Finding Harmony at Home Through Feng Shui

Dusty Rhodes • September 9, 2024

There are a million different ways to make your house feel like home, from hanging gallery walls, to showing off your hobbies through your décor. Among these many approaches to interior design is a philosophy called feng shui, a practice believed to help cultivate an environment where you feel centered, happy and creative. Feng shui consultant Susan Chan shared tips to help you understand how you can align your home with the natural world and create a nurturing, supportive space.


What is feng shui?


Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art that originally came through India and Tibet about 7,000 years ago. The word “feng” means wind, and “shui” means water. Chan said the meaning behind feng shui comes from the idea that the natural world is a significant source of inspiration for balance and harmony.


“The Chinese believe that nature promotes good health,” she said. “And when you have good health, you can work, and when you can work, you can bring in fortune.”


The point of this philosophy is to create a harmonious environment that will support your wellbeing, from the décor you bring into your house, to the layout of your floor plan. Chan said feng shui emphasizes the importance of aligning your home with the natural flow of energy, also known as chi or qi, to enhance the quality of your life.


Some key tenets of feng shui


Feng shui is all about achieving balance, and there are several ways to do that. Its principles take cues from the natural world to help bring positive energy into your space. Having a clean home and avoiding awkward furniture placement are also among the methods for achieving balance. Let’s take a closer look at the tenets of feng shui.


Chi


In Chinese philosophy, chi represents an energy that flows through all living things, and it's what binds everything, all the way from a universal scale, to individual rooms in your house. To be surrounded by positive chi means to have peace and comfort.


“Ensuring that chi flows freely and effortlessly throughout your home is crucial,” Chan said. This can include arranging your space to encourage good energy circulation (more on how to do that below).


Yin and yang


One aspect of practicing feng shui is balancing opposing forces to achieve harmony. Yin represents slower and calmer energy, while yang represents active and vibrant energy. So you’d want more yin in your bedroom and more yang in your living room, for example. 


“A well-balanced home and lifestyle has a mix of both to create a dynamic yet peaceful environment,” Chan said.


The bagua Map


This feng shui tool helps identify which areas of your home correspond to different aspects of your life, such as wealth, creativity, and relationships. It is often laid out in the shape of an octagon, made up of eight wedges surrounding a circle in the center. That center represents the emotional and physical health of the home’s occupants. This map is meant to be layered over your entire floor plan, or even in a single room, so you can design your space to encourage the flow of energy throughout.


“By aligning your space according to the bagua, you can enhance specific areas to make sure your space supports your goals and well-being,” Chan said.


Natural elements


Having a feng shui home layout encourages using natural elements and materials in your décor. Chan said this works to connect you to your environment and allows for a sense of tranquility that may come with being outdoors. There are five elements you can use when decorating: Earth, fire, metal, water, and wood. 


Let’s say you want to incorporate water into your home, but you’d rather not have a water fountain inside. You could add a blue accent chair or some art that has flowing shapes instead. Want to include fire, but don’t have a fireplace? Candles will suffice, or even some warm lighting.


Seeing feng shui when choosing a home


Before we go further, it’s important to understand that this philosophy is not just about how you arrange your furniture. Chan said doing so is important for energy flow, but more so, it’s about balancing your space and yourself in the home.


“Another misconception is that feng shui is complicated and requires major changes and a huge financial investment,” Chan said. “Depending on the scope of your goals and project, small adjustments can make a big difference in creating a harmonious environment.”


It’s not uncommon for architects to work with feng shui experts, like Chan, when they’re drawing up blueprints for commercial and residential structures. In fact, she said it goes back a long way.


“In ancient China, people would consult a feng shui expert to select the perfect plot of land, design the blueprint of their home, and guide them through construction and furnishing to align with feng shui principles,” she said.

