real estate « AllPropertyManagement.com

Posts Tagged ‘real estate’

6 Property Management Companies Using the iPhone QR Code Feature

February 23rd, 2011

Bar codes are a staple of life around the world. Now a new kind of scannable code, already a very big deal in Japan, is catching on, too.

The QR (Quick Response) Code is a two dimensional assemblage of shapes and spaces that stores up to 4,296 alphanumeric or 7,089 numeric characters. Printed on everything from business cards to “for lease” signs, QR codes can be decoded quickly (hence the name) by a number of different apps running on the iPhone platform.

QR codes can be used by realtors or property management companies to share information with potential customers, to add a vCard contact to a smartphone or other device, or to open and compose an email message to the company on the user’s phone.

Android apps on other phones can do this, too, but with the overwhelming popularity of Apple’s iPhone, property management firms are jumping on this particular bandwagon in big numbers. Here are six property and real estate companies using the iPhone QR Code feature.

1. ERA WILDER REALTY

WHERE THEY ARE: Seven offices in South Carolina

WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Making the QR Code part of the brand image

Photo source: common.ziffdavisinternet.com

The arrows and the yellow highlights
indicate lines and shapes used for alignment.

To increase acceptance and use of the QR Codes, ERA Wilder Realty in South Carolina is doing more than just dropping encoded listing information on signage for office leases or property sales. Management recommends that property managers and sales agents make the QR Code ubiquitous by placing it on business cards, flyers and brochures, and even the windows of their cars. Educating the public is an important part of any campaign using a new technology.

2. COLLIERS McCLOCKLIN

WHERE THEY ARE: Cities of Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada

WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Building relationships with interactivity

Photo source: artanddesign.careeredublogs.com

After a slow start, Canadians are warming up to QR Codes, too.

In mid-December 2010, Colliers McClocklin became the first commercial real estate firm in Canada to add QR Codes to all of their signage, city-wide. The firm’s president, Tom McClocklin, sees the functionality as being critical to the continuing empowerment of his firm’s customers. Marketing professionals know that drawing consumers into “the process” by use of interactive technologies is a powerful relationship builder, and relationships are at the core of a successful property management firm. The passive consumer is becoming extinct.

3. CLARK REALTY CORPORATION

WHERE THEY ARE: Six offices on the Big Island of Hawaii

WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Leaving wet flyers and bad weather behind

Photo souce: clarkhawaii.com

Info on prime Hawaiian properties can be continuously updated.

Clark Realty Corporation is the largest full-service real estate firm on Hawaii’s Big Island. Over 150 agents, full-time property managers, and office staff handle all facets of real estate from sales to building/property management. Enlightened owners realize that QR Codes are another way for the firm to excel at serving its customers.

With QR functionality on employee iPhones (and a few BlackBerrys, truth be told), sudden rains or inclement weather will not result in soggy brochures or lost opportunities. The firm’s company-wide success depends on overcoming every adversity to serve its clients –and QR Codes are a big part of that.

4. THE HALSTEAD PROPERTY COMPANY

WHERE THEY ARE: Eighteen offices in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Customizing the Code and putting it everywhere

Photo source: halstead.com

Don’t fall for that insurance scam, folks!

With headquarters at 770 Lexington Avenue, Halstead Property has 18 offices in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and a staff of nearly 900 agents and property managers. In late 2010, Halstead Property debuted its customized QR Code technology called “H-Tags,” which are placed on sell sheets, postcards, flyers, every new listing, and even some display ads.

Photo source: halstead.com

Using QR Codes is another way of leveraging social media.

The H-Tags are also placed on every listing that is displayed in a Halstead office window, encouraging passersby to investigate properties that catch their eye. All relevant information, continuously updated and always “fresh,” is delivered to the potential customer’s mobile phone. The company website provides links for the iPhone apps, once again saving consumers time.

5. COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

WHERE THEY ARE: Twelve offices in Utah

WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Continuing the transition to mobile devices

Photo source: utahhomes.com

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage introduced QR Codes in Utah because the region ranks very high in tech-savviness and the iPhone is ridiculously popular. The company is rolling out the high-tech squares in home magazines, newspaper ads, and other marketing materials. Further, the firm will work with its nearly 800 agents and property professionals to encourage the Code’s use on postcards, flyers and “for sale” signs.

