I, along with many other estate agency colleagues, enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek interpretation of my previous correspondence in our own trade paper and, in fact, there were a number of friendly solicitors who saw the funny side of your observations as well (see [2004] Gazette, 18 March, 13).

I would not agree to be an angry man but perhaps a slightly bitter and frustrated estate agent who has seen little, if any, change in the conveyancing system since I started in my industry in the late 1960s.

Estate agents across the country have tried to improve the property selling system as much as they possibly can but keep running up against brick walls.

Whereas solicitors, with the strength of the Law Society, could do so much to make property transfers more efficient and less painful, and yet nothing ever happens.

I do not believe I am in the minority, I am speaking up for the majority of professional, like-minded estate agents, whose objective, apart from running a successful business, is to assist people, both our clients and purchasers alike, in the sale of residential properties as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Sadly, many solicitors and conveyancers do not appear to enjoy the same objective, hence my rantings and ravings.

It is nothing personal, I just feel that we should have more understanding for our clients' needs and listen to what they want.

Find out when they want to move, tolerate occasional peculiar idiosyncrasies and work to their requirements, and not our own, within reason of course.

Your last paragraph reads: 'Is it time for lawyers to pack up and go home?' This generally happens at 5pm and their clients start ringing us because they haven't been able to make contact with their legal representatives.

Alan Howick, Old Harlow, Essex