11 questions we ask every agent: Regions Estates

Roger Andrews is a director of Regions Estates, an independent estate agency operating across Middlesex and West London. He spoke to Alto about the benefits of a user-friendly interface and how CRM software helps his business.

Can you tell us a bit about your agency – what areas do you cover and how long have you been operating?

We’re one of the leading independent estate agents in our region, offering residential sales, lettings, guaranteed rent schemes for landlords and property management. The business was founded in 2009 and our success is based on a reputation for expert local knowledge, absolute integrity, excellent customer service and professional advice.

How and why did you get into estate agency?

My fascination with architecture naturally led me into the estate agency business.

What would you say are the biggest challenges your agency has faced over the past year?

Navigating an unpredictable market. When we know how the property market is expected to perform we can plan for it, whether that’s positive or negative. The last 12 months in particular have been difficult because nobody really knew for sure how the market would react in the current climate.

How long have you been using estate agent software? How has it changed the way you run your agency?

We’ve been using software for around 14 years. It’s revolutionised our operations, from automating administrative tasks to enhancing client communication. It makes our service more streamlined and efficient.

What made you move to Alto, and were there any business challenges or problems that encouraged you to make the change?

We shifted to Alto primarily for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. As our agency grew, we needed software that could scale with us and address the evolving challenges we faced.

Did you and your team have many concerns about changing software? Did you use the Alto training?

Naturally, there’s always a concern about integration and learning curves but Alto’s training modules were incredibly helpful and made sure we had a smooth transition.

How does Alto compare to other software you’ve used? 

Alto stands out because of its design, wide range of features and responsive customer support. It really aligns well with our business needs.

What’s your favourite Alto feature?  

My favourite feature has to be the integrated communication tool. It means we can connect with clients seamlessly and keep a clear record of all interactions – that’s an incredibly valuable tool to have.

How do you think the market will change over the next 12 months? 

I think we’ll see a digital transformation surge, with an emphasis on virtual tours and online negotiations. Having the right property software like Alto will be crucial to help stay competitive and meet client expectations.

What tips would you give to another agent looking to move software?

Always prioritise user-friendliness and scalability. Make sure the software aligns with your long-term business goals and offers good customer support.

If you had your time again, would you move to Alto knowing what was involved?

Absolutely! The transition was smoother than expected, and the benefits we’ve experienced with Alto have been invaluable.

Choose a property CRM solution that’s right for your business. Book a chat with one of our Alto experts today.