This is the right time for solicitors to branch out into estate agency. My partner and I have done just that.

We do not want to be an estate agent's pet solicitor - we do not want to pay referral fees - we want to earn a decent living and bring ethics to the world of estate agency.


In a shrinking market, or a slow market, being an estate agent allows us to compete with those who decide (to a great extent) which solicitors are instructed by house sellers.


It isn't too expensive to set up, as most purchasers (either 88% or 54% depending on who you believe) make their initial enquiries via the Internet.


There are specialist companies who can assist in the creation of clever integrated Web sites. Any reasonably-sized reception area can display photos and particulars of houses for sale. Being part of Right Move extends exposure.


Employing a good valuer is not difficult, as most would relish 'pure' estate agency rather than having also to be a salesman for financial/ investment products.


Solicitors can then enjoy competing with the opposition and earning proper fees. For too long we have competed with each other when the real war is with estate agents.



Michael Robinson, solicitor, managing director, supurbhomes.co.uk, Sunderland