Remote Work’s Influence on Your Real Estate Business: The Demand for Home Offices

Crystal 

Walker

Content Writer

Over the past few years, the work environment has been reshaped significantly, with remote work becoming the new normal for many. For those in the real estate industry, this shift presents an opportunity to cater to an oft requested demand: homes with office space. With more people clocking in at home, the desire for built in or adaptable home office setups is more common. As an agent, understanding and knowing how to market these features makes your listings more appealing to your clients.

The Surge of Home Office Demand

Prior to the pandemic, the majority of us couldn’t imagine a work shift that didn’t involve a commute. Occasional work from home days existed, but typically didn’t require any consideration regarding our home layout. 2020 left companies searching for ways to stay productive during unprecedented times, and, as a result, we saw the number of remote workers increase by the millions. In the years since, many employees are still operating remotely, making having a dedicated work area a necessity. 

Being an agent means knowing your clients’ needs, which will put you on the path to more sales and more client referrals. Buyers are seeking homes that allow them to work comfortably and without interruptions. Whether it’s a separate room or a quiet nook tucked away in a corner, homes that provide the capability to work from home are seen as more attractive to many of your buyers. 

What Kind of Spaces Can You Market?

When creating listings and/or showing homes to buyers, focusing on the home office potential is of modern importance. A professional space can take on many forms, and you want to help your client envision the ways in which one can be created. Spare bedrooms are the obvious first choice, with a few inexpensive upgrades like shelving and lighting being all that’s needed. A finished basement or attic can also make for a convenient work environment. Don’t overlook smaller spaces, like nooks and alcoves, which can still provide a compact, but sufficient place to be productive. 

Buyers want functionality and comfort, so it’s up to you to show them how the options will work for them. This can be as simple as incorporating a small desk and chair into your home staging or using virtual tour technology to show what rooms would look like converted to an office. 

Emphasize the Benefits of a Home Office

Many of your clients will tell you firsthand, having a home office isn’t just a “would be nice”, it’s a necessity. When marketing a property, don’t neglect to highlight the advantages. Use phrases like “flexible workspace” or “home office ready” to attract buyers. Your listings and showings should tell your clients that you anticipate their needs and are ready to offer solutions. A few benefits to hone in on include:

Better Work/Life Balance

A dedicated office helps people create clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives. They can spend their working hours focusing on the tasks at hand, and leave the space at the end of the day to enjoy their personal hours without work distractions.

Boosted Productivity

When it's time to get into work mode, sitting at the kitchen table among a houseful of interferences won’t do. A quiet, peaceful area is most conducive to productivity and efficiency.

Increased Organization

Having a specific room or area carved out to work also boosts productivity through the ability to customize it to their needs. Installing shelving, file cabinets, bulletin boards, etc. will keep them focused on work and make supplies more accessible, making task completion easier.

Remote Work is Here to Stay

While some companies are pushing for a return to the office, many have embraced the fully remote or hybrid model. This move has changed the way people think about their home spaces and emphasized the desire for a customizable office environment. When you spend so many hours a week on the clock, the ability to picture your ideal setup is a high priority when house hunting. Your job as their agent is to anticipate that need, marketing and showing properties in a way that addresses this huge aspect of their lives. Home office demand is here to stay, and embracing this trend will help you guide your clients to a successful closing.