Scan the code and get directions to the property!

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has long been a leader in deploying new mobile technologies, and in 2008 was the first full-service national brand to optimize Web pages for all mobile devices. By the beginning of 2009, listings in 28 countries were available at the company site for viewing on the iPhone and other devices. Over 200,000 people have viewed Coldwell Banker listings on their mobile devices.

6. PHOENIX REAL ESTATE GUY

WHERE HE IS: Phoenix, Arizona

WHAT HE’S DOING: Figuring out the very best use

Photo source: phoenixrealestateguy.com

It’s okay to poke a little fun.

His name is Jay Thompson. He is an agent and property manager, and writes about real estate marketing ? especially all the “latest and greatest” things that positively resonate with buzz and hype. He thinks the QR Code hype has hit “epic proportions,” as if it were the “saving grace for all things real estate.” While he understands why they are on business cards, flyers, and “for sale” signs, QR Codes have also turned up on Web pages, which Thompson notes “makes zero sense.”

Thompson agrees QR Codes are “amazing little pieces of technology,” but is wary of the “hysteria” that calls QR Code the “second coming of blogging, Twitter, and Facebook.” He sees the hype as deceptive, as if the technology makes property managers and agents rich “with no effort or work involved on their part.” Obviously, he does not speak for the industry, as adoption rates are increasing.

BOTTOM LINE

There is always a little hype, and a bit of smoke and mirrors, when any new technology arrives to offer new ways of doing things. Because the QR Codes are simple to create and distribute, there has certainly been a lot of them turning up, but this is normal with the advent of leading edge technologies. People are trying whatever they can think of, and that’s a good thing, actually, Thompson’s naysaying notwithstanding.

Every property management and real estate firm should be thinking about how this new technology can be integrated into existing strategies or connected to new ones just being created. Don’t get caught up in any hype, and don’t rely on any single thing, including QR Codes, to revolutionize your business just by “being there.” It will always take a lot of work to succeed, and QR Codes and iPhone apps are only tools in the process. Learn and adapt!

A look at the Housing market in Santa Clara California

September 29th, 2010

photo credit: roarofthefour

Santa Clara is a city very close to what’s considered “Silicon Valley”; or one of the areas in the nation where the tech sector thrives. The headquarters of Intel, NVIDIA and Sun Microsystems are located in Santa Clara. Another famous company headquartered in Santa Clara is McAfee. The city is a major employer of residents in the Bay area. The city has many parks and there is a community recreation center; which is located in what is called Central Park in Santa Clara. The city also has many centers for sports enthusiasts. The headquarters of the San Francisco 49′ers is located here. There’s an Arbor Gazebo and many activities for families and young people. For culture, Santa Clara has a Center for Performing Arts. Santa Clara, boasts good schools as well and the temperature rarely falls below freezing. Many people feel that Santa Clara is a desirable place to live. What is the housing market like in this area so close to Silicon Valley?

Surprisingly, the homes in the area don’t offer much in the way of variety or creative architecture. You will find that many of the homes in Santa Clara are in rows or tracts and don’t vary much when it comes to floor plans. Many of the neighborhoods have a very familiar feel to them, with little variation. There are also lots of homes built on the ranch style as well. However there are some homes that were built during the pre-war area that have a very unique and historical architecture and look. These homes are typically near the downtown area of Santa Clara.

There are currently not even three hundred homes on the market in Santa Clara. This means that it is a seller’s market for the most part. Realtors are noticing that sellers are getting their asking price for homes. The area was not as hard hit as others in California, when the housing bubble burst. The median home price is a bit over a half a million dollars and has remained pretty steady since the second quarter. Unlike many areas across the U.S.; on the whole; Santa Clara’s housing market seems to be very sound.

