5 feng shui concepts sellers should know

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese design philosophy that tries to optimize the flow of energy through any space - a single room, a house, even an office building. Proponents say properties with good feng shui meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and bring you good luck.

To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind:


1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the "mouth of chi" (chi is the "life force" of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

5 feng shui deal breakers for buyers

Buyers who believe in the principles of feng shui will avoid homes with the following characteristics:

1. A home with the bathroom located in the central tai chi area, the area of home where all of the energies are in perfect balance

2. A home with a spiral staircase in the center

3. A home with a staircase directly in front of the front door

4. Property located at a T- or Y-junction road with heavy road traffic

5. An excessively oddly shaped home


Source: Buy Your Home Smarter With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler
(Dragon Chi Publications) realtor.org