The Remote Worker’s Guide to Buying in Boise
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Remote work is fueling the Treasure Valley’s growth as workers leave high-priced areas for livable cities like Boise, Eagle, and Meridian. While remote work offers an escape from cramped cities and long commutes, it does present a new challenge to homeowners: finding space to live and work at home.
Whether you’re working remotely for an employer or running a small business from home, you need a well-equipped office where you can get work done away from the distractions of daily life.
Karen Boos is dedicated to helping every buyer find their perfect home. However, it’s important to know what to expect when searching for a home office property in the Boise area.
How to buy or build your Boise dream home
The simplest solution is to buy a house with a turnkey home office. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done — especially in a housing market as hot as Boise. Home prices in Boise have skyrocketed since January 2020. In June 2021, Ada County homes spent only 10 days on the market on average, with many receiving multiple offers within 24 hours.
That doesn’t give buyers much leeway when searching for their dream home. If you do find a home with a flex room, dual master suites, accessory dwelling unit, or other office-friendly floor plan, move quickly with a competitive offer. Pre-approval, few to no contingencies, and an escalation clause increase your odds of success.
Alternatively, buyers can purchase a new home. Buying new construction gives you the option to customize and make upgrades like wood floors instead of carpet and additional wiring in your home office. However, new construction buyers should be prepared for higher costs due to the current lumber shortage. The price of lumber has risen dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, driving up new home prices around the country.
Getting creative with home office renovations
Are you struggling to get an offer accepted? If you keep getting outbid, it may be time to adjust your “must-have” list. Buyers who are willing to renovate have more options in Boise’s limited housing inventory. Instead of ruling out houses that are too small or lack a spare room, envision how you can adapt a space to meet your needs.
Garage conversions are one popular solution for home business owners. A garage offers more square footage for business equipment, inventory, and meeting space than the typical spare room. You can convert raw space into a functional home office by adding heating and cooling, installing lighting, finishing the walls and floors, and building a private entrance. Keep in mind, however, that since you’ll be storing valuable equipment and client information, it’s a good idea to add some smart home security features to your garage, such as a video camera and an alarm that notifies your smartphone if someone tries to enter while the system is activated. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Home business owners can deduct office renovations when filing annual business taxes. However, you’ll need to track business expenses separately from other home renovations. The most foolproof way to do this is setting up your home business as an LLC with its own financial accounts so you never mingle personal and business expenses. Depending on where you’re from, you’ll likely find forming an Idaho LLC to be a quick and painless process.
What else to know about working from home in Boise
You may have limited internet options depending on where you buy. If high speeds are a priority, look in neighborhoods with fiber internet service.
Expect delays when renovating your home. Local contractors are working hard to keep up with the construction boom but often have waiting lists. Know what you can DIY and plan ahead for what you can’t.
Need a space to work while setting up your home office? Boise is home to several co-working spaces including Trailhead and Wheelhouse.
With its safe neighborhoods, abundant recreation, and booming business economy, the Boise area is an ideal place to put down roots as a remote worker or home business owner. However, finding your perfect home in Ada County is no easy task — and certainly not one you want to tackle alone! When you’re ready to buy your Boise dream home, let Realtor Karen Boos lead the way with local insights and expert advice for Treasure Valley homebuyers.