The Number 13

Oh my its Friday the 13th. Feeling superstitious?

In real estate the number 13 has been an interesting one to avoid by developers and realtors alike.

Next time you enter a building with more than 12 floors, check the elevator panel. Some developers avoid the 13th floor and create a 12A or go directly to the 14th floor. Even if the landlord or developer is not superstitious themselves, they realize that the value of square footage can be adversely impacted by a superstitious tenant. So, do you think this is all crazy tomfoolery and a bunch of hullabaloo? Are you loudly stating out loud or to yourself right now that every building you’ve been in has a 13th floor? Well, based on an internal study by Otis Elevators (click here), an estimated 85% of buildings surveyed with elevators did not have a 13th floor named the 13th floor. Hmmm, makes you think.

Realtors have also been known to move closing dates one day earlier or later than the 13th of the month. Especially in this market where deals are dying at the closing table, every bit of luck for the buyer and seller is needed.

On a brighter note, tomorrow is Valentines Day! So why not buy 12 roses today on the 13th and present them to your lover on the 14th.