Estate and letting agents get the most Google reviews by asking at the high points of a sale or tenancy: when an offer is accepted, on completion day, or when a tenant moves in smoothly. The negotiator or manager who handled the deal should ask personally, with a review card to hand at the key handover or a message with your review link afterwards. Sellers and landlords choosing an agent often compare Google ratings, so reviews from past clients can win instructions.
When to ask
- Sellers: on completion day, when you call to confirm the sale has gone through, or when they drop off the keys.
- Buyers: when they collect the keys to their new home.
- Landlords: once a new tenant is in and the first rent has been paid.
- Tenants: after move-in, once any early issues have been dealt with.
Avoid asking in the middle of a stressful chain or while a problem is still unresolved.
What to say
- "Congratulations on the move. If you've been happy with how we handled it, a Google review would mean a lot to the team. You can just tap your phone on this card."
- "Most of our new clients look us up on Google first, so a review from you would really help."
Tools that suit agents
- A Google review card for each negotiator and property manager to use at key handovers.
- A Google review stand on the office front desk.
- Your review link in completion emails and move-in messages.
A completion email you can adapt
Dear Anna and Rob, congratulations, the sale has completed and the keys are ready to hand over. Thank you for choosing us. If you have a few minutes, we'd be very grateful for a Google review: [review link]. Best wishes, James
Replying to reviews
Thank clients by name in your reply and mention the street or area only if they did. For negative reviews, which often involve delays or tenancy disputes, keep your reply calm, avoid sharing details of the transaction or the other party, and invite the reviewer to contact the branch manager. Our guide on how to respond to Google reviews has examples.
What not to do
- Don't offer a fee discount or a gift voucher in return for a review.
- Don't only ask clients whose sales went smoothly.
- Don't ask staff, or their friends and family, to leave reviews.
Our article on Google's review rules explains more.
Common questions
Should each branch have its own Google profile?
Yes. Each office with its own address should have its own profile and review link. Our guide to review cards for teams and multiple locations covers this.
Can buyers and tenants review us as well as sellers and landlords?
Yes. Anyone who has genuinely used your services can leave a review.
When is the best time to ask a seller?
On completion day or soon after, when the sale is done and they're relieved it's over.