Article by Tina Martin

Are you thinking about ditching the expensive office rental and bringing your business home? If so, you’re part of an ever growing trend for home-based businesses. Currently, there are approximately 15 million businesses in the United States that are based at home, according to Fundera. To set yourself—and your business—up for success, start with this important information from Sandra Sells the Shore:

Determine Direction

There are two types of directions you need to consider as you formulate your business plan: one is the figurative direction of your business, and the other is the literal direction of where you want to live. Determine things like how much parking your new place will need, whether clients or delivery trucks will come and go, and whether manufacturing will be involved.

Also think through your personal lifestyle and preferences, and how that impacts your house hunting. Do you need separate areas for family versus business, or can the two parts of your life intermingle? What home features are must haves, and what can you sacrifice to meet your business’s needs? On the flip side, are there concessions you’re willing to make to ensure your family is happy?

Understand Legalities

While home-based businesses are very popular, that doesn’t mean you can simply move into a new house and set up shop. Different areas in every community are designated for different purposes, and some communities don’t allow businesses to run from residences. Some are more lenient, and some require special permits, licensing, and so forth. That means that before you get your heart set on a property, you need to check zoning and local regulations.

If you’re starting a new business, forming a Delaware LLC has several benefits. These include limited liability, less paperwork, tax advantages and flexibility. Keep in mind that states have different regulations for forming an LLC, so you should always check your state’s rules before forging ahead. You can also avoid hefty lawyer fees by using a formation service to do the legal legwork for you.

Access to More Information

You may think you can find a home with a good office space pretty easily, but you’d be surprised to discover how quickly homes are selling these days. Without the inside scoop or information on homes that aren’t listed on popular websites, you could miss out on an opportunity to purchase a home that’s exactly what you need and want.

Since many professionals are looking for homes with office spaces, they tend to go particularly fast. A real estate agent has access to more information than you have, including listings that aren’t widely publicized. She can help you gain access to homes you probably wouldn’t see otherwise. What’s more, she can bring her personal experience and expertise to your situation, which equates to exceptional negotiation skills, knowledge of neighborhoods, and awareness of local restrictions.

Rethink Your Space

Depending on your situation, it may be much more feasible to renovate your current home and create an office space that matches your needs perfectly. But unless you have construction or interior design experience, you probably don’t know how to do the renovation on your own.

Fortunately, there are many real estate agents who are becoming better at offering hybrid advice for both buying and remodeling. If you’d rather add an office to your current home than purchase a new home, look for a real estate agent who can help you save money while doing so.

Real estate agents see a wide variety of floor plans during their careers and can help you decide what type of renovations will best suit your needs as a home-based business owner. They can also help you navigate complicated requirements, such as getting a building permit and refinancing.

Reasons Galore

As Accion explains, there are many reasons to say no to the standard commercial office business setting and search for a home with an office, including tax benefits, less wear-and tear on your vehicle, more control over your schedule and lower startup costs. If your home doesn’t have enough space for a decent office, you may be thinking about moving or renovating your home. Or you may be considering custom-building a new home. Whatever you decide, be sure to connect with Sandra Sells the Shore to ensure your success.