Air Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Saint for sale
If you are having a hard time selling your house in this challenging market, you might want to consider turning to some Divine Intervention. Adam Williams tells us about a "Saint for Sale" that just might be of help with the selling process.
With a sagging economy and the housing market falling flat, it's no surprise that people are willing to try anything to sell their homes.
Jennifer Burke, Trying to sell house
"It's been on for a few months now."
Jennifer Burke of Lexington started the selling process the traditional way, listing her home with realtors and online home sale sites. But with no offers, she's decided to turn to a higher power.
Jennifer Burke, Trying to sell house
"I've heard many stories from friends and colleagues alike about the success of burying a Saint Joe statue in a challenging market like this."
Saint Joseph, the patron Saint of home and family is also the secret selling tool of many homeowners.
Judy Moore, Real Estate Agent
"When the market is challenging we do find that sellers and realtors will turn to the Saint Joseph statue for additional help."
This spiritual sales approach goes back to the 1600s.
Fr. Thomas Kopp, Propagation of the Faith
"Some say a group of Saint Joseph nuns needed to find a place to build a school, so they planted Saint Joseph statue on the property and miraculously they got the land and school."
Believers say the key to this spiritual selling tactic is to bury the Saint Joseph statue in the front yard, and keep the faith!
Judy Moore, Real Estate Agent
"I think it has worked very well for those who truly believe in the power of Saint Joseph."
For Mary Bolles of Waltham, it was the answer to her prayers.
Mary Bolles, Used statue to sell her house
"I just said the prayer and said please inspire someone that comes into the house."
And in just one day, she says Saint Joseph was a success.
Mary Bolles, Used statue to sell her house
"The next morning the realtor called and said you've got it, he is going to take your house."
But realtors warn that you must still do other things to get the house market ready.
Judy Moore, Real Estate Agent
"To be fully effective however, sellers must of course do practical things like the important chores, fixing things that need fixed, staging the home properly, and adjusting the price when necessary."
So filled with faith, Jennifer did some digging hoping she'll make a deal. Now she just has to wait and keep the faith.
Jennifer Burke, Trying to sell house
"We believe in this prayer. We'll be patient that is how the legend goes, but just believe and have faith."
We talked with several local stores who sell these statues and they say they're having trouble keeping them in stock because so many people are buying this "Saint for Sale." Adam Williams, 7News.
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