BLOG: Why as an agent I want to help competitors work smarter

With the stock of available properties to rent in ever-increasing demand, it’s unsurprising that the estate agent sector is posed with new challenges – including an abundance of applicants enquiring about potential letting opportunities, all of which agents have to qualify, deal with, and reply to.

Exacerbated by a national housing shortage, a steep rise in interest rates, and a lack of landlords, there’s no doubt that bearing the brunt of much of this stress are estate agents themselves. The estate agency sector is one that has never stood still.

The estate agency sector is one that has never stood still.”

People will always – no matter the circumstances – need to buy, sell, and rent properties.

SERVICING CLIENTS

But the way we, as estate agents, are able to service clients has changed drastically – and permanently.

With the current demand for rental properties continuing to increase, and many agents transitioning to an online arena in this post-pandemic era, the industry is still adapting to this new way of working. Some are thriving, but many are reporting that it’s a challenging process to navigate.

Over the past few years, it’s become the norm for there to be over 100 online enquiries coming in for a single rental property. Only a very small percentage are actually serious or viable.

Only a very small percentage are actually serious or viable.”

There is simply too much admin, and too little time.

OVERWORKED

Coming into work and only being able to respond to all of these during office hours has resulted in many agents becoming overworked, overburdened with tasks that weren’t profitable, and unable to focus on what they love most about the role – being proactive and delivering a quality service.

There is a need for agents to work smarter.”

There is a need – and an urgent one at that – for agents to work smarter with the data and tools they have at their disposal.

Embracing technology, investing in and upskilling staff will ensure clients are continually supported in finding their perfect property, without experiencing a drop in service quality.

Plus, agents will feel empowered, appreciated, and more productive, and this will ultimately aid profitability potential.

Mike Nettleton is Co-Founder of Agent Response and Chairman of estate agency Nock Deighton