Pre-Screening Homes for Good Feng Shui

The art of feng shui, or the idea that a home’s elements impact its overall appeal and energy, has gained popularity over the years as a means to “clear the clutter” from our environment. For many, clearing clutter, letting in sunlight and placing a few plants around is enough to keep us relaxed in our homes. However, in some countries such as China, Japan and Korea, feng shui goes beyond those touches. The feng shui of a home may greatly impact these buyers’ decision to purchase a home. Global experts know this, and prepare prior to introducing these clients to their new home.

Understanding that feng shui is much more than an organized space and a few pretty plants, what exactly does it entail, and what are buyers looking for in a feng shui home? To many, the art of feng shui, meaning wind and water, uses features of geography and topography to predict the future. Bad feng shui in a home is looked at by some buyers as a bad omen for the future - not exactly a feature you want in a large personal investment. Here are a few examples of what to look for and avoid:

Good Feng Shui:

• South-facing windows
• South-facing bed facing, kitchen and dining room on east side of house, living room in the center, and the study on the north
• Water features
• Stones integrated in the landscape
• Uncluttered spaces

Bad Feng Shui: 

• Clutter in any form
• Sharp corners or an excessively odd shaped home
• Glass front doors
• Hills deprived of topsoil of foliage
• Fast-flowing streams
• Yard sloping down toward the road
• Front door aligned with the back door

When assisting clients, assess their interest in feng shui before walking them through potential homes. Knowing the basics and embodying an awareness of feng shui proves to your clients that you value their cultural beliefs and time. The examples above do not fully encompass all the elements that indicate good or bad feng shui. We encourage you to take your knowledge and cultural awareness a step further by learning more about feng shui specifically, and shaping your cultural knowledge by earning your Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. CIPS designees are educated to better assist foreign clients beyond issues of feng shui. Click here to learn more about the CIPS designation and bring harmony to your global business strategy.