When you’re looking at a home, or looking at building one, here are some features to keep in mind:


The floor plan


A deeper floor plan is preferred over a wider one, according to Chan. That means a home where the structure extends further back than its width when looked at from the front, as opposed to a house that’s wide and shallow from the same view.


This allows positive energy to be welcomed deeper into your home and increases the likelihood of it staying. If you’re shopping for existing homes, many listings on Zillow have 3D floor plans to give you a better idea of how the energy would flow through your space and whether it's a good fit for what you want. When searching for a home, select the “must have 3D tour” filter.


The ceilings


Ceilings should be at a comfortable height — not too low or too high. You don’t want to feel oppressed by your home, or too disconnected from it. If your head nearly touches the ceiling, that’s not ideal. And if it extends more than eight or nine feet up, then it feels less cozy. 


If this is the case for a very large room, like an open-concept living room and kitchen area, then it may feel fine because it’s proportionate. But if your bedroom isn’t overly large, your ceilings shouldn’t be too high, since you’ll lose that comfy feeling.


If your ceilings do feel too high, you could hang something like a chandelier to help give the sense that things are more closed in — just don’t go too low, or else the space will feel too tight.


The bathrooms


It’s best to avoid having a bathroom too close to a bedroom, since bathroom energy is not considered positive. Plus, bathrooms are associated with bacteria, and you don’t want that near an area that should be pleasant.


“By selecting the ideal plot, choosing the best floor plan, making thoughtful construction decisions, and picking architectural details that match the occupants' energy and elements, we can create a home that supports their health and helps them reach their full potential,” Chan said.


Decorating for balance, inside and out


As we said earlier, many feng shui methods essentially ask you to make things feel less awkward in your home: i.e., don’t buy furniture that’s too large for your space (so you won’t have to squeeze around your own home). 


Remember, incorporating this practice into your space doesn’t mean you have to rearrange your whole house or spend big. In fact, it may come down to just making some small adjustments.


And don’t forget about the power of nature. Each of the elements mentioned earlier has its own characteristics, and can shape your home’s energy differently. Chan said it’s important to balance them out and avoid oversaturating your home with one over the others. This does not mean you need to have a lot of any of them.


When you’re looking for what types of items to include, Chan said she loves to decorate with mirrors.


“Mirrors, when placed correctly, can amplify positive energy and bring vibrant energy to areas that may lack it,”


Another favorite of hers is plants. She said they’re a nice way to include nature in your home and add some vibrant energy.


The living room


Sofas serve as an anchor to a room and a place of relaxation, so they should be placed against a wall to help you feel supported and safe. If you can’t do that, you could place a sofa table against the back instead.


Try to avoid having your sofa against a window. This will help avoid disrupting the energy entering your home and help you feel secure. Be sure to leave plenty of space between your furniture so both chi and people can move through. 


The bedroom


Having a doorway directly in front of the foot of your bed can disrupt your home’s calming flow and your peace of mind. It could feel unsettling to see a dark hallway in front of you when you’re trying to fall asleep. Having the bed diagonally across from the door is recommended. 


If possible, try to have some symmetry (in keeping with the goal of balance) in this room, specifically by using matching nightstands on either side of your bed.


The yard


The outside of your home also offers some opportunities to promote the flow of positive energy. Chan said curb appeal is key. Making your home aesthetically pleasing enhances its resale value, plus it can make you feel good whenever you see your nice, clean yard. This applies to the backyard as well.


Chan also said having a neat exterior attracts good energy, as energy loves to find people easily, as opposed to having to squeeze and wind through various obstacles.


What’s the best décor approach for you?


There are a number of ways you can have a home layout that follows some feng shui rules. Chan said most people fall into two camps: those who have too much stuff and tend to be overwhelmed in their lives, and people who are minimalists, who may feel like they are searching for more in their lives.


She suggests doing some reflection to figure out which one of these describes you the best (it doesn’t have to be an exact match). Depending on what you find, there are different tips you can follow.


