Contract property auctioneer

Sellers such as heirs and estates, landowners, farmers, banks and investors, or the brokers who hire you to run their auction.

A commission on lots sold or a flat fee per auction, sometimes plus a share of any buyer's premium. Income comes in lumps, depending on how many auctions you land.

• Clear, confident public speaking
• Quick with numbers and reading a crowd
• Building trust with brokers and attorneys

• Many states require an auctioneer license, and some require a real estate license or a broker's involvement to sell real property. Check with your state's licensing board
• Surety bond and general liability insurance requirements, plus errors and omissions cover. Check what your state and clients expect
• Auction contracts, disclosure rules and how earnest money is held. Use a licensed broker, attorney or title company where required
• Income can be uneven, especially in the first months while you build relationships

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on licensing, bonding and insurance, and the equipment and marketing you need. These are estimates, so check what your state and clients expect before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many auctions you are hired to call. Income can be uneven, especially in the first months while you build relationships with brokers and attorneys. These are estimates.

Many states require an auctioneer license, and some require a real estate license or a broker's involvement to sell real property, so check with your state's licensing board. Also check surety bond, liability and errors and omissions requirements, and how earnest money is held.