Reviews have the power to sway your decision on any purchase you make. It’s especially important to consider reviews when shopping for property management software, which directly impacts your business.

So how do you go about evaluating reviews of top software solutions? Scrolling aimlessly through reviews may leave you more frustrated than you started. Instead, you should begin your search with a plan for how you’ll evaluate and consider reviews.

To help you develop this plan, here are some factors you should consider anytime you read a review.

Quantity

How many reviews does the software have on a particular site overall? Quantity is the first factor you should note when scanning software reviews. The more reviews, the more reputable and widely used the software is likely to be.

A high number of reviews also indicates that the software company has been at it for a while and has probably already encountered a variety of problems and complaints. This means the company has had time to work out pesky bugs.

Lastly, if you notice a high quantity of reviews for the software, the core functionality is likely solidified. Many landlords wouldn’t use software without online rent collection or tenant screening. If you see plenty of reviews, it’s typically worth further investigating the software.

Recency

Alongside quantity, the recency of reviews is also important. Can you find reviews from this year or this month? If so, you have good evidence that the platform is still experiencing growth and attracting new customers. This means the company will be more motivated to improve and add features to meet the needs of their growing client base.

As you consider the dates of reviews, look for trends. Is the software improving? Are old complaints and bugs fixed? If so, this is a pretty good sign the software is high-quality.

Recent reviews are also important to ensure your own expectations will be met. The wants and needs of landlords were different ten, five, or even just a few years ago. If you want features that reflect modern-day approaches, recency is critical.

Quality

The actual score a reviewer assigns to a particular software (3.9, 4.5, etc.) is a valuable indicator of quality. However, you shouldn’t just focus on the number—instead, compare the score with the rest of the industry.

For example, the difference between a 4.4 and a 4.8 rating might seem small, but if all the top companies are scoring at or above 4.8, that 4.4 might mark a more significant drop in quality than you thought. Remember, scores are relative.

You should also assess the quality of written reviews. Check for the reasoning behind both higher and lower scores. A 2.0 might instantly raise alarm, but if the reviewer was furious about a bug that has since been fixed, it’s probably not as big of a deal.

Platform Diversity

A final factor to keep in mind while assessing reviews is platform diversity. Aim to find out whether reviews are consistent across multiple sites or whether there are some inconsistencies.

The three most trustworthy and widely used review sites for property management software are Capterra, G2, and TrustPilot. The first two require proof of purchase, which boosts the credibility of reviewers on their sites. Generally, however, you’ll want to check these three and various others in order to leverage all the information you discover.

Use Reviews to Discover the Best Software for You

Every landlord has different needs and priorities. You should consider these while reading reviews. Poor feedback on one feature might not matter as much if you don’t plan on using that feature anyway. Ultimately, you know the most about your rental business. Pay the most attention to reviews that lead you in the directions you already have planned for your business.