The 'Safe as…' assessment centre is one of just four in the country that are able to train and accredit surveyors for the production of HCRs. HCRs are a key element of the Home Information Packs whose introduction was confirmed in the recent housing bill. The new reports contain a variety of changes that must be incorporated in order for the property to be marketed.
Without a significant number of qualified Home Inspectors, it is feared there will be a widespread and potentially debilitating impact on the housing and housing finance market.
Jill Murray, Education Specialist, Safe as… commented: “xit2 were the ideal choice for us as a technology partner. Working closely with our team, xit2 have been able to deliver a workable online HCR solution for our assessment centre that makes the variety of issues and procedures of the Home Condition Report a reality and provides an essential tool for our assessment centres.
“From initial data entry forms through to uploading site notes and photos, the system creates a ‘real’ environment that even has built in energy rating questions as they will be in the final form. In order to support surveyors the form incorporates Intelligent Formatting that adjusts the required fields in real time as data is entered. This ensures that surveyors’ time is used efficiently and productivity and income opportunities are maximised.
“Our candidates can use the xit2 technology to submit Home Condition Reports both for practice as a part of their course and as a part of their full assessment. Being able to offer this facility at this early stage is crucial as the clock is ticking and the pressure is firmly on.”
Paul Duckworth, Chief Executive, xit2 Group - said: “We were delighted that RICS approached us to create an online HCR so that their training program would incorporate a real example of the documents and procedures that will come into force with the introduction of HIPs.
“The development work that we have already undertaken in the creation of our Valuation and Repossession exchanges and the Conveyancing Portal gave us a valuable head start. Older, legacy systems will find it difficult and costly to make this jump to new technology.
xit2 is not looking to be a HIP provider choosing instead to stick to our core premise as a technology partner for a variety of firms in the housing market. We look forward to supporting RICS in future initiatives.”
