It’s tough when your home doesn’t sell as quickly as you’d like, and you could be doing everything right. In Texas, homes spend an average of 60 days on the market. This can feel like a long wait when you’re ready for your next chapter. That’s why so many homeowners lean on both strategy and tradition.
For years, homeowners have turned to a pretty unique tradition when they need a little divine intervention with selling their house. They bury a Saint Joseph (patron saint of home and family) statue in the yard and say a prayer. In Texas, where faith and family are at the heart of life’s biggest choices, this tradition continues to hold strong.
Maybe you’ve never heard of this tradition before, or you’re curious about what it entails and how to do it. No matter your reason for turning to St. Joseph, here’s everything you need to know about how a small statue, a prayer card, and a bit of intention can make a difference as you sell your home.
The Tradition Behind the St. Joseph Statue
When conventional efforts don’t move a sale forward in the real estate market, some homeowners turn to something less transactional and more meaningful. That’s where the tradition of calling on St. Joseph comes in.
Long before he became known among real estate circles, St. Joseph was revered as a quiet protector. He was a carpenter, husband, and provider who faced challenges without complaint. In the Catholic faith, he’s the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, workers, and house sellers and buyers, which is why so many people have looked to him for guidance when it’s time to part with a property.
The exact origin of the ritual is a little unclear, but most agree it started centuries ago when religious communities in Europe would bury blessed medals of saints in the ground as they prayed for land, shelter, or provision.
Over time, this devotional act evolved into something more specific: placing a statue of St. Joseph in the ground and asking for his intercession in bringing about a sale.
Many home sellers continue this practice today. It’s a way of saying “I’ve done my part, now I leave the rest to a higher power”.
Whether you approach it with deep faith or a completely different set of beliefs, the tradition of using a St. Joseph statue to sell your house is a reminder you’re not alone during the house closing process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Burying Saint Joseph Statues
The St. Joseph ritual is a time-honored tradition that is full of history and meaning. Below, we’ll walk through the steps so you can participate in this tradition during your home-selling journey.
1. Choosing Your St. Joseph Statue
To get started, most people just grab a St. Joseph statue kit – you can find them online or swing by your local Catholic bookstore. These kits are pretty straightforward and come with everything you need: the little St. Joseph figure, a prayer card, and usually a booklet that walks you through the traditional prayer and tells you what to do.
But before you start digging around in your backyard, it’s worth taking a step back to really get what this statue is all about. This isn’t a magic trick that’s going to make your “For Sale” sign disappear overnight. Think of it more as a spiritual touchstone. Something that reminds you to stay patient and keep the faith while you’re dealing with all the stress and uncertainty that comes with selling a house.
2. Placement and Burial
Traditionally, homeowners bury the statue upside down, facing the house. The idea is that St. Joseph works harder to leave the ground and bring the house to a good buyer quickly.
Common burial spots include:
- Near the front door
- Close to the “For Sale” sign
- Along the property line in the front yard
If you live in an apartment or can’t bury it outside, you can place the statue in a window or flowerpot inside your home.
3. Timing and Ritual Details
Many homeowners choose to bury the statue the same day they list the home on the market. Others wait until the first showing or after a few weeks without activity. The key is to approach the process with sincerity.
After burying the statue, say a prayer. You can say a prayer from the included prayer card or from the heart. Continue to pray daily while your home is listed.
Once your house sells, dig up the statue and bring it with you to your new home as a sign of gratitude for St. Joseph’s intercession and blessings. Some people place the statue on their mantle or in a special place as a reminder of God’s provision.
Where to Buy Your St. Joseph Home-Selling Kit
When you’re ready to bring a bit of intention to your home‑selling journey in Texas, these St. Joseph kits take the guesswork out of what to do next. Here are some options you can choose from:
- The Catholic Company Home Sale Kit offers a simple 3.5‑inch resin statue paired with a pamphlet that explains the tradition in depth.
- Amazon’s Home Selling Kit includes a durable plastic figure, an easy-to-follow guide, and a holy card – perfect if you want quick delivery.
