Prayer to St. Joseph for Selling a House
If you're struggling to sell your home, you're not alone—and there's a beloved Catholic tradition that has helped countless families. Praying to St. Joseph for help selling a house is one of the most popular devotions associated with this great saint, and for good reason: it works.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of families, homes, and real estate matters. As the protector of the Holy Family, he understands the importance of shelter and the stress that comes with housing transitions. Whether you're relocating for a job, downsizing, or simply need to sell quickly, St. Joseph stands ready to intercede on your behalf.
This page provides the complete prayer to St. Joseph for selling a house, explains the famous "burying the statue" tradition, and shares real testimonials from people who have experienced success through this devotion.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Selling a House
Begin with the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O St. Joseph, you who protected and provided for the Holy Family, I turn to you in my present need.
You know the stress and anxiety that comes with selling a home. You experienced the uncertainty of travel and finding shelter when you fled to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus. You understand what it means to need a safe place for your family.
I ask for your powerful intercession to help me sell this house. Please guide the right buyer to us—someone who will love and care for this home as we have. Remove any obstacles that stand in the way of a fair and timely sale.
Grant us patience during this waiting period. Help us to trust in God's perfect timing. Give us wisdom in all negotiations and decisions.
I trust in your powerful intercession, dear St. Joseph, for you never fail those who seek your help with faith. Please present our needs before the throne of God.
St. Joseph, Guardian of the Home, pray for us!
Amen.
End with the Sign of the Cross
The St. Joseph Statue Burial Tradition
One of the most well-known Catholic traditions for selling a house involves burying a statue of St. Joseph on the property. While this practice isn't officially sanctioned by the Church, it has been passed down through generations and many Catholics (and non-Catholics!) swear by its effectiveness.
The History
The tradition is believed to have originated with St. Teresa of Ávila in the 16th century. When her order needed land for a new convent, she buried medals of St. Joseph on the property and prayed for his intercession. The land was acquired, and the practice spread. Over time, the medals evolved into statues, and the tradition became associated with selling homes.
Important Understanding
The statue itself has no magical power. This is not superstition—it's a sacramental practice. The statue serves as a physical reminder to pray daily to St. Joseph for help selling your home. The power comes from prayer and St. Joseph's intercession, not from the object itself.
What the Tradition Involves
- Purchasing or obtaining a small St. Joseph statue (often sold in "home selling kits")
- Burying the statue on the property, traditionally upside down
- Praying to St. Joseph daily until the house sells
- Digging up the statue after the sale and giving it a place of honor in your new home
Step-by-Step Guide to the St. Joseph Home Selling Tradition
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Obtain a St. Joseph Statue
You can find St. Joseph statues at Catholic stores, online retailers, or sometimes even at your local church. Some kits come with the statue, prayer card, and instructions. The size doesn't matter—small statues (3-4 inches) are most common.
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Choose a Location
Traditional placement: Bury the statue upside down, facing the house, in the front yard. Many place it near the "For Sale" sign or close to the street. Others bury it in the backyard. The exact location matters less than the prayer that accompanies it.
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Bury the Statue with Prayer
As you bury the statue, pray the prayer above or the Novena to St. Joseph. Ask for his intercession in finding the right buyer. Make a commitment to pray daily until the house sells.
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Pray Daily
This is the most important step. Say the prayer to St. Joseph for selling your house every day. Some people pray a full 9-day novena, others continue daily prayer for as long as it takes. Consistency matters.
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After the Sale
Once your house sells, dig up the statue and bring it with you to your new home. Give St. Joseph a place of honor—on a mantle, bookshelf, or prayer corner. Thank him for his intercession. Never throw the statue away.
If You Can't Bury the Statue
If you live in an apartment, condo, or cannot bury a statue for any reason, you can place the statue in a window facing the street, or in a prominent location in your home. The burial is traditional but not essential—what matters most is faithful prayer.
Success Stories: Homes Sold Through St. Joseph's Intercession
"Our house was on the market for 14 months with only two showings. Our realtor was ready to give up. My mother-in-law gave us a St. Joseph statue and told us to bury it and pray. We were skeptical but desperate. We buried the statue on a Saturday and prayed every day. That Thursday, we had a showing. By Friday, we had a full-price offer. I will never doubt St. Joseph again."
— The Johnson Family, Atlanta, GA
"I'm not even Catholic, but a Catholic coworker told me about St. Joseph when she heard about our home selling difficulties. I figured it couldn't hurt. I buried the statue and said the prayer daily, asking St. Joseph to help us if it was God's will. Our house sold in 11 days after being on the market for 8 months. Coincidence? I don't think so."
— Michael P., Denver, CO
"We needed to relocate for my husband's job and had only 60 days to sell our house in a slow market. We buried St. Joseph the day we listed. We had five showings the first weekend and two offers by Monday. We accepted an offer $5,000 over asking price. St. Joseph came through!"
— Sarah and Tom K., Minneapolis, MN
9-Day Novena to St. Joseph for Selling Your Home
For those who want a more intensive prayer practice, consider praying a novena (nine consecutive days) specifically for the sale of your home. You can use the prayer above each day, or pray the full Novena to St. Joseph with your home sale as your specific intention.
Simple Daily Novena Prayer
Day [1-9]: St. Joseph, I come to you again today, asking for your continued intercession in selling our home. You who found shelter for the Holy Family, help us find the right buyer for our house. Guide this process according to God's will. We trust in your powerful prayers. St. Joseph, pray for us! Amen.
After completing the novena, continue with daily prayer until your home sells. Many report that their homes sell during the novena or shortly after its completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does burying a St. Joseph statue really help sell a house?
Many Catholics and non-Catholics alike have reported success with this tradition. However, it's important to understand that the statue itself has no magical power. The tradition is effective because it represents a commitment to prayer and asking for St. Joseph's intercession. The burying of the statue is a physical reminder to pray daily until the house sells.
Where should I bury the St. Joseph statue?
Traditional practice suggests burying the statue upside down, facing the house, near the "For Sale" sign or close to the road. Some bury it in the front yard, others in the backyard. The most important element is not the exact location but the prayer that accompanies it. If you cannot bury the statue (such as in an apartment), you can place it in a prominent location and pray daily.
What should I do with the statue after the house sells?
After your house sells, dig up the statue and bring it to your new home as a sign of gratitude. Many people give the statue a place of honor in their new residence. Some choose to pass the statue along to another person trying to sell their home, sharing the blessing. Never throw the statue away—treat it with reverence.
Is this practice superstitious?
While the Church has not officially endorsed this specific tradition, it is not superstition when understood correctly. The power comes from prayer and St. Joseph's intercession, not from the statue itself. The statue is a sacramental—a physical reminder of our spiritual request. Just as we use rosary beads or holy water, the statue helps focus our prayer.
Do I have to be Catholic for this to work?
No. St. Joseph intercedes for anyone who asks for his help with faith. Many non-Catholics have reported success with this devotion. What matters is approaching the prayer with sincerity and trust in God's providence. St. Joseph's role as protector extends to all who seek his aid.
How long does it usually take to sell after starting the devotion?
Results vary widely. Some people report sales within days, others within weeks. The timing is ultimately in God's hands. What the tradition ensures is that you're actively praying during the process, which brings peace and helps you trust in God's plan even when the waiting is difficult.