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Encore Realty is a Brookline rental brokerage with dozens of individual agents finding Boston-area apartments — and how a search goes depends heavily on which agent you get. The agency has a BBB A+ rating, and on Google it's built up 298 ratings averaging 4.7, with a steady stream of five-star reviews naming specific agents by name: Zach Shelley, Andi Bauer, Drew, Chris Paez, Cameron McCarthy, Jeremy Trier, and others. The praise that repeats most is speed under pressure. One recent review describes Andi answering emails in under two minutes during a signing; another describes Andi scheduling two tours and getting a client signed on a property within a week, then helping secure the move beyond just finding the place. Olga is described helping a renter find a place entirely from another city, without an in-person tour. Several reviewers say they'd use the same agent again. But the agency's name comes up just as often in a less flattering context. Several r/boston Reddit threads from 2025 describe broker-fee disputes and conduct complaints — one renter said a broker "lied to me about multiple things" and delayed a refund, another called an agent "insanely rude." A more recent thread, from March 2026, has renters debating who is actually on the hook for the fee. Google reviews echo a similar pattern with specific agents: in a 2025 review, a renter describes an agent no-showing three scheduled apartment tours in one weekend; a 2024 review describes a realtor who claimed an apartment key wasn't working, then never followed up for months; and a 2022 review describes an agent who skipped a scheduled showing, gave shifting deadlines for the broker's fee, and never delivered a promised fee waiver. One agent, Michela Nionakis, draws sharply split accounts — several 2026 reviews call her responsive and thorough, while two others from the same period describe her as unresponsive for days and unprofessional on a tour. What to know before working with Encore: the experience here tracks the individual agent more than any agency-wide standard, and broker-fee terms are worth nailing down in writing given the recurring fee complaints on Reddit. Encore is a reasonable option for a Boston-area apartment search given the volume of strong, specific agent reviews — but ask around for a particular agent by name rather than taking whoever's assigned, and get fee and refund terms in writing before signing anything.
“So it is absolutely legal for them to have you pay a broker’s fee if you rent through them. So just don’t rent through them.”
“I am having a lot of issues with Encore realty trying to convince me that in most cases the tenant has to pay the brokers fee.”
“i found a place through the encore realty website and am in contact with the broker through that, but im not sure if this qualifies me as having hired a broker myself or if the landlord has hired them, and therefore they should pay the fee.”
“Broker is insanely rude and lied to me about multiple things. Now is delaying to refund me. Avoid Encore Realty if you’re renting in Boston!!!!!!!!!!”
“This broker from Encore provided me with several false information and delayed my process tremendously.”
Jeremy was very helpful in finding an apartment. He responded to my inquiries quickly and was flexible when setting up a tour. He managed to get me a good deal on an apartment quickly.
highly recommend Zach Shelley for apartment searches in Boston, such a great experience! Zach was super helpful and really went above and beyond in my search process.
Andi was such a pleasure to work with during signing process! He was extremely responsive and did not take more than 2 minutes answer any of our emails. Overall a very timely and efficient experience and I would highly recommend working with Andi!!
Drew was incredibly helpful throughout my search for a place in Boston. He took the time to understand my needs and preferences and consistently showed me properties that were a great fit. He was always quick to answer my questions, kept me updated on any changes, and regularly shared new listings that matched what I was looking for. He also went above and beyond by helping with packages that were delivered to the property before I moved in. Overall, working with Drew made the entire process much easier and far less stressful. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely helpful realtor
Zach was fantastic. Super responsive. Super clear in his communications. Very friendly and helpful. He helped us secure a wonderful apartment and parking. Great guy, would recommend to any friend.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Jul 29, 2026.
Responsive agents2.6
Wins bidding wars5.0
Off-market finds5.0
Buyer negotiation3.4
Repeat clients3.7
