Online feedback and reviews have become a major part of the way we make our everyday decisions. Whether we’re going to a doctor or even hiring a plumber to fix a small leak, we often check their online reviews first. We want to know if the professional is reliable and provides good service before working with them.

Given how important a good online reputation is in today’s digital world, every business, including Realtors needs to pay close attention to it. After all, most homebuyers and sellers search for real estate brokerage companies or Realtors online before making any decision.

As a Realtor, you must gather feedback from your clients in the right way and make sure you’re using those reviews effectively. Below, we’ll guide you on how to collect and manage online feedback so that it benefits your real estate business.

The Ideal Time to Ask a Real Estate Client for Their Feedback

The best time to request feedback from a real estate client is right after a transaction is completed. Usually, when a client has just bought their new home or sold their property, they’re filled with excitement. Hence, this is the perfect time for real estate brokerage companies to ask for a review from a client.

However, Realtors, keep in mind to not wait for too long. This is because as clients transition into their homeownership journey or begin the moving process, stress levels may rise. Packing, organizing, settling in the new home, and the many small details after the closing process can overwhelm the client. That’s why it’s important to reach out to the client for feedback before those stressors start to take over.

Also, you must make sure to reach out to the real estate client for feedback at the right time. According to research from ReviewTrackers, the best time to ask a client for a review is between 2 to 3 PM and 6 to 7 PM. So, consider scheduling your feedback request during these hours.

The Channels Through Which a Realtor Can Request Feedback From Clients

There are various channels real estate brokerage companies can use to collect feedback from their clients such as -

In-Person Meetings

Nothing beats a face-to-face conversation when it comes to building rapport and trust with your clients. This is why after closing a deal, consider scheduling an in-person meeting with your clients. You must choose a comfortable and convenient location like a coffee shop, your office, or even the home the client has just bought. You must ask open-ended questions during these meetings regarding the client’s experience working with you or your brokerage team.

Text Messages

Younger real estate clients, especially, prefer to communicate through text messages. This communication method is informal and allows for quick responses, making it easy for your clients to share their thoughts without feeling pressured. After a deal closes, your real estate brokerage team must send a simple text message thanking your clients and asking for feedback on their experience.

Email

After closing, send a follow-up email thanking your clients and asking for their thoughts on your real estate services. An email feedback request allows your clients to respond at their convenience and provides you with a written record of their feedback. You must consider using a structured format for the feedback in the email like a survey or questionnaire to make it easy for clients to share their opinions.

Phone Calls

Sometimes, a quick phone call to collect feedback from your clients can do wonders. During the call, you can ask open-ended questions, encouraging them to share their experience working with your real estate brokerage company. This feedback-collecting method can be more effective than written surveys as you can clarify any points on the spot and dive deeper into their feedback.

Social Media

After closing a deal, you can also consider posting a thank-you message on your social media profiles and encouraging clients to share their feedback in the comments. You can create a poll or survey through your social media stories to get quick responses from clients.

Online Reviews

Once a deal is closed, you can request your clients to share their experiences on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. These positive reviews can enhance the online presence of your brokerage and help attract new clients.

Whatever channel you use to collect feedback, make sure you consider the following factors -

• You must pay attention to how your clients communicate during the buying or selling process and choose a platform accordingly. Some clients may prefer face-to-face interactions while others may find text messages more convenient.
• In case you’re looking for detailed insights, in-person meetings or phone calls might be best. For quick and high-level feedback, real estate brokerage companies usually choose online reviews or social media polls.
• Choose feedback channels that are easy to use for you and your real estate clients.

Steps to Take After Getting Feedback From a Real Estate Client

STEP 1 - Acknowledge and Thank Your Clients

The first thing you must do after receiving feedback from a real estate client is to acknowledge them. If a client shares something positive, thank them for their kind words. In case the feedback is negative, you must express your gratitude for their honesty.

STEP 2 - Analyze the Feedback

Next, real estate brokerage companies analyze the feedback from their clients in depth. For the positive comments, your brokerage must identify what you did well. This will help you understand your strengths and continue to deliver excellent service to your real estate clients. And for the negative feedback, look if you’ve been following this pattern for a while and work to improve it. For instance, if a client mentioned that your communication could have been better, consider providing regular updates to the next clients you work with.

Collecting and using feedback from your real estate clients in the right way is important if you want to grow as a Realtor. This is why always keep in mind to ask for feedback at the right time, use the right channels to ask for reviews, and also take the time to analyze and act on what your real estate clients share with you. By doing this, you’ll be able to strengthen your relationships with clients and make your real estate services better.