About Realty QR

What is a QR Code?

A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.

QR codes now are used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users. QR codes may be used to display text to the user, to add a vCard contact to the user’s device, to open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), or to compose an e-mail or text message.

QR codes appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards, or almost any object about which users might need information. Using the camera on a phone, a person can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone’s browser.

All SmartPhones can read QR Codes. The Android OS includes the ZXing barcode scanner on some models. Symbian OS phones also provide a scanner natively. In the Apple iOS, a QR reader isn’t included but there are dozens of free apps that perform the task. On BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR codes and load any recognized Web URLs on the device’s Web browser.

QR Codes in Real Estate?

In today’s Internet world of cell phones, text messages, and instant messaging, it’s no wonder yet another tool is emerging, the QR Code. Of course, it would stand for “Quick Response.” Everything is about fast information today, and the QR Code for real estate is no exception.

Quick Response (QR) Codes may be new to a lot of people, but they have actually been around for over 15 years. While everyone is familiar with the purpose and function of a UPC code that is on nearly every product in every store, the potential of QR Codes is just being discovered. A UPC code can be read with the naked eye.

While there is little magic in a UPC code, QR Codes can do remarkable things.

Why is that a big deal? Many everyday tasks aren’t difficult, but the easier they are made, the more likely they are to get done.

QR Codes take the effort out of getting someone to your website. You could be having a coffee at Starbucks, reading the newspaper or a magazine, and come across an advertisement from a local realtor.

At this point, two scenarios exist:

  • You see a house that you MIGHT be interested in but the ad, since there are dozens of homes in the ad, only shows a small amount of information and two small photos. To get any more information about the house, you would need to either call the real estate agent or go to their website and try to find the property you saw in the ad in hopes of finding more information. If you are only marginally curious, based on the information in the ad, you might not be inclined to take that step because you know the agent is going to want to collect your personal information over the phone and remembering to go to their website once you get to the office or home isn’t too likely to happen.
  • The ad has one photo and a QR Code. With your phone in hand (which it probably already was), you scan the QR Code and instantly see photos, a complete description, possibly a video and, most importantly, several methods for you to instantly contact the listing agent. Beyond that, with a single click of an icon, you can also see ALL LISTINGS of that agent from which you spot an even better house only a mile away from the house that initially caught your eye.

If you don’t buy the huge potential in the second scenario you may consider the curiosity factor that QR Codes bring. Even for people without smartphone and no inclination for technology, QR Codes are interesting to look at and will draw attention to your ads and properties.

QR Codes, when properly used, can only take your marketing to new levels. Your advertising might get in front of 100s or even 1000s of people per day (like people driving past your signage in front of a listing), but getting the potential buyer to reach out and contact you is the $1,000,000 trick.

RealtyQR is not intended to replace the MLS database or even your own website, but it is an inexpensive, ready-to-go, easy-to-use tool that gives you instant exposure and unlimited potential to reach one of the 50-60 million people in the US and Canada using a SmartPhone everyday.

How to read a QR Code?

To fully utilize QR Codes, a mobile phone will need to have:

  • Camera
  • QR Code-reading software
  • Web access