A great example of that trend is Yelp, which is intertwining business reviews with a social element. Add some iPhone goodness to that and I can see a future world where most selections will be prompted by reviews the consumer sees as they’re researching.

An on-line review would be a good way for a civilian/citizen to study up and get a sense for the real deal.

As you’ve shared, I think it would have the bst change if it was a true third party site, a trusted site.

I’ve always like the idea of providing a potential client a list of references, including phone numbers so they could call and check it out.

And last, but not least, one way to cut through the smoke and mirrors, broken promises and BS artists. Offer an iron clad, ‘If we’re not happy with my service/results or I’m unhappy with you for any reason, at any time either of can terminate or listing/buyer’s agreement.

Nice post.

This has been done since the dawn of time in other industries but because brokerages are spread out across the nation with no common standards of practice enforced other than the CoE and state laws, third party reviews have been in place but not commonly requested publicly like on Yahoo.

People want to be part of their buying experiences and the web is trending toward public reviews anyhow as people live every part of their lives publicly (as do I).

I’m surprised that anyone who blogs and Twitters and chooses public web life would question the merit of giving consumers the opportunity to communicate- if this is a bone of contention, what the hell are dissenters to your point even doing online? It seems to be a waste if that is the sentiment.