Ben Ridgway, Group Managing Director at iamproperty

Who are you and what does it say on your business card?

I’m Ben Ridgway, Group Managing Director at iamproperty.

What is iamproperty and what services does it offer estate agents?

iamproperty is an award-winning software and services provider to Estate Agents in the UK and Ireland.
 
We offer end-to-end solutions including auction services and a whole of market digital onboarding platform called movebutler which includes modules for compliance, conveyancing, mortgages and other moving services.

We founded the business in 2009 when we spotted a gap in the market, and now 10 years later we employ over 220 people and work with more than 3,000 Estate Agents.

What makes iamproperty movebutler™ different?

movebutler offers the most comprehensive end to end customer journey on the market. Digitising client onboarding and sales progression with modules for compliance, Legal Preparation and Conveyancing, Sales Progression, and Mortgages, it helps Estate Agents save time and maximise revenue at every stage of a transaction.

movebutler puts the agent firmly in control of their client’s full moving experience. It’s unique to the market as transactions can be completed end to end, right from the onboarding process through to AML compliance, then to getting clients sale-ready — all while offering key moving services at the right time.

We designed movebutler to give Estate Agents the confidence that they’ll never miss an opportunity to delight their clients again, nor to generate vital incremental revenue for their business.  

What are the benefits of movebutler for agents, consumers and third-party users?

Today’s consumers expect seamless, speedy and convenient experiences but the Private Treaty process continues to be slow and frustrating for everyone involved.

movebutler puts vendors and buyers in control of their own transactions, enabling them to see important information up front with full visibility of their transaction progress every step of the way through an accessible convenient online dashboard with real-time, 24/7 updates.

For agents, they’re the expert in the process and they’re called upon to recommend Conveyancers and Mortgage Providers, and to provide guidance and regular updates. But this means their administrative burden is getting worse, so it’s hard for them to stay on top of everything leading to missed opportunities to generate revenue and delight clients.

movebutler has been specifically designed to put the agent in control, enabling them to be super-efficient, offer a better end to end moving experience and maximise every opportunity to grow their business.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role and what made it so special?

Growing the popularity of the Modern Method of Auction (MMoA) with consumers and bringing it to the mainstream as a viable alternative to Private Treaty.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Delivering pioneering, innovative new technology to the market, helping Estate Agents succeed.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing estate and letting agents at the moment?

Definitely unprecedented levels of demand! Consumers are demanding better experiences and expecting smooth transactions, making competition fierce and causing bottlenecks. As suppliers we need to respond to the need for innovation and new ways of alleviating the burden on agents.

What is your property prediction for 2021?

A continued buoyant market with lockdown restrictions easing, the extension of the stamp duty deadline and removal of the cliff edge that industry was so concerned about. The current boom isn’t going anywhere and as our social norms change we should see this continue – for example now that working from home is the new normal for many people, finding the right home remains key for many.  

With that I predict there’ll be an only increasing demand from clients expecting great experiences from their agents, multiple points of communication and smooth transactions.

Agents mustn’t miss the chance to introduce technology which enables them to delight their clients and maximise their revenues, especially in light of continued frustrations with the Private Treaty process.

Country house or city apartment?

Country house

Trendy roof terrace or traditional English garden?

English garden - I’m a traditionalist in this respect!

Would you rather be a free-moving tenant or settled owner occupier?

Owner occupier

What is your favourite room in your home?

Most definitely the kitchen, it’s the heart of any home

Homes under the Hammer or Location, Location, Location?

Homes under the Hammer

https://www.iamproperty.com/