QR (Quick Response) Codes are rapidly becoming all the rage and we get asked questions about them all of the time. The use of QR codes by real estate agents is being discussed lots of places in articles like one entitled “More Real Estate Agents Using QR Codes to Share Information,” recently published in the Southwest Missourian. A QR Code is a type of matrix barcode or two dimensional code designed to be read by smartphones (such as a Droid or iPhone). The codes consist of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. They are simply an easy way to direct an end user to a specific URL (website location) more easily. Previously, for example in the world of real estate, we would have just put our website (Go to www.BuyAHouse) on a FOR SALE sign. Today we have the ability to put a QR code on the sign and when smart phone users scan the image they can be directly to that site automatically. Because the QR code can take the user to any URL that exists on the internet, we could have chosen to redirect the user to just the listing, a virtual tour, a YouTube video or additional homes for sale (any specific page or URL). A video has even been created regarding how to creatively use QR codes. Here is what we need to know:

1. You can generate a QR code for FREE. Use Google’s URL Shortener. On this site for those with a FREE Google account, you simply cut and paste the URL that you would like the QR code to be linked to. The Google tool will generate a shortened URL and if you click on “Details” it wil provide you with a QR code to that site. Simply copy and paste the QR code into any printed material.

2.The other benefit of utilizing a QR code is that it can be tracked. For example, you can return to Google’s URL Shortener site where you created the code and bey clicking on “Details” you will know how many times and on what dates your QR code was scanned by someone. Free sites like Google’s URL Shortener will track the number of scans, but it will not capture the user’s contact information.

3. In order to have a QR code which when scanned captures the user’s information (such as their email or phone number you will have to choose a proprietary system that enables you to do that. Like most free QR codes, Google’s system does not include that feature. If you would like to know more about what those types of services are and how they work, one of the most successful ones is found at ReadMyRear.Com.

4. To use your smartphone to scan a QR code you will have to download an application for your phone that reads these codes. Which one will work for you will depend on the type of phone that you have. Search the code reader for your phone and download the application.

QR codes are being used in a lot of creative and interesting ways. It will benefit all of us to know more about them and the ways people are using them to create more busines.

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs Fair Housing By Course Creators 520.360.0280

This class is designed to help you broaden your horizons of this world. It is in the learning of what we don’t know that makes us stronger, more professional, more aware and more fair. Come play and have fun and learn more about the diversity of the world that affects us everyday in our business. Guaranteed you will be glad you came to this class!


Understanding Diversity

Sponsored By: Metro Title

Held At: 2502 E River Rd., Tucson, AZ

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs. Disclosure

Do you know what your clients know? Do you know where they are getting their information? Find out where the best information is, how your clients are using it and how you can use it to maintain your credibility and your expertise.

This is a real world disclosure class with tools you can use. Understand the wealth of information at your fingertips and how easy it is to disseminate it to your clients and customers. By learning how to use links to internet disclosure information, you will be able to increase your productivity and business!

Disclosure In An Internet World

Sponsored By:  Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS®

Held At:  125 S. 2nd St., Sierra Vista, AZ

1:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Thursday, August 18, 2011

 

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs Commissioner Standards

“Understanding Why Your Success is Determined By Those Around You”

Finding the right people, identifying risks and benefits of building a team and knowing how to build teams properly under the Commissioners’ Rules are all key to your success. Whether you are a team leader, member, thinking about a team, an office manager or broker there is important information here for you. Find out what it takes and how to get there!

How To Build A Winning Team

Sponsored By: Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS®

Held At: 125 S. Second St., Sierra Vista, AZ

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Thursday, August 18, 2011

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs. Disclosure By Course Creators 520.360.0280

When it comes to disclosure, you really want to do things right, all the time!  One way to ensure that is to create a practical approach to disclosure items so that you do it the same way throughout every real estate transaction.  This course will help you create a timeline and checklist so that you can feel at ease when covering all the requirements of disclosure with your clients.

Mapping Out Disclosures

Sponsored By: Title Security

Held At: 6640 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs Contract Law by Course Creators 520.360.0280

This is not yesterday’s employment discussion. What do you need to know to include in conversations today when conducting a listing presentation or a buyer representation presentation. If you never created one, or if your old one is stale and worn, come and gather great new ideas that appeal to the clients you are trying to serve in today’s world.

Navigating Employment Contracts

Sponsored By: Tucson Association of REALTORS®

Held At: 2445 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Last week 24/7 Wall Street posted a blog denoting America’s Ten Sickest Housing Markets. Tucson was ranked #1. Before you buy into all of the negative hype and media information, we think that there are a few additional things that you need to know.

Turns out many of the cities mentioned are up in arms about their rankings and a simple Google search will lead you to a lot of protest comments by the folks in Atlanta, Oklahoma City and elsewhere that were singled out as the sickest markets.

In Tucson, we believe that the analysis, commentary and even the overall message of the post misses the point.

For a more accurate and useful presentation of information…check out the Sound Rebuttal on the link below. This blog post is for anyone who lives, works, plays or invests in Tucson, AZ.  If you agree with the opinions expressed here, please share this article!  Enjoy!

To READ the SOUND REBUTTAL just click here!