Device offers Web-based data on for-sale properties
Monday, June 12, 2006
Inman News
These walls can talk: A new device broadcasts a photographic tour, buyer presentation and other details about for-sale properties to visiting agents and prospective buyers over a wireless Internet connection.
The Knockbox, produced by Ardell-Martin Industries, is a "sleek, self-contained appliance that is placed unobtrusively inside the home for sale," according to a company announcement. Homes equipped with a Knockbox will pump out information about the house around the clock.
The Knockbox Web page for each home includes exterior and interior photos, a virtual tour, floor plans, an open house schedule, property data including the home's sale price, and contact information for the listing real estate agent. A potential buyer can download a PDF flyer with information about the home.
The company supplies a sign rider notifying consumers and agents about the Knockbox WiFi capability. The cost of a Knockbox, in its current configuration, is $250 per listing.
"Anyone with WiFi capability will be able to obtain a tour on demand. The self-screening process allows interested buyers to view additional details about the property and access agent contact information, all from the privacy and convenience of any WiFi-capable device. A potential buyer simply connects to the Knockbox wirelessly and opens their Web browser, according to the announcement.
The tool was unveiled last week at a California Association of Realtors convention.
The Knockbox was conceived and developed by Richard A. Cook of Ardell-Martin Industries. "WiFi is ubiquitous and its integration with the cell phone is inevitable. Driven by emerging technologies such as Voice over IP, more and more cell phones and other hand held devices will incorporate WiFi," Cook said in a statement. "The Knockbox allows a property to advertise itself directly to a buyer."
Ardell-Martin Industries is based in La Jolla, Calif.
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Copyright 2006 Inman News
