Online agent reviews are a hot topic right now.

For years people asked their friends and family for recommendations when they were searching for an agent to help buy or sell a house. Consumers still ask their friends for recommendations, but now they are increasingly likely to look agents up on the Internet, too.

Popular consumer portals like Zillow and Trulia host agent reviews, but they aren't the only ones. If you come across a negative review about your services, don't panic. The occasional bad review can happen to even the best agents. Whether it stems from a disgruntled client, genuine misunderstanding or total stranger (and liar), here are four steps that will stop you from making a mountain out of a molehill.

Take a deep breath.

So you found a bad review online. Someone said you were too something or not enough something and maybe they have a valid point and maybe they don't. Whatever the case, if you are upset by the review, don't immediately engage. Even if you know it's 100% false and can prove it. Take a deep breath and walk away from the Internet.

An angry or frustrated response won't do anything to indicate what a kind, reasonable and responsible agent you actually are. If you feel like you absolutely need to write something down to get it out of your head, draft it on a separate word doc or sheet of paper. Or tell a loved one. Just don't let your first reaction leave the room.