Not all online reviews are accurate
The first thing to consider about online reviews is that not all of them are true. Some may even be forged and posted by trolls or the landlord or property management company to make their image better. Some reviews may also be exaggerated in either direction, positively or negatively, because of things that have nothing to do with the property or even the landlord. When reading reviews, look for those that seem to be from verified sources, such as from current or past tenants with verifiable profiles. Leave the rest alone.
How to read and assess a review
Once you recognize how to identify verified reviews, it’s essential to read and assess them effectively. Here are some tips for figuring out how good a review is:
- Look at the language and tone used by the reviewer. Do they give specific, detailed examples, or are their complaints vague and general? Is the reviewer emotion-driven or writing a more objective analysis of their experience? Look for reviews that talk about both positives and negatives of the property. A review with only glowing praise or harsh criticism may not be as accurate.
- Don’t just focus on the star rating. Look more closely at the specific comments and critiques that were made in the review. Are they valid concerns or problems that are easy to fix?
- Look for patterns in multiple reviews. Do the same problems come up repeatedly? Are they mainly positive or negative? Did the landlord reply to the review, try to make things right, or thank the reviewer for their review? This can assist you in gaining a better picture of the overall experience at the property.
- Keep in mind your priorities and preferences when reading reviews. If you work from home and don’t plan on having many visitors, a negative review about noise levels may not be as important to you. Something that may be a dealbreaker for one person may not matter as much to you.
Examples of good and bad online reviews
A good review may talk about certain features of the property, and personal experiences, such as “The management team is very responsive and accommodating. They fixed a plumbing issue in my unit within 24 hours.”
A poor review might be too intense or vague, for example, “This place is a nightmare. Do not move here.” The latter lacks clear details or evidence to back up their claims. Always determine the language and tone utilized in a review and the source of the review when determining its trustworthiness.
The importance of evaluating reviews correctly
It’s important to properly evaluate online reviews when searching for a new rental property. Misleading or fake reviews can give you a false impression of the property and lead to potential issues and disappointments in the future. Before you make any decision about a property, consider visiting it in person to get a first-hand look at the rental and speak with the landlord or Canyon Lake property management company.
Ultimately, remember to take online reviews with a grain of salt and utilize them as one tool in your rental decision-making process. By properly assessing reviews, you can make a more informed decision and possibly have a great rental experience.
Are you in the market for a new rental home? Contact Real Property Management Bella to look at great listings in your area! You can also browse our rentals online.