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The Top Home-Based Franchises of 2012 Want to start a business, but don't want to deal with an office or a storefront? These are the franchises for you.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

Bring it on HomeThere are many reasons you might consider starting a homebased business: saving on costs, finding that elusive work-life balance … or maybe you just want to spend all day in your PJs. Whatever your reasons, if you choose to go homebased, the franchise world has a lot to offer.

On our Top Homebased Franchises list, you'll discover companies in industries ranging from cleaning to fitness to senior care--and none of them require their franchisees to have office space beyond their own front doors. (But just for the record, most of them do require a wardrobe that consists of more than your jammies.)

The 101 franchises are listed here based on their ranking in Entrepreneur's 2012 Franchise 500®. The list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company. Always do your homework to find the franchise that's right for you. That means consulting with a lawyer and an accountant, examining the franchisor's legal documents and talking to other franchisees.

View the Top Homebased Franchises List

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

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