Have you seen a code like the one to the left before and wondered what the hell it is? Well its called a ‘QR Code’. QR stands for Quick Response. It was invented by Toyota in 1994 for vehicle manufacturing. You simply download a free application on your iPhone or Droid, and your smart phone becomes a QR reader through its camera feature. After scanning the code, it will take you instantly to a web site for further information. The QR Code I inserted into my post willl bring you directly to the mobile version of PascackValleyHome.com.

QR Codes applications can be endless, especially for real estate marketing. An agent can use this  QR code for various methods of advertising. An agent could include this QR code on their lawn signs. A consumer would scan the code and could be taken to a video featuring a virtual tour or the online listing, or the agent’s web site. It would replace those paper listing holders or radio broadcasters some agents still use on their home listings.

Other possibilities exist for agents. They could use the QR Code on their postcards they send out for new listings, just solds, or open house cards. This will add a technological aspect to traditional advertising. I think an excellent way to enhance their print advertising, is to add it to the Sunday paper listings in the local paper. You have very limited space usually for your print ad, so it would give a potential buyer additional information, pictures, and video on the listing.

Real estate agents have also started to add them to their business cards. A consumer could scan the code and be linked to the agent’s resume or their blog.

Many are predicting 2011 will be the year where QR Codes will gain in popularity and see more mainstream use. Is your real estate agent using them to help market your home?