I read with interest Tim Platel's comments on home information packs (HIPs) (see [2005] Gazette, 23 June, 13). While most practitioners would agree that the proposed new conveyancing system will do nothing to protect consumers - being a somewhat cosmetic rearrangement of procedures - Mr Platel is missing an important factor when he says that 'estate agents will be in control of the process'.


Estate agents will not control my clients, of which I have many. I have a good relationship with most of them and I know that they think very little of estate agents. So the opportunity is there for the profession to do a simple marketing job.


I have started it already. When I complete a purchase, I send each client a one-page sheet explaining what HIPs are all about and what they have to do when they want to sell. Putting it shortly, I tell them that I should be their first port of call, as I am best placed to prepare the HIP. This is the case as I will have most of the necessary papers from the purchase. I intend to leave estate agents standing from day one.


All practitioners can follow my example. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that we do other work for our clients, for example wills and probate, whereas estate agents only do one thing. The opportunities for marketing ourselves are considerable. As the SAS say, when you are under attack, take the fight to your enemy.


Rodney Goodson, Norwich