The tradition of burying a St. Joseph statue to help sell a house is a popular and folkloric practice among Catholics in the United States and Europe. St. Joseph the patron saint of home and family. And some people believe that burying his statue can bring luck and assistance in selling your home.
Maybe you have tried everything, yet your home sits unsold, or you want to come out of the gate strong… Why not tap into this old tradition to get that extra leg up to sell your home? What can it hurt? Why not get that little extra help?
Getting a home sold requires multiple marketing techniques. Why not add one more to the mix.
Let’s take a look at the long-standing tradition of burying a St Joseph statue in your front yard to turn your house into SOLD!!
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St. Joseph Tradition
Who Is Saint Joseph?
St Joseph is believed by many to be the patron saint of many things, including home sellers and home buyers. He is also considered the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, travelers, craftsmen, engineers, working people and many others.
But he is best known for being an influential figure in the real estate world for many years now.
Joseph is the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus and was Jesus’ earthly father. His profession was one of a carpenter and he was a skilled craftsman, which makes sense he is the patron saint of sellers and buyers.
History of St Joseph and Real Estate
Long before it became a popular buzzword in real estate circles, burying a St. Joseph statue has roots in ancient European customs.
Supposedly the tradition started when St. Teresa of Avila buried a medallion with an image of St. Joseph in the ground to find additional land for their convents and missions. Over time, this practice transformed, and St. Joseph became synonymous with selling properties.
How Does the Ritual Work?
To properly use a St. Joseph statue, it is recommended to have a small statue wrapped in a towel or plastic bag.
There are different options for where to bury it, such as near the for-sale sign or by the roadside with the statue facing outward. Alternatively, you can display it inside the house, near the main entrance or in a window with a view of the for-sale sign.
It is important to pray while burying the statue or displaying it in the house. Many sellers recite daily prayers until the house is sold, while others opt for more humble and ordinary prayers rather than using threatening ones. It’s a personal choice, but the intention behind the prayer is to seek assistance from St. Joseph in the selling process.
The Process In A Nutshell:
- Get a St Joseph Kit: St Joseph kits are readily available online. Most kits contain the statue, a prayer card, and instructions.
- Choose a Spot: Locate a space in your front yard, ensuring it’s close to the ‘For Sale’ sign.
- Dig a Hole: Typically, the statue should be buried 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Bury the Statue Upside Down: This position is believed to urge St Joseph to act quickly and find a buyer.
- Recite the St Joseph Prayer: A vital step that calls upon the saint to bless the home and its sale.
How Does Burying a St. Joseph Statue Help Sell Your House?
The practice of burying a St. Joseph statue has long been believed to bring about quick and favorable offers for selling a house. While its effectiveness may vary from person to person, many sellers swear by this tradition. But how exactly does burying a St. Joseph statue help sell your house? Let’s explore some possible reasons:
Symbolic Representation
Burying a St. Joseph statue in the garden of your house serves as a symbolic representation of your intention to sell a home. It can be seen as inviting blessings and divine intervention to attract potential buyers.
Emotional Connection
The act of burying a St. Joseph statue can create a sense of emotional connection and faith for the seller. Believing in the ritual may instill confidence, reduce stress, and provide a sense of control in the selling process. This positive mindset can potentially translate into more effective marketing and negotiations.
Increased Focus and Intent
Burying the statue can serve as a focal point and a constant reminder of your goal to sell the house. It helps to keep your intentions clear and reinforces your determination to attract interested buyers and secure a successful sale.
Creating a Sense of Urgency
Some sellers attest that burying a St. Joseph statue creates a sense of urgency in the real estate market. This perceived urgency can lead to faster offers, as potential buyers may believe they need to act quickly before someone else snatches up the desirable property.
Psychological Effect on Potential Buyers
The presence of a St. Joseph statue, even if buried, may have a psychological effect on potential buyers who visit the property. It could create a positive and welcoming atmosphere, making them feel more drawn to the house and more likely to submit offers.
Reinforcement of Faith and Hope
For individuals with strong religious beliefs, burying a St. Joseph statue can be a powerful affirmation of their faith and hope. It provides a sense of comfort and reassurance during the uncertain and sometimes stressful process of selling a house.
While the true reasons behind the effectiveness of burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a house remain subjective and open for interpretation, many sellers find solace and success in this tradition.
The Significance of Prayer in Selling Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about physical preparations and strategic marketing. Many sellers turn to prayer, seeking spiritual guidance and support throughout the selling process. Prayer is deeply significant for those who believe in the power of faith and divine intervention.
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Seeking Guidance
- Prayer can provide a sense of clarity and direction when making important decisions related to selling your home.
- It allows you to connect with your inner self and seek guidance from a higher power.
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Invoking Blessings
- Prayer is often seen as a way to invoke blessings upon your home, potential buyers, and the entire selling process.
