U.S. patent number RE46,319 [Application Number 13/912,987] was granted by the patent office on 2017-02-21 for method and system for providing real estate information using a computer network, such as the internet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Listingbook Holdings, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Listingbook LLC, Joan Milman. Invention is credited to Peter Andrews, Joan Milman, Robert N. Milman.
United States Patent |
RE46,319 |
Milman , et al. |
February 21, 2017 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Method and system for providing real estate information using a
computer network, such as the internet
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and systems for providing
real-estate information using a computer network, such as the
Internet. A buyer information web page showing relevant buyer list
information in an easy-to-read, summary format is created and
displayed to a real estate agent. Buyer information provided
includes summaries of various aspects of information needed by a
real estate agent to effectively represent and assist a buyer.
Examples of information provided include a potential buyer name, a
new activity summary summarizing newly-listed properties and other
activity meeting the buyer's profile, a new views summary
summarizing any views of detailed property information by the buyer
using an online property data search and information system
provided by the agent, and a new tags summary summarizing any
properties that the buyer or the agent finds of particular
interest. Moreover, a comparative market analysis (CMA) list web
page showing relevant CMA information in an easy-to-read, summary
format is also created and displayed to the real estate agent.
Inventors: |
Milman; Robert N.
(Winston-Salem, NC), Milman; Joan (Winston-Salem, NC),
Andrews; Peter (San Francisco, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Milman; Joan
Listingbook LLC |
Winston-Salem
Greensboro |
NC
NC |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Listingbook Holdings, LLC
(Greensboro, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
39319152 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/912,987 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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09724268 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
7454355 |
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60200169 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
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Reissue of: |
12256072 |
Oct 22, 2008 |
7957979 |
Jun 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
30/02 (20130101); G06Q 30/0601 (20130101); G04G
21/025 (20130101); G04G 21/04 (20130101); G04B
47/061 (20130101); G06Q 50/16 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06Q
10/00 (20120101); G04G 21/04 (20130101); G04G
21/02 (20100101); G04B 47/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;705/313 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Saadat; Cameron
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jones Day
Parent Case Text
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S)
This application is a .Iadd.reissue application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/256,072, filed Oct. 22, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,957,979 granted Jun. 7, 2011, which is further a
.Iaddend.continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. .[.patent.].
application Ser. No. 09/724,268, filed Nov. 28, 2000, .Iadd.now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,355, granted Nov. 18, 2008, .Iaddend.which in
turn claims priority to, and incorporates in full by reference,
U.S. Provisional .[.Patent.]. Application .[.Ser..]. No.
60/200,169, entitled "Methods and Systems for Providing Real Estate
Listing Information and Related Services Using a Computer Network,
Such as the Internet," filed Apr. 27, 2000. .Iadd.The foregoing
related applications, in their entirety, are incorporated herein by
reference. .Iaddend.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
.[.1. A computer-implemented method of providing client-accessed
real estate information to a real estate professional associated
with a first client and a second client, and for providing
professional-accessed real estate information to the first client
and the second client, the method comprising: connecting to a
database of real estate information; providing the professional
with access to the real estate information; storing a first account
for the first client and a second account for the second client,
the first account and the second account being authorized by the
professional; providing the first client with access to the first
account and providing the second client with access to the second
account; providing the first client, when accessing the first
account, with access to the real estate information; providing the
second client, when accessing the second account, with access to
the real estate information; monitoring actions of the professional
while the professional is accessing the real estate information;
monitoring actions of the first client while the first client is
accessing the first account; monitoring actions of the second
client while the second client is accessing the second account;
generating and storing professional-accessed real estate
information for the first client and the second client in response
to the actions of the professional as the professional reviews the
real estate information; generating and storing first
client-accessed real estate information in response to the actions
of the first client; generating and storing second client-accessed
real estate information in response to the actions of the second
client; providing at least some of the first client-accessed real
estate information and at least some of the second client-accessed
real estate information to the professional, thereby providing the
professional with knowledge of the actions of the first client and
the actions of the second client; and providing at least some of
the professional-accessed real estate information for the first
client to the first client and at least some of the
professional-accessed real estate information for the second client
to the second client, thereby providing the first client and the
second client with knowledge of the actions of the real estate
professional, wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information for the first client includes information related to at
least one for-sale property from the database of real estate
information..].
.[.2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving
information identifying a property of interest; retrieving real
estate information from the database for properties comparable to
the identified property; and providing information about the
properties comparable to the identified property..].
.[.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the professional provides the
information identifying the property of interest..].
