In this post, we are going to review some of our top tips on how to stage your home office for in-person visits and also virtual visits.
The pandemic has introduced many challenges, but it has also opened the door to many opportunities. For example, budding entrepreneurs have been given the chance to follow their dreams.
As the number of small businesses and startups has increased, the work-from-home economy has boomed. The home office has become the location for safe client and customer interactions, as well as the backdrop for virtual meetings.
Is your home office staged professionally? Make sure to visit the Agent Marketing Essentials Real Estate blog for more real estate insights and resources.
Safety Tips for In-Person Home Office Visits
Some clients may feel uncomfortable visiting a busy office. The home office is the perfect solution, where clients feel less threatened by the risk of contamination. There are a few additional tips to help to put their mind at ease.
● Open windows and let fresh air flow through the office.
● Wear masks to reduce potential transmission of the virus.
● Use UV in the HVAC system to kill the DNA of germs, viruses, mold, and bacteria.
● Install non-contactable technologies to minimize contact, such as invoicing and
payment software.
● Invest in ergonomic furniture for optimal comfort and improved posture.
● Consider a fire safety protocol in the event of an emergency.
● Make hand sanitizer readily available as an added effort for hygiene.
Each of these tips can help create a safe and comfortable space. Being considerate of a client’s concerns will boost their confidence.
Staging the Virtual Scene
Did you know that Zoom has 300 million daily meeting participants?
The staggering figure is a 2900% increase since December 2019. There’s a good chance that you’ll use some form of the virtual meeting room when working from a home office
It’s important to present a professional image when signing in. Here are a few tips to consider before joining the next meeting.
● Focus on home office lighting and make sure that you are clearly visible.
● Keep private belongings clear from the background to maintain a level of professionalism.
● Make the background clean and tidy or use a blank wall as a backdrop.
● Dress appropriately even if it means you’re wearing slacks below the waistline.
● Angle the camera so that you are clearly framed and easy to view.
● Test your Zoom settings before joining the meeting.
Legal Protection for Your Home Office
Attending meetings isn’t the only event that happens in the home office.
When you run your business from your living room, spare room, or office, it becomes an asset.
Make sure that you protect your assets from litigation.
One of the most effective ways is to establish a limited liability company (LLC) for your home-based business.
Zenbusiness.com offers professional guidance on different state regulations, without the hefty lawyer fees. When your home office is protected, you’re able to work with confidence and certainty.
Planning for the Future
Life is full of changes and challenges. Consider that most business owners have a plan to grow. In some instances, this may mean that you’ll outgrow your home office space.
Perhaps you move home and lose your home office in the process.
However, having an established home office space is one of the many ways you can increase your home’s appraisal value.
Research suggests that adding a home office to your property can increase the value by up to 10%.
To make the most of the opportunity, it’s a good idea to take before and after pictures of the home office space.
Photographs make it easier to track improvements and showcase the effort that you’ve made to improve the value.
We hope you have enjoyed these tips on how to stage your home office. Let us know your thoughts or if we missed anything in the comments!
About The Author: This article was researched and published by Tim Schroeder. As a husband and wife real estate team residing in Florida, Tim Schroeder brings deep expertise with over 8 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent.
Deb and Tim Schroeder have earned numerous real estate industry awards and recognitions. They have been recognized by Orlando Magazine as a “Top 100 Real Estate Professional” as well as earned Top Producer Designations with the Orlando Realtor Association for 6 years straight.