$ Sense: Feng Shui versus Home Staging–A Perspective.
March 23rd, 2008 Categories: Buyer and Seller Knowledge Center
Feng Shui, an ancient art originated in China some 3,000-3500 years ago, is a mind set of arranging one’s environment so that there is balance and harmony of energy. Harnessing good energy is considered most auspicious so the goal of Feng Shui is to keep positive energy meandering like a stream.
This art form has gain some prominence in the United States over the last 30 years, particularly in relation to the home.
Simply Feng Shui puts one in balance within and outside the home when furniture’s, fixtures, lighting, colors of all array, textures and shapes are positioned to attract the forces that produce positive energy to flow softly and direct this energy to the well being of the homes occupant.
Home staging focus is the same. Professionals home stager’s set about to establish a harmony with colors, furniture, fixtures, lighting, textures and shapes to give the feeling of well being within ones home and outside the home.
Both disciplines are talked about extensively especially when it comes time to sell a home.
Without going into all of the basic philosophy of each most people do not know the difference between the two, nor do they care that there is a difference and a great number think its all a gimmick.
BUT………
I have heard instances of properties that had been Feng Shui and for whatever the reason after the owner (or seller) did what had to be done the property, after being on the market for months suddenly became desirable and sold.
In a situation that I was involved (a rental property that I had listed) was made up of two parts. Part of the home was built about 100 years ago and an addition added about 60 years ago. The floor plan was a simple disaster.
The old, unkempt kitchen was the divider. In front of the kitchen was a great room with fire place, a small dining area, a divided open wall room that had no apparent purpose except to give the overall area some character, accompanied by two bedroom clustered near a single bathroom.
Behind the kitchen was the original entry, converted to a bedroom, making three behind the kitchen and a bath that was ready to be replaced, along with indoor laundry facilities.
This home was sitting on a parcel of about 3/4 acres next to a freeway. But the views were great.
I mentioned to the owner Feng Shui and she immediately jumped at the idea and made the home accommodating adding some old furniture she had stored in the barn and set about cleaning the weeds and set plantings throughout the yard.
It sold. Not for the price that was wanted but sold within 37 days after all the work was done. It had been on the market for nearly 9 months.
Was it Feng Shui or was it in the cards that the home was going to sell? I really cannot say except for the fact that it was a good market and everything was selling.
In yet another situation, I attended a seminar and as part of the seminar my group had to stage a home in Las Vegas. The property was quite new and had been on the market for over 6 months in an up market.
Our group went about staging this property which was almost an all day affair. I found out later that our efforts were rewarded with the sale of the home about 3 weeks later.
With this sample of two I noticed that properties sold when they were cleaned inside and out and the real estate market was good to excellent.
If one wishes to get the EDGE in an up market than Feng Shui and or staging is the way to go.
For a down market, neither have been successful for me. In a down market, PRICE and only price is the name of the game and no Feng Shui or staging will change this. Except recently I have heard of a realtor in Florida applying the principals of Feng Shui and he is doing extremely well (so I am told) in a horrible market.
If sellers of properties in an up market clean the property inside and out they should be in a good position of seeing their property sold. A stager or Feng Shui consultant certainly can come on the scene and make recommendations for a more promotional blend of furniture placement, lighting, colors and fabrics but if you have this gift use it.
In a down market it is PRICE!
In summary both disciplines focus on open space, less clutter, cleanliness, positioning of furniture and fixtures, color, smell, soft music, textures, sense of feel and many other attributes to lend itself to a harmonies environment. It is something that most home owners can do, some not as well as others. Those who cannot blend all of these together well should then call in the professionals. Those that can should save some money and position themselves for a home sale.
Your comments are welcomed.
