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The Reality of Online Reviews

Online reviews are powerful. They influence consumer decisions and shape public perception. However, they don’t always tell the full story.

It’s widely known across many industries — not just property management — that:

  • Some businesses encourage positive reviews from satisfied clients.

  • Some competitors attempt to harm others with coordinated negative feedback.

  • There are third-party services internationally that claim to provide positive or negative reviews for a fee.

While not every high rating is suspicious, and not every low rating is justified, the online review ecosystem is not immune to manipulation. Consumers should approach reviews thoughtfully and look for patterns rather than isolated comments.

When evaluating a company, it’s helpful to consider:

  • The tone and detail of reviews

  • Whether feedback appears balanced and specific

  • How the company responds publicly

  • The longevity and consistency of the business

A perfect rating with hundreds of generic one-line reviews can be just as questionable as a low rating filled with emotionally charged complaints without context.

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