ESTAS 2017: shortlist revealed after record entries a...

The ESTAS Group has revealed the shortlist for its 2017 awards - and has announced that this year has seen a record volume of feedback about entrants.

The ESTAS awards estate and letting agents, mortgage brokers and conveyancers based on feedback provided by customers at the end of the home moving process.

The number of surveys completed rose 13 per cent to 34,000 during the competition, and entries also rose to record levels.

“These figures prove that not only are customers happy to give feedback but many now expect to be given the opportunity to do so. We live in a world where customer reviews are becoming increasingly important in the consumer decision making process - not just for hotels and restaurants but property related decisions as well” says Simon Brown, founder of The ESTAS Group.

“We believe the only way to judge the performance of an agent is to ask the clients who have experienced the whole service through to completion. It’s often later in the transaction when an agent really shows their worth and at those times its their experience and professionalism that gets the deal back on track.”

“We don’t believe property professional - be they agents, brokers or conveyancers - get enough credit for their efforts to deliver great customer care compared to other professions and that’s what today’s shortlist is all about.”

Today’s shortlists - you can see them here - are based on surveys completed during 2016.

The winners of the regional and national categories will be announced by ESTAS brand ambassador Phil Spencer who will host the 14th annual awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday May 12.

He will present the coveted ESTAS trophies in front of 1,000 of the UK top property professionals. “Any firm that enters The ESTAS has already sent a clear message that they are passionate about customer service so to make it on to the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself” says Spencer.

The best suppliers to the industry have also been shortlisted and Angels Media, publisher of Estate Agent Today, will present the Best in Sector and coveted ESTAS Supplier of the Year trophy on the day.