Feng Shui Used by 86% of Chinese-American Buyers
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and AREAA Survey Finds Feng Shui Plays Role in Home Selection for 86% of Chinese-Americans; 79% Willing to Invest More for Homes that Apply Feng Shui Principles
MADISON, N.J. and CARLSBAD, Calif. (August 11, 2015) – Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) today released findings from a national survey of Chinese-Americans that reveal the impact of the ancient design philosophy, Feng Shui, on this population’s home buying mindset and preferences. While Chinese aesthetic and cultural traditions have long fascinated the Western world, this study sheds light on its influence in the U.S., as Chinese-Americans and international Chinese buyers represent an increasingly powerful force in the nation’s housing market.
The majority (76%) of Chinese-Americans surveyed are familiar with the principles of Feng Shui, which are considered to dictate spatial arrangement and building design to produce a harmonious flow of energy. Furthermore, over half of those who are familiar follow the practice in their daily lives. The prevalence of this unique art extends to home buying; 81 percent of those Chinese-Americans surveyed who are also homeowners indicated that Feng Shui factored into their most recent home purchase. This segment of the population is particular about adhering to Feng Shui in the home and they’re also discerning about the real estate professionals they work with during the process. More than a third (36%) would avoid an agent if they had no knowledge of Feng Shui principles.
“It’s critical for real estate professionals to understand all consumer drivers within the home search,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “For this population, Feng Shui applications are as essential as other traditional characteristics of a home.”
A staggering 86 percent of all respondents stated Feng Shui will play a role in a future home buying decision and 79 percent are willing to invest more for a home that incorporates its principles. As such, Feng Shui often carries a large premium, with respondents willing to pay an average of 16 percent more. On the flip side, for sellers, incorporating Feng Shui into the foundation of a home may also affect its future on the market, as 90 percent of Chinese-Americans believe implementing its principles increases a home’s resale value.
“As the Asian American community’s influence in the real estate market continues to grow, Feng Shui principles are gaining much needed attention and have already influenced real estate developers and interior designers alike,” said Carmen Chong, 2015 AREAA National Chairwoman. “This research proves there is a significant financial incentive for investors and sellers to consider the application of Feng Shui in their properties. For an agent, understanding these principles can dramatically improve the opportunity for success within the Chinese-American market. We are thankful to have worked with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in producing this new research, and look forward to raising needed awareness about the importance of Feng Shui in a living environment.”
While any home on a cul-de-sac is bad Feng Shui, the homes in the red area get the fastest moving negative Chi.
There are many elements of Feng Shui that range from design to the location of the home. When undergoing the home buying process, 75 percent of surveyed Chinese-Americans indicated they had at least one deal-breaker that goes against Feng Shui principles that would prevent them from purchasing a home. These include: the home being located at the end of a dead end street (31%), the home’s back stairs directly facing the front door (29%), the home having a sloped backyard (29%) and the home’s front and back doors being aligned with each other (24%).
Accordingly, when asked to rank the Feng Shui principles most important in a home buying decision, 71 percent of Chinese-Americans indicated the cardinal direction the home is facing in their top three choices, followed by the location of the home on the street and the location of the stairs.
ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:
A Family Tradition: Many Feng Shui principles that still hold close to home today have been passed down through generations. Nearly half of Chinese-American respondents (49%) are more likely than their parents to take Feng Shui into account when deciding on a home, including 69 percent of those who practice Feng Shui. That said, 85 percent would bring along a family member other than a significant other when house shopping.
Home is Where There’s Feng Shui: A home’s amenities and the surrounding neighborhood are important when looking to buy, but as findings show, many prioritize Feng Shui. In fact, 41 percent of Chinese-Americans think it is important when looking for a home. Two-thirds of those who practice Feng Shui (66%) feel the same – making it the second most important consideration among that group, only behind neighborhood safety.
Elements of Design: 87 percent of Chinese-Americans have essential Feng Shui elements they desire for their kitchen, including it being organized and free of clutter (64%), its colors complementing each other (32%) and the kitchen stove not being directly below the master bedroom (29%).
The careful arrangement of space and design continues in the bedroom, where 72 percent of Chinese-Americans have essential elements incorporated. These include avoiding the bed directly facing the door (41%), mirrors being placed away from the bed (34%) and the ceiling having a consistent height with no slopes (25%).