- Saint Joseph Home Selling Kit from St‑JosephStatue.com offers a beautifully painted 4‑inch statue, a vibrant color prayer card, and clear burial instructions.
Each option includes a statue, a prayer card, and clear instructions so that you can focus on reflection rather than assembly.
Prayers and Invocations for a Quick Sale
There are many variations of the St. Joseph prayer to sell a house, but most follow a theme of humility and trust in God’s timing.
Here is a simple example often included with St. Joseph house-selling kits:
“Dear Saint Joseph, protector of families and guardian of homes, I place my trust in your guidance. Please help me sell this house quickly and fairly. May its new owners find joy, peace, and security here. I ask this through your intercession and in faith that God Almighty and Jesus Christ will provide. Amen.”
Some sellers include prayers to Mary or invoke other saints for support, while others speak directly to St. Joseph.
When you take time to pray, you’re not just hoping to get your home sold. You’re also choosing faith over frustration. As Father Donald Calloway writes in Consecration to St. Joseph, Joseph is someone to lean on when life feels uncertain. That daily moment of reflection can ground you in hope, even when the market tests your patience.
Common Questions and Best Practices
The Saint Joseph tradition sparks curiosity and, sometimes, confusion, especially if you’ve never prayed to a patron saint before. Here are a few common concerns from sellers exploring this route.
Do I Have to Be Catholic?
Not at all. The Catholic tradition is open to anyone with a belief in God, or even just an appreciation for symbolism and ritual. People of many faiths (and even no faith) have found peace in praying or calling on Saint Joseph.
What Happens if I Don’t Dig Up the Statue After My Home Sells?
It’s best to retrieve the Saint Joseph statue after the house is sold. Leaving it buried could feel like disrespect or a missed opportunity to honor the help you asked for.
Does the St. Joseph House Selling Prayer Always Work?
The statue itself doesn’t make the sale happen. It’s your faith, persistence, and hard work that help you sell your house for all its worth. But many homeowners and agents alike report that burying a Saint Joseph’s statue helps bring peace and focus when selling homes.
Can I Gift a Statue of St. Joseph to Someone Else?
Absolutely. In fact, some families pass down Saint Joseph statues from generation to generation. The statue can be a meaningful gift for someone starting their home-selling process.
Combining Tradition with Professional Real Estate Strategies
While the St. Joseph ritual may bring spiritual comfort, it’s worth noting that pairing it with proven real estate strategies gives you the best chance of success. Faith may guide the process, but preparation helps you finish it.
Start by making your home as attractive as possible. Stage your space so buyers can actually imagine themselves living there. Even small updates like decluttering or fresh paint can make a real impact.
Next, you want to work with a good real estate agent or investor who knows your goals and timeline. And be realistic with your pricing. Review local comps, or recently sold homes like yours in the area, so you can make sure you’re not pricing too high or too low.
If your property needs work, tackle what you can. Even minor repairs or cosmetic updates can add value to your property. Above all, keep your home clean and show-ready because first impressions matter.
At Four 19 Properties, we know this can feel overwhelming, especially if your house needs repairs, you’re on a tight timeline, or the sale has fallen through once before.
It’s why we offer flexible, fast, and fair options for homeowners across Texas, including those looking to sell fast in Fort Worth and Houston. Whether you’re putting your trust in tradition or just looking for a path forward, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
Burying a St. Joseph statue may seem like a small act, but it’s a powerful reminder of hope and trust for many homeowners. It’s a way of saying, “I’m not in this alone.” And if you’re trying to sell your home, there’s no harm in asking for his guidance. Just remember, prayer works best when it’s paired with action and a clear plan.
If you’re in Texas and need help selling your house, Four 19 Properties is here to help. Whether you’re moving for a new job, managing a family estate, or simply ready for a change, we’ll turn that “For Sale” sign into a “Sold!” one.
Contact us today and get an offer within 24 hours – it’s that simple!