.[.4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first client provides the
information identifying the property of interest, and the
information about the comparable properties is provided to the
first client..].
.[.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first client is a seller,
and further comprising: accessing the database to determine if
pre-defined events have occurred for the comparable properties
since the seller last viewed the comparable properties; and
providing updated information to the seller about the comparable
properties for which a pre-defined event has occurred..].
.[.6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pre-defined
events include at least one of a sale or a change in price..].
.[.7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
receiving information from the first client identifying a property;
retrieving real estate information from the database for properties
comparable to the identified property; generating a value
assessment for the identified property based on the comparable
properties; and providing the first client with the value
assessment..].
.[.8. The method of claim 1 wherein the actions of the professional
include entering a message for transmission to the first client,
and wherein the professional-accessed real estate information
reviewable by the first client includes the message..].
.[.9. The method of claim 8, wherein the message is integrated into
the first account so that when the first client is accessing the
account, the first client is provided with a page reflecting the
presence of the message entered by the professional..].
.[.10. The method of claim 8, further comprising storing messages
between the first client and the professional..].
.[.11. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the
professional with a summary of appointments that have been carried
out for a property..].
.[.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing the
professional with comments related to one or more of the
appointments, the comments being provided by a showing
agent..].
.[.13. A computer executable program stored on a non-transitory
computer-readable medium which, when executed on a processor,
perform a computer-implemented method of providing client-accessed
real estate information to a real estate professional associated
with a first client and a second client, and for providing
professional-accessed real estate information to the first client
and the second client, the method comprising: connecting to a
database of real estate information; providing the professional
with access to the real estate information; storing a first account
for the first client and a second account for the second client,
the first account and the second account being authorized by the
professional; providing the first client with access to the first
account and providing the second client with access to the second
account; providing the first client, when accessing the first
account, with access to the real estate information; providing the
second client, when accessing the second account, with access to
the real estate information; monitoring actions of the professional
while the professional is accessing the real estate information;
monitoring actions of the first client while the first client is
accessing the first account; monitoring actions of the second
client while the second client is accessing the second account;
generating and storing professional-accessed real estate
information for the first client and the second client in response
to the actions of the professional as the professional reviews the
real estate information; generating and storing first
client-accessed real estate information in response to the actions
of the first client; generating and storing second client-accessed
real estate information in response to the actions of the second
client; providing at least some of the first client-accessed real
estate information and at least some of the second client-accessed
real estate information to the professional, thereby providing the
professional with knowledge of the actions of the first client and
the actions of the second client; and providing at least some of
the professional-accessed real estate information for the first
client to the first client and at least some of the
professional-accessed real estate information for the second client
to the second client, thereby providing the first client and the
second client with knowledge of the actions of the real estate
professional, wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information for the first client includes information related to at
least one for-sale property from the database of real estate
information..].
.[.14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further
comprising: receiving information identifying a property of
interest; retrieving real estate information from the database for
properties comparable to the identified property; and providing
information about the properties comparable to the identified
property..].
.[.15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the
professional provides the information identifying the property of
interest..].
.[.16. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the first
client provides the information identifying the property of
interest, and the information about the comparable properties is
provided to the first client..].
.[.17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first
client is a seller, and the method further comprising: accessing
the database to determine if pre-defined events have occurred for
the comparable properties since the seller last viewed the
comparable properties; and providing updated information to the
seller about the comparable properties for which a pre-defined
event has occurred..].
.[.18. The computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein
the pre-defined events include at least one of a sale or a change
in price..].
.[.19. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13, the
method further comprising: receiving information from the first
client identifying a property; retrieving real estate information
from the database for properties comparable to the identified
property; generating a value assessment for the identified property
based on the comparable properties; and providing the first client
with the value assessment..].
.[.20. The computer-readable medium of claim 13 wherein the actions
of the professional include entering a message for transmission to
the first client, and wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information reviewable by the first client includes the
message..].
.[.21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the
message is integrated into the first account so that when the first
client is accessing the account, the first client is provided with
a page reflecting the presence of the message entered by the
professional..].
.[.22. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, the method further
comprising storing messages between the first client and the
professional..].
.[.23. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the
monitored actions of the first client include tagging of selected
properties and wherein the first client-accessed real estate
information provided to the professional includes for each tagging,
an identification of properties tagged..].
.[.24. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the
monitored actions of the professional include tagging properties
for the first client to thereby identify particular tagged
properties to the first client and wherein the
professional-accessed real estate information for the first client
includes the identification of properties tagged by the
professional..].
