# Encore Realty

**Trade:** Real Estate · **Address:** 123 St Mary's St, Brookline, MA 02446, USA · **Phone:** (617) 981-6900 · **Website:** http://www.allaccessboston.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 2.9/5** (high confidence) — from 170 reviews across 5 sources.
96% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 37 reviews, 2 negative.

## The honest read

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.

**Strengths:**
- Fast, responsive agents — repeatedly praised for quick replies under deadline
- BBB A+ accredited — strong overall business rating
- Handles remote searches — agents run virtual tours for out-of-state movers
- Repeat clients — several reviewers returned to the same agent

**Concerns:**
- Broker-fee complaints — Reddit threads describe fee disputes and alleged dishonesty
- No-show incidents — some reviews describe agents missing scheduled tours
- Inconsistent agent experience — one agent draws both strong praise and sharp complaints

**Where sources disagree:**
- Google reviews about agent Michela Nionakis are split — several describe her as highly responsive and thorough, while two others from the same period describe her as unresponsive for days and unprofessional on a tour

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Individual agents repeatedly praised for fast responses during time-pressured apartment searches _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xNM1kzQnNOSE5JYlhZM05sSjVTbEZRWjNobE1YYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlM3Y3BsNHNIbXY3NlJ5SlFQZ3hlMXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Jeremy was very helpful in finding an apartment. He responded to my inquiries quickly and was flexible when setting up a tour. He managed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pCcllYaGtaRTVtZUVsUmJrMVNWbEp5ZUZWNVZVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjBrYXhkZE5meElRbk1SVlJyeFV5VUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Zach was fantastic. Super responsive. Super clear in his communications. Very friendly and helpful. He helped us secure a wonderful apart…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tkZlpWaEJZVlZPU25rMk9VWXdhakpLT0hCak5YYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkdfZVhBYVVOSnk2OUYwajJKOHBjNXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Highly recommend Jeremy Trier when looking for an apartment in the Boston area! Jeremy provided deep knowledge of the Boston market, took…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tKeWNIcFRjVE5mT1ZCaFNHRjZielZWWDI5M1ZsRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkJycHpTcTNfOVBhSGF6bzVVX293VlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Cameron was exceptionally helpful. When another apartment flaked on us last minute right before my recent move from Tampa to Boston, Came…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xsQ1lrOXpWWFYyZVVwWVFtaFBTa3hHVFZCaFJsRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOllCYk9zVXV2eUpYQmhPSkxGTVBhRlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had an incredible experience despite the tight and pricey market of Cambridge thanks to Jeremy.  Was responsive, helpful, had good advice…”
- BBB accredited with an A+ rating _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/brookline/profile/real-estate/encore-realty-0021-270070) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
- Agents handle remote and virtual searches for out-of-state or out-of-country movers _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25jd1IzcDFYM281YTNseGFHVkhkekUwTmpoc1RGRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOncwR3p1X3o5a3lxaGVHdzE0NjhsTFE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Olga from Encore Realty helped me find an amazing place while I was living in another city and unable to tour in person, and it was such …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21nMU1IbExOWHBGYTJKSExVeEVhbVZSYVV4aGRuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmg1MHlLNXpFa2JHLUxEamVRaUxhdnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My son moved to Boston from overseas and needed to be near his college and good transit. Even though we were late to look for options, Ca…”
- Agents go beyond scheduling to help secure a property, e.g. negotiating terms or a full week's coordination _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tOMFQwSXhPRXhhUTBkUE5VdGhURWc0UldKUVNrRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkN0T0IxOExaQ0dPNUthTEg4RWJQSkE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Working with Andi was a great experience. He was incredibly responsive, usually getting back to us within minutes, and was able to schedu…”
- Reddit threads describe broker-fee disputes and specific conduct complaints, including alleged dishonesty and a delayed refund _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1rutb1l/brokers_fees_and_realty_companies/) — “r/boston — 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.”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n7caebv/) — “r/boston — Broker is insanely rude and lied to me about multiple things. Now is delaying to refund me. Avoid Encore Realty if you’re renting…”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n7ca7gk/) — “r/boston — This broker from Encore provided me with several false information and delayed my process tremendously.”
- Multiple 1-star reviews describe specific agents no-showing or failing to follow up on scheduled tours _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNBcm9MSlV3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCAroLJUw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ We had the displeasure of working with Karim Chinchilla to find an apartment in Boston. We applied to view a few places on apartments.com…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ5enJQSmNBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID9zrPJcA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Super weird experience. I spoke to one of the realtors and everything was great at first, we scheduled a showing. I get there, and the re…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNlcUpHaERBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICeqJGhDA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ My roommates and I had a very negative experience with Cristian Lorenzo. My roommate found an open house for our apartment on our own and…”
- Sharply split reviews about the same agent, Michela Nionakis — some call her excellent, two describe her as unresponsive and unprofessional _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2paeFJrdHFTMHhPUzBzNWVYSjZSSFpUU1VaRlpXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjZxRktqS0xOS0s5eXJ6RHZTSUZFZWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Working with Michela Nionakis was an incredible experience. My boyfriend and I needed to move quickly and were starting to lose hope, but…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25RMVUyZFFjMWhUZEhSWU1GbEJSazl4YVdKUWJXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnQ1U2dQc1hTdHRYMFlBRk9xaWJQbWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Michela Nionakis — Truly the worst person to work with ever. So horrible at communicating, very unprofessional, and unhelpful. Went to an…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25sclV6TlFPRWhYT0ZacVJHRmFPR2xsY1RaMk5XYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnlrUzNQOEhXOFZqRGFaOGllcTZ2NWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Michela Nionakis was easily the WORST realtor I've ever worked with. From the beginning, communicating with her was a nightmare. I would …”
- Apartment rental search and touring _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xNM1kzQnNOSE5JYlhZM05sSjVTbEZRWjNobE1YYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlM3Y3BsNHNIbXY3NlJ5SlFQZ3hlMXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Jeremy was very helpful in finding an apartment. He responded to my inquiries quickly and was flexible when setting up a tour. He managed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21adllXOVplbWx3U25FMmRFRlZaVXBzYTFGb1pWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZvYW9ZemlwSnE2dEFVZUpsa1FoZVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an amazing experience with Encore Realty! They were extremely helpful from start to finish, showed us tons of great options, and t…”
- Specializes in Real Estate _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xNM1kzQnNOSE5JYlhZM05sSjVTbEZRWjNobE1YYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlM3Y3BsNHNIbXY3NlJ5SlFQZ3hlMXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Jeremy was very helpful in finding an apartment. He responded to my inquiries quickly and was flexible when setting up a tour. He managed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2taTE5sWTFWMDF1YmxjNFpERXROa1pyVG1OVFRuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkZLNlY1V01ublc4ZDEtNkZrTmNTTnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ 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…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21adllXOVplbWx3U25FMmRFRlZaVXBzYTFGb1pWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x6d5940e441d51ca7!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZvYW9ZemlwSnE2dEFVZUpsa1FoZVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an amazing experience with Encore Realty! They were extremely helpful from start to finish, showed us tons of great options, and t…”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Encore%20Realty&query_place_id=ChIJi7rLoUx444kRpxzVQeRAWW0): 4.7★ from 298 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Encore%20Realty&query_place_id=ChIJi7rLoUx444kRpxzVQeRAWW0): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/brookline/profile/real-estate/encore-realty-0021-270070): Listed on this source
- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1rutb1l/brokers_fees_and_realty_companies/): 9 community mentions discussing this business
- [Official Website](http://www.allaccessboston.com): Self-reported profile and service details