If your home feels cluttered, start by intentionally releasing nine things in the next nine days so you can create space for more positive energy to come in. If it doesn’t “spark joy,” consider tossing it out, or donating it.


If you tend to be more minimal, consider adding some color, texture, or natural elements to your home using plants or rocks.


“[Add things] that make you and your insides feel warm and fuzzy,” Chan said. “And yes, I said ‘warm and fuzzy.’”


You don’t have to do it all


There is such a thing as "feng shui paranoia,” as Chan calls it. This is where you may feel compelled to apply every principle you read about, even when it's unnecessary. Chan said it’s OK to take a more hands-off approach.


"If it ain't broke, don't fix it,” she said.


By concentrating on the strengths of your space and making mindful, meaningful adjustments, you can create a harmonious and supportive environment without getting overwhelmed. Instead of trying to follow everything the experts suggest, focus on what you want to improve in your life. Chan suggests identifying a few areas you'd like to enhance and use feng shui to address them. 


“I always emphasize the importance of focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack,” Chan said. “My approach to feng shui is all about highlighting the positives.”

Source: Zillow



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How to Move Out After Selling a House

By Dusty Rhodes • October 13, 2025
From the first coat of paint you used to freshen up your house’s trim to the stress of wrangling your way to a deal, you’ve been through a lot in that place. Now you’ve made it to the final hurdle of selling a home: moving out! Don’t worry, this is the easy part… but you want to do it right. Here’s how to get through the last leg of your journey without any bumps along the way. How to move out on time Once the paperwork is signed at closing, the buyers will officially own the house—and you won’t. That means that, technically, if you or your stuff is still there after the close, “the buyer could evict you,” says Joshua Jarvis , founder of Jarvis Team Realty in Duluth, GA. So make sure to have your exit strategy in place! Still, most buyers will understand if you need a bit more time and have a legitimate reason—like if you can’t move until the weekend due to your work schedule. Just be sure to discuss these issues as soon as possible before the close, so your buyers can plan accordingly. Decide what to leave behind To make sure you’re leaving behind everything the buyer wanted—and that you agreed to—double-check the closing documents . There should be an itemized list of what comes with the house . And even if the buyers didn’t formally request them, it’s just good form to leave certain types of things behind. Such as? “Generally speaking, you should leave anything that’s bolted to the wall,” says Jarvis. “Some homeowners want to take their fans and blinds to the next home, but generally if it’s screwed in, it stays.” Also, if you and the buyers agreed to transfer any services—such as alarm monitoring or pest control —be sure to set that up before you go. Leave the buyers a detailed note in the house, or ask your agent to get in touch with theirs to make sure the transfer goes smoothly. If you do inadvertently take an item that the buyers had requested, they have the right to ask for it back—and they could potentially sue you in civil court for the cost of a replacement. So, when in doubt, feel free to check with the buyers before you grab and go. But don’t leave anything else behind Just as important as what you leave behind is what you don’t. Your buyers have a right to move into a home that’s been cleared of furniture and other movable items they didn’t expressly request. “Some folks leave all kinds of unwanted clothes, furniture, paint cans, and other items, thinking they are helping the buyers,” Jarvis says. If you truly think your buyers might love to have your old planting pots or kiddie equipment, go ahead and ask—but please don’t assume they’ll welcome your leftovers. Even if you’re careful, you might forget something—at which point the buyers may contact their agent to get it back to you, but they also have the legal right to just keep or get rid of it. So double-check areas (e.g., the attic, garage, basement, storage shed, kitchen, and bathroom drawers) where people commonly overlook items. Clean up It’s common courtesy to leave the place not only clear of your possessions but also clean. However, that doesn’t mean you have to leave it immaculate. “Generally, you shouldn’t have to pay to have it deep cleaned,” Jarvis says. In most cases, a simple broom-clean will do. That means wiping down the countertops, cleaning out drawers, sweeping or vacuuming all the floors, and giving the bathroom and kitchen appliances a once-over so the new owners aren’t grossed out when they arrive. Are you forgetting anything? Before you close the door for the last time, run through a quick checklist. Did you eyeball every room for stray items? Have you forwarded your mail and turned off the utilities? Is the water running in the jacuzzi? We all get in a bit of a rush even in the best planned moves, but you won’t be able to get back in, so it can’t hurt to do a final run-through before you move out. Once you’re ready, it’s time to leave. You can drop a line to your real estate agent to let them know you’re out, although it’s usually a courtesy more than a necessity. If you’re feeling truly gracious, feel free to leave a note, card, or bottle of bubbly congratulating the people who’ve inherited your former home. Given all the fond memories you’ve built between those walls, wouldn’t it be nice to start the home’s new owners off on the right foot? And buy yourself some Champagne, too. Make it the good stuff—you’ve earned it. 

