The internet has made it easy for everyone to share opinions, even about homes for sale. On popular real estate portals, you can sometimes find comments from agents or even consumers. These online comments may seem to be an attempt for transparency, but the comments are only opinions. While homesale online comments may be well intentioned, these comments can also create confusion or even hurt a sale.
The Pros and Cons of Homesale Online Comments
For Buyers, the Pros:
- Extra insight beyond photos: Comments can tell you things the pictures don’t, such as noise, smells, or condition.
- A buyer can save time if comments point out issues that could affect their decision, like poor maintenance or a tricky layout.
- A buyer agent’s comments can help buyers compare opinions to the polished listing language.
For Buyers, the Cons:
- These are opinions, not facts. Comments are personal. One person’s “too small” might be another person’s “cozy.”
- Outdated information. Homes change. Repairs, paint, or new staging can make old comments misleading.
- Can create bias. A negative or overly strong opinion can dissuade buyers from touring a perfectly nice home that might actually fit their needs once seen in person.
For Sellers, the Pros:
- It’s feedback. If multiple comments say “needs updates,” that’s input that a seller can use for pricing or staging decisions.
- Transparency builds trust. A seller who embraces honest feedback can come across as more credible.
- Chance to improve marketing. Knowing what people are saying helps agents adjust photos, descriptions, or even small home fixes.
For Sellers, the Cons:
- Comments are often unfiltered. Online comments can sound harsher than intended and can make a home look worse than it really is.
- Opinions can hurt a sale. Comments, especially from consumers or agents who didn’t see the full picture, are just opinions, but they can spread quickly and turn off potential buyers before they ever schedule a showing.
- Older comments may still appear online, even after a seller renovates, shaping perceptions unfairly.
- Sellers and their agents can’t always edit or remove third-party comments, even if they’re misleading.
Bottom Line
Online comments about homes can be both a blessing and a curse. For buyers, they add information. But it can also create unfair impressions. For sellers, they can provide useful feedback, as well as unwanted “digital baggage.”
If you’re a seller and find comments that are outdated, inaccurate, or unfair, you can request removal through the portal (website) where they appear. However, success varies. Some platforms, may only remove comments under specific conditions.
Take all online comments with a grain of salt. If something catches your attention, good or bad, should be confirmed in person.
By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025
Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.