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The Simpsons Predicted It: How Property Portals Are Covering Up Their Own Failings by "Doing Agents a Favour!
In a scenario that feels like something straight out of "The Simpsons," property portals are now spinning their own shortcomings as if they are doing estate agents a favour.
Earlier this year, I highlighted the near-impossible task of squeezing 196 required data fields into the limited capacity provided by Rightmove and other portals. The very challenges I anticipated are now coming to light, but rather than owning up to their shortcomings, the portals are trying to present their failures as an act of goodwill towards agents.
The Reality Behind the "Support"
Portals like Rightmove have recently adopted a more lenient approach to enforcing material information compliance, framing this as a supportive move to assist agents during the transition. However, this so-called "support" is nothing more than a cover-up for their own failings. The fact is, these portals are struggling to meet the technical requirements of the NTSELAT regulations. Rather than admit to these issues, they are positioning themselves as the good guys by not penalising agents who, in reality, are being let down by the very platforms they depend on.
The Solution Is Already Here
What's particularly frustrating is that I've already developed a solution—a fully functional, tested system that can handle the required data fields and ensure compliance. Yet, instead of embracing this solution, there's resistance from service suppliers and portals who are too entrenched in maintaining the status quo. Their reliance on outdated systems is now being masked by a narrative that they are helping agents, when in fact, they are simply covering up their inability to deliver what is required.
The Industry Deserves Better
It's time we stopped allowing these portals to pass off their failings as favours. The industry deserves better, and the technology to achieve full compliance and transparency is already available. What's needed now is the willingness to move beyond these outdated systems and adopt the solutions that are ready and waiting to be implemented.
The portals aren't doing agents any favours; they're simply deflecting attention from their own inadequacies. Let's change the narrative and demand the accountability and innovation that our industry—and its customers—truly deserve.... and the law has required since 2013 (11 years 🙄 )
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