Emojis are everywhere—even in real estate.
A new real estate-themed emoji keyboard has hit app stores, launched by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) in response to the world-over shift toward informal, visual communication. The keyboard, downloaded through an app called CARmojis, gives users access to over 30 real estate-related emojis. The app also features “Stickers,” or images that can be placed atop other images, that include the C.A.R. logo.
The app—part of C.A.R.’s annual consumer advertising campaign—is available in Google Play and the Apple App Store.
“With the vast number of REALTORS® communicating with their clients via text messaging and email, it only made sense to add a little fun and excitement to some of these messages,” says C.A.R. President Pat “Ziggy” Zicarelli. “Nothing like CARmojis has existed until now. CARmojis is just another example of how C.A.R. is on the cutting edge, providing tangible tools for its members to use.”
In effect, emojis are relatable to the masses—the Oxford English Dictionary even selected an emoji as last year’s “Word of the Year.” Because it’s become imperative for REALTORS® to meet clients with complementary communication styles across email and text conversations, adopting emoji-speak is essential to building productive relationships—especially with emoji-fluent millennials.
The app is not the industry’s first foray into emoji exchanges. Recently, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate made waves by listing the White House with emojis, and the organization has developed emoji buyer and seller guides. Realtor.com® explored how emojis might be purposed in listing descriptions. These developments recognize emojis as a viable form of communication, and may suggest that the personalized service REALTORS® strive for can be offered digitally—rebutting the impersonal nature of technology.
To C.A.R., we say:
Sounds great !!!
I strongly suggest you read the reviews on this App and also the developer’s privacy policy’s before you continue your “thumps up” rating. I did so — and as a result did not download this app.
Thank you, Kathy, for pointing this out. What a shame….it looked like a great tool.
Hi Lisa,
Please take a moment to read through the information we provided for Kathy and others on this thread.
Hopefully you will then have peace of mind and will be able to take advantage of this fun, new tool!
If you have questions, please reach out to C.A.R. directly.
Thanks!
Hi Kathy,
Many of the reviews in the App store are based on the requirement from Apple to require full access. All third-party keyboards require full access and will not work otherwise.
For your peace of mind, the developer of the app is extremely reputable and is the same developer that many well-known corporations have used, including Starbucks, Pepsi, Coke, Dove, Toyota, Sony, Hallmark, McDonalds, Burger King, and many more.
Feel free to reach out to us at C.A.R. directly if you have concerns and we’ll be happy to talk to you about it.
I was excited about these emojis until I was mid-install. This app’s permissions give it access not only to what you type now, but everything you’ve typed in the past, including passwords and credit card numbers!! How in the world can you rate this a thumbs up? It’s a security and privacy nightmare!
Hi Andrea,
The message that pops up when allowing full access is from Apple to let people know that some developers may use an app to capture this type of information. It’s similar to the warning message that pops up on certain email messages or when you click on a link for a trusted website. Those messages let you know that clicking it could allow a virus through, etc. But, when the site or sender is known and reputable, then most times we click through because we trust it.
The developer for CARmojis is trusted and reputable. Many national, well-known corporations have used the same developer: Starbucks, Coke, Toyota, McDonalds, just to name a few.
Due diligence was conducted before working with this developer and neither C.A.R. nor the developer are collecting sensitive data or information.
Please feel free to reach out to C.A.R. directly with any questions.
Thanks!
I responded “Don’t allow” for full access and I immediately deleted the app. It states the developer captures everything you type including sensitive material like credit card info. BEWARE!
Hi J,
If you’ve never installed or used a third-party keyboard before, it is understandable why you may be concerned about the message that pops up when allowing full access. Please note that this is a requirement for all third-party keyboards and they will not work otherwise.
The developer for CARmojis is trusted and reputable. The same developer for this app also developed the keyboards for Starbucks, McDonalds, Sony, Pepsi, and many others.
Neither C.A.R. nor the developer are capturing or storing sensitive information.
Thank you for the additional information. I appreciate your and CAR’s followup.
Just because Apple says so doesn’t make it right.
Too bad …I was psych —
This needs more work before I go near it !
I’m taking a pass after reading the 2.8 star reviews on the Google Play store.
Sorry to say I decided to pass when it states it can access all information. I have a lot of private information on my phone and wouldn’t want to take a chance.
Sounded like a fun keyboard ugh!
C.A.R. Communications – So, if this developer is quite trusted and well respected…who is it?