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “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.” — u/altilly in r/boston (2026-03-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1rutb1l/brokers_fees_and_realty_companies/oao6wn6/
- “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.” — u/shiksa98 in r/boston (2026-03-15) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1rutb1l/brokers_fees_and_realty_companies/
- “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…” — u/Any_Accident971 in r/bostonhousing (2025-11-07) — https://www.reddit.com/r/bostonhousing/comments/1or87f8/brokers_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!!!!!!!!!!” — u/blythecritters in r/boston (2025-08-07) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n7caebv/
- “This broker from Encore provided me with several false information and delayed my process tremendously.” — u/blythecritters in r/boston (2025-08-07) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n7ca7gk/
- “Then, radio silence from our agent.” — u/Osteon69 in r/boston (2025-08-07) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n7c8z0j/
- “Encore Realty, avoid at all costs. Wasted 2 weeks of my time.” — u/blythecritters in r/boston (2025-08-05) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n73zov9/
- “Encore Realty” — u/blythecritters in r/boston (2025-08-05) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/n73raal/
- “So I’ve been working with a broker who’s been super vague throughout the process.” — u/blythecritters in r/boston (2025-08-05) — https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1mifvj0/is_this_normal_when_dealing_with_a_broker/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Henry Corrigan · 2026-07-21**: 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.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rose Stefanidakis · 2026-07-07**: 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.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Elizabeth Haswell · 2026-07-07**: 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!!
- **4/5 · Google Reviews · Leoul Zeke · 2026-06-23**: 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 t…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Shidan Youssefian · 2026-06-18**: 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.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tiffany Souza · 2026-06-16**: Drew was an absolute pleasure to work with. Made a stressful time extremely easy and pleasant. Very responsive and was able to answer all my questions. If ever you need an agent he’s the right person.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kenzie and Patrick · 2026-06-11**: Highly recommend Jeremy Trier when looking for an apartment in the Boston area! Jeremy provided deep knowledge of the Boston market, took the time to understand what we were looking for in an apartment, and above all, Jeremy was incredibly responsive. Emails were responded to within minutes, he alwa…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Katie Cronin · 2026-06-03**: Jenniffer was wonderful to work with during our apartment search. She was responsive, helpful, and kind. The application process was easy thanks to Jenniffer. Highly recommend working with this business!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Evan Lai · 2026-06-02**: Working with Andi was a great experience. He was incredibly responsive, usually getting back to us within minutes, and was able to schedule two tours and get us signed on a great property all within a week. Beyond just finding us a place, he went the extra mile by helping us secure several upgrades …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Pruthvi Gowda · 2026-05-29**: Amazing people to work with.

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-29T01:06:13.456Z.
Cite as: Encore Realty — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/encore-realty-brookline)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/encore-realty-brookline