One of the most important practices you can follow when selling your home is to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you are staging your home for sale you may not have thought to make it feng shui-friendly. However, for many Chinese and Chinese-Americans – who comprise the fastest growing segment of homebuyers in the U.S. today—the principles of feng shui are considered to be the second most important factor in choosing a home after neighborhood safety.
Feng shui is the spatial arrangement and building design that produces a harmonious qi flow—the word “qi” translates to energy. Feng shui homes allow the energy of the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—to flow freely through the home and encourage balance and calmness. If you want to appeal to feng shui buyers, follow these staging tips to help your home stand out in the market.
1. Clean the Clutter
Feng shui depends on the free flow of the elements through your home. Clutter on kitchen countertops is an especially big red flag for any feng shui-minded buyer.
- It’s ideal for cabinets to reach the ceiling (as seen here). If they don’t, try placing living plants or items of personal value above them. Stagnant energy is a no-no, but so is filling that space with the wrong energy.
- Countertops and tables should remain free of clutter and appliances. Tuck things like blenders, toasters and spice racks away before you welcome potential buyers for a viewing.