Independent software provide VTUK is claiming a dramatic new breakthrough, which it says will bring pioneering automation and Artificial Intelligence not just to its own clients – but many more agents.

Users of Zoopla software systems CFP and Vebra will be among the first to benefit, said the firm.

It said it has now successfully tested and deployed advanced automation, a feature of VTUK’s own Openview range, to both ZPG’s CFP and Vebra, and is “actively working on several more” systems.

VTUK said that when providing consultancy to agents, it has found that many are frustrated with their current software systems.

Founder Peter Grant said: “The computer can all too often become an obstacle to clear communication rather than aid it.

“Of all the functionality deployed to a negotiator’s desktop, approximately only 20% is used – the rest is clutter that confuses and restricts the potential to take a transaction through to a successful sale.

“When we set out to provide a solution to this, our first principle was that estate agency is a people business and that interaction with sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants is imperative.”

VTUK’s research, said the firm, has shown that agents are particularly pressured by four factors: reduction in fees, emerging competition, compliance, and staffing.

The firm says these issues can be resolved with the use of clever tech, generating time for staff to be re-deployed to more cognitive tasks.

It claims that this technology takes standard CRM functionality several stages further in order to make a negotiator’s job more efficient and effective.

For example, it includes reminding a vendor and applicant about an appointment via text message, producing a schedule of the day’s activities into their inbox first thing, or allowing sellers to view all marketing activity, property data, and comparables via a personal log-in.

Grant said “Recognising that the industry is principally a people industry, we wanted to provide all agents, not just our existing CRM users with the ability to increase revenue, liberate staff and box away compliance worries to face the ‘new style’ agents from a much stronger position.

“Estate agency is changing, with increasing numbers of clients expecting more transparency, feedback, and information from their agent – often in real time.

“Automation has demonstrated that providing a simple and user friendly solution, whilst offering a number of different ways to interact with clients automatically, produces great results.

“Users of the software have already reported an increase in valuations, instructions, viewings, and sales.

Grant added: “Developing this automation to work with all CRM systems means it’s time for estate agents to shake the shackles of their old, tired systems and start embracing modern technology.

“People who are looking to buy or sell a house may not be interested in what software you’re using, but they do want the best service and communications.

“We are developing a solution that improves transparency beyond measure and we are already working on an interface with automated voice assistants and the use of robots.”