Newcastle Property Manager Reviews: Tips When Reading Rental Management Reviews For Newcastle Real Estate Agents

The marketing of many Newcastle real estate agencies can make them all seem much the same. "We'll always call you back", "We look after your property as if it's our own", "Number 1 Agent in XXXX Suburb", etc. 

How do you separate the marketing promises from the actual service experience you are likely to receive from the real estate agent? If you have a family member, friend, or colleague who has direct experience with an agency, this is a good way to get a read on the agency's performance. 

However, more likely you will need to read a number of real estate agent reviews. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your research.

Tips When Looking At Newcastle Real Estate Agent Reviews

1. Brand Reviews and Individual Reviews Are Not The Same

Keep in mind that the testimonials you will see in marketing materials and on websites are often general, thanking a business as a whole for its service rather than an individual. While this has value, it is important to remember that property management is a highly fluid workforce. Research has shown that more than half of Australian property managers have less than 2 years' experience, while 43% of those working in the industry believe their next role will be outside property management.

Brand reviews are fine, but ideally you want to build a long term and stable relationship with your property manager. You want to know previous investors' experience with the particular individual you would be engaging, should you choose that agency. 

In addition, real estate agencies often blend together reviews received by their sales team and their property management team. You may be interested in finding a great property manager, not realising that the reviews you're reading about the business relate to the sales department, or vice versa. 

With this in mind, it is best to find reviews of your specific shortlisted property manager or agent rather than reviews of the larger brand they work for. 

2. Comparison Sites Provide Very Limited Information

​Searching online for reviews of property management or real estate companies will doubtlessly provide search results for sites such as OpenAgent, LocalAgentFinder, Which Real Estate Agent and Rate My Agent, among a growing list of others. Importantly, with the exception of Rate My Agent, every one of these sites charges the agent a fee in order to be listed at all. 

In the case of Rate My Agent, as at today's publishing date, a search for leasing agents servicing Charlestown in NSW presents just two real estate agencies. However, viewing currently available rental properties listed for lease on realestate.com.au, there are 19 separate agencies with active listings in this suburb. 

In summary, if you wish to greatly limit the number of options you consider in return for saving time, these sites may be good for you. 

3. Ex-Tenants Are A Strong Source Of Review Material (For Better Or Worse...)

​It is quite common that a tenant will take to social media or a reviews page to criticise a business they believe treated them unfairly at the end of a tenancy. They may have been asked to clean a house to a more acceptable level than it was left, bond may have been retained for damage or missing rent, or some other matter may have left a bad feeling which is then voiced publicly by way of a negative review. 

Remember that many property management businesses have glowing reviews from landlords and very negative and comparably inconsistent reviews from tenants. Tenants are of course entitled to voice their concerns and they may have valid issues to raise. It is usually a matter of common sense and using good judgement to determine whether a negative tenant review seems to be legitimate or vengeful. 

​Where Should You Look For Newcastle Property Manager and Real Estate Agent Reviews?

​The top review sources to consider are Google Business reviews and Facebook page reviews. Other sources such as the company's own website and marketing material are of course subject to selective editing, in a way that public review posts are not. 

In order to find reviews of the specific business you wish to investigate, it is best to type the business's name and location directly into a web search. This should present the company's Google My Business listing in detail, including a link to read reviews of the business, often directly mentioning staff by name. Alternatively, you could try entering the name of an individual followed by the word "reviews" into a web search. 

Similarly, in Facebook you could do a search for the business or individual's name you are seeking reviews for, and then click the reviews link from the menu to read what others have to say about their service. 

All the best with your research and making a great decision!