62 percent of survey respondents apply spatial fundamentals to the design of their bathroom. These include the bathroom being located away from the home’s center (28%), the toilet being located in a separate space (24%) and having a full-length mirror (23%).
Next Steps
Take a listen to a recent NPR story where one of my clients said that adding Feng Shui to her home helped her close on a deal with a Chinese couple worth almost $100,000 more than her previous best offer.
If you are looking to prepare your home for sale or are looking to buy a property and need an expert in Feng Shui, contact me today.
Corner Lot Feng Shui and Cures
Just as nobody puts Baby in a corner, nobody puts Feng Shui in a corner (lot home, that is).
Though it is best not to get yourself in a corner lot house situation, I do offer cures to make the most of your situation if you already live in a corner lot home.
Basic Feng Shui Advice
Simply: Great for businesses, bad for homes.
As I noted about cul-de-sac homes and T-intersection properties previously, my first advice to someone considering a corner lot home is to stay away.
As with cul-de-sac homes, home builders were once able to charge a premium for corner lots. In areas with more buyers knowledgable of Feng Shui, however, they now often find that corner lot homes are the last to go.
Moreover, you might notice that a common theme for foreclosure listings are homes on a corner lot, cul-de-sac or at a T-intersection.
With much in Feng Shui, including corner lots, the issues are really just common sense rather than just energy flow.
Pros & Cons
Not that corner lots are completely bad. Let’s look at the pros and cons of a corner lot.
Advantages:
- More yard space
- Half as many neighbors
- Corner lot businesses are easier to find
- Highly visible decorations or signage
- Emergency services may respond faster
Disadvantages:
- More sidewalk or fencing to maintain
- Noisier traffic & pedestrians
- More headlights point at windows
- Pedestrians taking shortcuts through yard
- Cars turn around in your driveway
- Yard more likely to be used by dogs
- Exposure to car crashes
In addition to the above, Feng Shui suggests that corner lots offer the following disadvantages:
- Energy gets stuck coming around corners
- Energy erodes at the property, causing long-term health and financial issues
- Poison arrow created by diagonally opposite property
- Poison arrows from the car headlights pointing at the home
Feng Shui Cures
What if you already live in a corner lot home?
Resolving the Feng Shui issues is very similar with the resolutions offered for a cul-de-sac home. You will want to ensure that the Feng Shui energy called Chi (or “Qi”) doesn’t get stuck and that you slowly navigate it to your home’s front door.
Start by slowing the crossing energy coming at your home. Utilize landscaping like tall shrubs, walls, fences or even sturdy posts near your front curb (this also helps prevent unsuspecting car drivers from ending up in your living room).
Now, add some water and wind features between your curbside landscaping and the doorway. Try utilizing a pond, pool, water fountain or birdbath. Any calm flowing water feature will do. You could also add windmills or other moving garden elements. Adding elements such as these helps slow down and refresh your incoming Chi.
Next, create a pathway that winds from the curb to your front door such that it navigates its way through the landscaping effects at the curb and through your garden features to your front door.
Make sure that the lighting at your front door is uplifting and bright.
As I suggest as a quick cure with T-intersection homes, use a convex Bagua mirror at your doorway to bounce away the effects of those poison arrows pointing at your home. It doesn’t need to be visible from outside.
Next Steps
You deserve to live a life of abundant wealth and health. Make sure that your home is providing for you.
Remember that the Feng Shui of corner lot homes can be very problematic.
Don’t ignore them!
If these cures don’t work for you, there may be other Feng Shui factors involved with the interior of your particular house. Take necessary steps because you deserve to live a life of harmony and balance. Start by reviewing the Feng Shui Bagua of your home.
If you run into any problems along the way or are looking for some professional guidance, contact me. I pride myself in adding harmony and balance while not making it look like a Chinese restaurant exploded in your home. You can get a consultation in-person or virtually via video chat.
I am a 3rd generation Feng Shui expert and have helped thousands of people add harmony and balance to their homes and offices the Feng Shui way. As your consultant, you will be able to get one-on-one advice for how to attract positive energy and improve your life with Feng Shui. I offer in-home and virtual services. Contact me today!
