Home buyers in Toronto are often on the lookout for the same desirable things: new kitchens, spa bathrooms, parking, etc. However, while these types of features never seem to grow old, new trends pop-up all the time. With the rise of remote workers not just due to the pandemic, but also because more businesses are embracing the work-from-home concept, the dedicated home office is a trend likely here to stay. Here’s why home offices are so important, and how to set one up to help sell your Toronto home.
People Working from Home
Since the pandemic, 40% of Canadians now work from home. However, as high as this might seem, it only represents a 10% increase from numbers prior to the pandemic. This shows that working from home is not directly related to the pandemic, and that demand for home offices will continue, pandemic or not.
Businesses Saving Money
With more people working from home, businesses can save money. They require smaller office space which cuts down on overhead. Some smaller businesses and startups don’t need an office at all. Combine this with increased demand for remote work due to the pandemic and a dedicated home office becomes real estate gold.
Home Offices Sell 9 Days Faster
That might sound crazy, but it’s true. According to realtor.com, listings that include the term “home office” sell an average of nine days faster than the rest of the listed inventory. As a result, sellers should consider ways to incorporate a dedicated workspace when staging their homes.
Setting Up Home Offices to Sell
If you’re ramping up to sell your home in the GTA, here are some tips to help you stage the perfect workstation:
- Create dual-purpose space: While it might be tempting to change that guest bedroom or baby room into a staged office when selling, this could work against you. Since bedrooms always trump rooms with other specific purposes, it might make more sense to create a dual-purpose space. You can swap out a bed for a sleeper sofa, so the room still serves as a guest room. Add a built-in desk if space is limited, or choose a size-appropriate desk that makes the room appear spacious. Or, give your closet a makeover with more shelves and organizers. Show the space is comfortable for guests, yet functional as an office.
- Use wasted space: If you don’t have a dedicated room for an office, look around the house for a space you can commandeer as a workstation. Little nooks under the stairs, a desk centred in a bow or bay window, unused alcoves, stairway landings, or even a desk snuggled into a closet all create perfectly functional workstations.
- Keep existing offices neat: Clear away all clutter to showcase your workspace functionality and create a sense of calm. A neat desk should take centre stage to add some drama and a sense of professionalism. Enhance natural light using neutral window treatments. Set-up a computer and minimize cords and overused wall plugs to show the room accommodates office equipment and has connectivity. Staging musts such as an area rug, wall treatments, a desk lamp, and a nice piece of neutral artwork tie the space together.
Showcasing your workspace makes your home more desirable as demand for home offices grows. If you would like assistance in selling your home in Toronto or the GTA, contact me today. For more tips on preparing your home to sell check out this blog.
Sources:
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/04/09/why-home-office-space-is-more-desirable-than-ever
https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/research-and-markets/statscan-reports-numbers-on-working-from-home/
Photo by Standsome Worklifestyle on Unsplash