.[.25. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the
monitored actions of the first client include viewing of
properties, and wherein the first client-accessed real estate
information provided to the professional includes identification of
properties viewed by the first client..].
.[.26. The computer-readable medium of claim 13 wherein the first
client is a buyer and the second client is a buyer or a seller, the
method further comprising generating a buyer list of potential
properties and property characteristics in response to a request by
the professional and wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information reviewable by the buyer includes the buyer list..].
.[.27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, the method further
comprising automatically updating the buyer list by comparing buyer
criteria for the buyer with the properties in the database of real
estate information, in response to an action of the professional or
the buyer..].
.[.28. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further
comprising enabling the first client to initiate an independent
search of the real estate information according to criteria
selected by the first client and review results of the independent
search..].
.[.29. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, the method further
comprising monitoring the first client's actions to initiate and
review an independent search and storing at least portions of the
results of the independent search as the first client-accessed real
estate information for the first client..].
.[.30. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further
comprising providing the professional with a summary of
appointments that have been carried out for a property..].
.[.31. The computer-readable medium of claim 30, the method further
comprising providing the professional with comments related to one
or more of the appointments, the comments being provided by a
showing agent..].
.[.32. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further
comprising generating an area sales report identifying sales in an
area associated with a specific property and enabling the
professional and the first client to review the area sales
report..].
.[.33. A system for providing client-accessed real estate
information to a real estate professional associated with a first
client and a second client, and for providing professional-accessed
real estate information to the first client and the second client,
the system comprising: a server; a communications circuit for
connecting the server to the internet; a component for connecting
to a database of real estate information; a component for providing
the professional with access to the real estate information; a
component for storing a first account for the first client and a
second account for the second client, the first account and the
second account being authorized by the professional; a component
for providing the first client with access to the first account and
providing the second client with access to the second account; a
component for providing the first client, when accessing the first
account, with access to the real estate information; a component
for providing the second client, when accessing the second account,
with access to the real estate information; a component for
monitoring actions of the professional while the professional is
accessing the real estate information; a component for monitoring
actions of the first client while the first client is accessing the
first account; a component for monitoring actions of the second
client while the second client is accessing the second account; a
component for generating and storing professional-accessed real
estate information for the first client and the second client in
response to the actions of the professional as the professional
reviews the real estate information; a component for generating and
storing first client-accessed real estate information in response
to the actions of the first client; a component for generating and
storing second client-accessed real estate information in response
to the actions of the second client; a component for providing at
least some of the first client-accessed real estate information and
at least some of the second client-accessed real estate information
to the professional, thereby providing the professional with
knowledge of the actions of the first client and the actions of the
second client; and a component for providing at least some of the
professional-accessed real estate information for the first client
to the first client and at least some of the professional-accessed
real estate information for the second client to the second client,
thereby providing the first client and the second client with
knowledge of the actions of the real estate professional, wherein
the professional-accessed real estate information for the first
client includes information related to at least one for-sale
property from the database of real estate information..].
.[.34. The system of claim 33, further comprising: a component for
receiving information identifying a property of interest; a
component for retrieving real estate information from the database
for properties comparable to the identified property; and a
component for providing information about the properties comparable
to the identified property..].
.[.35. The system of claim 34, further comprising a component for
receiving, from the professional, the information identifying the
property of interest..].
.[.36. The system of claim 34, further comprising: a component for
receiving, from the first client, the information identifying the
property of interest; and a component for providing, to the first
client, the information about the comparable properties..].
.[.37. The system of claim 36, wherein the first client is a
seller, and further comprising: a component for accessing the
database to determine if pre-defined events have occurred for the
comparable properties since the seller last viewed the comparable
properties; and a component for providing updated information to
the seller about the comparable properties for which a pre-defined
event has occurred..].
.[.38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the pre-defined
events include at least one of a sale or a change in price..].
.[.39. The system according to claim 33, further comprising: a
component for receiving information from the first client
identifying a property; a component for retrieving real estate
information from the database for properties comparable to the
identified property; a component for generating a value assessment
for the identified property based on the comparable properties; and
a component for providing the first client with the value
assessment..].
.[.40. The system of claim 33 wherein the actions of the
professional include entering a message for transmission to the
first client, and wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information reviewable by the first client includes the
message..].
.[.41. The system of claim 40, wherein the message is integrated
into the first account, and further comprising: a component for
providing the first client with a page reflecting the presence of
the message entered by the professional..].
.[.42. The system of claim 40, further comprising a component for
storing messages between the first client and the
professional..].
