You know those chats you have on a playdate or over a quick coffee – where someone casually mentions something that completely changes the way you think about work-from-home life?
That’s exactly what happened when I caught up with a friend of mine a few months ago. We’d known each other since our kids were in nursery together, and like many of us, she’d spent years trying to find a flexible way to work around her family life.
She told me she was now working from home… as an estate agent.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t what I expected her to say.
A Career She Could Call Her Own
When her children were little, my friend had tried all sorts – freelance work, side hustles, even a short-lived attempt at launching her own craft business. Nothing really clicked.
But she missed having a “proper” career. Something professional that didn’t involve commuting, late meetings, or the pressure of juggling childcare full-time.
She didn’t have a background in property, but she had plenty of people skills, strong local knowledge, and the drive to build something for herself. And that’s where her new career path came in.
Estate Agency in the Age of Working from Home
I used to think estate agents were mostly tied to high street offices and long hours, but things have moved on. These days, with virtual viewings, online platforms, and remote tools, it’s perfectly possible to run an estate agency business from home.
My friend manages everything – valuations, listings, enquiries, even marketing – right from her kitchen table. She still pops out for occasional appointments, but the majority of her work fits comfortably around the school run.
Why She Chose a Franchise (and What Made It Work)
Of course, building a business from scratch isn’t easy, especially when you’ve got young kids and not much spare time. That’s why she decided to go down the franchise route.
She found the Belvoir Franchise Group. They offered her a complete framework to build her business – from training and systems to compliance support, ongoing mentorship and marketing.
What really stood out was that Belvoir has several brands, one of which perfectly blends with people who want to work from home. No need for an office or staff. Just the tools, guidance, and support to help her get going quickly and professionally.
If you’re curious about becoming a franchisee, it’s definitely worth a look.
The Reality of Her Work-From-Home Life Now
These days, she runs her own local patch and is slowly building her reputation in the area. Her daily routine looks something like this:
- School drop-off, then catching up on emails and property enquiries
- Scheduling viewings or online appointments
- Marketing listings via social media and online portals
- Checking in with clients – all while still being available for the usual mum life chaos
What she loves most is the balance. She gets to be there for the moments that matter, while also growing a business that’s hers.
Could This Be an Option for You Too?
If you’re like me, you probably know someone who’s been wondering what’s next – especially after a long career break, or after trying lots of little side hustles that didn’t quite stick.
Maybe working from home as an estate agent isn’t something you’ve considered before. But if you’ve got great people skills and know your local area well, it could be a really solid way to build something meaningful and flexible.
And if you don’t want to start from scratch, becoming a franchisee with a group like Belvoir might be the perfect middle ground – giving you the backing of a well-known brand with the freedom to work in a way that fits around your life. Do your own research about the costs and the benefits, before deciding if this is the perfect fit for you.
I love seeing mums around me succeed on their own terms – and this friend of mine has honestly inspired me more than she realises.
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