When Are You Considered a First-Time Homebuyer Again?

By Dusty Rhodes • October 6, 2025
Buying a home is an exciting time, whether this is your first time purchasing a house or you’re a repeat buyer. But if you’ve owned a home before, you may be wondering if you can be a first-time home buyer again. In some cases, yes, you can. In this Redfin article, we’ll go over what qualifications you need to meet and when you can be considered a first-time homebuyer again. Whether you’re buying a home in Atlanta, GA , or a condo in Portland, OR , read on to find out if you’re eligible to be a first-time homebuyer twice. Key takeaways Usually, you’re a first-time homebuyer again if you haven’t owned a home in 3 years. Some special situations may also qualify you as a first-time buyer. Benefits include down payment and closing cost assistance and lower interest rates. When are you considered a first-time homebuyer again? Typically, you’re considered a first-time homebuyer again if you have not owned a primary residence for at least three years. There are several additional reasons you may qualify as a first-time homebuyer again, which we’ll explore below. Some first-time homebuyer programs have different definitions of “first-time homebuyer,” so check with the specific program before proceeding. Qualifications to be considered a first-time homebuyer There are other reasons you may qualify as a first-time homebuyer twice. Let’s take a look at them: You haven’t owned a primary residence for 3 years: This means if you owned a home, but sold it and rented for 3 (or more) years, you can be considered a first-time home buyer again. If you’re buying with another person, only one of you needs to meet the criteria to use most first-time home buyer programs. You’re a single-parent buying on your own: If you’ve never purchased a home by yourself and are a divorced single-parent, you may qualify again. Even if you purchased a home with your former spouse, you likely still meet the criteria. You’re a displaced homemaker/family caregiver: If you are a displaced homemaker who doesn’t or didn’t earn wages from employment and has only owned a home with a former spouse, you’re likely considered a first-time homebuyer. You previously owned a mobile home: If you owned a mobile home or property not affixed to a foundation, then you likely qualify. Your previous home was out of compliance: If your home had building code violations or safety issues that could not be repaired or brought into compliance for less than the home’s value, you’re likely eligible. Benefits of being a first-time homebuyer again There are benefits to being a first-time homebuyer twice. Let’s take a look at them: Access to first-time homebuyer programs: One of the biggest benefits is the ability to use first-time homebuyer programs such as down payment and closing cost assistance , grants, credits, or loans. Every program has different qualifications, so make sure to research each program or speak with your agent and lender to explore options. Options for low down payment mortgages: There are several loans available for first-time buyers that offer lower down payment amounts. For example, Freddie Mac’s Home Possible and Fannie Mae’s Home Ready offer down payment amounts as low as 3%. Potentially lower mortgage rates: Sometimes, lenders will offer slightly lower mortgage rates to first-time borrowers to help them buy their first home. FAQs about first-time homebuyers Can I be a first-time homebuyer again if I previously owned a home? Yes, as long as you haven’t owned a primary residence in the last 3 years, or you owned a home while previously married. Do both homebuyers need to be first-time homebuyers to qualify? No, in most cases, as long as one homebuyer meets the qualifying criteria, then you’re considered a first-time homebuyer. However, some programs require both homebuyers to be first-timers. Can I qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan again? Yes, for the most part, if you qualify as a “first-time homebuyer,” you can get another first-time homebuyer loan. Every lender and loan is different, so be sure to read the eligibility criteria thoroughly. Are there income limits for programs? Yes, many first-time homebuyer programs have income limits. This means you won’t qualify if you make more than the specified annual amount.