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Improve Your Sex Life with Feng Shui
Improve Your Sex Life with Feng Shui
Can sexual energy be enhanced by Feng Shui? Believe me, Feng Shui is all about energy!
I’ve written previous posts on how to attract love with Feng Shui. Now, let’s make things a little more steamy!
Sex can be beautiful and full of love. It can also heal and add passion to a relationship. In fact, many psychologists feel that regular, healthy sexual encounters is the backbone of many loving relationships.
Whether you are single or are looking to liven things up after several years of marriage, Feng Shui can help improve your sex life. Follow these tips to get the juices flowing.
Objects of Passion
In the Love Corner of your home and especially in the Love Corner of your bedroom, add a couple symbols that represent healthy and passionate sex for you.
It could be the Kama Sutra, naughty pictures hidden in a drawer or even figurines of Venus and Cupid.
Whatever they are, choose symbols that can independently get your sexual energy up.
Colors of Passion
Pink and white are great for adding love and passion. But, red, in particular, attracts energy, especially sexual energy.
Go ahead, change out the sheets with something silky and red.
Clarify your Passion
If sex is your only intention, ensure you appropriately communicate that to the Universe and your partner.
To keep love at bay for the time-being, avoid some of the other symbolism and colors that I would normally suggest for attracting love.
And please, openly communicate with your partner that sex, not love, is all that can be expected of the relationship.
Prepare for Passion
Get your bedroom ready because things are about to get steamy. Make sure the room’s setting is romantic and private.
Start by ensuring that your curtains can cover up the windows.
Add some warmth to the room and make sure that the bedding is comfortable.
Use aromatic candles or jasmine essential oil and don’t forget to queue up some Marvin Gaye songs!
What to Avoid
Especially if you are looking to add sexual energy to a loving relationship, there are several things that you want to avoid.
First, avoid family pictures in your bedroom. It is a place for you and your partner – not your children or parents.
Keep the work and workout routines out of the bedroom, as they can frequently interfere with passion.
Get rid of any cold, sad or lonely imagery.
That seductive yet sad-looking picture of the woman lying on the couch? Nope. In fact, just toss it. There is no place for that in your home if you’ve read this far.
While you’re at it, no dead flowers or desolate winter landscapes… anywhere.
Your bedroom is also not a place for any single objects (unless you want to remain single).
Have objects in pairs to represent a relationship. I’m speaking of two pillows, two bedside tables, two lamps, etc.
As with anything Feng Shui, eliminate the clutter.
If you have a fireplace in your bedroom, add a mirror or a painting of a calm water scene on top. Making the best of a situation, the fire and water together will add a little steaminess to your relationship. Otherwise, avoid mirrors in the room.
Next Steps
The most important step is to have fun. Don’t get too serious about this. All that will do is add stress. Who knows… you may even find love along the way (if that’s what you desire).
As with anything in Feng Shui, don’t focus too much on one area of the Bagua without adding some balance to the other areas. Start by countering with the Knowledge Area.
Learn more about Feng Shui to make sure you are attracting the right kind of energy and that it flows harmoniously through your home.
If the above advice doesn’t work for you, there may be other Feng Shui factors involved with your particular house, such as stagnant energy or no energy coming from the street. A consultation or space clearing may be required. Take the necessary steps because you deserve to live a life of harmony and balance.
I am a 3rd generation Feng Shui expert and have helped thousands of people add harmony and balance to their homes and offices the Feng Shui way. As your consultant, you will be able to get one-on-one advice for how to attract positive energy and improve your life with Feng Shui. I offer in-home and virtual services. Contact me today!
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Feng Shui T-Junction & Front Door Cure
The Feng Shui for a home on a T-junction can be quite overwhelming with negative energy, or Chi.
Bad Feng Shui may be ahead with a T-Junction. Fortunately, there are cures.
Fortunately, there are cures.
Convex Bagua Mirror Cure
The easiest short-term Feng Shui cure for homes like this is a convex bagua mirror.
Simply place the bagua mirror above your front door such that it faces the street. This creates the intention of reflecting all the bad Chi away before it even has a chance to come into your home.
You probably don’t want the outside of your home to have this unsightly remedy. No worries. You can still hang it from inside of the house above the doorway.
Regardless, make sure that the mirror itself faces the direction of the street or the neighbor’s front door.
