There is ample advice for those wishing to sell a home. My advice usually involves market research, plumbing repair and the occasional paint color debate. But, the advice given by family or friends is always a source of interest to me.
There is always a common belief that scent can sell a home. I will agree that foul odor works against even the best bargain on the market. But, does it really make a difference to have a property smell like fresh bread or cookies? As the daughter of a compulsive baker, I do believe that a good cookie can smooth any public relation. But, can a condo be sold by smell alone? My conclusion is that it sure can't hurt. Especially if baked goods are left out for visiting agents.
I once had a home buyer assess properties based on the principles of Feng Shui. This is the Chinese art of arranging your surroundings to attract positive energy. It contends that good Feng Shui can energize your life in the areas of Health, Career, Love and Marriage and even Wealth. Much of the positive Feng Shui advice makes for good showings as well. To boost wealth it is recommended to add flowering plants along the walkway (preferably red), clear away clutter, keep stove burners clean, and light the pathway to you front door, keep live plants in left side corners and never have too much cramped furniture. Good Feng Shui advice sounds like good selling advice to me.
The St. Joseph statue is a long held real estate superstition. St. Joseph was named a Catholic saint in the late 1800's. Among other things, he is the patron against doubt and hesitation. And legend has it that he can help sell your house. Simply buy a 4 inch tall St. Joseph statue for about $9.95 and bury it in the front yard of your house. He should be buried facing the street near the for sale sign and must be left there for 3 days. After three days have passed, a buyer should be at your doorstep with offer in hand. Once St. Joseph has sold your home, he should be dug up and kept in a position of respect. There is no evidence that St. Joseph can offer any protection against bad inspections, poor financing conditions or title issues. So perhaps, a real estate agent is needed after all.
In any case, the process of selling a home is often a stressful and challenging time for even the most patient of sellers. If cookies and flowers and patron saints can soothe the nerves and satisfy hesitant buyers than perhaps they are good advice indeed.
Wendy Hauschildt is a Licensed Realtor® with Coastal Properties GMAC Real Estate on South Padre Island, Texas. She is a weekly columnist for the Island Breeze paper and directs marketing for the agency. Visit http://www.SPIproperty.com for more Real Estate information.
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