The “Bar code” you speak of is whats known as a QR code.What is a QR Code? QR Codes or Quick Response Codes are essentially a “Barcode” imbedded with the information that you’d like others to view (phone number, video, website,or even a virtual business card). They are increasing in popularity in our area for marketing before the average consumer knows what to do with them. In larger metro areas you see them everywhere and even in the far east, like Japan, there is hardly a commercial on TV or advertisement anywhere without one. In real estate, these codes are mainly used to drive you to a website, virtual tour or video of a property. It makes sense if you see it in an ad or on a sign to scan it so that you can see where it takes you. You may be able to do a virtual walk through of the property right from the car or the side walk. It really wouldn’t make sense to scan the QR code if you are already on the website because it will more then likely bring you back to the same spot that you already were. If you see something that says to scan for more pictures or for a video tour then I would say go for it!! You can’t just take a picture of it with your phone.You will need to download a QR code reader to your phone, iPad or tablet. You still have to go to your App store or Android Market and search for a QR code reader and then download it. You only have to do this once not every time you want to scan a code. You can then use the app to scan the QR codes and go where you have never gone before (excuse the Star Trek reference). It is my opinion as agents become more advanced and creative with the marketing and implementing of these QR codes, that there is no limit to where these will take you. You will be able to walk through a beach front property in the Carribean from a cold winter here in Rochester, NY. It certainly will save you lots of time and in some instances, money. Here is a QR code for you to scan. Let’s see where it takes you!