For countless years, many have believed in superstitions. Some turn out to be valid, and others not so much. One piece of folklore related to real estate concerns burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a home.
Those with faith in God often turn to burying a St. Joseph to bring them good fortune. Real estate agents and sellers believe the statue, accompanied by prayers, will increase their chances of a fast house sale.
This home-selling tactic is often used in buyer’s markets after the home has been listed without success. Divine intervention is supposed to make your home-selling dreams become a reality.
After being in the real estate industry for the past thirty-eight years and experiencing all types of real estate markets, I’ve never needed to bury a St. Joseph to assist in selling. Only a few of my clients have utlized the practice.
The home was sold on the few occasions where the St. Joseph was used. My clients did not tell me until right before closing. Does this mean the statue was the reason? Logic says there is no way to come to that conclusion.
If it makes you feel good, that is what you should believe.
I would rather believe the sales process took its normal process of a buyer and seller coming together.
Since this is a popular topic, I’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ list with answers.
Let’s examine everything you should know about this controversial home-selling ritual.
What is The Origin of The St. Joseph Tradition?
The tradition of burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a house has its roots in ancient folklore and religious beliefs.
Many believe it originated in Europe during the Middle Ages when they buried religious artifacts or symbols to seek divine intervention for various purposes.
When selling a property, people believed that burying a St. Joseph statue on the land would invoke his intercession and help expedite the sale.
Over time, this practice spread to different parts of the world, including North America. It became popularized as a superstition among homeowners seeking an extra boost in selling their properties.
How Does it Work?
The process involves obtaining a small statue of St. Joseph, typically made from plastic or resin, and burying it upside down in the front yard of the property you wish to sell.
People believe that burying the statue upside down symbolically “turns the house around” and helps expedite the selling process.
They say that St. Joseph, as the patron saint of families and homes, intercedes on behalf of the seller to bring about a successful sale.
What Are The Requirements?
A few essential requirements exist to successfully bury a St. Joseph statue to sell a house. First, you will need a small St. Joseph statue, preferably made of clay or resin. These materials are believed to hold the most spiritual power.
Choose a suitable location in your yard to dig a hole deep enough to bury the statue. It is crucial to face the statue in the direction you want to attract potential buyers.
Before burying the statue, it is customary to say a prayer or make a wish for a quick and successful sale. Finally, cover the statue with soil and mark the spot with a small decorative item or plant.
What Are The Benefits?
Burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a house is believed to have several benefits. According to legend, it brings a sense of spiritual guidance and protection, creating a positive energy within the property.
This positive energy can attract potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale. Additionally, burying the statue is a symbolic gesture of letting go and surrendering control. It allows the universe to take over and align the circumstances for an expedited sale.
Many people also believe that St. Joseph, the patron saint of families and homes, can intercede on behalf of the seller. He brings blessings and divine intervention to expedite the selling process.Click To TweetWhat Are The Risks?
There are minimal risks involved. One minor drawback could be soil disruption during burial, which may require minor landscaping afterward.
If we do not adequately secure or protect the statue, weather conditions or animals may damage it. However, we can quickly mitigate these risks by burying the statue securely and protectively.
In my experience, many will use a sturdy container or wrap it in a waterproof material.
With proper care and attention, the risks of using a St. Joseph statue to sell a property are minimal.
What Are The Costs?
The costs can vary depending on various factors. Depending on the size and material, you would need to purchase a St. Joseph statue, which typically ranges from $5 to $20.
You may buy a small burial container or box to protect the statue, which could cost around $10. You might consider hiring a priest or religious officiant if you prefer a more elaborate burial ceremony. Depending on their fees, these expenses could range from $100 to $500.
Hiring a professional landscaper or gardener to prepare the burial site could cost around $50 to $200.
Where Can I Buy One?
Some of the most popular places you can buy a St. Joseph Statue include the following locations:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Ace Hardware
- True Value
- Wayfair
- Catholic Shop (Online)
- Catholic Family Catalog (Online)
- Various religious stores
You can also do a Google search for buying a St. Joseph statue near me to find a place to purchase it nearby.
Where Can You Get The St. Joseph’s Prayer?
Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions is where to find the prayer.
The St. Joseph prayer to sell a house can be found in various places. One common source is Catholic bookstores or religious gift shops, where you can find prayer cards or booklets specifically dedicated to St. Joseph and selling a house.
Additionally, you can search online for websites that offer printable versions of the prayer or purchase prayer cards from online retailers.
Ensuring that the prayer you find follows the traditional St. Joseph prayer for selling a home is crucial.
Who Typically Buries The Statue?
Typically, the homeowner or someone closely involved in the selling process, such as the listing agent, undertakes this ritual. Those seeking divine assistance in their real estate endeavors consider it a personal and heartfelt gesture.
There is no strict rule on who should bury the statue. Individuals commonly do it with a deep connection to the property and a strong desire for a successful sale.
Where is The Best Place to Bury St. Joseph?
The front yard is the best place to bury a St. Joseph statue. It should be near the entrance or pathway leading up to the house. This placement symbolizes inviting positive energy and good fortune into the home. It attracts potential buyers with its auspicious location.
People believe burying the statue facing the house helps guide interested buyers toward the property. Homeowners increase their chances of selling their houses quickly and at a favorable price by burying the St. Joseph statue in this strategic spot.
Why Do You Bury it Upside Down?
Burying a St. Joseph statue upside down is a common practice believed to help sell a property faster. This tradition is based on the belief that St. Joseph, the patron saint of the family and household, can assist in finding a buyer.
Burying the statue upside down near the house or in the yard symbolizes a sense of urgency and invokes St. Joseph’s intervention to expedite the sale process.
While it is a practice rooted in faith and superstition, many people find comfort and hope in this tradition when trying to sell their homes.
How Long Does it Take For St. Joseph to Work?
While people do not have a definitive time frame for how long the statue takes to work, they commonly believe that the effects can vary depending on various factors. For example, the specific circumstances of the property, market conditions, and individual beliefs.
Some individuals claim to have experienced results within weeks or months. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the St. Joseph statue lies in one’s faith and belief in its power to influence the sale of a house.
Do I Remove The Statue When The House is Under Contract?
Perhaps one of the most common FAQs is when to remove the statue.
It is important to note that digging up a St. Joseph statue is necessary. Once you feel confident that you will almost certainly finalize the sale of your home or condo, you can remove the statue from the ground.
Generally, it is advisable to wait until the week of closing. Additionally, many individuals choose to take their statue with them to their new residence.
Can You Reuse St. Joseph For Another House?
Yes, it is possible to reuse a St. Joseph statue to sell a house. After selling the property, they can dig up the statue and use it again for another residence if desired.
What Are The Alternatives?
While you have learned the complete process of using the Patron Saint, you must also follow the basics for selling a home. Here are things you must focus on to have a successful home sale.
From three decades of experience as a top-producing Realtor, these tips will put you in a much better position for success.
- Pricing your home accurately: Few things will stop a home from selling than the wrong asking price. You should have received a comprehensive market analysis detailing real estate comps in your area. Your agent should have given you a suggested list price and a probable sale price. Did you follow their advice?
- Hiring a top real estate company and agent: A track record of success goes a long way in real estate sales. Ensure you are working with a top real estate agency and one of the leading agents in the firm. Doing so will dramatically increase your odds of success. All agents are not created equally. Go with someone with a consistent track record.
- Ensure your property looks excellent: It is vital to have a ready property for buyers. Staging a home is crucial. Even small things like keeping a clean and tidy house make a difference.
- Utilize high-quality photography: Having professional photography makes a world of difference. The Realtor you use should provide the best experience when buyers visit popular real estate sites.
- Ensure there is thought put into property descriptions: Your real estate agent should be creative enough to put together a vivid description of your home’s best attributes. These details matter to potential home buyers.
- Ensure showing the property is easy: You must do your best to let as many buyer’s agents in as possible. Refrain from turning down showings. Your next showing could be the eventual buyer.
Final Thoughts
Whether you believe in using St. Joseph or not, following sound practices for selling a home is essential. Following the advice above should increase your chances dramatically for a successful sale.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided information on FAQs about burying a St. Joseph statue to sell a home. He is an expert in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 38+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
