Feng Shui-- Real Estate and Home Staging. Two ‘jobs' that seem very different but are more interconnected then most people realize. I have been asked so many times what it's like to be a Feng Shui consultant and while I can't speak for others, I CAN tell you what it's like to be THIS Feng Shui Consultant.
While we may get calls for very different reasons (my calls can range anywhere from someone seeking more money, enhanced health, feeling "stuck" and homes where my clients are seeing and hearing things) we are also called quite often by people who's homes have been on the market for a long time or those wishing to purchase a new home or condo that they feel will support them in life-they want another perspective to a place they will not only love but will be successful in.
If the calls are so different, how are we so similar in Real Estate and Home Staging? We first LISTEN to our clients (and if you've read my posts, I am a big believer that there are words under the ones that are being said). These are PEOPLE and some are having very difficult times. I don't know how much clients share with Realtors and Home Stagers but I DO know you develop relationships as well---and your primary interest is in doing everything you possibly can to help your clients.
Feng Shui Consultants do the same thing but perhaps our clients share more because we need to ask some personal questions to help them in the very BEST ways we can. We are taught early on to let go of our clients and whatever their problems may be; easy to say, impossible to DO. We can't allow their energy to pull us down and while I have tried over the years, for me it's an impossible task. I see situations every day and know the very same events that have happened to my clients can happen to ANYONE-myself included.
We do what we are supposed to do and we address their homes and then we wait. Realtors may wait for sales or to get new Listings. Home Stagers put every effort into getting that home to look gorgeous and get it OFF the market as well. We look at the home from more of a spiritual standpoint and some ancient principles but we are ALL addressing homes-and people. I know there are many like myself that develop true attachments. How many Real Estate Agents DON'T take some of those issues home? How many Home Stagers DON'T worry if they've done their very best or if they've missed something somewhere?
Then again, how many of us DON'T care about our clients? I feel often that I am in their shoes, walking their paths with them and can often come home exhausted; physically drained. I need time to recoup my own energy before I can go on to help another client. And myself as well.
You won't see me online even long enough to get back to my own comments. I am regenerating, speaking to former clients or taking time with friends.. To me and in my personal opinion, Feng Shui (depending on the way you practice) is not a science OR "magic." What exactly IS Feng Shui then? Let's go back to the beginning..........It's something you ALL have--and something you ALL can change.
To be continued....
Some photos Authored by Taliesin
Hi Carole - I guess you are a lot like the home stagers in that you make the homes look and feel beautiful. You are so right about asking questions and hearing the words under the words. It is amazing what you can hear if you are listening for it!
Hi Carole - what a thoughtful, caring post......Your clients are very lucky to have you working for them and with them...Someone who cares beyond the advice of the moment........someone who genuine listens to their concerns! They are certainly blessed...........can hardly wait for your next installment!
All of us are connected...we are all in this together...and the most important being....thinking in the best interests of our clients. Waiting for Part II now.
Well I for one am not happy you didn't finish this.... LOL :) After reading the Jennifer story I was all ready for your version of Feng Shui. Alright I will wait :)
Carole, Feng Shiu to me is optimizing energy. I want to read on....
Carole ~ You are a very compassionate person so I can see that it would be difficult for you to let go, as you said. The new show on HGTV, "The Stagers", has actually brought the idea of Feng Shui into the show. I have heard at least two of the stagers say something like "Well, that would be bad Feng Shui", and say why.
BTW, I think you've been spammed within your post.
Carole: For those of us who are truly passionate about our profession, comes with it a boatload of compassion for our client. I relate very well to your statement about "walking their paths with them". So many think Realtors are just in it for the commission and it's very insulting to me when a client makes a statement like that. I firmly believe and practice putting my client's best interest first, above my own. It's sad that the first thing the client generally thinks of when it comes to their Realtor is commission.
Carole--I think that is why you fit in so well here...You understand what we are doing with our blogs...trying to connect with buyers and sellers who are our potential clients. You are trying to educate your clients, some of whom may be selling a home whether as an agent or owner. Making the connection is the same in both of our businesses. Selling service is about making that connection.
Carole, what a lovely post that conveys the substance of your heart-full work as a feng shui consultant. It is evident, to me, that you are an architect of compassion, constructing & clarifying the spaces we abide in, opening up the portals for energizing and healing that most of us cannot see but all of us are affected by. You have such a remarkable gift!
good morning Carole,
you're so right about taking our clients problems and energy home with us. I believe the best consultants, be they real estate or feng shui or home stagers, care deeply about people and their individual situations. I think being extremely open and empathic is a gift, however if not managed properly, it can harm the giver.
You're clearly very open and empathic and this is part of what makes you such an amazing feng shui consultant.
I'm glad that you self-manage your energy and health levels by taking time out from responding and interacting.....I do the same and find I have no choice, especially when I'm dealing with many different issues of my own and in addition issues of those I care about.