10 Home Renovation Projects Under $1,000 That Add Lasting Value

By Dusty Rhodes • September 29, 2025
Enhancing your living space doesn’t always require a hefty budget. With the right updates, you can add real value to your home for under $1,000. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home in Grand Rapids, MI , or looking for some easy DIY projects for your house in Portland, OR , these cost-effective upgrades can breathe new life into your space. To dig deeper into this topic, we spoke with Kevin Brasler, executive editor at nonprofit Consumers’ Checkbook , a consumer advocacy group that helps homeowners save money and make smart choices. With decades of experience evaluating service providers, Kevin shares insights on how to budget wisely, avoid common renovation mistakes, and know when to hire a professional versus taking the DIY route. 1. Add fresh paint to the walls of your home Painting is one of the most affordable ways to refresh your home. A gallon of quality paint costs $30 to $50, with a full room averaging around $350 . Neutral shades like gray, beige, or white appeal to most buyers, while accent colors such as navy, forest green, or mustard add personality. For a calming vibe, try sage or powder blue. Brasler notes that painting is one of the best DIY-friendly projects homeowners can take on. “Good DIY projects are those that involve mostly labor: painting, basic tile work, installing fixtures that don’t require new wiring or plumbing, landscaping, and most flooring jobs,” he says. 2. Update your cabinet hardware A cabinet hardware update is a subtle yet effective strategy to elevate your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Swapping outdated or generic cabinet handles and knobs for modern, stylish alternatives instantly transforms kitchens and bathrooms. Consider sleek brushed nickel handles for a contemporary touch, or opt for vintage-inspired brass knobs for a timeless charm. This modest investment typically costs between $2 to $10 per piece. 3. Change the kitchen backsplash A new backsplash can quickly refresh your kitchen while protecting your walls. A custom kitchen backsplash protects your walls from daily wear and creates a focal point that elevates the entire room. Opt for affordable ceramic or glass tiles, which can be found for as low as $1 to $5 per square foot. Staying within a $1,000 budget for a standard-sized kitchen is doable with those materials. Or you can go for a peel-and-stick backsplash that is not only budget-friendly, but a quick solution to make your kitchen stand out. Brasler stresses that getting multiple estimates is critical for even small-scale projects like this. “The biggest mistake homeowners make is not getting multiple bids. Even for smaller projects, you should get at least three written estimates; five is better,” he explains. 4. Switch to energy-efficient lighting By making the switch to energy-efficient lighting, you’ll not only improve the sustainability of your home but also create a more comfortable and inviting living environment. Switching to LED bulbs, which typically cost between $2 to $10 each, saves energy and reduces utility bills over time. Beyond the financial benefits, the crisp and vibrant illumination of energy-efficient lighting can effortlessly enhance your home’s overall mood and appeal. 5. Create a beautiful landscape A simple landscaping update is another low-cost project that adds value. Try planting vibrant flowers, shrubs, and trees, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the size and variety. Add mulch or decorative stones to create a polished look for approximately $50 to $150, while adding affordable outdoor lighting options typically range from $50 to $200. Low-maintenance features lower costs down while still making a strong impression. For most landscaping updates, DIY is both practical and cost-effective. Still, Brasler advises calling in professionals for anything involving gas, high-voltage electrical, or structural work. 6. Install a smart thermostat A smart thermostat, such as popular models like Nest or Ecobee, typically costs between $150 to $300, depending on the brand and features. Homeowners can often handle the installation themselves, avoiding additional labor costs. Once installed, these intelligent devices learn your preferences, allowing for automated temperature adjustments, and can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps. 7. Refurbish or paint the front door Refresh your curb appeal by refurbishing or painting the front door – a low-cost project with instant impact. Sanding and restaining often costs under $100 and requires just a few materials. Another choice is to use high-quality exterior paint, which typically ranges from $30 to $50 per gallon, providing a fresh, vibrant color that suits your home’s style. 