.[.43. The system of claim 33, wherein the monitored actions of the
first client include tagging of selected properties and wherein the
first client-accessed real estate information provided to the
professional includes for each tagging, an identification of
properties tagged..].
.[.44. The system of claim 33, wherein the monitored actions of the
professional include tagging properties for the first client to
thereby identify particular tagged properties to the first client
and wherein the professional-accessed real estate information for
the first client includes the identification of properties tagged
by the professional..].
.[.45. The system of claim 33, wherein the monitored actions of the
first client include viewing of properties, and wherein the first
client-accessed real estate information provided to the
professional includes identification of properties viewed by the
first client..].
.[.46. The system of claim 33 wherein the first client is a buyer
and the second client is a buyer or a seller, the system further
comprising a component for generating a buyer list of potential
properties and property characteristics in response to a request by
the professional and wherein the professional-accessed real estate
information reviewable by the buyer includes the buyer list..].
.[.47. The system of claim 46, further comprising a component for
automatically updating the buyer list by comparing buyer criteria
for the buyer with the properties in the database of real estate
information, in response to an action of the professional or the
buyer..].
.[.48. The system of claim 33, further comprising a component for
enabling the first client to initiate an independent search of the
real estate information according to criteria selected by the first
client and review results of the independent search..].
.[.49. The system of claim 48, further comprising a component for
monitoring the first client's actions to initiate and review an
independent search and storing at least portions of the results of
the independent search as the first client-accessed real estate
information for the first client..].
.[.50. The system of claim 33, further comprising a component for
providing the professional with a summary of appointments that have
been carried out for a property..].
.[.51. The system of claim 50, further comprising a component for
providing the professional with comments related to one or more of
the appointments, the comments being provided by a showing
agent..].
.[.52. The system of claim 33, further comprising a component for
generating an area sales report identifying sales in an area
associated with a specific property and enabling the professional
and the first client to review the area sales report..].
.Iadd.53. A method comprising: providing a real estate client
account and a real estate agent account with access to a computer
database of real estate information, said database of real estate
information comprising a plurality of real estate property
listings; creating a profile associated with said client account,
said profile comprising client account search criteria, said client
search criteria comprising at least one of location information,
price range, minimum number of bedrooms or minimum number of
bathrooms; building a first dynamic webpage by (i) accessing said
computer database of real estate information, (ii) identifying a
first subset of real estate property listings based, at least in
part, on said client account search criteria, (iii) accessing a
server, (iv) retrieving a first pre-stored webpage format from the
server, and (v) combining the first subset of real estate property
listings with the first pre-stored format, said first dynamic
webpage comprising at least a portion of said first subset of real
estate property listings; providing said real estate client account
with access to said first dynamic webpage; receiving tagging
information from said client account, the tagging information
comprising a tag of at least one property in said first subset of
real estate property listings; storing the tagging information in a
tags database; building a second dynamic webpage, by (i) accessing
the tags database, (ii) identifying the tagging information, (iii)
creating summary information based at least in part on the tagging
information; (iv) accessing the server, (v) retrieving a second
pre-stored webpage format from the server, and (vi) combining the
summary information with the second pre-stored format, said second
dynamic webpage comprising an identification of the client account
and summary information including a hyperlink; providing the real
estate agent account with access to said second dynamic webpage;
receiving hyperlink activation information from the agent account;
building a third dynamic webpage in response to receiving the
hyperlink activation information, by (i) accessing the computer
database of real estate information, (ii) identifying information
relating to at least one property associated with the tagging
information, (iii) accessing the server, (iv) retrieving a third
pre-stored webpage format from the server; and (v) combining the
information relating to at least one property associated with the
tagging information with the third pre-stored format, said third
dynamic webpage comprising an identification of the client account
and the information relating to at least one property associated
with tagging information; providing the real estate agent account
with access to said third dynamic webpage; receiving search
criteria from the agent account; building a fourth dynamic webpage
by (i) accessing said computer database of real estate information,
(ii) identifying information relating to a second subset of real
estate property listings based, at least in part, on said agent
account search criteria, (iii) accessing the server, (iv)
retrieving a fourth pre-stored webpage format from the server, and
(v) combining information relating to at least a portion of the
second subset of real estate property listings with the fourth
pre-stored format, said fourth dynamic webpage comprising at least
a portion of said second subset of real estate property listings;
and providing said real estate client account with access to said
fourth dynamic webpage. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The method of claim 53 further comprising (i) receiving
viewing information from the agent account; (ii) comparing a first
date the tagging information was received with a second date the
viewing information was received; and (iii) identifying updated
tagging information comprising tagging information received after
the viewing information, wherein the summary information associated
with the tagging information displayed on the second dynamic
webpage comprises, at least in part, said updated tagging
information. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of real
estate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
method and system for providing real estate information using a
computer network, such as the Internet.
