Q&A: Matthew Cumber, Managing Director, Countrywide Surveying Services

BestAdvice asks Matthew Cumber, Managing Director of Countrywide Surveying Services.

BestAdvice (BA): Introduced over 400 graduates into the surveying industry through our training academies. How important is it to have new blood in the industry and what else can you and the industry do to attract more talent?

Matthew Cumber (MC): There is a continuing skills shortage across the industry, highlighting that the CSS Training Academy is vital to both our future and the future of the wider surveying sector.

In my opinion, large survey companies have a responsibility to attract and train the next generation. If this does not happen, there is a real risk that the older generation of surveyors will retire and will not be able to keep up with demand. Any staffing gap will inevitably lengthen his turnaround time. This is what no link in the mortgage journey wants.

When it comes to bringing in new blood, there are no easy fixes. I have. And this is a path that all companies should contribute as much as they can.

BA: Over the past 18 months, we have developed new types of research reports such as PropertyFact and EnergyFact. What else is on the horizon and how will they affect traditional assessment reports?

MC: Going forward, with further enhancements to our valuation and risk determination engine, PropertyFact will provide lenders with an unparalleled level of data and access to real estate insights.

Data is a fundamental building block of the research process, and as data availability increases exponentially, so does the opportunity to offer lender clients more choice and greater certainty with faster turnaround times. I’m here.

This means that appraisers will increasingly be required to physically inspect properties in simpler transactions, and we are seeing a further shift towards alternative valuation methods. However, let me offset this by saying that there may also be more focus on more specialized areas such as HMOs, new builds and equity his releases. Areas requiring more human intervention.

Technology is therefore essential to the future of our sector, but so are the people who collect, distribute and interpret the data.

BA: How do you think assessors need to adapt to the ongoing ESG considerations that lenders have to assess when making lending decisions?

MC: Lenders and assessors need to work closely together to provide guidance and information on the impacts of critical climate change challenges. This also recognizes and addresses the ultimate goal of educating and supporting new renters and homebuyers looking to reduce emissions and make their homes more energy efficient.

The ESG agenda is at the heart of everything we do as a business. We are committed to developing impact reduction and comprehensive strategies to serve our customers in a sustainable and responsible manner while engaging all stakeholders on this journey. I’m in.

We continue to lead the ESG agenda within the surveying industry and this is evident through the creation of a sustainability department and the significant upskilling of our surveyors to meet ongoing sustainability demands.

BA: You recently created a new role for the Home Asset Appraiser (RPA), how do you see this role evolving, and how has the reaction been since you announced it?

MC: The Home Appraiser position was developed to enhance business capabilities, meet growing client demand, and attract new talent to the surveying department.

In addition to improved risk profiling that combines a powerful decision engine with risk peril data, intelligent data capture and software enable lenders to adopt variable LTV risk profiles across different service offerings. And with valuations and lender reports prepared by her local RICS registered appraiser, there is no additional risk for the client.

So far, the reaction has been very positive. However, as with any new role, its continued effectiveness is closely monitored and we are committed to ensuring that our lending partners are heavily involved in the success and evolution of this role.

BA: How do you see the role of raters evolving?

MC: The various stages of the pandemic have highlighted how important the valuation process is to the overall success and health of the housing and mortgage markets. This also highlights the simple fact that all properties require some sort of valuation.

As with any sector, it is imperative to evolve, and as mentioned earlier, data and technology will play an increasingly important role in any real estate transaction. However, this is not diminished from the vast level of skill, experience, knowledge and value that is consistently demonstrated by a good surveyor.

The need for physical valuation and human contact is always present, especially as the mortgage market and borrowing scenarios become increasingly complex. Beyond assessing, Advice and Sustainability play an even bigger role in both status reporting and future assessments.