Buy A House? Start A Business? Big Things You Can Do From Home
Even before the pandemic, people have already been doing big things from the comfort of their homes, like starting a business. But when the pandemic struck, we learned that there are countless more things we can do without ever leaving.
When the lockdowns began this time last year, we were all bummed because we didn’t think we could do much from home. We only worked, watched the news, and scrolled on our feeds all day. When we got bored, only mobile games and Netflix had entertained us.
Now, a year later, we’ve probably discovered that there are countless more things we could do without leaving the comfort of our abodes. From ordering food to selling baked goods, our homes turned out to have shocking potentials for productivity.
That said, let’s list down some major things we normally did outside the house, which we now do from our couches or beds:
1. Start A Business
Yes, we all know about home-based businesses, but what you may not know yet is how to apply for business licenses online. Before the pandemic, entrepreneurs usually made personal visits to various government agencies to register their businesses. But you can just visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to find out what you need to do, step-by-step.
You may not even need a business license yet until you reach a specific revenue threshold. However, just to be certain, look up your location on SBA’s website. There, you’d find the specific permits and licenses you need to get started.
2. Host A Party
Homes have always been used as a party venue for ages, but in the time of COVID, people literally partied from their respective homes. Split-screen communications became the norm even for friends and romantic relationships that aren’t long distances.
For several months, Zoom parties were a trend. Even until now, despite the vaccines having been rolled out. So long as the virus remains at large, people won’t be hosting face-to-face parties.
What makes Zoom parties so interesting is that you can keep your mic on mute, and still have fun. After all, a PC’s mic can pick up background noises, which can ruin the mood of your virtual party. But sometimes, forgetting to mute down your mic results in hilarious accidents. From your dog barking to a family member shouting something embarrassing, Zoom bloopers make fun stories to tell.
3. Spa
One of the trends that boomed during the pandemic was at-home self-care. People were encouraged to turn their homes into a spa, because long baths and aromatherapy help soothe stress. And we had a lot of stress during the lockdowns.
If you think a tub is required to have a quality spa day at home, you couldn’t be more mistaken. You don’t need a bath to enjoy a relaxing spa. Your shower can serve you just as luxuriously.
Did you know that there’s such a thing called a “shower bomb”? Yes, it’s exactly the shower version of a bath bomb. Just place it in the shower and let it diffuse the essential oils it’s packed with. To make their effects run slower and therefore longer, place the shower bomb in a mesh pouch and hang it from the faucet. But if you prefer its olfactory benefits bursting out at once, place them on the shower floor as you bathe.
Upgrading your shower head may also be necessary to make the water flow more soothing. The ideal spa shower head is one with water filters and massage capabilities. If you have room for one more shower head, consider a rain shower. It’d make every bathing experience resort-like.
4. Buy A Home
You no longer need to visit a bank to inquire about mortgages. Just look for the best home loans on the internet, and you can spot the right deal for you. Buying a home remotely has been a practice even before the pandemic, but it became increasingly common due to the strict health protocols in place.
You can even hire a real estate agent remotely. It is, in fact, wise to work with an agent if it’s your first-time buying a home from home. Agents with an extensive experience in remote home-buying can help you complete each process with minimal hassle. They can perform ocular visits on your behalf, or assist you in touring a home virtually.
Buying a home remotely isn’t just beneficial during the pandemic. It’s also convenient, especially if you live out-of-town, and the home you’re planning to buy is located in the metro or suburbs. If you just don’t have the luxury of time, a remote agent can do most of the legwork, and all that’s left for you to do is review home inspection results and contract terms.
We’re quite fortunate that COVID-19 happened at the peak of technology. If it happened twenty years earlier, the economy could’ve crashed way worse. While there’s nothing to thank for with the lives lost and the businesses that were closed, there are still some blessings to appreciate, such as the tools we have for performing important tasks remotely.