If you are reading realtor reviews near you, look beyond the star rating and focus on what past sellers say about pricing, communication, and how problems were handled. I am Chris Doherty, and I encourage Lowell sellers to read my reviews closely and to look for patterns that match what matters to them.
Reviews are useful when you read them the right way. A short, glowing line tells you a client was happy. A detailed review tells you why: the agent priced the home well, returned calls quickly, explained an inspection issue, or kept a closing on schedule. Those details help you predict what your own sale will be like.
Look for reviews from sellers in your area
Start with reviews from sellers in Lowell and nearby towns, and pay attention to the type of home involved. Selling a single family home in Belvidere or the Highlands is different from selling a downtown loft, a mill building condo, or a two family in Centralville or the Acre. Reviews that mention your neighborhood or a similar property are more relevant than a general comment from a different market.
Also check the timing. Recent reviews reflect how an agent works in current conditions, with current lender timelines and current buyer expectations. I work across Lowell, including Pawtucketville and South Lowell, and in Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, and Billerica, so I ask sellers to look for reviews that mention the kind of sale they are planning.
Read for communication, pricing, and problem solving
Three themes matter most in seller reviews. First, communication: did the agent keep the seller updated after showings, during offer review, and before closing? Second, pricing: did the home sell in a reasonable time at a price the seller felt was supported by the market? Third, problem solving: when an inspection, appraisal, or title issue came up, did the agent explain options and act quickly?
In my practice, I focus on those same three areas. I give sellers showing feedback, I show the comparable sales behind a price, and I use my legal background to spot contract issues early. If a review mentions that an agent was hard to reach or that deadlines were missed, take that seriously, because those issues tend to repeat.
Use reviews as a starting point, then interview
Reviews should narrow your list, not make the final decision for you. After reading reviews, interview the agent in person or by phone. Ask about a recent sale that was similar to yours, ask what did not go as planned, and ask how it was handled. A candid answer is a good sign.
Bring your own priorities to that conversation. If you need a fast sale, say so. If you need time to find your next home, say so. If the home needs work and you do not want to do repairs, say so. The right agent will build a plan around your situation and will be honest about tradeoffs, rather than telling you only what you want to hear.
Check for consistency across many sales
One review is a story. Many reviews over many transactions are a pattern. I personally sell 100+ homes a year and have 3,000+ career transactions, so there is a long record for sellers to review. Look for consistency over time, across neighborhoods, and across price ranges, from first listings in Westford and Tyngsborough to repeat sales in Lowell where clients come back or refer a neighbor.
That consistency is what I work for on every sale: a clear price, a prepared home, strong photos and presentation, and steady updates until the closing is complete.
If you have read the reviews and want to talk in person, I invite you to get a free, no obligation home valuation from me and ask me any question you have about selling. Call Doherty Properties at (978) 746-0124 to schedule a time.
Chris Doherty is the #1 selling agent in Lowell, ranked #1 in the city again and again, including in 2024 and 2025, and he is one of Greater Lowell's top-producing agents. He personally sells 100+ homes a year, with 3,000+ career transactions, and Doherty Properties, the company he leads, has handled over $1 billion in real estate transactions.
Doherty Properties LLC, 14 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852 | 160 Main Street, Unit 7, Haverhill, MA 01830 | 4 Courthouse Lane, Suite 2, Chelmsford, MA 01824 | (978) 746-0124 | [email protected]
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