Customers will now be able to choose their solicitor from a much wider panel, with the initial 91 law firms providing access to 243 offices across England, Wales and Scotland.
Hodge has appointed ULS Technology as its solicitor panel management service provider.
The shift to this new technology takes effect from 23 June and means customers will now be able to choose their solicitor from a much wider panel, with the initial 91 law firms providing access to 243 offices across England, Wales and Scotland.
Emma Graham, business development director at Hodge, said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance the service we are offering our customers.
"With ULS Technology and eConveyancer we are now able to offer brokers a streamlined process allowing a greater choice of law firms by cost and/or geography.
“The law firms on the panel will include specialist Equity Release lawyers, and the service will also help brokers increase the speed of mortgage completion as well as providing uniform documentation, making the administrative burden a lot lighter.
“Flexibility and choice for our brokers and customers is what Hodge is all about, so we are really pleased to be able to add eConveyancer to our offering. This provides our partners and customers more options and standardised paperwork.”
Paul Saunders, director of lender services, ULS technology, said:“We are delighted to have been selected by Hodge Bank as their Lender Panel Manager and are looking forward to supporting their customers with our Fees Assisted Re-mortgage proposition and Equity Release panel.
“Through the use of ULS technology’s products, Hodge Bank will have access to a greater choice of high quality conveyancing firms, something which we know will benefit both Hodge Bank and, ultimately, their customers.”
As part of the service, brokers will now be able to see details for all law firms on Hodge’s panel, including those who will be used for “fees assisted” re-mortgages. Hodge will also provide a list of fees and charges for other types of ancillary legal work which the customer may require.
Hodge customers using one of the legal firms on the panel will also be able to receive documentation and communicate with the law firm by email and phone, while the broker will have access to case tracking.