Donna Marinacci - Realty feng shui

Real estate deals are rarely executed quickly. Negotiating the terms and conditions of a sale, lease or construction project can be a lengthy process. In addition to essential legal aspects, for some there are more esoteric factors to also consider. Welcome to the world of feng shui - the ancient Chinese art of placement. This long-standing practice of positioning objects, rooms, buildings and communities has grown in popularity over the years. Once a consideration for only a few many now look to this custom to enhance the flow of energy, or chi, within a given space. Initially utilized with residential properties, offices and retail spaces as well as larger developments are incorporating feng shui principles into the negotiation, contract and design phases of a deal or project. Choices are made at the outset as with site planning or orientation or further along in the process when selecting paint colors or determining the placement of objects. More intricate options include re-positioning a building's entryway or ensuring precise measurements of a space that correspond to auspicious numbers, such as the number eight. Further, the timing of a contract or lease signing or closing may coincide with days that are more favorable than others. Feng shui principles have been used successfully by Donald Trump, Barbara Corcoran and Liz Claiborne to name a few. So, in conjunction with legal and business aspects one may wish to consider the placement of feng shui in a real estate deal or project as well. Donna Marinacci is an attorney, arbitrator and mediator in Rhinebeck, N.Y.