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QR Codes prohibited in NWMLS listings
Posted by Marlow Harris under Real Estate
[15] Comments
Two dimensional barcodes, “2D codes”, such as QR codes and Microsoft Tags, contain patterns of black-and-white blocks or colored shapes that can be scanned by smartphones to bring up a website. Many NWMLS members now add 2D codes to signs or flyers so potential buyers can scan the code and view additional property information on their smartphones. However, 2D codes are not photos, and cannot be uploaded as listing photos or used in the listing.
The rationale behind this ruling is that QR Codes often point to websites with additional information about the listing and these websites are usually branded with the listing agent’s contact information and branding and, as per Rule 10(i), advertising is prohibited in listing data.
Some brokers believe that QR Codes are silly or superfluous, but others love the idea and have some great ways to capitalize on the QR craze.
I’ve used them a few times on flyers for the sign boxes, but not sure if anyone’s paying attention. However, I’m glad to have another tool to assist Sellers in marketing their homes.
15 Responses to “ QR Codes prohibited in NWMLS listings ”
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[...] system available for QR code applications.Violation of NWMLS Rule 10(i)NWMLS member, Realtor Marlow Harris notes that “The rationale behind this ruling is that QR Codes often point to websites with [...]
This is a great tool! I’ve been trying to explain this concept to some of my clients but some are still too old fashioned.
I may be a bit dense, but i really don’t understand the need for QR codes for online media. It’s much easier to use a hyperlink. Now for fliers, signs, it’s a possibility.
Some agents were using them to get around the prohibition of advertising or using branded materials in their listing. It was enough of a problem that the NWMLS had to issue a new regulation, so a number of brokers must have been doing it.
The tech crowd seems a little desperate to push a new marketing tool, any marketing tool, onto consumers. The guy in Phoenix is a hoot, but seriously is this going to make him credible, or just more of a character?
Tech Savvy is another marketeer that has to be floundering by now.
When is the consumer going to start asking what an agent, or Brokerage, really brings to the table? How many gimmicks can you throw at consumers to make them feel like 3% is a good price to pay for “service.” Are gimmicks services.
I don’t see the difference between redfin trotting out the next “game changer,” and what ever odd ball tech device, or marketing ploy is.
I can see massive problems with alterations, or not even knowing what you would see until you scan the code. Embedding marketing material aside, it takes a device to read it.
In my opinion Real Estate is getting to be a couple of camps of what is called RE.net, and the rest of the Real Estate community. This is just another “game changer.”
David – “the guy in Phoenix is a hoot”? I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be an insult or a complement…
Is what going to make me credible? An article saying the hype is out of control? Probably not. I didn’t write it to gain “credibility”, I wrote it because I felt the hype was out of control.
It sounds like you’d agree with that. That you feel I am a “character” doesn’t really bother or concern me. My agents don’t feel that way, nor do my clients.
“The tech crowd seems a little desperate to push a new marketing tool, any marketing tool, onto consumers”
I guess I fall into the “tech crowd”, but if you’d read what I wrote, then you’d know that clearly I am not pushing QR codes.
@Marlow – thanks for sharing what NWMLS is doing. It’s an interesting development.
You’re a Real Estate blogger who spent a long time with a blog post. Then again a lot of people commented on that, so it must mean something to some one.
It’s a hoot.
What it has to do with anything is beyond my comprehension. Why it’s here is because it obviously has some play with the tech crowd.
Now it has more credibility, but is just as frivolous.
Whatever David! 20 minutes is hardly spending “a long time with a blog post.” I like to write about things happening in the real estate space. If you prefer not to read my blog, the solution is simple. Don’t.
Hey you guys, go argue on someone else’s blog!
Sorry Marlow! Hey I saw a guy dressed as Elvis walking down the street the other day. And I thought of you.
Ha! AOL News just wrote a story about our Traveling Elvis Museum: http://aol.it/elvismuseum
Wait a minute, I don’t read your blog. It’s a point of this post. The same as some other blog post of yours was an object of an Ardell moment on Face Book. The same as you created a firestorm.
You’re a character.
Years ago, back when I knew everything, I would laugh and roll my eyes at this kind of stuff.
I thought it was just another way to avoid doing the real work it takes to actually sell a home.
Now that I am older, more experienced, and realize that I know nothing – I find this kind of stuff intriguing.
A barcode. Really! With more information. Unbelieveable!
If this is a way to get one more potential buyer to become interested in my client’s home, I’m all for it.
And who is to say it is silly or a waste of time?
No me anymore!
Wow! I love seeing what new gimmicks and gadgets you have in the USA so I can be prepared for when they get up to Canada in the usual 2-3 year lag
Your right Marlow, some agents love the idea of QR codes and others are still not so sure. However, are clients love advertising with QR codes and find it unique and savvy.
In an era where instant gratification is the rule, QR codes represent the quickest way for real estate agents to connect with clients and engage with future prospects. Immediate access to valuable information – contact information, your website link, home details, etc. – can help you be more successful. Use QR codes on property boxes, flyers, direct mail postcards, newsletters, business cards, magnets – the possibilities are endless.
Of course, it’s important to put some effort into the “other end” of the QR code – where it leads. Whether you’re sending people to a landing page on your website or to a listing microsite, the QR code is the messenger, but you’ve got to deliver a good message, or else the QR code is nothing but I neat marketing gimmick.
Christene Honomichl, Marketing Specialist
http://www.CMRealEstateMarketing.com