By Caroline Patrick

Feng Shui and Real Estate

Applying feng shui to properties which are to be sold is a logic application of a powerful unseen energy called chi. Chi occupies space. It flows naturally among the trees, animals, mountains, blows its power into water and assists nature in all creation. Our bodies, homes and beliefs are infiltrated with this force. Thought, words and deeds affect our speech. We can choose to speak kindly of others or be hurtful with the power of language and sound. Homes reflect the owners’ past experiences and current situations. Your body "talks" and reveals its experiences through good health or aches and pains.

Feng shui, or the balance of wind and water, looks at the mental, physical, spiritual and environmental quality of a space and its surroundings. The art of placement called feng shui has been tied to the land. The ancient Chinese culture believed it was not wise to go against nature’s course, or to cause manmade upheaval by seriously disrupting what nature had already put in place. They felt that actions such as this ultimately hurt mankind and bring him misfortune. So when building a structure, the principles of this science were examined closely to avoid disturbing the earth’s flesh. Architectural designs emphasized the perfect union of the land with Mother Earth. It has long been understood that man and his surroundings are powerfully interconnected. We ourselves react in a direct way to the environment.

When asked as a consultant to help the sale of a home which has been on the market several months, the realtor has already tried several learned adjustments to entice buyers to the property. The agent has already made a checklist for the sellers’ convenience, to invite a quick sale.

1. Check the front yard and entryway. The mouth of the chi enters through the architectural designed front door. Teach the energy to enter through this magical porthole bringing the life force into the home.
2. What is the view when entering? Add larger watt bulbs in dimly lit areas (but only according to the manufacturer’s maximum wattage allowance). Adding a 30-50mm round cut quartz lead crystal to an already existing light fixture between the doorway and foyer is always a great feng shui enhancement, as the lead crystal sends out a radiating invisible source to raise the chi.
3. Windows must be shining clean with no cracks or breakage. Any broken appliance, faded mirror or timepieces not running take a toll on the home.
4. The front door itself must open easily and close slowly as not to "bite" a prospective buyer. A little paint goes a long way during a presentation. Rust, worn hinges and cobwebs show stagnation in job opportunities.
5. Consider a water feature outside to the right when entering, or an inside water fountain to create a serene feeling. Make sure the water flows toward the front door. Using this key element called water ensures abundance and success to the buyers. If your front door begins in the middle center of the dwelling, I would not use the inside fountain at this earth element’s natural space.
6. The color red brings action to your home. Placing bright red flowers in black, blue or gray rounded pots activate this section of the bagua or eight-sided grid placed over the house, during an evaluation of the correct enhancements needed to invite the energy needed for a secure sale.
7. Wind chimes placed at certain points will stir up stagnant chi by using sound.
8. Lightning, curving pathways, aromatherapy, and trimmed shrubs add to the pleasant ambience of the tour.
9. Most of us love our homes, as they feel like an old shoe, comfortable, secure and inviting after a long commute. If everything is going good in your life, then you have a natural instinct for feng shui. Career, knowledge, family life, money, reputation, marriage or partnership, time for play or hobbies, children to enjoy, people to assist you and good health is the feng shui checklist for evaluating these aspects.

For a last, but not least, sellers tune up, remove, give away or sell one-half of your belongings. This action alone invites reaction and cuts down on the moving bill. Don’t carry burdens or old bad memories to a new location. Clear all countertops and desks, recycle toys, jars, furniture and clothes. If possible, put pet dishes outside. We may love our little critters, but most buyers are distracted by those fuzzy wiggle worms and forget what size that guest bedroom was. Shampoo carpets, open the windows and blinds.

The shape of the floor plan draws certain types of people to certain types of energy. This is where the real mystery begins. As a feng shui consultant, I am trained to see these aspects. If the house doesn’t sell within a normal length of time, I can determine what is causing the blockage of the sale and apply the correction.

Caroline Patrick, owner of Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe, has provided over 2500 consultations. She is available for speaking engagements, classes in art (painting with chi) and feng shui-related workshops; for information, check her website, www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on moongateschool for schedules and newspaper columns. Shoppe hours are 1-5 daily, closed Monday.

Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe

129 1^st Street, Suite K

Benicia 94510

Call 707-748-1127 for fees and consultations.