September 6th - 2004

Make your home office work for you

Many REALTORS find keeping office space at home along with some key mobile technology gives them precisely the flexibility required to run a successful real estate business.

Many REALTORS find keeping office space at home along with some key mobile technology gives them precisely the flexibility required to run a successful real estate business. If you are considering setting up a home office, there are some practical design elements to keep in mind.

First of all, like any design or decorating project, you will need to plan your workspace. It sounds simple, but taking the time to think about all the ways you will use your office space will allow you to make the most of it. Where in your home will your office be located? How large is the space? What practical functions will you perform? Will your office have a dual purpose such as also acting as a guest room? Will any files contain personal or confidential information? Privacy compliance requires that be kept secure and non-accessible to any others. These are some of the key questions to help you plan. Check with your local office supply store for more space planning ideas and tips.

Next, think about your office technology. Most home offices require at least a PC, a printer, a phone and a fax machine. Do you already have phone and cable lines accessible or will you need to have them installed and/or moved from another location? Also, consider how your mobile technology will work with your stationary items. According to a recent NAR Centre for REALTOR Technology survey, the technology REALTORS rely on most includes: cell phones, the Internet, laptop computers, PC’s and digital cameras.

Once you have your plan in mind, here are some other home office design considerations:

Arrange your work area in an L or U shape. This way you'll have all your important items within easy reach.

Consider a computer armoire. If you don't want your home office design to look like an office or if the space doubles as a guest bedroom, a computer armoire would be perfect. It will hide computer equipment, save on space, and make a beautiful furniture addition… perhaps even a focal point. You'll also have extra space for a wall bed or a daybed.

Install the right lighting. You'll want a desk lamp so that you have adequate task lighting, and a second lamp or built-in lighting fixtures for general lighting.

Invest in a comfortable chair. If you plan on spending lots of hours at your desk make sure that you get a comfortable chair with adequate back support. Consider one that swivels if you'll be turning to retrieve papers or to answer the phone.

Install sufficient shelving. You'll need shelving for reference books and to display collectibles and personal items. Built-in shelving would be an excellent space-saving choice, but there are plenty of quality assemble-it-yourself options.

Consider modular storage pieces. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from stackable cubes to shelves and have optional lids, doors and drawers.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

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