Home-Based office leasing agent

Small and growing businesses looking for space, and sometimes landlords who want a tenant found for a vacant office.

A commission or fee when a lease is signed, often based on a share of the first year's rent. It can come from the landlord, the tenant or both, as agreed in writing. Income is lumpy because it arrives when deals complete.

• Negotiating and selling
• Reading leases and property listings
• Building local business contacts
• Staying organised across several deals

• Acting for a fee or commission without the right licence or registration is a serious issue in most states, so check your regulator first
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Rules on trust accounts if you ever hold client money, which differ by state
• Written agreements about who pays your fee and when, to avoid disputes
• Deals can take months to complete, so plan your cash flow
• Home-based business rules with your local council, if clients visit

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, software, insurance and marketing. Treat this as an estimate, and check any licensing or registration costs with your state regulator before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many deals you complete and your fees or commissions. Deals can take months to finish, so plan your cash flow. Typically allow at least about 20 hours a week.

Check this first: acting for a fee or commission without the right licence or registration is a serious issue in most states, so confirm with your regulator. Also check insurance, trust account rules if you hold client money, and written fee agreements.