Selling a house can be nerve-racking. Some folks clean every corner, others light candles, and then there are those who bury a little statue in their yard and pray for a quick sale.
Yep, we’re talking about the St. Joseph statue. It’s one of those home-selling traditions that’s been passed around for decades. But does it really work? Is it faith or folklore? And if you’re curious, how do you even do it?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the meaning behind it, how to bury one the “right” way, and what to expect after. No fluff, no judgment, just the info you need to decide if it’s worth trying.
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St Joseph Statue
What Is a St. Joseph Statue and Why Do People Bury It?
The St. Joseph statue is a small figure of Saint Joseph, often holding a carpenter’s tool or baby Jesus. He’s known as the patron saint of homes and families. That’s why some believe he can help when it’s time to move on from one house to the next.
People bury the statue as a way to ask for his help in selling their home. It’s like sending up a little prayer with a symbol. For some, it’s about faith. For others, it’s just for good luck. Either way, it’s become a pretty common tradition in real estate.
The idea is simple: you ask for help, stay hopeful, and trust the process. Even if it’s just a boost of confidence, that can go a long way when you’re dealing with showings, offers, and moving boxes.
The History Behind Burying a St. Joseph Statue to Sell Your Home
This tradition isn’t new. Some folks trace it back to the Middle Ages, when nuns would bury medals of St. Joseph in land they hoped to buy. Over time, it changed, from medals to statues, from buying land to selling homes.
In more recent years, real estate agents and homeowners picked it up as a “why not try it?” kind of move. The statue gets buried in the yard, usually upside down, facing the house. Some say it’s meant to “force” St. Joseph to help sell the home fast, so he can be dug up and placed in a new one.
It’s not official church teaching or anything. But it’s stuck around because, well, sometimes a little faith, or luck, feels good when you’re stressed about a sale.
How to Bury a St. Joseph Statue the Right Way
If you’re going to try it, there’s a “right way” most folks follow. It’s not set in stone, but here’s the usual process people use when burying the statue to help sell a house.
Step 1: Purchase a St. Joseph Statue and Prayer Card
You can find kits online or at religious shops. They usually come with a small statue, plastic or resin works fine, and a prayer card. No need to spend much.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location and Orientation
Pick a spot near the for sale sign or in the front yard. Some say that’s where it sends the clearest message. Make sure it’s close enough to the front door and not too deep.
Step 3: Bury the Statue Upside Down Facing the House
Yep, upside down. The idea is that St. Joseph “wants out,” and will work faster to sell the place. Facing the house is a sign he’s focused on helping that home sell.
Step 4: Recite a Prayer or Reflect
Hold the prayer card or say something from the heart. This part’s personal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just honest.
Step 5: Retrieve the Statue After the Sale
Once your house sells, dig up the statue and take it with you. Some people place it in a special spot in their new home as a thank you.
Does Burying a St. Joseph Statue Actually Work?
It depends who you ask. Some homeowners say their place sold right after they buried the statue, almost like magic. Others didn’t notice a difference at all.
For some, it’s not really about results. It’s about hope. Doing something, anything, can feel better than just waiting. And a little good luck never hurts, right?
Most real estate agents will tell you the statue might help your mindset, but it’s no replacement for a solid strategy. Clean the place up, price it right, and have an open house. Those things matter more than where you bury a statue.
Still, if it gives you peace of mind? Go for it. Just don’t skip the basics while you’re at it.
Reilly’s Two Cents:
I’ve worked with plenty of sellers over the years who felt stuck. Their house was clean, priced right, and still sitting. That’s when the statue would come out. And honestly? I get it. Selling a home is personal, and stressful. Sometimes, people just want to feel like they’re doing something to help things along.
If you’re thinking about burying a St. Joseph statue, my take is this: go for it, if it brings you comfort. But also do the work that really moves the needle. Declutter. Fix what’s broken. Talk to someone who knows your local market. There’s no magic shortcut, but mixing belief with action? That’s where you find momentum.
I’ve seen people light candles, say prayers, and yes, bury statues. Whether it helps or not, if it makes you feel more in control, it’s worth doing. Just don’t let it take the place of solid planning and smart decisions.
Alternatives to Burying a St. Joseph Statue
Not into digging in the yard? You’re not alone. Some folks choose to display the statue indoors instead, on a windowsill or near the front door. It’s still a sign of faith, just without the mess.
Others skip the statue altogether and focus on things like staging the home or holding a small blessing. Some light candles or write down hopes for the sale and keep them in a special spot.
And then there are folks who lean on a real estate agent or online tools to speed things up. Nothing wrong with that, it’s all about what feels right and works best for you.
In the end, it’s not just about where the statue goes. It’s about feeling ready to move forward.
Ritual, Reality, and Getting Results
Selling your home is a big deal. If burying a statue helps you feel more confident or calm, that’s reason enough to do it. Just remember, rituals can boost your mindset, but they don’t replace real steps like pricing right or prepping your space.
Mix a little hope with smart planning, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at a smooth sale.
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FAQs About Burying a St. Joseph Statue
Yes, but most people choose the front yard near the for sale sign to show St. Joseph where help is needed. Still, if the backyard feels better for you, that’s okay too.
Absolutely. Plastic or resin statues are easy to bury and won’t get damaged like ceramic ones. Many kits are made just for this.
Most kits come with a prayer card. If not, you can find simple prayers online, or just say a heartfelt message in your own words. It’s the intent that matters.
Nope. This tradition is open to anyone. People of all backgrounds use it as a way to feel hopeful and focused during a stressful time.
After the home sells. It’s a sign of gratitude and respect. Many people take the statue to their new home and place it somewhere special.
Reilly Dzurick is a seasoned real estate agent at Get Land Florida, bringing over six years of industry experience to the vibrant Vero Beach market. She is known for her deep understanding of local real estate trends and her dedication to helping clients find their dream properties. Reilly’s journey in real estate is complemented by her academic background in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from the University of North Florida.