A look at the Housing market in Sunnyvale California

September 21st, 2010

photo credit: bdu

Sunnyvale California is one of the cities that make up what is known as Silicon Valley. The area was made famous by the silicon chip manufacturers in the area. That meaning has transitioned to high tech. There are many entrepreneurs in the area who specialize in the high tech industry to date. Sunnyvale itself is home to AMD, Palm, Inc., Yahoo and Maxim to name a few. You’ll also find that several defense companies have made Sunnyvale their home. Companies such as Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and Lockheed Martin are a couple of the defense companies there. Sunnyvale is also consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the nation. Sunnyvale seems to be all about business. So how does real estate fair here?

The housing market in Sunnyvale is what most would call a very tight sellers market. There are currently less than one hundred homes on the market. Several of those homes are currently under contract. As you can see real estate is at a premium in Sunnyvale and that means that sellers can pretty much expect to get their asking price. Then median home price is around eight hundred thousand dollars, with many homes selling very close to a million dollars. These high end areas are Sunnyvale West and Snail. Many local realtors say that many homes are selling for well beyond list price. Condominiums are attractive options for new home buyers in the area and their median price is a little over half a million dollars.

There has been an increase of almost ten percent in the selling price for Sunnyvale homes in the second quarter, compared to one year ago. The number of homes that came under contract also increased; this was by around seven percent. The outlook for Sunnyvale in unfortunately not indicative of the outlook for the nation as a whole. Currently new construction of homes is not exploding as in many sought after areas, so the sellers market may continue. The low interest rates that are currently available are serving as a catalyst for those who can afford it, to buy right away in Sunnyvale.

A look at the Housing market in Elk Grove California

September 10th, 2010

photo credit: neighborhoods.org

Elk Grove, California is a city that has a small town feel, with big city amenities. The residents have worked very hard to make sure that this ambiance remains the same in the Elk Grove. Even though there has been developments and new homes built, residents are staunch about making sure that neither new home construction or burgeoning businesses don’t overtake the city. In Elk Grove you’ll find parks, wildlife and even river preserves. There’s a good deal of diversity in the area and great schools as well. Centers for higher education are also found throughout Elk Grove. Many looking to relocate to the area are drawn by the employment opportunities. The area is truly diverse in it’s people, landscape and even housing. So what does the market look like in Elk Grove, CA?

The median home price in Elk Grove is currently a little over $350k. The city has a good amount of not only single family homes, but town homes and condominiums. For the latter the median price is only around $199k. This means that it’s very affordable to live in Elk Grove, compared to many cities in the state of California. There are many new home construction sites in this quaint town. Elk Grove also has higher end exclusive areas for home buyers. And because the areas are so diverse and eclectic, new home buyers should definitely consult a qualified realtor. This is important as there are family friendly areas and areas more tailored to single living.

The end of the second quarter saw housing prices drip about two percent. There are currently only a bit over five hundred homes on the market. However, the number of foreclosures in the area is a bit over two thousand. This disproportionate number of foreclosures has hurt the view of the real estate market in Elk Grove. The market is not considered to be a sellers or a buyers market right now by Realtors. Since the area is truly diverse in not only the types of housing, but the pricing as well; hiring a great Realtor before making your Elk Grove home purchase would be ideal.

A Look at the Housing Market in St. Petersberg Florida

August 25th, 2010

photo credit: stovak

St. Petersburg Florida is a very sunny, diverse and welcoming city. There are many attractions in the city, such as: a Museum of Fine Arts, a museum specifically for children entitled: Great Explorations and even the Salvador Dal? Museum. Located in the central eastern part of Florida; St. Pete (as the locals call it) is known as a hot vacation spot for both North American and Europeans who want a lovely vacation. The Sunshine city, as it’s called has about 360 days of sunshine a year. In recent years this sunny city has been attracting a younger group of buyers and visitors. One of the great draws for young families are the high quality schools and exciting job opportunities in St. Petersburg. The sandy beaches have always been a draw to local Floridians as well. The cost of living is rather low for the area as well.All of these great attributes have combined to increasing the population in St. Petersburg. The city is now the second largest statistical area in the state of Florida. Most would assume that since this vacation area is increasing in population, the real estate market must be better than most in St. Petersburg. Let’s examine how the market is doing there.