- You may pray for positive energies to surround your property and attract the right buyers who appreciate its value.
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Embracing Patience and Resilience
- Prayer can help you cultivate patience and resilience during the often unpredictable and lengthy home selling journey.
- By surrendering your worries and placing your trust in a higher power, you can find inner peace and strength to persevere.
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Finding Comfort and Support
- Prayer offers a source of comfort and emotional support during the ups and downs of selling your home.
- It can help alleviate stress, create a sense of calm, and instill confidence in the outcome of the process.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, prayer can be a valuable tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and finding solace in times of uncertainty. It can be a personal and deeply meaningful practice that complements your other strategies to sell your home.
Let’s take a look at the prayer that goes along with the burying of a St Joseph statue that supposedly will help you successfully sell your home.
The St Joseph Prayer To Help Sell Your Home
O, Saint Joseph,
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter’s trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property] quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, I swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that I will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honor in my home.Amen.
Common Practices and Traditions Associated with the St. Joseph Statue
The use of the St. Joseph statue to sell a house comes with several common practices and traditions that have been passed down through generations. While these practices may vary among individuals, they all revolve around invoking the blessings and assistance of St. Joseph, the patron saint of home and family.
Bury The Statue:
One of the most prevalent practices is to bury a small St. Joseph statue in the garden or near the house. Wrapping the statue in a towel or plastic bag before burial is often recommended. Some believe that burying the statue upside down facing away from the house helps expedite the sale.
Displaying the Statue:
Alternatively, some homeowners choose to display the St. Joseph statue prominently inside their homes. Common locations include near the main entrance, on a windowsill facing the “For Sale” sign, or in a room that gets significant foot traffic.
Daily Prayer:
Regardless of whether the statue is buried or displayed, many sellers engage in daily prayer while asking for St. Joseph’s intercession in selling their home. Humble and ordinary prayers are the norm, seeking guidance and blessings throughout the selling process.
Additional Rituals:
Some sellers may incorporate additional rituals into their practices, such as lighting candles or incorporating relevant accessories or essential oils. These rituals aim to create a sacred and intentional atmosphere while carrying out the tradition.
Respectful Disposal:
Once the house is sold, it is important to give proper respect to the St. Joseph statue. Many sellers choose to retrieve the statue from its burial spot and either keep it in a place of honor or gift it to another person who is in need of selling their home.
The important aspect is the faith and intention behind the practice, seeking St. Joseph’s guidance and blessings in selling their home.
Where and How to Bury the St. Joseph Statue
When it comes to burying the St. Joseph statue, there are a few options to consider. The location you choose can have a symbolic meaning, as well as an impact on the success of selling your house. Here are some suggestions on where and how to bury the St. Joseph statue:- In the Garden: Many sellers choose to bury the statue in their garden. Look for a spot that holds significance or is visible from the house. You can place it near a tree or a beautiful flower bed, symbolizing growth and abundance.
- Near the For Sale Sign: Another popular choice is to bury the statue near the for sale sign. This way, it acts as a beacon, attracting potential buyers to your property. Make sure the statue faces outward, as if inviting people to come inside.
- Close to the Front Door: If you prefer to keep the statue inside your home, consider placing it near the front door. This allows the statue to greet prospective buyers as they enter, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Visible from a Window: If burying or displaying the statue outside is not an option, you can position it near a window with a view of the for sale sign. This way, the statue still serves its purpose of drawing in good offers and bringing luck to the selling process.
Advice from Top Real Estate Agents on Using a St. Joseph Statue
When selling your house to seek advice from experienced real estate agents knowledgeable about various techniques to help expedite the sale. Here are some insights from top agents on using a St. Joseph statue to enhance your chances of attracting buyers:- Consider it as a symbolic gesture: Real estate agents suggest that the act of burying or displaying a St. Joseph statue should be viewed as a symbolic gesture rather than a guaranteed solution. It can serve as a psychological boost and create a positive mindset for both sellers and potential buyers.
- Focus on the overall presentation: While the St. Joseph statue can be a unique addition to your selling strategy, it’s important not to rely solely on it. Real estate agents and REALTORS emphasize the significance of effective staging, decluttering, and enhancing curb appeal to make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
- Combine it with traditional marketing techniques: Incorporate the use of the St. Joseph statue alongside traditional marketing techniques, such as professional photography, online listings, and open houses. This integrated approach maximizes your chances of attracting a wide range of buyers.
- Pray with sincerity: If you choose to recite prayers while burying or displaying the St. Joseph statue, agents advise doing so with sincerity and a positive attitude. It’s important to focus on your intentions and maintain an optimistic outlook throughout the home-selling process.
