If you’re looking for an estate agent to sell your home or rent out your property, you might be scrolling through their reviews.
That’s a smart move. Here are some tips to help you make sense of what you read.
Where to find reviews
Every good estate agent will be happy for you to read their online reviews.
You’ll often find them alongside an agent’s listing on Google. A recent feature even shows an AI-generated summary of reviews for local agents, giving you an overview of how they’re perceived in your area.
Other sites which host estate agent reviews include Trustpilot, Feefo, GetAgent, ESTAS and AllAgents.
Can you really trust reviews?
It’s worth knowing that posts on most review sites aren’t verified. Anyone can leave a comment – good or bad – whether they’ve ever used that agent or not.
Keep an eye out for fake reviews. Vague, generic comments that don’t mention a specific property, transaction or staff member might not be genuine. While not always the case, it’s something you can often spot by looking for repeated phrases or patterns.
Getting the most from reviews
• Don’t just read the first few reviews. Scroll further down for a fuller picture of how people really feel about the agency.
• Check who the reviews are from – buyers, sellers, tenants or landlords. Each has a different experience and expectation.
• Click through to reviewers’ profiles. Do they look authentic, and do their other reviews sound sincere?
• Read the agent’s replies. Good agencies respond thoughtfully, accept feedback and address any concerns with professionalism. Everyone makes mistakes; what matters is how they put them right.
Beyond the star ratings
While reviews can be useful, don’t rely on them alone. An agent’s local reputation and word-of-mouth feedback often tell you just as much. Ask friends, neighbours or colleagues who they’ve used and whether they’d recommend them. Local community groups on social media can also be a goldmine for honest opinions.
Better still, pick up the phone and talk to the estate agents you’re considering. The way they handle your first enquiry will tell you far more than any online comment ever could.
Buying and selling the ethical way
We’re proud founding members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN) – a national group of independent estate agents tested and approved for their standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care. We also sit on their advisory panel, helping shape the future of ethical estate agency.
We’re also the only Thetford agency to have passed the EAN’s strict selection process, which reflects our ongoing commitment to doing things the right way.
If you’d like to find out more about how we work, or what being part of the EAN means for you as a client, get in touch with our friendly team today.
And if you know someone who’s thinking of moving, please share this article with them – it might help them choose their next agent with confidence.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
