Real Estate Feng Shui: The Front Door

The front door is the "mouth of chi" for the house - it is where the home inhales its vitality.

Front doors should contrast with the surrounding facade of the house so that they "pop" and create a strong entry to pull in the buyer. When the door is the same color as the house or trim, chi just bounces right off. The door needs to be a dramatic entrance to the property.

A new coat of paint or stain will freshen up any door and make a great first impression. The same is true of door hardware. If it is scratched or weatherworn, replace it with a new set when the door is redone. This is another way to avoid sending any signals about deferred maintenance to the buyer.

A Welcome mat as wide as the door is a must. A postage stamp-size doormat diminishes the entry. If you have a double-door entry to deal with, then use a double-size mat, even when only one side will be opening. You want to emphasize this mouth of chi and make it as large as possible.

A mat, with or without "Welcome" on it, will work nicely. Don't skimp here! Spend a little to make the best first impression. You can recycle these mats to the next house.

As mentioned above in the Stairs section, frame the doorway with matching pots of red flowers or evergreen trees on both sides. This will expand the entry even more and send out the "Welcome" signals to the buyer.

If there is a wide front porch and you will not block the path to the door, then certainly add a welcoming bench here. It will be the first open-arms welcome to the buyer and says "There is a place for you here."

Occasionally you may find that the front door is not on the front facade of the house, but down the side of the house and out of sight. This hidden door makes it difficult for a buyer to feel a sense of arrival. In this case, there is no immediate welcome for the buyer and they must work harder to get into the house.

Suggestion for a house with a hidden door

• Place a welcome bench out front that is visible from the street.
• Have large, readable house numbers on the front of the house and mailbox.
• Clear the path back to the front door of all intruding bushes or trees.
• Line the path going back to the front door with bright flowers or lights.
• Hang a wind chime outside on the Buyer corner of the house.
• Paint the hidden front door red or other bright, contrasting color.
• Frame the door with pots of bright flowers.
• Place a Welcome mat and Welcome sign at the door.
• Make sure the promo photos include a shot of the front door.

One last note: be sure that the door opens easily and does not squeak, stick or make noise as it opens. A little lubricant can go a long way to let the energy, and the buyer, enter effortlessly and without distraction.

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