Sellers often stage their houses to make them more attractive to potential buyers. What can you do as a buyer, however, to make sure that you’re buying a "lucky house"? The ancient Chinese tradition of feng shui has some interesting answers.
How can you recognize a lucky house vs. one that is unlucky? Here are some of the key principles from feng shui that can assist you in finding your personal "lucky house."
1. What is motivating the sellers to move?
Are the sellers facing foreclosure? Are the owners going through a divorce? Has there been violence on the property? If so, look elsewhere. The best houses are those where the owners are moving for happy reasons such as a growing family, a marriage or job promotion. If the previous owners were lucky while they lived in the property, those who believe in feng shui believe that the next buyer will be lucky too.
2. Avoid "poison arrows"
Is the home located at the end of a cul-de-sac or facing a "T" intersection? If so, there is too much energy or "chi" flowing towards the property. These properties should be avoided. Corners are also another type of poison arrow; however, the energy can be dissipated with plenty of trees and plants.
3. Is the landscaping healthy and attractive?
Healthy plants and trees are part of the constructive or "building" part of the feng shui cycle that attracts abundance and positive outcomes. In contrast, dead landscaping represents the "destructive" cycle that creates poor luck and poor outcomes.
4. Water represents money
Does the front door face a river, lake or ocean? Having water near your home is favorable provided the water flows towards the house rather than away from it. Also, fountains or waterfalls that flow towards the property represent money flowing towards you. A house with a fountain near the front door is particularly auspicious in terms of attracting wealth. Never allow the water to become stagnant. Also, outside waterfalls, especially when placed in the far left rear corner of the yard, are particularly helpful in creating more cash flow. On the other hand, avoid properties where too much water can flow towards you. For example, properties located in a flood plain or below street level can send too much "chi" your way. Drippy faucets and leaky toilets also represent your money dripping away.
5. Opening the mouth of abundance
In terms of our homes, abundance flows in through the "mouth" or front door. Consequently, take a careful look at the front door. For example, a curved walkway to the front door is very favorable. Bright flowers by the front door also attract prosperity and fortune. Nothing on the front porch should block the main door nor should there be anything sharp, straight or angular aimed at the front door. The doorbell should work (how can you attract abundance if you don’t know it’s ringing?) Also, is the doormat in excellent condition and does it say "Welcome!" If so, this could be your lucky house. …CONTINUED
6. Don’t let your money run away
In addition to dripping faucets, money can "run away" when the back door or the stairwell is visible from the front door. If you really love the house and want to buy it, you can correct this problem by placing a beautiful area rug in the entry. If there is room, place a small table with fresh cut flowers in the center of the rug. Another strategy is to hang a crystal chandelier and to place live plants adjacent to the stairs. In each case, this breaks up the energy so that your money will stay with you.
7. Avoid energy that disturbs "chi"
Is the property located near transmission towers or electrical transformers? If so, these will disturb the "chi" (pronounced "chee") and should be avoided.
8. Green and red attract money
Green is the color of money. Red is associated with abundance and good luck. If these colors are not already present in the property, consider adding them once you move. One of the easiest ways to add green to your property is with live plants. (Do not place live plants in your bedroom since this is considered to be unlucky.) To attract more money, obtain a small red sack and fill it with coins. Place it the far left hand corner of your office or living room.
9. Pay attention to your intention
To make feng shui work for you, carefully examine your intentions. If you are focused exclusively on making money, you will have poorer results than someone whose focus is on serving others.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of your intention, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t create your very own lucky house.
Bernice Ross, CEO of RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, trainer and author of "Real Estate Dough: Your Recipe for Real Estate Success" and other books. You can reach her at Bernice@RealEstateCoach.com and find her on Twitter: @bross.
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