Counting the number of stair steps, windows facing the east, bringing rice and salt during move in day. These are just some of the many superstitious beliefs that are said to bring good luck when it comes to buying a house.
You have probably heard some of these beliefs from your grandparents and other elderly relatives when you are about to buy or build the house of your dreams. The list of superstitious beliefs in every family could be long or short, some may seem logical, while others are just plain absurd.
But did you know that a significant number of Americans also believe in superstitions and luck when it comes to buying a house? Some of them even admit turning down a property of choice when the vibe of the house feels unlucky.
Home Buying Bad Luck and Superstitions
A recent survey from the online loan marketplace website, LendingTree shows that at least 38% of Americans said they have decided against buying a certain property due to a superstitious belief.
21% out of the 1,500 respondents said they would think twice about buying a house if something bad happened in the property before or they felt a "bad vibes" inside the house.
Some said they would also drop a house for sale due to an unlucky street number or unlucky street name. Houses with number 13 or 66 are considered bad luck. However, at least 22% of the participants said they'd still be willing to purchase it but would prefer to pay less because of the unlucky house number.
Below are the other signs of bad luck and superstitious belief that affects a potential homebuyer's decision.
Poor feng shui layout such as:
- Staircase facing the front door.
- Back and front door in the same path.
- Bathroom door faces the front door.
House is near a cemetery or funeral home.
Previous owner experienced a tragedy inside the house, like death.
Home Buying Good Luck
Meanwhile, the survey also found out that homebuyers who find a house lucky, are willing to pay more to secure the property. 45% of the participants said they are ready to go over the budget if they felt the house could bring luck to their lives. In fact, they are willing to go an average of $38,000 above the range of the home.
More than a third of the potential buyers also said they'd be willing to pay extra for a house with a lucky street number or if the house address lands at their lucky number.
While it seems our grandparents and ancestors are more likely to believe in luck and superstitions, the survey shows that the younger generation are the most superstitious when it comes to real estate purchase. 55% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials admit letting a house go due to luck and superstitious belief.
The survey also shows that In general, men are more likely to decide against buying a specific home because of luck and superstitions. 51% of male respondents dwell on it while only 37% of female homebuyers consider it during the home buying process.
