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What is that strange looking bar code and what does it do?
I have always been intrigued by technology and enjoy looking for what will be one of the next big things. Over the years I have seen a new way to help people with mobile phones get more connected to the web through the use of small bar codes just like the one shown above.
This bar code is known as a QR code or quick response code. Downloading the scanner software to your phone allows you to take a picture of the QR code and get the digital content you are looking for without any typing or searching. Just snap a picture of the bar code and you will be directed to the information. I have noticed that the QR codes are now showing up more in print media to let the reader get more information on what they are looking for in real-time.
When this technology first came out it was so frustrating to use that most people gave up. Though it is still not perfect, it has gotten a lot better. The scanner software that loads on your phone can be found for free. You can generate code for free now also if you know where to look.
I know what you are saying: “What is this good for and why would I use it?” For a Realtor like myself this is a perfect way to link to my listings, web site, YouTube video, or any other digital media from a simple flyer or email.
To try it out all you have to do is get a QR reader for your phone and start taking pictures of the bar codes. I have been using i-nigma and have found it to be very user-friendly. From your mobile browser go to:
After that just follow the instructions.
To see more on how this works and see some examples go to this video I found on YouTube. This video is not me and I am not endorsing this company, I just thought he does a good job explaining it.
Lake Harding/”The Backwater”
With Summer time in full swing and the temperature being off the charts, now is a great time to consider cooling off at the lake. One of our most popular areas is Lake Harding.
This lake is one of the Georgia Power lakes which means that just over 80% of the homes here are on leased lots. The other 20% are deeded meaning they were at one time farmland when the lake was flooded back in the late 1920′s.
One of the benefits to this lake is the constant water level. Unlike a Corp. of Engineers lake, the level of the water is consistant. You do not get the wild swings in water level from winter to summer. Depending on the home you purchase there may already be some great features such as a sea wall or a boat ramp right on the property. No running back and forth to the boat ramp. You can also expect for the homes to be located closer to the shoreline with some great views when compared to a Corp. of Engineers lake.
When purchasing a home on Lake Harding you will also need to consider how you will finance your investment. Because most of the homes are on leased lots a bank will require a larger down payment. In most cases this will be about 20%. Deeded lots can be purchased with more traditional financing but they will be priced a little higher in general.
A leased lot is set up with Georgia Power in 15 year terms. Below is a schedule of what you can expect to pay for leased lots.
2009 Rates:
$900.00/annually for 4 years
$1,050.00/annually for 5 years
$1,100.00/annually for 5 years
$1,200.00 for 1 year
If you have more questions about Lake Harding or other lake or vacation home getaways, please let me know, I would be happy to share more with you.
The start of something new
Some times we say we will do things but it takes a while for it to happen. This is th case for my blog update. But now is the time, I have now made the jump to an updated wordpress blog with more bells and whistles.
I am looking forward to seeing what this new site will do. I should have the full coversion done by the end of the week so stop back by to see the improvements.
Carter Brown Homes's Blog 