In the Mortgage Solutions People’s Poll, 36% of brokers said they have never used mobile technology, 23% use it occasionally while 41% use it regularly.
Richard Adams, managing director of Stonebridge Group said technology can be a useful sales tool, value-add and market differentiator.
“Using modern source and apply systems add massive value to the mortgage process and if brokers can walk through this procedure in front of their clients, they will have greater appreciation of how advisers are able to access intermediary-only deals and the like.
“We live in a technology-based world and it is important that brokers are seen as modern and contemporary by their clients and not the products of a bygone era. Younger borrowers can empathise with professionals using tablets and smartphones and older clients are also likely to be impressed at the speed and efficiency with which vital information can be accessed.”
Paul Yates, strategy and product development director at Avelo, said that many brokers are looking at different ways of using technology but most are yet to get on board.
“Many advisers are at a crossroads when it comes to mobile technology. Mobile products will not be suitable for all customers but as a business, many advisers see ‘on the go’ applications as giving them the edge by offering tools to share information with customers, in real time.
“The question for many has to be whether they can continue to offer high quality advice to their customers via mobile solutions, and whether the business benefit justifies the investment needed to get things off the ground. We expect mobile solutions to continue to rise in popularity as tablet and smartphone adoption increases but we do not believe it replaces the need for face time with an adviser.”
