RISMedia, May 26, 2011—Whenever a new trend hits any market I have to ask, “Will it simply become another fanny pack?” You know, have its heyday then fade away, only to be held onto dearly by a few mullet-wearing fans for way too long. I have spent the last eight months completely consumed in mobile technology and real estate. During this time, I have been talking often about QR codes (Quick Response Barcodes) because you cannot discuss mobile technology in real estate without addressing QR. In the 30-plus major U.S. cities I have been in, I have found that QR is a hated and loved technology trend right now.
Some say it is too early for the public to know what to do with it.
Some say the public will never use it.
Some say they are landing more listings than ever before by how they have implemented it in their marketing.
Some still think computers are a bad idea. (Long live the type-writer.)
Let’s get down to the bottom of this. Will QR fade away or is it here to stay? In my humble opinion…drum roll please…QR is here to stay!
Any new technology or product should exist for one purpose: to serve the customer by improving on a way to meet either current or future needs. QR does exactly that.
It creates an opportunity for a consumer to more quickly and easily access information. If the QR code is directed to an excellent experience, then not only is it easy to access information but it is an improved and robust experience.
In real estate, is it important for a potential buyer to have access to accurate information about a property in a timely fashion?
How much quicker can you get than pointing your phone at a listing in the newspaper and shazam…there, instantaneously, is a slide show of the properties along with Google map directions to the house. Plus, the REALTOR® can text you right from his/her phone, which now has your contact info cued up to be engaged.
For those REALTORS® out there that are skeptical and think this is a waste of time, know that 72 percent of smartphone users recall an ad if it had QR on it. Do you realize the power of that?! Does it take a bit of strategy? Yes! Is it worth it? Yes!
Even if you think they will fade away down the road, now is the time to capitalize. Heck, even the fanny pack had a few years of incredible sales.
