I had an early post months ago in March about the billboard interactive home search that would be coming to times square to display home listings that can be changed when you text your zip code to the text number. The correct text number which you can now text to is 30241 and your zip code the picture in my original post from information I received from Coldwell Banker before had the text number  4663. 

The billboard is another step in a larger program the company has been implementing since last September to provide interactive and engaging ways for people to search listings, find brokers and learn about local communities when and where they want to, said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker.

The billboard is located above the W Hotel in Times Square through Aug. 2.  The messaging lets people know they can use their mobiles to text the word "homes" and any zip code to 30241. Within moments, the highest-, median- and lowest-priced properties in that area will display. Coldwell Banker will also send a text to the phone with a link to more information.

A promotional video on YouTube shows a Coldwell Banker employee showing demonstrating how the billboard works.

"We have a strategy of commitment to innovation that we want to carve out in the real estate industry that anywhere our consumers are they can find Coldwell Banker listings and we think that's a great proposition," Fischer said. "

Last September, Coldwell Banker launched a customized online platform for iPhone users specifically designed for smaller screens to make it easier to search for real estate listing while on the road. The platform includes a home-value estimator and search functions to find a home and agent.

In March, the company released an application it created for Microsoft Surface, a computing platform, to search for listings. (It's the touch-screen technology that was regularly used by CNN anchor John King during the 2008 election coverage). The tabletop technology is being purchased by affiliates and will be used at sponsored events, Fischer said.

And through a partnership with YouTube and Google, the Coldwell Banker on Location channel debuted in May that is populated by brokers and sales associates. The number of videos on the channel has grown to 3,000, after launching with 300 prepopulated videos.

Coldwell Banker Time Square coming soon

 Mobile Agent also offers consumers the following features and benefits:

- Information on comparable properties with similar prices and features.
- Click-to-Call feature empowers consumers to instantly connect to their Coldwell Banker sales associate.
- Activity tracking of all homes viewed, along with mapping of the properties. (After using the service, go to log in using your cell phone number.)
- Mobile Agent works on all cell phones without downloads or special phone browsers.

Mark Ford, CEO of CellSigns Inc. said, "We are pleased to add Coldwell Banker to our growing list of clients. It clearly demonstrates their commitment to provide a higher level of service in their market by offering mobile access for their buyers and agents on the local MLS. It's the perfect service during this changing market, and fills the gap where the Internet leaves off. A buyer inevitably leaves their computer and begins traveling around town in search of the ideal home.

Our service gives buyers important access to any home for sale, anytime, anywhere."

The popularity of text messaging has never been greater. Text messaging usage continues to increase by more than 150% year over year. As of June 2008, CTIA, the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, estimated that more than 75 billion text messages were sent/received in the United States every month.

 • In order to help drive home our message of "listings anytime, anywhere", Coldwell Banker®  will use outdoor advertising to promote the accessibility of our listings on Smartphones.

In a first for the real estate category, Coldwell Banker will make use of a digital billboard in Times Square during the month of July 09.  Passersby will be encouraged to text to see listings in their area of interest and the results will display on the billboard

0 comments • Brandon Jordan • March 28 2009 11:28AM

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