always indulged her and we always sold quickly. I had another client who always buried a St Joseph's statute and we always sold her home quickly. So who knows? I had one Asian client who was very focused on the house number, but only one in all these years. My Asian clients seem to be more focused on the direction in which the home faces.

By the way, I've lived in Europe where buildings did not "disguise" the 13th floor and nothing untoward ever happened. Of course, I believe 13 is a lucky number and have it in my phone number, on my gold charm bracelet.

Jun 17, 2025 04:49 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I have never seen a price similar to the one you shared - and I only remember one client who had an issue with the house numbers, but now I don't remember what the issue was. Anyway, yes, superstition can certainly play a part in what house someone chooses to buy!

Jun 17, 2025 06:00 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

That is quite a coincidence Kathy Streib ?!   I know what you mean.  I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my phone when it was exactly 11:11.  Raising my girls, we always made a wish when something like that happens.  Now, all if my girls are in 3 states, but thankfully same Central Time Zone, so at least is 1:11 there during half the year 😂  Thank you for commenting!

Jun 17, 2025 10:00 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Right Dennis Neal ?!  When I saw that it jumped out at me.  Maybe that's what they were looking for? Thank you for reading and commenting!

Jun 17, 2025 10:01 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Definitely Michael Jacobs !  I'm wondering if this was suggested by the home seller or the agent.  It definitely got my attention.  Have never seen a price like that one!  Thank you for stopping by with a comment!

Jun 17, 2025 10:02 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ - I have heard lucky numbers and other curiosities (for lack of a better term) used in real estate and everyday life.  

Jun 17, 2025 10:06 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Now that is understandable Wayne Martin !  It's not good luck for sure to have an address of 666.  I bet the city understood!  Thank you for reading and commenting!

Jun 17, 2025 10:03 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Very interesting Nina Hollander, Broker !  Your clients seemed to focus on the number part, while you made sure all was in order for a quick sale.  Good for you!   I've heard of burying a St Francis statue.  So that does sound like superstitions.  I've never had anyone do that, but never say never!  Maybe I need a charm bracelet with 3's as that was always the number I requested on my softball jersey!  Thank you for commenting - love it!

Jun 17, 2025 10:06 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Seeing that listing, creating this post was a no brainer.  And I was looking forward to seeing the comments from you and you guys did not disappointe Kat Palmiotti !  Appreciate you stopping by and commenting.  That said, I do have an unusual phone number - 602-620-2699  Would that be lucky or unlucky?! 

Jun 17, 2025 10:08 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I have no clue! :-)

Jun 17, 2025 10:47 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing this eye-opening post, Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ. I appreciate how you dive into the little quirks that can influence listing choices and make us think twice. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, even the smallest details can carry big meaning. 😊

Jun 17, 2025 12:40 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

So true Lew Corcoran !  One way to think about it is visualize a dress on a hangar vs. a manequin.  Which way would it look more attractive.  Showcasing a home in it's best light is critical for home buyers! 

Jun 18, 2025 11:39 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Jan,
I recall a month when I listed a large home with the address 1313 and also sold a condo with a 1313 address. I wondered if I'd get any pushback because of the addresses, but I never did. 

Jun 20, 2025 08:52 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I represented a pro basketball player on a couple of buys/sells - his number was 13 and the gate code for them was 1313#! 

Carol Williams 

Jun 21, 2025 01:47 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I knew about every one you shared being numbers that those who are superstitious either avoid or gravitate towards, Jan. Ones however, I have no clue!

I wonder if it's superstitious or a marketing ploy? I would be the first one here in Charlotte to phone that agent - inquiring minds want to know! LOL

Jun 21, 2025 01:46 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Wow Carol Williams , that is a big coincidence! What are the odds of the same house number with 2 homes in a row?!   Thank you for commenting! 🥰

Jun 21, 2025 03:36 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Understand completely!  Those superstitious numbers we are familiar, but one's?  My vote is marketing ploy.  That price simply stands out and nothing wrong with that!  Thank you for commenting Debe Maxwell, CRS  :)

Jun 21, 2025 03:55 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Jan,

I'm so glad that Carol Williams featured your post in her Saturday Series as I missed it. I 've never seen a listing with all ones! I listed a house at $916, 800 because my seller is into numbers. Our buyer is Asian and most of the serious buyers were! The offered full price, cash...good grief maybe there is something to it! LOL!

Jun 21, 2025 03:56 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thanks to Carol Williams  for the feature!    Yes, I find prices can be interesting sometimes and sellers can have a lot to do with that.  The 999 prices are understandable, but other numbers???   Thank you for commenting Dorie Dillard Austin TX !

Jun 21, 2025 04:01 PM