SortRefer

SortRefer: a services portal for mortgage intermediaries

SortRefer is a free online platform aimed at mortgage intermediaries, independent financial advisers and estate agents. Through it, professionals can organise and instruct legal and technical services for their clients during the process of buying, selling or remortgaging a property. The portal allows quotes to be obtained and instructions to be placed quickly, and offers registered users the possibility of generating additional income through referral fees.

Products and services available

SortRefer's catalogue covers a wide variety of products related to buying and selling, remortgaging and owning property. These include:

• Conveyancing: sale and purchase, standard remortgage, fixed price remortgage, flexible remortgage, equity release, second charges, transfer of equity, Help to Buy (remortgage/valuation), conveyancing for commercial property, and specific options for Scotland (Scottish conveyancing and Scottish Home Reports).
• Surveys and valuations: surveys and valuations for buyers.
• Specialist reports: reports on electrical, timber, damp, Japanese knotweed, among others.
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPC): for sellers or owners who need to renew them.
• Wills: service with full advice.
• Independent legal advice: for clients who require the formal opinion of a solicitor or chartered legal executive not involved in the original transaction.
• Lease extensions: the option to obtain a quote and instruct a service to extend or vary the lease of leasehold flats.
• Stamp Duty Check: to resolve complex queries about land taxes.
• Self-Build: conveyancing specifically for self-build projects.

Income model for intermediaries

SortRefer allows intermediaries to choose the margin they wish to earn on each case. According to the portal's information, it is possible to earn up to £300 on conveyancing cases, up to £200 on surveys and up to £100 on wills, although the final fee depends on the product selected. The platform includes a referral fee calculator to estimate potential earnings. The site shows examples of active cases, cases awaiting payment and archived cases, with figures such as £12,500, £2,500 and £32,500 respectively.

Supplier network and coverage

SortRefer works with a panel of selected suppliers located across the UK. The company highlights the relationships built over the years to ensure competitive service and terms. The portal offers support through regional and in-house teams.

Company history

SortRefer was officially launched in 2009 by a group of four former mortgage brokers, including CEO Kevin Tunnicliffe, business manager Andy Sadler and former telephone account manager Richard Evans. The idea came about in 2007/2008 in response to the lack of reliable conveyancing sources. The initial launch took place without a website, with quotes sent out on Excel spreadsheets. In 2010 the website was launched and remortgage and fixed price remortgage products were added. In 2011 surveys and valuations were introduced. In 2013 commercial property conveyancing and commercial surveys were added, and that year they received their first commendation at the 'Best Conveyancing/Legal Search' awards. In 2014 they won the 'Best Conveyancing/Legal Search Provider' and 'Best Conveyancing Service – Panel Manager' awards at the Mortgage Strategy Awards. In 2015 came a milestone that the company describes as an 'industry first'.

Access and registration

Any independent financial adviser, mortgage intermediary or estate agent can register free of charge with SortRefer to access the selection of products and services. The portal is operated by Sort Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with number 06885158, and SortRefer is a trading name of that company.