The results of a recent survey demonstrate just how important it is for conveyancers to market themselves to estate agents. The survey, carried out by the Property Academy in association with TM Group, found that 46 percent of homebuyers would choose their conveyancer based on a recommendation from their estate agent. This is up 5% compared to last year.
In light of this, legal technology supplier Redbrick Solutions are reminding conveyancers how important it is to build and maintain strong working relationships with their local estate agents. Jo Hodges, Head of Sales and Marketing at Redbrick Solutions comments ‘The conveyancing market is hugely competitive, ensuring you appear on an estate agents list of preferred conveyancers will help to maximise new business and we are experienced in helping clients achieve and maintain this.’
But what can firms do to ensure their position on a list of preferred suppliers? Interestingly, the Property Academy survey also revealed that only 18% of home-movers made their final choice of conveyancer based on low fees. Many home-movers consider regular communication with their conveyancer to be more important than price. In fact, 38% of home-movers wanted a conveyancer who would communicate with them at least once week.
‘This finding is hugely significant’ says Ms Hodges. ‘Low fees are not the be all and end all when it comes to a consumer choosing a conveyancer. Firms who can demonstrate a commitment to regular communication with the home-mover are in a strong position. Many of our clients use the ‘track your case’ facility of Redbrick Practice Management as way to differentiate themselves when talking to estate agency colleagues.
‘Track your case’ is a powerful tool which allows both the home-mover and estate agent to keep tabs on the progress of a transaction, any time night or day. There is no need for time consuming phone calls, updates can be accessed with just a few clicks of the mouse and, what’s more, home-movers receive automated SMS and email updates when key milestones are reached. Clients can choose which information to show both agents and home-movers separately and agents have the added bonus of being able to see updates for all of their active matters in one place rather than having to search for them individually.
‘Track your case’ is fully integrated into Redbrick Practice Management, so any of our clients can use it keep all parties fully up to date as a case progresses.
Our Business Consultants are also experienced in presenting the benefits of services such as ‘Track your case’ to Estate Agents along with our client law firms to help them secure new business moving forwards. Clients have reported this to be a great success and are consistently winning more work as a result.’
To find out more about Redbrick Practice Management and ‘track your case’, contact us today on 0845 166 2629, or visit www.redbricksolutions.co.uk. We would be delighted to show you how our innovative technology could ensure your position at the top of an estate agents’ list of preferred conveyancers.