Having read what Ron Smith, and others, have been saying about estate agents, I have no doubt that these 'bad' practices do go on from time to time (see [2004] Gazette, 1 July, 14).

However, in our experience the vast majority of estate agents pride themselves on good service and want to maintain strong relations with the other professionals they deal with. But lawyers must give a little when working with the estate agents.


Within the conveyancing process in particular, many different people interact to make a house move possible. Despite this, it seems there are lawyers who believe that they can still do their bit without having to interact with the outside world.


Here at Countrywide Property Lawyers, we have worked hard to build good working relations with estate agents. This makes life easier and more efficient for both parties, prevents a 'them- and-us' situation arising and so benefits our mutual customers.


Mr Smith goes on to say that estate agents want a central place in the property transaction process. Of course they do. They are looking after their customers' interests. They are doing their job by ensuring that their customers move home as quickly and as smoothly as possible.



Contrast Mr Smith's views with an article earlier this year, which suggested that solicitors experienced real difficulties selling properties and that they fell short of the levels of sales and marketing expertise, as well as the communication skills required within the conveyancing process (see [2004] Gazette, 1 April, 12). Perhaps the truth is that successful conveyancing requires a wide range of expertise from the variety of professionals involved.



Mark Bailey, managing director, Countrywide Property Lawyers, Manchester