Place your convex Bagua mirror above your door on the interior wall facing toward the street. Yes, you won’t actually see the mirror.
You are understanding me correctly. Because the mirror is inside of your home, you won’t actually see the reflection when you look at the bagua. Rather, the reflective part of the mirror will be facing a wall.
Either way, you are still reflecting the Chi, so it will work just fine.
Next Steps
Remember that T-junctions can be very problematic to Feng Shui.
Don’t ignore them!
While the above is a quick cure, it may not provide long-term benefits to those living on a T-junction. Read about more lasting Feng Shui cures on my cul-de-sac post, which also applies to T-junctions.
If this simple cure doesn’t work for you, even short-term, there may be other Feng Shui factors involved with your particular house. Take the necessary steps because you deserve to live a life of harmony and balance.
I am a 3rd generation Feng Shui expert and have helped thousands of people add harmony and balance to their homes and offices the Feng Shui way. As your consultant, you will be able to get one-on-one advice for how to attract positive energy and improve your life with Feng Shui. I offer in-home and virtual services. Contact me today!
Know someone who lives at a T-junction? Share this post with them on Facebook!
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Chinese Buyers Purchasing U.S. Homes Online
According to the Auction.com and Juwai.com, it is going to be a lot easier for Chinese buyers to purchase American real estate online. The number of Feng Shui aware buyers looking at U.S. property is about to increase substantially.
Read the press release here:
SHANGHAI and IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Juwai.com, the No. 1 Chinese international property portal, and Auction.com, the leading online real estate marketplace, have signed a partnership that will bring American commercial real estate auctions to investors from China.
The agreement will see US real estate listings from Auction.com advertised on Juwai.com in Chinese, where they will be immediately accessible to Juwai.com’s 2.6 million monthly Chinese-speaking users – in mainland China and around the world.
Juwai.com will also use its team of 15 journalists to develop content that educates Chinese consumers on the real estate auction process.
Initially, the partnership will focus on commercial properties – multi-family units, hotels, retail and office buildings – listed for sale on Auction.com. But given the high level of interest in US residential properties from Chinese buyers, residential homes will likely be added to the mix as well.
Juwai.com has signed similar international partnerships with LuxuryPortfolio.com, LuxuryHomes.com and The Real Estate Channel, and Chinese partnerships with China’s number one finance website, jrj.com and most popular luxury shopping portal, VIP.com. For a full list of Juwai.com partners, see: http://list.juwai.com/our-partners
“Over $48 billion in foreign capital was invested in US commercial real estate in 2014, and China was second only to Canada in the amount of CRE investment,” said Auction.com CEO and Co-Founder Jeffrey Frieden. “Our strategy has always been to leverage the global reach of the Internet to deliver the largest number of prospective buyers for our sellers. So we’re excited to partner with Juwai.com, which has the largest audience of Chinese international property buyers, and will help us effectively target Chinese-speaking investors in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and even in the US.”
Simon Henry, co-CEO of Juwai.com, said:
“Auction.com will help us give Chinese buyers more of what they are looking for, exclusive commercial listings that are accessible to them online – in China and in their own language.
“Chinese buyers don’t want to be disadvantaged because of their language or physical distance from the US. We help educate cross-border buyers by providing access and information on global real estate buying practices.
“Auction.com is a great addition to our global partners who understand the value of international buyers.
“Real estate auctions are new to most Chinese, and we believe they will embrace this new opportunity when they learn more about it.”
ABOUT AUCTION.COM
Auction.com, LLC, is the nation’s leading online real estate marketplace. Founded in 2007, the company has sold over $30 billion in residential and commercial real estate assets. Auction.com has over 900 employees and headquarters in Irvine and Silicon Valley,California as well as offices in Austin and Plano, Texas, Atlanta, Denver, New York and Miami. Visit www.auction.com for more information.
ABOUT JUWAI.COM
Juwai.com is the recent winner of the “most influential international property site in China 2014″ award from the country’s peak e-commerce body. As the No. 1 Chinese international property portal, Juwai.com receives 2.6 million monthly visits from Chinese-speaking consumers in 315 cities in China and 48 countries around the world. The site showcases 2.5 million real estate listings from 89 countries. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, with offices in Hong Kong. For info or to advertise: http://list.juwai.com.
