Even before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, there was already an increase in employees ditching the 9-5 to build their own business from home. Having a home-based business is the perfect solution for those who want the flexibility and empowerment that comes with entrepreneurship. However, to run your home-based business successfully, one thing you need first is the ideal home environment.

Should You Buy?

All kinds of life changes lead people to evaluate whether they’ve outgrown their home, and that includes the need for a home office. Of course, outgrowing your space is only one of many factors that determine whether you should buy a new home. There’s also the question of where you want to live. According to Forbes, the work-from-home trend has led more people to make the shift from city-dwelling to suburban and rural areas because they no longer have to worry about commuting.

Then there are the practical considerations, like setting a budget and making sure you know the steps that go into buying a home. The first thing you should do is calculate how much home you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan. This step is essential because it ensures you search in the right price range, plus you’ll be prepared to make an offer when you find a home you like. You’ll probably want to start searching for homes online, but when you’re ready to search in earnest, it’s smart to work with an agent like Paula Chambers who can answer all of your questions and guide you through the process.

It’s also important to realize that issues can pop up if you aren’t careful. That’s why it’s smart to get an idea of a home’s value before making an offer, rather than waiting to have an appraisal once you’re further along in the process. The good news is that this step is easy to do yourself by visiting Windermere Real Estate and finding the instant market value of your home.

Home Office Essentials

There’s more than one way to get your dream home office. Maybe buying or building a new home is in your future, or you may decide to stick with your current space. Either way, make sure to prioritize these home office essentials.

Tech Necessities

You know better than anyone which tech devices your business needs, but what you don’t want to do is try and get by with subpar quality. If you do any business online, having a fast and reliable internet connection is an absolute must. Don’t worry if you live in a rural area that doesn’t have broadband because companies like Verizon provide high-speed WiFi that you can access from just about anywhere. Along with getting reliable internet, make sure you invest in anything else you need to work effectively from home, such as headphones for making phone calls (and keeping ambient noise out).

A Dedicated Space

As TechRadar explains, there isn’t exactly a best space for your home office, but some spots work better than others. The ideal setup is to use a spare room or convert another space like your garage. If a spare room isn’t available, the next best thing is to carve out a niche, whether in your kitchen, sunroom, or an upstairs landing, that you can use as a dedicated office space.

Design for Form and Function

Practically speaking, you need a good desk setup, storage to keep clutter at bay, a comfortable chair, and plenty of lighting. And as important as these functional features are, don’t underestimate the importance of aesthetics. Adding artwork, plants, and even choosing the right wall color can make all the difference in keeping you motivated and productive.

The great thing about having a home office is that you get to set it up the way YOU want it. With a little creativity, you may be able to achieve this goal right where you are. But if you look around and decide your space just won’t cut it, Paula Chambers will be there to help you find the perfect new place for growing your home-based business.