Feng shui has thrived in China for many hundreds of years, but this design philosophy has only recently made a splash in real estate. Feng shui, which translates literally as "wind-water," promotes well-being by rearranging how chi, or energy, flows through a home. It literaly translates as "flow." Nearly everyone can intuitively recognize good 'flow' when they enter a room.

The concept has gained popularity in the United States during the past 30 years, and now frustrated home sellers are using feng shui to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers. Could feng shui help you recognize a good home to buy? The answer is yes, especially if you use your imagination to figure out how you could improve upon what is there.

 1. Look for a welcoming front door. Energy enters your home at the front door, so invite it in! Make your door stand out by painting it a color that contrasts with your home, adding a new welcome mat and flanking the door with plants. This is an easy fix with paint and plants if the seller has not tended to this aspect of curb appeal.

2. Notice the "room of first impression." Buyers generally decide whether they will buy a home in the first eight seconds they spend there, so you want them to see the best room first. With any luck, the seller will have created a clear path to this room with a runner rug or with eye-catching art and accessories.

3.  See how you might rearrange your own furniture in the space to improve chi, or 'flow. A furniture arrangement can make or break the flow of energy in the room. If the back of a sofa faces the room's entrance, energy bounces right out. Facing a comfortable sofa or love seat toward the entrance of the room will improve energy flow and make buyers feel welcome.