- Be aware of potential buyers’ preferences: Real estate agents stress the importance of understanding the preferences and beliefs of potential buyers. While some may appreciate the symbolism of the St. Joseph statue, others may have different cultural or religious perspectives.
The Role of the Catholic Church in the Practice of Using St. Joseph Statue
The Catholic Church does not officially recognize the practice of burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a house, nor does it actively promote or condemn it.
Turning to prayer to sell your house is certainly encouraged.
But the burying of the statue may be frowned upon by some Catholic Clergy members. The practice is considered superstitious and disrespectful. If you think about it, you are bribing St. Joseph with the promise of pulling him out of the ground and uprighting him if he gives you what you want.
Ultimately, the choice to use a St. Joseph statue or engage in any other religious practice during the home-selling process is persona
Other Superstitions and Beliefs To Sell Your Home
Alongside the practice of using a St. Joseph statue, some several other superstitions and beliefs have become intertwined with the real estate selling process. Although not backed by any concrete evidence, many sellers still follow these traditions to attract positive energy or good luck to their property. Here are some of the common superstitions and beliefs related to selling real estate:
Feng Shui arrangements:
Some sellers believe in the power of Feng Shui principles to create a harmonious and positive energy flow within their homes. They may rearrange furniture, use specific colors, or incorporate certain elements to promote a favorable environment for potential buyers.Burning sage or using incense:
It is believed that burning sage or using incense can cleanse the space of negative energy and create a welcoming atmosphere. Many sellers perform this ritual before open houses or showings to create a pleasant experience for potential buyers.Using lucky charms:
Some sellers place various lucky charms or talismans around their homes as a way to attract good fortune. These could include items like horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, or Chinese lucky coins.Hiring a psychic or energy healer:
In some cases, sellers may seek the assistance of psychics or energy healers to align the energies of their homes and clear any potential obstacles that may be hindering the sale.Home staging:
While not necessarily a superstition, home staging is a widely practiced technique that aims to enhance the visual appeal of a property. Sellers hope to create a positive and inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers by strategically arranging furniture, adding decor, and maximizing space.It’s worth noting that these superstitions and beliefs are not scientifically proven methods for selling a house.
Remember, the effectiveness of these superstitions may vary from person to person, so it’s important to approach them with an open mind and consider them as additional elements that complement solid marketing strategies and a well-prepared property listing.
FAQs on Burying St Joseph Statue
Is it essential to use a St Joseph kit for the ritual?
What happens after the house is sold?
Can I bury the statue inside if I live in an apartment?
Are there any specific prayers to recite?
Is there any scientific basis behind this ritual?
Final Thoughts on Using a St. Joseph Statue to Sell Your House
After exploring various aspects of using a St. Joseph Statue to sell your house, it’s important to consider some final thoughts before deciding whether or not to embrace this practice. While the St. Joseph Statue has gained popularity among home sellers, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and a balanced perspective.
Cultural and Personal Beliefs:
- Respect cultural and personal beliefs when considering the use of a St. Joseph Statue in selling your house.
- Some individuals find comfort and hope in the practice, while others may not align with its religious or superstitious aspects.
Alternative Methods:
- If the idea of burying a statue doesn’t resonate with you, remember that alternative methods exist to attract positive energy and potential buyers.
- Explore options like using Feng Shui principles, decluttering, enhancing curb appeal, or working with a reputable real estate agent.
Prayer and Intention:
- Whether you choose to bury the statue or not, prayer and intention play an essential role in the home-selling process.
- Focus on creating a positive atmosphere, visualizing a successful sale, and maintaining a hopeful mindset.
Professional Guidance:
- Real estate agents can provide valuable insights and strategies to market your home effectively.
- Consult with a trusted agent who understands your goals and preferences in selling a house.
Market Factors:
- Remember that selling a house involves various market factors, including location, pricing, competition, and economic conditions.
- The St. Joseph Statue is not a guaranteed solution, but rather an additional element that some sellers may find beneficial.
Trust Your Instincts:
- Ultimately, trust your instincts and make decisions that align with your beliefs and comfort level.
- Consider all available options, seek advice if needed, and proceed in a way that feels authentic to you.
For many, using a St. Joseph Statue to sell your house is a personal choice rooted in tradition and faith. While the Catholic Church may not officially recognize it, the practice has gained recognition in the real estate community. Remember that the statue is just one aspect of a successful home-selling journey. Combine it with prayer, positive intentions, and professional guidance to enhance your chances of achieving a quick and favorable sale.
Author Bio
Kevin Vitali is a Massachusetts REALTOR out of Haverhill MA that serves Essex County and Northern Middlesex County in Massachusetts. If you want to buy or sell a home, let me use my years of experience to get you the best possible outcome.
Feel free to contact me to discuss any upcoming moves. I am always happy to answer your questions
Call 978-360-0422 Email kevin@kevinvitali.com
