With the government’s national, consumer campaign on home information packs (Hips) launched at the weekend, estate agents are being advised to ensure their staff are fully prepared to face a growing number of queries from a more informed general public.

With full page adverts on Hips now appearing in the national press, a growing number of consumers are expected to start asking their agents a number of more informed questions about Home Information Packs.

Those agents who are still in the early stages of introducing their Hip strategy, or who, up until now have made little effort to prepare for Hips are advised to get up to date quickly to avoid any awkward situations, as they are faced with a range of probing questions about the packs that they may not be able to answer.

Mike Ockenden, director general, Association of Home Information Pack Providers said: “Up until now, consumers have been pretty much in the dark with regard to Hips, with only those in the early roll out locations being offered the opportunity to sample the packs.”

“However, now that the national advertising campaign has kicked in I would anticipate a growing number of consumers to start asking questions – questions that will predominately be aimed at their estate agent.”

“It is now less than 50 working days until the packs become mandatory and those agents who are not prepared and whose staff are not trained in Hips are running a real risk of potentially losing business. There are a series of courses currently on offer, not just for agents but for lenders and solicitors too and I would advise those who are not up to date on Hips to get informed – fast.”

AHIPP is running two Hips conferences in April (City of Manchester Stadium, 16th April, Emirates Stadium, London 18th April), which will allow those in the industry to hear from the experts on how Hips will impact their business.

Advice on providing the packs will also be available, along with access to a host of pack provides already established in the industry – with all exhibition stands booked up within the first few weeks of marketing.

For further information on the Hips conferences visit: http://www.hipassociation.co.uk/conference.aspx