QR Codes Can Get it Sold!

No, it’s not an ink blob from the psychiatrist.  It’s my personal QR code.  Go ahead, scan it!

Is wasn’t long ago that Kyle and I were saying, “Check out the cool cross-trainers.”  Times have changed and now its, “Check out the QR code.”

We’re just starting to see ‘em pop up – everywhere, lately.  At first, you’d only see one every once in awhile.  Then, around election time, they started showing up on campaign signage.  Now, I’ve seen them in magazines, on gas pumps, even the packaging label at the store.  And, yes, they are becoming a big deal in real estate, too!

QR codes were originated in Japan and are bar codes of sorts designed to give consumers “quick response.”  Developed my Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in the mid-‘90’s, most of the public were unable to obtain data from them, until now.

Technology changes faster than most people change their underwear, or so it seems.  Now with our Androids, or most smart phones, we can scan a code and immediately have access to detailed information about the subject, whether it is in the form of text, a URL address or other data.  One thing is for certain, we’re going to see them on everything in the very near future.

Real estate marketing is such an application for QR codes – you’ll soon see them on yard signs and property flyers.  This is a huge benefit to the potential buyer, as he or she can get immediate access to information about the property they are standing in front of – it could be a fact sheet on the home, a web link to a virtual tour and photography or other pertinent information.

Fortunately, the real estate agents at John Hall and Associates have constant access to important and ever-changing technology and information, including training, to keep us on top of the industry.  Another huge benefit to our sellers, buyers and other folks looking for the latest information on Phoenix area real estate.

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

Does size matter?

Rumor has it, McMansions are history.


During the boom, people were flocking towards those grand and spacious homes with the circular drives and enormous iron doors at the entrance. Beautiful homes with multiple garages, multiple dishwashers, multiple baths. They had game rooms and family rooms and bonus rooms and hobby rooms. They had islands in the kitchen, islands in the closet, even islands in the garage. They had indoor kitchens and outdoor kitchens. Fireplaces in the great room and master and outdoors on the patio. The more the merrier, right?

Perhaps the current economic climate has something to do with it, but indicators suggest times are changing. Trulia, a real estate web site recently conducted a poll about the ideal home size. USA Today reported on these findings and reported the survey indicated that most Americans, approximately 55%, indicated the perfect size of a home is no more than 2,600 square feet. Only 9% preferred homes of 3,200 square feet or more. As much of the country struggles with economic issues, employment (or unemployment, declining home values, raising costs of education, etc) homeowners are re-evaluating what’s important to them, they are shifting the focus on what they need vs. what they want. Ah, times are a changing. Sounds like good ole American values once again.



As for me, all square footage is not created equal. It’s how it’s used. I’ve seen some terrific, very livable and spacious-feeling homes with 1,300 square feet where neighboring homes of 1,800 square feet felt chopped up, boxy, closed in and dark. So, when asking your real estate agent to implement a home search, don’t let the square footage number alone dictate the perfect home – it’s how the floor plan is laid out that is most important.



©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an Arizona licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area.