By John Majeski
Technology is changing every corner of the world at a rapid pace, and the real estate industry is no exception.
Toni Haber, executive vice president and broker with Prudential Douglas Elliman, said she is the first to market New York City properties using ScanLife — a new smartphone application that features scannable Quick Response Bar Codes.
The Haber Team launched a print ad in Hamptons Magazine’s Memorial Day issue that features three Big Apple properties and a special bar code at the bottom of the page.
Potential buyers reading the ad can download the ScanLife application at www.getscanlife.com and then access the code that will take them to Haber’s website to view more information such as a property video.
"You can just put your phone over the thing," Haber said of the code, that looks little different from a barcode on packages at the store. "You get to see more pictures, floor plans and other information."
Haber said her clients are time-starved and this so-called "mobile tagging" innovation helps them access information 24/7 without even taking the time to punch in a web address. Mobile tagging allows users to see broker contact information, virtual tours, photos, other listings, driving directions and neighborhood information.
ScanLife is said to be compatible with major operating systems and 80% of new phones sold in the U.S. with a camera.
Haber plans to use the Quick Response Bar Codes for other properties. She is already thinking beyond print advertisements, too, toying with the idea of putting the codes on hats or T-shirts.
"I can see this is in suburban areas going on for-sale signs," she said. "(Potential buyers) can just go up to the sign and don’t even have to go inside the property to see what it’s like or wait for a broker."
Haber said "no other brokers are doing this" right now, but there is no doubt it will pick up in popularity with home-shoppers. She said initially it will appeal to people who love technology, but the general public will adopt it, too, once they see how convenient and easy it is to use.
The three properties featured in the magazine are a $4.295 million penthouse on West 17th Street, a $2.495 million apartment also on West 17th Street and a $775,000 apartment on East 34th Street.
Utilizing the innovative technology is not a change of pace for Haber. She said she was among the first brokers to use digital photography, which she said expedited a $3 million sale in 1999.