EquityOct 27 2016

How to get referrals for equity release

Supported by
Aviva
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Supported by
Aviva
How to get referrals for equity release

Nigel Waterson, chairman of the Equity Release Council says building strong relationships with clients is essential.

He says: “It is a good way of increasing inbound referrals, as past and present customers often have friends who are in a similar situation who may be considering equity release.”

“Advisers should ensure their peers within the industry are aware of their capabilities in advising on equity release, so the adviser will be at the forefront front of other professionals' minds when customers enquire about equity release.”

Both mortgage and equity release advisers need to be aware of the different product options to enable them to recommend the best option. Dean Mirfin

How to get more equity release referrals:

Improve your network

Membership of the Equity Release Council is recommended by Joanna Fowler, head of product at Saga Money and Andy Wilson, an equity release specialist adviser and director of Lincoln-based Andy Wilson Financial Services.

Ms Fowler says advisers who are members of the ERC are listed in its directory, which potential customers can refer to.

The Equity Release Council runs networking events at its exhibitions and conferences, and it offers its members the chance to attend CPD accredited workshops.

There are also many available online to help advisers build up their knowledge and expertise in this area.

For example, Aviva for Advisers has several useful calculators, contact details and documents on its website.

Think ‘beyond’ retirement 

Roger Marsden, managing director of Aviva Equity Release says equity release has traditionally been based around retirement income needs, but increasingly younger homeowners, those between 55 and 64 are considering equity release.

Ms Fowler says advisers who had clients with tax liabilities might also want to consider equity release. 

“If a customer is looking for inheritance tax advice or when a customer is looking at pension and retirement planning, advisers should start to think outside the box and consider if equity release could be the right option for these customers.”

Dean Mirfin, technical director at Key Retirement, comments that clients looking to take out a mortgage in later life might need to be steered towards equity release.

He explains: “There are a number of lenders who offer traditional mortgages for those in later life, but often affordability criteria rules many retirees out. In this situation equity release can be a solution for some.

"Ultimately both mortgage and equity release advisers need to be aware of the different product options to enable them to recommend the best option to meet their client’s needs or refer to the relevant adviser.”

Work with a partner

Advisers who are starting out in equity release may prefer to work directly with an equity release specialist.

Andrea Rozario, chief corporate officer at equity release specialist Bower Retirement, says these advisers may have an existing client base that fits the demographic of equity release or they may build up a network of introducers who do do not wish advise on equity release and will therefore pass over their leads. 

Mr Mirfin adds that advisers who would rather go it alone can make use of specialist equity release referrals partners.

He says: “The UK’s leading mortgage clubs often have preferred relationships you can make use of – a simple online search will reveal who is operating in your area or region.”

He said many equity release firms actively seek new leads through introductions from non-qualified advisers.

They may have developed a tried-and-tested referrals process, contracts and commissioning structures, and provide access to special offers, white papers, research and marketing materials.

Get qualified

Getting equity release referrals means being able to advise on equity release. Mr Mirfin explains:  “Most advisers study for qualifications accredited to the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) or the Institute of Financial Services (IFS).”

If getting qualified isn’t for you, there is still an intuitive way to capitalise on the equity release opportunity: by referring business to a partner you trust, he says.

If you are already qualified in equity release, identifying new clients is key to building your business. 

Mr Mirfin adds: “The best source of new business may be clients you already have. It’s worth mentioning equity release routinely at reviews held with clients aged 55+ who are homeowners. 

“Also think about emails, letters, a regular newsletter or holding seminars or other informative events which help build client relations and dispel the myths of equity release.”

Have a plan

Successful advisers will prepare a marketing plan to include various activities to encourage referrals, according to Mr Mirfin.

This will include such things as a direct approach to other professionals operating in the later life markets such as solicitors, financial advisers, and will writers.

He adds: “A marketing plan should also include the regular issue of marketing materials explaining what equity release comprises and explaining how it can help their clients. 

“It must also be made clear what is in it for them if they do choose to refer clients. Advisers can also make use of various excellent marketing ideas published by some of the leading equity release providers which are available online.”

Another way of reaching new clients is through a strong network of professional connections who can refer business your way, he comments.

"Financial advisers are just the start of this professional network, other opportunities may include estate agents, solicitors, accountants or local businesses all of which will have close contact with customers who could benefit from equity release", Mr Mirfin adds.