8. Add floating shelves or built-ins Consider adding floating shelves or built-in storage solutions to maximize space and keep your home organized. Floating shelves, available for as little as $20 to $50 per shelf, provide an affordable and stylish way to showcase decor or organize essentials. For a more customized approach, DIY built-ins can be crafted using plywood or ready-to-assemble shelving units, typically ranging from $100 to $300. 9. Upgrade your kitchen sink and faucet Breathe new life into your kitchen with a sink and faucet upgrade. Faucets usually run $100 to $300, and sinks $200 to $500. Consider a sleek pull-down faucet and a resilient stainless steel or granite composite sink to improve both function and style. Spending $300 to $800 on a sink and faucet upgrade can instantly refresh your kitchen’s look and make daily tasks easier. 10. Add safety measures to protect your home Smart security cameras or a basic surveillance system now offer affordable and effective protection. Investing in a home surveillance system, typically from $200 to $500, allows real-time monitoring and deterrence against potential threats. The addition of smart cameras, with features like motion detection and remote access via smartphone apps, can improve your home’s overall safety and convenience. With a budget-conscious investment of $500 to $1,000, you can create a comprehensive security network covering critical areas of your property. Tips for finding good contractors Even for smaller projects, working with contractors requires careful planning. Brasler emphasizes the value of comparison shopping. “Get proposals and detailed pricing from at least three reputable, licensed contractors,” he advises. “The only way to ensure you’re paying a fair price is to initiate competition.” He also suggests: Check references thoroughly. Ask questions like: Did the company follow plans? Did it finish on time? Was the work professional? Did the contractor offer low-cost solutions and stick to agreed prices? Were problems handled promptly and effectively? Did the team communicate clearly throughout the project? Was disruption to your daily life kept to a minimum? Did the finished results meet your expectations for quality and appearance? Was the contractor flexible and fair about changes if you adjusted plans? Ask neighbors and friends for referrals. Word-of-mouth often uncovers the best local contractors. Look for complaints. Check ratings at Checkbook.org or your local Better Business Bureau and be cautious with online reviews as they can’t always be trusted. Common mistakes when budgeting for small renovations Brasler states the biggest budgeting mistake is skipping multiple bids. “A contractor charging $800 might be using premium materials while the $500 bid uses builder-grade stuff. Try to get prices from each business for the exact same work,” he explains. He also reminds homeowners not to assume that a low price means low quality. “For decades we have evaluated all kinds of businesses and often find some of the best companies have the lowest prices,” he says. When to DIY vs. hire a pro While DIY saves money, Brasler stresses knowing your limits. “Call in pros to deal with anything involving gas, high-voltage electrical, or structural changes. Ditto for work that requires a permit and inspection,” he advises. For tasks like painting, basic landscaping, or adding shelves, homeowners can usually manage on their own. Keep expectations realistic since DIY projects often take longer and may not match professional results. The bottom line Budget-friendly renovations under $1,000 can make a big difference in your home’s look, comfort, and value. From painting and landscaping to updating fixtures and adding smart technology, these projects prove you don’t need to overspend to refresh your space. As Brasler reminds homeowners, “the key is balancing creativity with caution.” By comparing bids, avoiding common budgeting mistakes, and knowing when to call in the pros, you can achieve lasting results without stretching your wallet.