Howards Estate Agents, the largest independent estate agent in the east of England, has reported a record year for business in 2006. Howards largely attributes this to the implementation of Aspasia, an advanced software solution which provides agents and consumers with up to the minute intelligence and eliminates many of the time-consuming aspects of estate agency.

Martin Cunningham, Chief Executive of Howards Estate Agents, explains: "We implemented Aspasia software at the beginning of 2003, initially on the sales side, in order to streamline the business and cut down on administration.  I was so impressed, we now use it for every aspect of our business. It really has significantly changed things for the better - we are able to import and export data at the touch of a button, offer pre-market appraisals as well as share information across all branches  – leading to a much slicker, more efficient operation."

Howards Estate Agents has 14 branches across the east of England with over 80 employees.  Martin adds: "Thanks to the software, we now have a dedicated customer service team solely dealing with all of the web based enquiries, which come to a centralised location rather than individual offices.  This means they can be dealt with in a systematic way, allowing the front-line branches to spend more time with customers.  Negotiators across branches also benefit from a shared information base. As a result, synergies are created and the potential for cross-selling is enhanced as branches operate as one team, rather than individual businesses."

Martin continues: "We have also been able to centralise our mailing functions and printing activity which has been hugely beneficial; it is a much more efficient way of communicating to our customers, cutting out a lot of time consuming administration.  Not only does it speed up the process, but it also has cost savings too.  There has been a huge transformation in productivity. 

Martin also sees a benefit in the transparency that Aspasia software offers, with customers able to track what is happening with their property online.  Martin says: "People like the idea of being able to see what's happening with their property at their convenience.  They can go online at any time and see how many applicants have applied for details, for example. This has a dramatic effect on our credibility and helps to foster excellent customer relations.  I believe this technology has lead to a number of new instructions."

"The team at Aspasia is very flexible; if we have had suggestions or changes, they have been very willing to help with a 'can do' attitude, all of which has lead to a hugely effective operation."       

January 2007