Safety first for Chas Everitt agents and clients

The industry-leading Agent Connect application from Chas Everitt now has another unique feature: A panic alert function especially created for agents who encounter criminals when they are showing homes or conducting viewings, or may just feel unsafe while they are sitting waiting for a client.

This feature works by sending a "push" notification of the agent's location to all other agents from the same office, or working in the same area, at the touch of a button. They can then respond or call the agent, and if there is no reply, activate emergency response procedures.

Named Agent SOS, the function will automatically work when the agent has the Chas Connect application open, and has not disabled the "use my location" option. It also enables a distress SMS and location to be sent to up to five family members or friends, he says.

This is a really great value-add to Chas Connect as it means that any agent who may feel threatened during a viewing or at a showhouse is able to get help from nearby colleagues or their emergency contacts. At the same time, it helps to protect client's properties and belongings from would-be robbers or vandals.

More than 80% of Chas Everitt agents and 60% of clients are women, so it has been a priority for the company to make changes and additions to Agent Connect that will also enhance their personal safety online, where women in particular are often targeted with unsolicited information and images.

The Agent Connect app, which is available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store, also offers many additional benefits for Chas Everitt clients, including the ability to instantly find and connect with the Chas Everitt office or agents in their area - or those working in any area around the country that they would like to move to. They can view agent profiles, including their qualifications, experience, awards and testimonials from other clients, as well as all their current listings, and then send a direct WhatsApp message to an agent regarding any listing they like or would like to view.

Another popular feature, he says, empowers both agents and clients to easily comply with the recent changes to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) requirements and at the same time ensure that all client details are carefully and securely stored as required in terms of the POPI Act.

Additional app features that benefit both agent and client include:

*Chas Marketing, which enables agents to rapidly create and manage marketing campaigns and reach a wider audience to maximise the potential for a sale. The app also enables touch-button referrals to other Chas Everitt agents anywhere in SA. 

*Chas Calculator, which enables agents to access information on bond fees and affordability and provide informed guidance to buyers about how much they can afford and what type of property they should buy.

*Chas Academy, which offers training anywhere, at any time, so that agents can stay up to date with the latest industry knowledge and trends and continue to provide clients with world-class service. 

*Chas Post-Sales, which enables agents to keep track of their transactions and give both sellers and buyers more accurate feedback as these go through the various stages of the transfer process. This is important because sellers always want to know when they are likely to receive the proceeds of their sale, while buyers want to know when they can move into their new home.