Article written by Patrick Young
When starting a new home business, you may run into problems fitting your entrepreneurial goals into your current home. There’s no reason to let that keep you from achieving your dreams, though. Follow these steps and you’ll soon find yourself—and your business—in the home that’s right for you.
Determining Your Business Goals
Buying a new home is a big undertaking, and planning to run your business out of it makes it even more important to know exactly what you need. Depending on the type of business you are planning on starting, you may need to prioritize different aspects of a home.
For instance, the amount of space needed to devote to the business is different for someone who is running an Etsy shop out of their home for which they must craft and then store products than for someone who is designing websites and can contain their workstation to a desk. Take into consideration any future expansions you might like to make when looking at square footage and number of rooms.
One thing most likely needs to be kept high on the list regardless of your specific business: access to high-speed internet. Broadband availability can vary wildly from place to place, so check the available internet providers in the area you are interested in to ensure your home business will have the internet speeds it needs to be successful.
Keeping Your Home and Business Safe
When home and business are one, prioritizing security is vital. Home security systems are more accessible than ever, with effective ones available for every circumstance. Whether you would like a simpler self-monitored systemor a more extensive professional monitoring, you can easily find and obtain a security solution that works well for you and your business.
Just as your physical property should be protected, you should also protect your internet activity. Cyber attacks on small businesses are increasing, so it is in your best interest to invest in antivirus software and a virtual private network. VPNs protect a business’s private data by encrypting everything entering and leaving your network so hackers are unable to retrieve your important information.
Another way to protect yourself is by forming a limited liability company. As the name suggests, your personal liability is limited with an LLC. There is less paperwork and more flexibility than other structures, and there are tax benefits as well that allow you to streamline the filing process. You no longer have to shell out big bucks to a lawyer to process it for you, either. You can form your Florida LLC and file yourself with the help of a low-cost service available online.
Securing Your Loan
If you don’t have a preferred bank, it’s worthwhile to look at online options for your loan pre-approval. Review websites offer thorough reviews about available lenders and can help you determine which one is right for you and your business to work with. With a little information, you can be on your way to loan pre-approval within minutes.
Finding Your Perfect Home
The internet makes it easier than ever to find your ideal home. Real estate sites allow you to narrow your search by community, price, bedroom number, and more. Look at an area's average home prices before choosing a neighborhood, as your budget helps determine where you and your business are best off going.
Running a business from home can be daunting, but getting the perfect home for you and your business doesn’t have to be. All you need is a clear understanding of what’s best for your business and the steps it takes to get there. Putting that knowledge to work for you will land you in your dream home in no time.
