ATECHNOLOGICAL revolution is sweeping through the housing market as a leading estate agent embraces a raft of hitech devices to improve its services to its clients.

Tablets, smart phones, clouds and the web are running in sync at North-East agents J W Wood as staff make the most of the latest hardware.

The days of paper notebooks, dictaphones and typing up details are fast disappearing, made redundant by the latest technology. For clients, this means valuers are able to get housing stock to market quicker than ever, speeding up administration and maximising the chances of a quicker sale.

“Our tablets are even programmed with shorthand predictive text for common phrases such as hallway, living room and bathroom, making the whole valuation process so much quicker,”

said valuer Jonathan Wheeler.

“When I get back to the office, the details can be imported straight on to my desktop without needing to be keyed in by an administrator.

We can use the tablets to draw electronic floor plans as well.”

Tablets also prove invaluable when visiting prospective clients in their homes as they allow the agent to log on to the internet and view housing stock and comparable properties.

“Modern technology is designed to be user-friendly and you soon get used to it,”

said Jonathan. “It’s just so much faster than the oldfashioned methods. You don’t have to decipher your handwriting or anyone else’s and you can get details prepared in minutes.”

Managing director Geoff Graham said the way the company was embracing new technology reflected the dynamism of the firm, which was at the forefront of developing the industry to benefit clients.

“Arriving to see a client with state-of-the-art equipment looks professional and gives them confidence that we are there to do an efficient job,”

he said.

“While our staff have been given the latest tools, they are also blessed with good oldfashioned experience as well as a knowledge of the market and area which is second to none.

“When customers have made the decision to buy or sell they like to do this as quickly as possible. Our investment in the latest technology can’t fail to help.”

Over the years, J W Wood has accrued expertise and experience in all aspects of the industry, from housing sales to lettings, auctions to surveying and valuations to financial advice.

The housing market continues to rise in the region, with increased numbers of buyer enquiries and sales agreed this year compared to last and growing confidence in the sector.

A more accessible mortgage market is also helping to stimulate growth and improve market conditions.