SOURCE Auction.com, LLC
Achieving Your Goals With Feng Shui
You’ve been dreaming of that promotion for a long time now – putting in extra hours, taking on more responsibilities and even sacrificing other commitments to reach your goal.
While your efforts have matched the power of your dreams, have you wondered why the results are slow in coming?
The answer might lie in negative energy flow undermining the power of your dreams, undercutting your hard work and making you feel down.
Take a close look at your self-talk. Are you saying the right things to yourself? For instance, do you have funny t-shirts or posters that may subconsciously negate your intentions?
Now, take a look at your environment. According to the layout of your home or office’s Bagua, is everything in order to amplify your creative cycle? If not, it may be working to destroy your efforts.
Don’t despair; the answer to your problem is at hand. The right Feng Shui approach can work wonders towards helping you achieve your goals.
Power of Words
Words are powerful… and empowering. The words you use will help you harness the Feng Shui energy around you called Chi (or “Qi”) to be used to improve your life.
Regarding those funny t-shirt comments, don’t use words that you don’t actually want to apply. They may be funny, but do you really want your kid to be “spoiled rotten,” “crazy man,” etc.?
Even imagery can have negative connotation. Having a baby in a skull & bones onesie, for instance, can be toxic for you and them.
The question is, how can you harness Chi to fulfill your goals?
One of the first steps is to note down your goals. Simple, right? Have you done it yet?
Better yet, translate your written goals into visual pictures using a dream board.
Now, place these written goals or your dream board someplace where you can see them daily to reinforce the message.
Be careful not to clutter your space with any and every idea you have. Instead, focus on what is most important and give it a place of prominence. This activity will ensure that you are constantly reinforced with these ideas, improving the energy flow and power of your goals.
The Right Environment
Your dreams might face obstacles due to negative flow of energy in your home or office.
Use my website to help guide you to ensure you resolve stairway issues, have your desk setup correctly, and are using color and art to your Feng Shui advantage.
The Bagua of your home is broken down into nine distinctive Guas and you can learn about each of them on my site. Forgetting to give each area some attention will break down the creative cycle of your Chi flow.
After all, as per Feng Shui, it is vital to have the right environment if you are to achieve your goals.
Firing Things Up
Is your Fame and Reputation Area fired up? Make sure this Gua is bright and supports the flame for your recognition.
This is one area, in particular, that I would not ignore. Give it special attention so that you, in turn, will get special attention from others.
Get Help from Others
Make sure that those around you support you and your efforts to achieve your goals. To do this, maximize your use of the Helpful People Corner of your home or office.
In fact, write a couple of notes specifically detailing how people will assist you. Write how your boss will notice your extra efforts at the office. Write how your coworker will start giving you the credit for your successes.
Now, fold up and place these notes in a silver box in your Helpful People Corner. Once your goal has been achieved, swap them out with new notes.
Keep it Positive
There will always be obstacles in your way. They will work to make your dreams more elusive than they actually are.
To counteract your obstacles, it might be helpful to reinforce positive and inspirational messages. Instead of thinking dark thoughts, it is more important to seek optimistic ideas and people. In fact, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter to get some periodic inspiration.
Whenever you find a motivating quote that speaks to you, note it down. Better yet, type it out as your email signature as a friendly reminder. You will be surprised how much words can uplift you and your environment.
Next Steps
These are complex matters that need an expert to be addressed. So, even as you focus on the power of words to achieve your goals, it is important to ensure the flow of energy in your home and work space is perfect.
With that said, if you have a t-shirt like this one, get rid of it.
You deserve to live the life of your dreams. Make sure that your home and office are providing for you.
If you run into any problems along the way or are looking for some professional guidance, contact me. I pride myself in adding harmony and balance while not making it look like a Chinese restaurant exploded in your home. You can get a consultation in-person or virtually via video chat.
I am a 3rd generation Feng Shui expert and have helped thousands of people add harmony and balance to their homes and offices the Feng Shui way. As your consultant, you will be able to get one-on-one advice for how to attract positive energy and improve your life with Feng Shui. I offer in-home and virtual services. Contact me today!
Know someone who could use a reminder of the power of words? Share this post with them on Facebook!
Be sure to register for my email newsletter or like me on Facebook to stay up-to-date with my latest posts.