Jo
I agree with you that we are all alike. We just sometimes choose different paths....some are easier and some harder.
I was hoping that you were going to tell us how to not take home our clients problems. I struggle with this part of my job often. You want to help in any way you can but sometimes doing your best doesn't always help. Ugh. For me a glass of vino before dinner seems to help me! :)
I look forward to Part 2. :)
Not just the world of real estate...but the whole world...is connected by the intricate strands of life. IF you believe that you exist for yourself...you will live for yourself. IF you recognize your connection...and responsibility...to the rest of the world...you will live accordingly. YOU, my dear friend, are a GIVER! GBU!
Hi Carole,
I love your posts for the information. I always get a clam feeling when connecting with your blog that is kind of strange. I never really thought much about feng shui before meeting you here. I heard a few things but did not take it seriously. You are making a believer out of me. Can't wait for the rest of this one...
Hi Carole ! You never stop amazing me. And your posts are such great lessons. Thank You for that ! Youre blogs are like a bonus for belonging to AR. THANK YOU
Carole - part of the ability to be in this profession (real estate, staging, feng shui, etc) is that we can truly understand, and feel, the cacophone of emotions that are present in buyers and sellers. And when can walk in their shoes we are able to make responsible recommendations to our clients.
Making a living is necessary, but never at the expense of another.
Cristal, It's often in what people don't say that really makes me think; some things they may not be comfortable with so I listen carefully.
Liz, I believe we ALL feel it, especially in these times. And too often take it home with us. People stay on my mind and in my heart.
Sally, It is so very true, we are ALL connected. I wish others would always see that, maybe there would be more peace and kindness.
Kathy, Come on, it wasn't exactly a 'cliffhanger.' :) I have so much catching up to do in the rain!
Gary, That's pretty much what it is...And a darned good way to put it, mind if I use that?
Kathy, My Feng Shui posts are always scammed. I haven't seen the show but need to watch it, I'm curious if 'their' staging is close the real stagers.
Donna, I hope that old notion has been changed. I do know that some people used to believe it and it's not that way at ALL. I can tell from reading the posts and speaking with Realtors how much they care.
Teri, I see SO often how much real estate agents and home stagers care. It's true, we all work with people and homes and have a love for both of them.
Mara, What a sweet comment. I do know that we ALL care and what was taught to me so long ago about letting go of clients isn't something I personally can do.
Jo, I know, kindred souls. I need to rest and restore and regroup after some trying times and know you do as well. I wish at times I could turn off the other part of me that brings this all home but if I haven't been able to do it by now, it's not going to happen!
Janice, I sure wish I had an answer for you on that one. I do believe it depends on what kind of person you are. I do know Feng Shui consultants who can detach and sometimes wish I'm one of them.
Elizabeth, I would say the same exact thing about YOU. And reading your post the other day about creating a place for children was amazing. Let me know how and when I can help, I can't think of a better cause!
Paddy, I'm surprised you haven't heard more of it being in New York but I can assure you, you will. Can you just imagine how big Feng Shui was in 1996? It's taken a long time--and some very unkind remarks and I always think in another 10 years everyone will be using it!
Fernando, When I was in the City with Laura she said we should stop and get a few shots of your old stomping ground, Tavern on the Green. We did! I will have to send them to you :)
Carol, That was beautifully put and I wish more people were mindful of that. At times I have seen people taken advantage of. It not only hurts a profession, it gives all the people that really care a bad name.
Carol - very nicely said we can be affected by many sources of energy without even knowing it some god some bad.
ps is that snow in your first picture BRrrrr
Carole- You know we care about our sellers. If you don't care about your clients you should not be serving them:)
Carole - this is a very nicely written - and I completely agree that there are words behind the words that are being said. And I think we all develop attachments to our clients.
Carole -- you are so right! When working with buyers only, I really get to know my clients and often become a part of the family. I am thrilled when I get emails and cards with the announcements about births, graduations, weddings etc. I really enjoy getting to know people and helping them find solutions to their life-style needs.
Carole.... it's so true that not should you listen to your clients, but most of us should in most of our business dealings when helping the average consumer. But you also talked about looking at things in a home from a spiritual standpoint. I can see why this would make a difference than what home staggers would do also. In any case, some good information here.
Sorry for the late comments!
Kathy, That wasn't my shot...thankfully! We don't have snow yet but I hear we're in for a heck of a winter this year :(
Katerina, We sure do but realiztically, not everyone does....and it's very sad when I see that.
Joan, Isn't that a wonderful feeling? I love it when all of a sudden I'm "part of the family" and invited to the nicest things!
Jeff, Most of us, not matter what we do really hope to help our clients in the best way we can. I know you do in Mortgages....although we might look at things differently, hopefully we all really care.
Hi Carole,
Very interesting post.....I want to read more!
Hi Trace! You have been missed, I hope you are well and happy! I haven't been able to put up Localism posts so I did one or two now that my pictures are ok....but I will get back to this---and thank you!!