Housewarming traditions from around the globe

The saying goes that all real estate is local, but that does not mean that all homebuyers are local. According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of International Homebuyers, global buyers spent an estimated $104 billion on housing in 2014, an increase of more than $10 billion from the previous year.

“We live in an international marketplace, and Orlando real estate is extremely attractive to foreign buyers,” says Orlando Regional Realtor Association President Sharon Voss, of Watson Realty Corp. “International buyers recognize the Orlando area’s attractive prices, and the economic stability and well-defined property rights of the United States are considered important factors in creating an amazing opportunity for investment.”

As more international buyers become a part of the fabric of Orlando’s communities, they bring with them their many traditions and customs – including those that go along with moving into a new home.

Here are a few common housewarming traditions from around the globe that you can use to welcome new international homeowners to your neighborhood.

Russia: According to Russian custom, a cat should cross over the threshold of the new home before anyone else enters. This is said to ensure that the homeowners will have a happy and prosperous life.

Thailand: Thai tradition dictates that visitors should bring a new homeowner three items – rice, water and a knife. The rice and water are so that food will always be plentiful and the homeowner will know prosperity, and the knife is to protect them from any evil spirits. There is also a traditional ceremony known as “Sen Wai Jour Teen,” during which the homeowner asks the “Lord of the Land” and any restless ghosts and spirits in the vicinity for protection through an offering of food and water, flowers, and incense.

China: Before moving into a new home, Chinese custom is to shine a light in every corner, closet and wardrobe of the house. This is said to let any lingering spirits know that it is time to leave and how to find the way outside.

France: When construction of a new home is finished, the French throw a traditional party called the “pendre la cremaillere,” literally meaning, “to hang the chimney hook.” The phrase comes from medieval times when it was customary to invite over everyone who took part in the building of the house and eat dinner as a gesture of thanks. The food would be cooked in a large pot over a fire, where the chimney hook could be used to raise or lower the pot to heat or cool the food.

India: In India, it is considered lucky to move into a new house on Thursday, while Friday and Saturday are the unluckiest days to move. There is also the ceremonial housewarming known as “Grinha Pravesh,” during which, in some parts of the country, a cow is allowed to walk through the house first, bringing good fortune to the homeowners.

Buying a home in a foreign country can by a complicated and trying process, and Realtors have the expertise to serve clients in a variety of international real estate transactions. For more information, visit orlandorealtors.org