Automated valuation system expands with new lead conversion tools

The ValPal Network is launching a new tool for its 4,100 agent users - an area barometer which reflects the buoyancy of the local housing market.

The new feature, currently being trialled by members, offers area and lead scores that help to convert The ValPal Network leads into market appraisals.

It provides vendors and landlords with a score out of 100 – the higher the score, the more likely it is that the area has a buoyant local market. The feature gives consumers a better idea of the strengths, weaknesses and activity levels of the local market.

The lead score, meanwhile, provides agents with a score system out of five. It aims to increase an agent’s chance of converting leads by providing insights about prospective clients. For example, one key piece of information included in the score shows how likely the property is to come to market in the near future.

In theory, the higher the lead score, the higher chance the agent has of converting the lead. This information allows members of The ValPal Network to prioritise hot leads and impress the prospective client with additional market data.

The company behind The ValPal Network - Angels Media, publisher of Estate Agent Today - says it is introducing a series of other enhancements for clients. 

The latest is a new interactive calendar which encourages prospective vendors and landlords to book in a market appraisal with the agent, increasing the overall conversion rate. 

Future enhancements in the pipeline include an active forum for agents to provide feedback, share success stories and have queries answered by a community of property professionals.

A marketing suite will launch in the near future, with a ‘do-it-yourself’ design studio where agents can build, print and distribute marketing materials from one place.

The ValPal Network director Craig Vile says: “We’re keen to get feedback from our agents on all new developments, so that we can continue to improve our service and adapt in the way our agents need us to – that’s our plan for the forum, to create an online customer service hub for our agents.”

The tool recently changed its name from ValPal to The ValPal Network to better reflect its services to agents beyond automated valuation.

It has partnered with several companies to offer members special offers on products.