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The 'For Sale' Sign Just Got Better

By
Real Estate Agent with Trademark Realty Group of Palm Coast

Palm Coast Interactive Property SignThe 'For Sale' sign on the lawn of a property is still alive and well and continues to serve a purpose . . . letting others know the property is for sale.  In fact, buyers still continue to find properties of interest by these signs and continue to take drives to look for them in an area of interest.  But the sign has always had a huge barrier . . . the lack of information.  You basically get 3 bits of information from the sign:

  1. That the property is for sale
  2. The company and agent the property is listed with
  3. A phone number to call

So if the buyer does want to know more about the property they can either call the number on the sign or jot down the property address and look it up when they get home.  The buyer has really never been able to get any more information immediately other than maybe 'clunky' text message or 800-number requests . . . until now.

At PalmCoastHomeShow.com we just launched scannable signs.  The lawn sign has a scannable QR Code (quick response code) which can be scanned with a smartphone and a scanning app such as Shop Savvy.  Once the code is scanned, the person is directed automatically to a site that contains the property information plus photos, local information such as schools, satellite maps, and more.  If the buyer wishes to schedule a showing or has more questions, simple click the 'Request More Information' button or touch the phone number on the screen to dial.  It's that easy. 

An example of the rider is below and scan the QR code to see the result at 13 Pinelark Ln in Palm Coast, FL:

Palm Coast Interactive Property Sign From Kathleen West

 

Posted by

Kathleen West, Realtor
Trademark Realty Group of Palm Coast

416 South Central Ave Flagler Beach, FL  32136 | Office: (386) 446-5930 
Email:  Kathleen@PalmCoastHomeShow.com
www.PalmCoastHomeShow.com

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Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Call our real estate signs the "silent salesman" and in northern climates, this is the time we scramble to get them back from the road so snow blows on the highways and yards don't hit them, ruin them. Probably don't worry about that in Florida. But some lost to hurricanes? Gangs?

Nov 27, 2010 02:04 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

This is a great way to offer additional property information.  I just scanned the QR code from this blog and the property came up.  What is the name of the sign company who sells these with the QR code?  Can you give me an approx. cost?

Thanks! Barbara

Nov 27, 2010 02:06 AM
Rhonda Abbott
Howard Hanna - Wadsworth, OH
Wadsworth & Greater Akron, OH

I just started seeing these codes recently in our area's print advertising, but won't get my smart phone until next week.  Can't wait to try it out! 

Nov 27, 2010 02:10 AM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Kathleen,

Great post; continuing to put this information out to the public will help clients obtain better information "on-the-spot".

Steve

Nov 27, 2010 02:16 AM
Robert Amato
Bob Amato of Empire Home Mortgage Inc - East Meadow, NY

Do you think buyers will park their cars, get out of the cars , walk over to the sign and scan the code? I would be curious to find out the % of people who view properties via the codes.

Nov 27, 2010 02:36 AM
Kathleen West
Trademark Realty Group of Palm Coast - Palm Coast, FL
Flagler County & Palm Coast Realtor

Barbara, the rider is actually a custom design by my husband and had it printed up by our local sign printer.  The QR code is simply printed and covered with removable window film.  This allows for a nice looking rider that is reusable.  

Bob, the great thing about QR Codes is that they can be scanned easily from a distance even without having to leave their car.  Do I think people will use this service?  Yes.  Do I think it will be a huge amount of activity?  No.  But at a one-time cost of $15, it's another very inexpensive addition to draw attention and provide an additional service to potential buyers.

Nov 27, 2010 02:48 AM
Catherine Newman
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Newport Beach, CA

Kathleen, QR codes are a great asset.  It makes the real estate sign come of age. We can use the same QR code for a home and adjust the message on the mobile site we link to.  It allows us to "test" what presentation/message produces the best response for the home we are promoting.  The only difficulty I foresee is when a Homeowners Association has very strict sign guidelines as do some of the communities here in the Newport Beach area do. Have you thought of how to use them with our Open House directional signs?

Dec 24, 2010 04:56 PM
Fred Gregory
Avalar San Diego DRE Lic.#01270959 - San Diego, CA
CRS, Broker/Owner DRE Lic.#00899603

Kathleen.  Terrific post.  i am excited about utilizing QR codes for all sorts of marketing.  thanks

Jan 14, 2011 02:24 PM
Anja Kerstens, 669.270.8034
Compass - Morgan Hill, CA
GRI, NHCB, CDPE, CHS. Silicon Valley Homes

Kathleen,

I have seen them too and wrote a blog on explaining what QR codes where, how to use them and how to generate your own.

Jan 23, 2011 08:24 PM