At the end of the second quarter the average listing price was $275k. However the homes that sold averaged around $115k. So sellers are accepting a much lower price for the homes they’re listing, but the good news is that the homes are selling. At the beginning of the third quarter there were only around four thousand homes for sale. Considering the size of St. Petersburg, that’s not too bad. Compared to the second quarter of last year, the median home sale prices have risen by almost 4%. There are a bit more foreclosures on the market than most realtors would like; but the market in St. Petersburg overall is not too bad. It’s really a great time to buy a home in St. Petersburg, Florida. The market is much better than most parts of the nation. However if you’re new to the area a great realtor can help you to find the best location for your and your family.

A Look at the Housing market in Miami, Florida

July 28th, 2010

photo credit: alexdecarvalho

In years past, Miami has been known as hot real estate market. It seems to be viewed as a resort location. This is especially for many South Americans and some retirees as well. It is here that many set up shop or businesses that have a more continental feel. However people from all over visit and often times purchase housing, albeit for many, it’s a second home. That is why the condominium real estate market has always been very important. Many real estate investors have also always been attracted to properties in Miami. In years past you could always make a return on your real estate investment in the area, as long as you held the property for at least five years. So how has the second quarter found the real estate market in Miami?

Initially the Miami real estate market was very hard hit by the decline in the housing market. However the first quarter saw a bit of a pick up in sales, especially in the month of April. It was then that the sales in condominiums really helped to boost the real estate market. There was a thirty one percent increase in sales over this time last year. April was also very significant in that the listing price and sales price were very close in comparison. Of the close to 900 homes that were sold that month, most sellers got around 90% of the list price for their property. This signifies to many in the real estate market a rebound. The median sales price in Miami is still rather low for a city of it’s size a popularity. The median home price in the second quarter was a bit under $300k. Even with this increase in sales for the second quarter, sales are still down in comparison to years past.

However in May of the second quarter, a little over seven hundred homes were sold in Miami. These were not all condominiums in fact the quarter showed an increase in the space or square footage of the homes sold for that month by 11%. The fact that less and less homes were being put on the market and many of the sales being of single family homes, indicate a stabilization may be in the works. The Miami realtors are watching closely and a qualified agent can help you make your purchase in this often south out area.

A Look at the Housing Market in Jacksonville Florida

July 23rd, 2010

photo credit: minds-eye

Jacksonville has been touted as one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. With it’s many parks and preserved lands, many identify this north east area of Florida as the Sun Belt. The cost to live in Jacksonville is low and it’s close proximity to other Florida destinations is a big plus. There’s a host of activities for entertainment and the warm climate is also a big draw to the area. Many sports fans are also drawn to the Jacksonville area. It’s best known for being the home of the 2005 NFL Superbowl winners the Jacksonville, Jaguars. Those looking to expand or start their businesses will find the Jacksonville government very accommodating to new businesses. This is true whether you have a domestic or international business; whether you’re a start up or looking to expand. In fact Jacksonville has been voted one of the best places in the nation to expand or start a business. So how do these attractions affect the real estate market in the city?

Currently it’s still a buyers market in Jacksonville. However one thing that differentiates Jacksonville from many similar real estate markets is that once homes are sold the numbers of available houses are going down. In other words new homes for sell are not being added to the market faster than homes are sold. This could indicate that soon there will be a sellers market and a good turn around in general. The foreclosures in Jacksonville make up a good percentage of the homes on the market however. This means buyers should definitely select a real estate agent who is well versed in foreclosures, if this is your interest.

The median home listing price at the end of June was a little over $200k, while the actual median home selling price was a bit over $100k. The first quarter of the year has seen around fifteen hundred sales with no end to sales transactions coming to closing. This is especially true in the popular areas like: Riverside, Mandarin and Springfield. Talk to an agent today to get you a list of the various homes listed in Jacksonville, FL, today.

The Real Estate Market in Miami

June 15th, 2010

photo credit: wyntuition

Miami is known as a city of sun and fun. It’s where everyone from retirees who are active to professional athletes go to play and enjoy themselves year round. For those who want to make Miami home or a home away from home, it’s a good idea to first consider the current real estate market.

