Mortgage brokers using Acre’s intermediary platform will now have access to live, detailed conveyancing status updates, following a new integration with Simplify, the independent conveyancing and property services group.

The integration allows brokers to track the legal progress of their clients’ transactions in real time, providing greater visibility into what stage the process has reached, what actions are needed, and when key milestones — such as property exchange — occur. The feature is designed to help brokers follow up more effectively with solicitors and clients, reducing delays and improving communication.

ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY

Simplify will automatically feed case updates into Acre’s CRM, offering brokers a clearer view of missing information and any necessary next steps. It says the aim is to address one of the most common frustrations in the mortgage process: the lack of clarity in conveyancing timelines.

Reuben Thompson (main picture), VP, product innovation at Acre, said: “The biggest annoyance faced by brokers and homeowners is the mystery surrounding conveyancing. Everyone knows that the legal aspects of mortgages can be slow-moving but the lack of clarity on how it’s progressing adds further frustrations all round.

“That’s why we, together with the UK’s leading independent conveyancer, are introducing conveyancing status updates, with the mission to make the mortgage journey much smoother.”

With the upcoming changes to Stamp Duty in April, the ability to monitor conveyancing progress in real time may help brokers manage workloads and client expectations more effectively, the firms argue.

Dev Malle, chief business development officer at Simplify, highlighted the value of the new feature: “The pressure is on for brokers and homeowners alike to get their mortgages agreed before the end of March. For the first time we, with the help of Acre, are giving brokers unlimited insights into where the sticking points are in the conveyancing process, and how far along we are.

“By having all the information in one place, we can find ways to speed up this key part of the mortgage journey.”

The integration builds on an existing relationship between Acre and Simplify. More than 200 Acre advisers have already started referring conveyancing cases through the platform, citing the benefits of real-time updates, clearer communication, and additional revenue streams.

Paul Hague, managing director of Pims, The People’s Insurance and Mortgage Solution, said: “We’ve found that having access to Simplify’s leading conveyancing services via Acre has improved the working relationship between broker and solicitor, as well as channel additional revenue streams.

“Acre’s pre-validated property and client data is fed directly to Simplify meaning they have all the information needed to move the case on faster and, in turn, this helps us keep our clients happier.”