A Cheat Sheet For First-Timers

Moving Your Home And Office: A Cheat Sheet For First-Timers


If you’re getting ready to start your first business and need to buy a new home to do so, don’t be alarmed. It’s not as scary as it might seem if you have the right help along the way. And, as with all things, information is power, and there are a few things to know now that will help you launch your business and move at the same time without undue stress.


Know your community.


First things first: know your community. Not all neighborhoods in Palm Beach County welcome home businesses. Helen McCulloch can help you choose a home in a city that allows home businesses; she can also help you check homeowner association rules. This is crucial if you plan to have foot traffic coming in and out of your property. As your real estate agent, Helen can also help you find a location with lower taxes and that has amenities that are beneficial for your personal life and your business.


Prepare your finances.


Next, take a look at your financial situation. Chances are, you’re buying a new home because your current home or apartment just isn’t big enough to live and work at the same time. This means you’re likely to spend more money than you're currently paying. Use an online calculator to help determine what you can actually afford, and then get pre-approved so you can quickly make an offer. Look for homes online to get an idea of how much home you can get for the money you spend. Just before you get ready to buy, double-check your credit score. When it’s time to make an offer, Helen can help you come up with a fair number by researching comparable homes in the area.


Protect your new real estate.


Obviously, you’ll need home insurance as part of your mortgage agreement. But, this is not the only way to protect your new real estate investment. When you run a business, you also want to establish an LLC. Essentially, an LLC is a business structure that puts a buffer between your personal property and any legal action taken against you by clients. It is not a difficult process, and you can do it yourself online without the hassle or expense of an attorney. Another way to protect your business is to invest in business insurance. Progressive explains that the four types of business insurance are Worker’s Compensation, Business Owner's Policy, General Liability, and Professional Liability.


Get your business license.


It’s also important to register as a business. You’ll want to start by contacting your county tax collector to confirm whether or not you need a license. Don’t forget to register with the state Department of Revenue as well as the IRS and Department of State if you plan to register under a fictitious name or corporate entity.


Hire a moving company.


Many people choose to handle their moves themselves. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, hiring a moving company can help take some stress off your plate. Finding the right movers will ensure that you can maintain your attention on your business. To hire a moving company, Move.org suggests first deciding whether you want a full-service mover or if you’d rather do some of the legwork yourself. You also want to check references and verify the company’s license. Most importantly, choose a company based on its capabilities and reputation rather than price alone.


Moving is stressful. Starting a business is stressful. When you are doing both at the same time, your anxiety levels can quickly shoot through the roof. But, if you arm yourself with information, have the right realtor and moving company on your side, and know the steps to getting started from day one, you’ll be in a much better position to make your move a worry-free experience as both a home and business owner.


Helen McCulloch is your local real estate connection and an expert in the area. Her strong negotiation skills and ability to understand your needs make her the prime choice when it’s time to buy a home.