The real estate market in Miami is pretty much booming. This of course is comparative to the rest of the nation. Now a booming market simply means that buyer demand is greater than supply and that?s rare nationwide. The median price for a home in Miami is $280 thousand dollars. That is a pretty good median, considering what the real estate market has been through in recent years. Add to that the fact that the average sale price has been over half a million dollars and Miami is definitely doing better than the rest of the nations real estate markets.

Although last year the sales in Miami were abysmal, this year the rebound has been noticeable and has attracted investors and those looking to purchase their first and even second home. Waterfront property is always a big draw and if you?re able to hold on to your property for over 5 years, the investment will pay off in Miami. That?s a promise that many real estate markets can no longer guarantee. There are so many resort areas and that even foreign investors are a big draw for the Miami real estate market. As mentioned, active retirees, celebrities, professional athletes and investors are just as attracted to Miami especially the Miami beach area.

Over 500 hundred homes sold in February and even though this is down just a bit from last year, it?s a good sign for the Miami real estate market, comparatively. Do a bit of research to find out if you prefer a home or condominium and you may well be making the move to Miami yourself.

A Look at the Housing Market in Fresno

June 11th, 2010

photo credit: Allan Ferguson

There are now only a little over five hundred thousand residents at a median income of around 35k living in Fresno, CA. The housing market is considered by many residents and Realtors alike to be the most reasonable in the entire state of California. The housing market is also considered to be a modest one. The median home price is around $200k, with many being listed for around $100k. Although this makes the housing market more active than in many parts of the state, buyers may wind up in bidding wars for REO properties. Many of these properties are currently listed at or below $100k and investors and traditional home buyers alike are rushing to take advantage of this. The homes in most of Fresno are considered more mid level in design and location as opposed to high end homes.

There aren?t very many homes on the market right now in Fresno. In March of this year, there was less than two thousand homes on the market. That?s a small listing inventory, compared to the rest of California. With only a small number of homes being on the market, it?s truly the right time for a traditional seller to list their home. Realtors are also finding that those who are fortunate enough to have a high FICO score, are not having a very hard time getting loan approval. Many of these home buyers are also able to purchase their Fresno home with only a 5% down payment. The community boasts a very relaxed atmosphere for most of it?s residents and is located in the heart of California. The populace is very diverse as well. If you buy a home in Fresno, you?re only a short drive from recreation spots like Kings Canyon and Yosemite park. You?re also very close to Los Angeles and San Francisco. With the Fresno housing market being well below the market in relation to the aforementioned premier cities, it?s really a great option to purchase a home now, if you desire to live in California.

A Look at the Housing Market in San Jose

June 4th, 2010

photo credit: roarofthefour

San Jose is the third largest city in the state of California. Therefore the real estate market in this city is important to the states real estate health on the whole. The median home price for homes in this city was over half a million dollars at the end of April, 2010. There are several homes in the 75th percentile that are very close to a million dollars. In the first quarter of the year the sales price in relation to the homes list price has been over 100%. This is a very good indicator when it comes to what home buyers are willing to pay for their homes in San Jose.

In the month of March homes sales were up 40% from the previous month. The market truly seems to be stabilizing at the very least in San Jose. Many home buyers who have funds for high end real estate will find incredible values at this time. There has been a problem for home buyers obtaining the needed loans to purchase homes; however this is not unique to San Jose. The city has also experienced some very low appraisals for its? homes on the market.

For the month of May, the state of California is offering a tax credit for new homes purchased by first time home buyers. The credit will be 5% of the purchase price or $10k; whichever is the least amount, after calculating all sales figures. This could boost sales of homes in the region significantly as the credit will stay in effect for any closings done before January of 2011.

You may want to consult with a qualified Realtor purchasing in San Jose, as its? a city of neighborhoods. Some of the distressed properties are not selling as fast as Realtors would like. There are some high tech companies in the area that are a draw for those seeking jobs. It?s also significant to note that the city lies near the San Adreas Fault, which is the source of possible earthquakes. When buying real estate in San Jose, earth quake insurance must be considered. A knowledgeable real estate agent will be able to give even further information about the nations 10th largest city: San Jose, CA.