Have You Outgrown Your Home Office?

Working from home can be a dream come true for many small business owners — flexible schedule, no commute, casual dress code — but the McT Real Estate Group knows it has its drawbacks as well. Sometimes your home office is merely a designated nook, a space in your kitchen, or an extra bedroom that is just too small.

Here are a few indications that you may have outgrown your current home office:

• You’re constantly having to move things in order to get work done.
• Business supplies or equipment are in other areas of the house.
• Noise is a problem.
• In-person meetings need to be held in the kitchen or living room.
• You find it difficult to concentrate.

Remove the Barriers to Productivity

For an optimal work environment, it’s not necessary to have a large home office, but it should be as self-contained as possible, with plenty of room for storage. Ideally, there is room for at least one additional chair, so you can meet with clients or vendors privately, or just to step away from your standard workspace to brainstorm or meditate. In addition, it’s preferable to have your office in a quiet part of the house with a solid door to muffle sounds.

Your desk or work surface should be conducive to your specific job, with the right amount of space and storage. A comfortable, supportive chair makes a huge difference if you spend hours at your desk. You may even want to have a mini-fridge and coffee maker in your office, so you don’t need to make trips to the kitchen throughout the day.

Consider whether your desktop computer or laptop is in need of an upgrade. As more services move to the Cloud and applications grow more powerful and demanding, older models can struggle to keep up. That doesn’t mean you have to shell out a ton of money, however. Discounts and online sales can net you good deals on many models and styles of electronic equipment.

Make the Move

If your office isn’t set up for the success of your business, it may be time to remodel your home or search for a new house that has the kind of office space you need. San Diego real estate is always in demand, so if you’re looking to make the move, it’s best to start the process early and give yourself time to find the best options available.

• Use a mortgage calculator to factor in your household income, debt-to-income ratio, credit score and approximate down payment, so you can determine how much you can afford.
• Apply for mortgage pre-approval before actively searching for a home, so you can jump quickly on the right house when it comes on the market.
• Find a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about your desired area, price point and requirements as a home-based business owner.

Form an LLC

If you haven’t done so already, consider forming an LLC, or limited liability company. As SmartAsset notes, it provides legal protection for your personal assets and avoids double taxation, because your business income isn’t taxed before you draw personal income from it. An LLC has more flexibility and requires less paperwork than a corporation. Best of all, you don’t need a lawyer to facilitate the process. Skip an attorney’s fees by completing the process yourself online through a formation service. Rules for forming an LLC vary by state, so make sure you know the local regulations before proceeding.

Your home office is “command central” for your livelihood, so it should work as hard for you as you do for your business. If your current space is hampering your productivity or frustrating your efforts, it might be the right time to explore new options. Connect with McT Real Estate Group for help in finding the right space to help take your personal and professional life to the next level!