How to buy a 'lucky' house

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

All rights reserved. This article may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News. Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright law.