From burying a St. Joseph statue to painting your porch ceiling blue, discover the home selling traditions behind these rituals

Home Selling Traditions & the Real-Life Tips That Work

When it comes to selling a home, most people think about pricing strategies, curb appeal, and online marketing. But have you ever heard about burying a statue of St. Joseph upside down to help sell your house or the belief that you should never take your old broom into your new home?

For centuries, homeowners around the world have followed traditions, rituals, and even superstitions they believed could influence how quickly (and successfully) a home sells. While there’s no hard science proving these rituals work (or don't), the ideas behind them can reveal practical, real-life strategies that do help a home appeal to buyers.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular home selling traditions and uncover the real applications that can help you sell faster in today’s Virginia market.

St. Joseph: Patron Saint of Home Sales

Tradition: In Catholic tradition, St. Joseph is the patron saint of homes and families. Over the years, this belief has expanded to include real estate. The tradition involves burying a small statue of St. Joseph upside down in your yard when selling your home, with the promise to dig him up and place him in a place of honor once the sale is complete. Many sellers turn to this ritual when their home has been on the market longer than expected.

Real-Life Application: The truth is, there are many reasons a home doesn’t sell right away — it might have a unique floor plan, be in an area with longer average days on market, or simply be overpriced for current conditions.

The real takeaway from this tradition? You need a clear, market-driven plan. An experienced real estate agent will:

• Accurately price your home based on local comps and trends.

• Have honest, constructive conversations about any challenges your home might face.

• Create a targeted marketing strategy to get your home in front of qualified buyers.

If St. Joseph gives you peace of mind, that’s wonderful. But pairing tradition with the expertise of a skilled real estate professional is what truly moves a home toward “SOLD.”

Blue Porch Ceilings

Tradition: In the southern U.S., you might spot front porches with soft, sky-blue ceilings. This tradition can be traced back to the Gullah people, who believed the color represented water — something evil spirits couldn’t cross. Over time, the belief spread, and many Southerners kept the tradition alive for luck, charm, and a welcoming feel.

Real-Life Application: Whether you believe in warding off spirits or not, there’s no denying the impact of a welcoming, well-presented porch. Buyers often form an opinion before they step through the front door, and a charming pop of color on the ceiling can create a warm first impression.

Want the modern-day version of this tradition? Invest in curb appeal:

• ✅Fresh paint (including that ceiling!)

• ✅Seasonal plants or hanging baskets

• ✅Comfortable, staged seating on the porch

Leaving the Old Broom Behind

Tradition: An old superstition says you should leave your broom in the closet of your old home rather than take it with you to the new one. The belief: Your old broom has “swept up” all the bad luck, and bringing it along transfers that misfortune to your new space.

Real-Life Application: Whether you’re superstitious or not, there’s one undeniable truth: a clean home sells better. If you’ve already moved out but your home is still on the market, leaving a broom behind is actually quite practical.

After a handful of showings, dirt, leaves, and grass inevitably get tracked in. A quick sweep before the next viewing keeps the home fresh and inviting. Pair that with regular dusting, vacuuming, and decluttering, and buyers will have a much easier time imagining themselves living there.

Sage Smudging

Tradition: Many cultures believe in smudging — burning sage in a home to cleanse it of negative energy and encourage positivity. The practice involves lighting a bundle of dried sage, letting the smoke drift through rooms, and keeping a window open to let the “bad” energy escape.

Real-Life Application: Even if you’re not into the spiritual aspect, the concept behind smudging — creating a fresh, pleasant environment — is essential when selling.

We often get so accustomed to the scents in our own homes that we don’t notice them anymore but buyers might. Odors from pets, cooking, or just everyday living can be a turn-off. Here’s how to “freshen” your home in a buyer-friendly way:

• Professionally clean carpets and rugs

• Wash curtains, bedding, and throw blankets

• Repaint walls in light, neutral tones

• Open windows before showings for fresh air

Feng Shui for Home Sales

Tradition: Originating in China, feng shui is the art of arranging a home to promote harmony and balance. While it’s a deeply complex practice, some of its core principles are easy to apply: thoughtful furniture placement, clear pathways, strategic use of color, and incorporating natural elements.

Real-Life Application: Many principles of feng shui align well with professional home staging:

• Remove excess furniture so rooms feel spacious and inviting

• Keep pathways open to encourage a natural flow through the home

• Use plants, wood, or water features to create a sense of balance

• Keep clutter out of sight to highlight storage potential

✅ When buyers can easily imagine where their furniture and décor would go, they’re more likely to form an emotional connection to your property — a key step toward making an offer.

Fun, Tradition, and the Modern Virginia Home Sale

Whether your home is in Wilderness Shores in Locust Grove, on a quiet gravel road in Spotsylvania, or by the sparkling waters of Lake Anna, these traditions are part of the rich, quirky tapestry of home selling.

Will a blue porch ceiling or a buried statue guarantee your home sells, probably not on their own but combining these fun traditions with proven selling strategies — like proper pricing, strong marketing, professional staging, and excellent curb appeal — can help your property stand out in a crowded market.

Home selling traditions are more than just fun stories — they’re rooted in the idea of making your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. From St. Joseph statues to sage smudging, the underlying theme is preparation, presentation, and positive energy.

If you’re ready to sell your home in Virginia, blending timeless traditions with modern market expertise could be the winning combination. Whether you want to try a tradition or stick strictly to the data, I can help create a custom selling strategy that works for you — one that attracts serious buyers and gets your home sold faster.

Let’s talk about your selling goals and create a plan that works. Contact me today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.