Since Zillow launched the ability to rate and review real estate agents in December, more than 22,000 buyers, sellers and home shoppers have reviewed their agents on Zillow. Starting this week, we’ve expanded the ability to review agents to renters and landlords, creating an exciting addition to our already-burgeoning collection of reviews.
And since choosing the right real estate agent is just as important for renters and landlords as it is for buyers and sellers, the addition of ratings and reviews of rental agents will be a valuable new tool. Now renters and landlords, as well as buyers and sellers, can use the Zillow Directory to search for a real estate agent in their area to see local agent results sorted by the highest overall ratings and greatest number of reviews.
You asked, we delivered. After our launch of agent ratings and reviews, we found that a number of reviewers described how an agent helped them with their search for a rental or tenant. Their feedback didn’t fit into the categories we had on Zillow Directory at the time, so we couldn’t publish them. Now the Directory will serve people at all stages of their real estate search, helping them choose the right agent for their needs.
This is not just great news for landlords and renters, but is welcome news for agents who work with rentals. The Zillow Directory is not only a great place for consumers to evaluate different real estate agents, but it’s fast becoming a valuable tool for agents to find new clients. Those with reviews are getting contacted more often. Agents with just one positive review are getting contacted 75 percent more often than those with none. Those with multiple, positive reviews are getting contacted even more often.
Are you an agent who helps landlords find tenants, or tenants to find landlords? Now you can ask them to review you (just start from your Zillow profile). Are you a tenant or landlord who has experience with an agent you want to share? Review your agent now.