Not all online reviews are accurate
The first thing to remember about online reviews is that not all of them are true. Some may even be false, posted by trolls or the landlord or property management company to improve their image. Some comments may also be exaggerated in either direction, positively or negatively, due to difficulties unconnected to the property or even the landlord. When reading reviews, look for evaluations that appear to be from reliable sources, like current or past tenants with verifiable profiles. Disregard the rest.
How to read and assess a review
Once you’ve learned how to obtain verified reviews, it’s critical to read and assess them effectively. You can evaluate a review by utilizing the following guidelines:
- Look at the language and tone used by the reviewer. Are they providing specific, detailed examples, or are their complaints vague and general? Is the reviewer emotion-driven or presenting a more objective analysis of their experience? Search for reviews that include both positives and negatives about the property. A review with only glowing praise or harsh criticism may not be as trustworthy.
- Don’t just focus on the star rating. Investigate the specific comments and complaints made in the review. Are they valid concerns or easily resolve problems?
- Look for patterns in multiple reviews. Do certain problems come up repeatedly? Are they mainly positive or negative? Did the landlord respond to the review, try to make things right, or thank the reviewer for their review? This might provide you with a more accurate picture of the overall experience at the property.
- Keep in mind your priorities and preferences when reading reviews. A negative review concerning noise levels may not be as vital to you if you work from home and don’t plan on having frequent visitors. Something that may be a dealbreaker for one person may not be as important to you.
Examples of good and bad online reviews
A positive review may highlight particular property qualities as well as personal experiences, such as “The management team is very responsive and accommodating. They fixed a plumbing issue in my unit within 24 hours.”
A negative review may be unduly exaggerated or vague, for example, “This place is a nightmare. Do not move here.” The latter lacks particular scenarios or evidence to support their claims. Always examine the language and tone utilized in a review and the source of the review when assessing its credibility.
The importance of evaluating reviews correctly
It’s necessary to properly evaluate online reviews when looking for a new rental property. Misguided or phony reviews can provide you with a false impression of the property and result in potential issues and frustrations in the future. Before making any property decisions, try visiting it in person to get a first-hand look at the rental and talk to the landlord or Chapel Hill 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 correctly assessing reviews, you can make a more informed decision and possibly have a greater rental experience.
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