Shopping for any kind of software can be frustrating and overwhelming. Property management software is no different. Landlords can feel incredibly stressed about choosing the right software due to the direct influence the decision will have on their rental business.
One way to learn as much as possible about property management software is to read reviews. Reviews on popular sites like G2, TrustPilot, and Capterra can tell you a lot about the functionality, strengths, and weaknesses of different software.
To help you successfully navigate these sites, here are the basic factors to consider when reading property management software reviews.
Recency
Reviews from several years ago aren’t as telling as ones from the past year or month. This is because software companies are constantly refining and updating their software to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers.
When you read reviews, consider the most recent ones first. Look for current trends in written reviews: Have bugs from previous versions been worked out? Does the company respond to issues promptly? How does the company respond to negative reviews?
Scanning through older reviews can tell you whether users consistently complain about minor bugs or whether there’s a larger structural or functional issue with the software.
Quantity
The number of reviews on a particular site is also an important statistic to consider. Generally, the more reviews a software option has, the more popular and widely used it is.
However, quantity of reviews is not always an accurate measure of quality. This is because some review sites regulate posts by requiring reviewers to verify their identity and proof of purchase via LinkedIn or another method.
This regulation process is a potential confounding factor. For instance, some newer software options may have fewer reviews simply because not enough time has passed for reviewers to be fully verified. However, the software still might be a high-quality option worth your time and further investigation.
Quality
The numerical score (3.5, 4.8) and written content of reviews comprise the quality category. High ratings are a good indication that software is high-quality. However, remember that scores are relative to the rest of the industry. You should always compare ratings to determine the standards for the property management software niche.
Written reviews are another great way to find out what other landlords think of a software company. Of course, every software company is bound to have outlier reviews, but look for trends in the people who are generally happy or unhappy with the software.
Be sure you note the features landlords say are the software’s best. Compare them with your own goals for property management software. Does it seem like the software will be able to meet your most immediate needs? What features do reviewers think are average or sub-par? Are you planning to use these features?
There’s no set rule for how many reviews you should consider, but read enough to get a good idea of the software company’s strengths and weaknesses.
Platform Diversity
Platform diversity is a final factor you should consider when reading property management software reviews. Platform diversity refers to the consistency of reviews across different platforms.
Three major platforms to check are G2, TrustPilot, and Capterra. However, you should also browse others when possible. It’s also a good idea to know whether the review site you’re on allows anyone to post or whether they enforce credibility restrictions, such as identity verification.
Aim to find out whether inconsistencies can be explained or if landlords truly have variable experiences with the software. Comparing reviews across platforms is the best way to gather as much information you can about property management software and leverage the risks and benefits.
Navigate Reviews with Confidence
If navigating hundreds of reviews seems overwhelming, choose a few sites to focus on that you trust. You can also create a chart or Excel file to keep track of the risks and benefits of each option you’re considering.
Finally, reviews aren’t the only way to learn about property management software. If you’ve narrowed down your search to a few options, try interacting with the software directly. For instance, see if the software offers a free trial or feature-light version before purchasing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the software company directly if you have specific questions.
In the end, you know what’s best for your rental business. Use your values and principles to guide your search, and you are sure to find the right software for your business.