Choosing a new home is one of the most important decisions in a persons or familys life. That building impacts every aspect of our lives from how well we sleep to our overall contentment. Thats why some home buyers have begun using Feng Shui principles when theyre looking at potential homes. By applying some Feng Shui basics as youre reviewing potential houses you can avoid buying a structure that will only bring you grief and improve your chances of finding that dream home.

Getting your Qi

No, not key, Qi (Chi), which is energy. The fundamental principle behind Feng Shui is that life energy is all around us. By designing homes and buildings specific ways, you can encourage the flow of good energy throughout your living space. When youre buying a home thats already built, however, you have to look at the positioning of the house and each room therein to get a feel for whether the home will have auspicious Chi.

Initial Assessment

Just like any other house hunting expedition, youll still be considering the homes price, location, and overall condition. No amount of Feng Shui is going to help a house thats over priced, run down or in a terrible neighborhood.

As youre looking at each house, theres an added level of assessment based on what Feng Shui considers positive placement and history. For example, Feng Shui experts dont recommend buying a home thats up for sale due to illness, divorce or bankruptcy. Those negative situations imply that the Chi in and around the house is negative and unhealthy (and likely difficult to remedy). On the other hand if the owner is moving because of a promotion or win fall thats a sign of good Chi.

Lot:

Look for a house with a lot where the back of the home has an upward slope or grade. This implies lifes upward movement in a positive way. When land slopes downward the symbolism is one of loss. Lots with an open front, where the entry way faces southward and where theres plenty of white space are considered the most auspicious as theres nothing blocking the Chi from entering your home. Low, well-maintained landscaping is fine, but trees that block the home (particularly the door) should be trimmed back.

Also look for a lot that is either square or rectangular. Irregular lots arent good for Chi.

Access Roads

For access routes a house that has one road that doesnt lead directly to the house is best, particularly when combined with a gently curving driveway. Positive Chi doesnt like harsh angles. Houses in cul-de-sacs face some difficulty as the Chi cant move easily. If the house has other good Chi features, you can correct this using living plants and wind chimes.

Location, Location, Location

The overall ambiance in your neighborhood affects the way energy moves in and around your home. If youre looking at a home near areas where buildings are sorely in need of repair, thats not a positive thing. Ditto a neighborhood void of living plants, and those close to busy thoroughfares. Avoid buying a home where the houses on either side of you are bigger than yours. The energy from those homes will overwhelm your space.

On a positive note if theres water near the front of the home (like a pond or stream flowing nearby) thats very good Chi energy.

Entryway:

Stand across the street from the house youre considering. Hows the overall curb appeal? Does the front door feel welcoming? Is the front door blocked by any telephone poles or other obstructions? The more open and unobstructed an entryway, the better Chi can flow into the home.

Note that a house with a door below ground level is one thats prone to loss (emotional, financial, etc.).

Interior Layout

There is also the overall interior of the home to consider. When you walk through the main door is there a stairway in front of you? This directs the Chi upstairs, leaving the main floor wanting. To correct this you can put a mirror at the top of the stairs so the energy returns back down.

If the front door and back door of the home line up this isnt good either. Chi might come in, but then go straight back out! Other interior considerations include:

A fireplace or stove in Northwest brings problems for men in the household; A fireplace in the southwest burns away prosperity

Bathroom in southwest brings problems for women in the home; bathroom in the middle of the home leave people weary (it literally flushes away energy).

Ceilings shouldnt be too high or too low for a comfortable welcoming space, and there should be no skylights in bedrooms (these can disrupt sleep)

Lighting: Natural lighting is very important in Feng Shui. How are those windows?

Center part of the house closed or blocked will cause a blockage in the Chi.

Still Uncertain?

No house is going to be absolutely perfect from a Feng Shui perspective unless you build it from the ground up yourself with the help of a professional. And hiring a professional Feng shui expert wouldnt hurt when youre house hunting either. A qualified person will be able to locate potential problem points in the perspective house and also tell you if theres a simple remedy to them. This way you can buy more confidently knowing the overall Chi for your home will resonate with good vibrations.