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Dealing with a Negative Review

How to turn your bad review into a good experience

Updated today

Remember, selling or buying a home can be a very emotional time. Ask yourself:

  • Is the client just letting off steam?

  • Is there any constructive criticism in the review?

  • Did I drop the ball on this one? (we all do sometimes, it's part of being human)


Responding Constructively To Negative Reviews

When potential clients view your profile, a mix of positive reviews and the occasional negative one (especially when paired with a thoughtful response) adds credibility. It reassures readers that your reviews are genuine and provides helpful context for your overall performance.

Keep the following best practices in mind when responding to your clients:

Do:

  • Be positive and polite

  • Address all of the concerns mentioned in the review

  • If there are parts of the review that are not correct, address them respectfully

  • End the reply with an offer for them to contact you if required

Don't:

  • Be defensive or aggressive

  • Disclose potentially private information (this includes the client's name and details)

  • Ignore key points

  • Shift blame onto your clients

Check out some replies other agents have used here, here, and here.

Please note: Public replies to reviews are available only to subscribed agents. If you don’t have a subscription, try contacting clients directly to address their feedback.


Why Bad Reviews Can Be Positive

1. Build Trust

Clients don’t expect perfection. Handling negative reviews calmly shows how you respond to challenges and builds confidence in your professionalism.

2. Enhance Credibility

Balanced reviews make your profile feel authentic. Negative feedback alongside positive reviews reinforces that your testimonials are genuine.

3. Create Opportunities

Negative feedback highlights areas to improve. Some mistakes are outside your control, but responding thoughtfully demonstrates accountability and commitment to client satisfaction.


How To Reply To A Review

For detailed guidance, please click here see how we recommend you reply: How to reply to a review


How It Can Help Your Business

Please click here to read our blog on why negative reviews are good for business.


Can I Have The Review Removed?

No, agents and agencies do not have the ability to hide, edit or remove any reviews from their profile. However, there are situations that may warrant removal. Click here to learn more.

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