If you are looking for a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, you may wonder how much weight you should give to online reviews. After all, anyone can write anything on the internet, right? How do you know if the reviews are genuine, accurate, and relevant?

The answer is: yes, real estate agent reviews do matter. A lot. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 90% of buyers and 89% of sellers used a real estate agent or broker in their transaction. Among those who used an agent, 38% of buyers and 36% of sellers found their agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative.

This means that most people rely on the word-of-mouth recommendations of others when choosing an agent. And online reviews are essentially digital word-of-mouth. They provide a way for potential clients to learn about the experiences, opinions, and perspectives of past clients who have worked with a particular agent. 

However, not all reviews are created equal. Some reviews may be more helpful, trustworthy, and relevant than others. Here are some tips on how to evaluate and use real estate agent reviews effectively:

•  Look for reviews from verified sources. Some websites, such as realtor.com and Zillow, require users to verify their identity and their relationship with the agent before they can post a review. This helps to ensure that the reviews are authentic and not fake or spam. You can, for example, look at Somerest Bellevue Real Estate's reviews.

•  Read multiple reviews from different sources. Don't rely on just one review or one website. Read reviews from different platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and Yelp, to get a more balanced and comprehensive view of the agent's performance, reputation, and personality.

•  Pay attention to the quality and quantity of reviews. A high number of reviews indicates that the agent has a lot of experience and a large client base. A high rating indicates that the agent has a high level of satisfaction and positive feedback. However, don't just look at the numbers. Read the content of the reviews as well. Look for specific details, examples, and stories that illustrate the agent's strengths, weaknesses, and style of work.

•  Consider the recency and relevance of reviews. Reviews that are recent and relevant to your situation are more useful than reviews that are old and outdated. Look for reviews that have been posted within the last year and that match your needs and preferences. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, look for reviews from other first-time buyers who have worked with the agent. If you are selling a luxury home,like WA Real Estate, look for reviews from other sellers of luxury homes who have worked with the agent.

•  Contact the agent and ask for references. Reviews are a great way to start your research, but they are not a substitute for direct communication. Before you hire an agent, contact them and ask them some questions. Ask them about their experience, qualifications, services, fees, and availability. Ask them for references from past clients who are willing to talk to you. Call or email the references and ask them about their experience with the agent. This will give you a more personal and in-depth insight into the agent's work ethic, professionalism, and personality.  

In conclusion, real estate agent reviews do matter. They are a valuable source of information and feedback that can help you find the best agent for your needs. However, you should not rely on reviews alone. You should also do your research, contact the agent, and ask for references. By doing so, you will be able to make an informed and confident decision about your real estate agent.