Home Buying Superstitions

Hi Kelly,
It's interesting to read what other cultures believe. As for me, I am most interested in location, budget, and structural condition. I would hate to fall in love with a home with the wrong number on it. 

Good Friday morning, Kelly. Thank you very much for this interesting list.

In some cultures, buying a home in which a death has occurred is bad luck.  I had a tear down for sale many years ago. After we went under contract, the buyers asked if anyone had died in the home.  Yes, the 98 year old woman who passed from natural causes. The house was back on the market that afternoon, even though they were going to tear down the house, jackhammer up the foundation, and build new from scratch. What were the grandchildren supposed to do - drag granny to the curb before she expired?

Your post is interesting …. It shows how different cultures have different ways to enhance their luck.

Some people think the number 13 is an unlucky number but I know 2 people who were born on the 13^th and who have had lucky, happy and successful lives ……. So, it depends on other factors as well, I guess.

Gemini said

Kelly, you’ve posted this on the perfect day—Friday the 13th! It’s fascinating how these cultural "rules" can actually impact a real estate transaction.

As Lorrie mentioned in the comments, even a "tear-down" can be derailed by a superstition about death in the home. In the Northeast and the South, we see these traditions play out constantly. The "haint blue" porch ceilings you mentioned are a staple in Charleston and Savannah, originally used by the Gullah Geechee people to trick spirits into thinking the ceiling was water (which spirits supposedly cannot cross). Today, it's just as much a design trend as it is a protective measure!

The broom superstition is one I still see practiced at almost every closing. Bringing an "old" broom is seen as bringing your old problems and "dirt" into a fresh space. And for those moving today, it’s worth noting that in Hindu traditions, while Friday is often avoided, Thursday is considered the most auspicious day for a Griha Pravesh (housewarming).

+1

Since it’s March 13th, 2026, and we have a rare three Friday the 13ths this year (February, March, and November), your clients might be extra cautious! It's always better to have a few acorns on the windowsill just in case.

Dennis Neal, Realtor | eXp Realty

I had a deal close today. My buyer said he did not care about Friday the 13Th. I was happy.

Kelly McGovern - Well this was a fun read today!

Thanks, Kelly!

Good afternoon Kelly,

It always amazes me how some really follows their culture predictions when buying a home. Many Chinese will not close on a day with a 4 in the date. Some won't buy a house with the number 4 in the address. It sounds very similar to the word for death. Many avois phone numbers and license plates with the number 4.

Kelly, I think most buyers don't really think of Friday the 13th badly, but REALTORS, may we DO!

Hi Kelly- When my husband built in the Houston area, they made sure to have the staircase heading towards the back of the house and not out the front door. 

These are neat, and what people believe, whether it is true or not, has a great deal of influence, haha.  I remember a buyer who put a lot of importance on the numbers of the address, but she ended up not worrying about it because none of the homes she liked the most fit the numbers thing, haha.

What a fun mix of traditions, Kelly McGovern. It’s amazing how these little beliefs add color to the whole home buying journey, and this roundup made me smile. Thanks for sharing something that’s both light and packed with charm, it’s a great way to start the day!