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records,
but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, real estate agents use the multiple listing service
(MLS) system to locate properties of interest for their clients, to
conduct comparative market analysis (CMA) for particular
properties, and to carry out other real estate services. Agents
typically conduct searches for properties using a computer
interface terminal associated with the MLS. For example, an agent
may specify a particular price range, MLS area, minimum number of
bedrooms, and minimum square footage, and the MLS computer system
will return a search result of properties in the MLS database
fitting those specifications. The agent may print the search
results and save the search criteria for future use, if desired,
using the MLS system in order to carry out the agent's work.
In conventional systems, an agent can save search specifications.
Thus, when monitoring real estate listings for a client, the agent
may periodically conduct the search again, using saved search
specifications, in order to find new information. The agent may
adjust the date range of the search to seek only recently-changed
property information. For example, the agent may set the start date
as the date of the agent's last search in order to seek properties
added to the MLS database since that date.
In addition, some agents examine a printed sheet issued daily that
contains a list of listing modifications (new property listings and
changes to listings) (often called a "hot sheet"). The agent may
see a property of interest on the printed sheet, and access more
complete property information for the listing using the MLS system.
When examining the "hot sheet," the agent typically either attempts
to remember the types of properties in which their clients are
interested or compares written profiles of their clients with the
hot sheet.
Thus, in this conventional system, the real estate agent pulls
information from the MLS database. That is, the agent specifies a
desired profile, and information is extracted (or "pulled") from
the MLS database, formatted, and provided to the agent.
Moreover, in conventional systems, agents must conduct searches for
each of their clients individually. For example, if an agent wishes
to see if any new listings or changed listings are present for four
of the agent's clients, the agent conducts a first search for the
first client, and a second search for the second client, and so on.
Such searching methodology is disadvantageous in that it is time
consuming.
The volume of changes to the typical regional MLS database can be
great. For example, new properties may be added daily, and price
and other information on specific listings may be adjusted just as
frequently. Buyers and sellers often demand that their agents
provide notification to them as soon as such changes take
place.
The Internet has changed the expectations of real estate buyers and
sellers. Real estate buyers and sellers now demand more information
and any information provided to be provided more quickly. Buyers
and sellers want their agents to provide very specific information,
to understand their needs, and to provide very fast answers to
their questions.
In addition to changing the expectations of buyers and sellers of
real estate in relation to speed and knowledge, the Internet has
given buyers and sellers access to information that previously was
available only through a real estate agent. For example, Internet
services now allow real estate buyers and sellers to search MLS
information by specifying property profiles. Thus, it is
increasingly important for real estate agents to provide more
timely, value-added services to their clients.
In relation to communicating with clients as to which property a
client is particularly interested, using conventional systems and
methods, agents spend several minutes contacting each of their
clients by phone, e-mail or fax to determine if the buyer likes any
of the properties brought to the client's attention by the agent.
The agent spends such time finding out if the buyer has seen any
interesting properties in print ads or on the Internet, as well.
Such conventional systems and methods are disadvantageous in that
such systems and methods are time consuming and communication
difficulties (e.g., not finding a mutually convenient time to talk
on the telephone) often arise.
The conventional systems have further disadvantages. For example,
as mentioned, such systems typically use "pull" systems, requiring
the agent to pull data from a database, rather than "push" systems
whereby data of interest is automatically provided to the agent
(and their buyers, if desired) in a highly organized and useful
manner. Moreover, conventional systems do not provide information
organized in a manner that allows agents to provide the speed of
response demanded by today's consumer.
While the agent is able to search for properties using a
conventional computerized system, much of the organization of the
search results, correlating the results with client needs, and
related tasks are often conducted on paper. That is, even using the
MLS computerized system, much of the agent's organizational work is
conducted on paper and the agent's memory is relied on a great
deal.
In order to carry out these processes using conventional means,
agents must be technically proficient and must organize the
information obtained in a helpful way. That is, agents must make
note of date ranges of searches, recall information about clients,
conduct multiple searches on a serial basis, and otherwise take
various steps to organize their property search and identification
process.
Agents perform comparative market analysis (CMA) using conventional
systems. In conventional systems, an agent or other person searches
the MLS database for past sales and current listings that are
comparable to the property at issue. The searcher determines the
search criteria (e.g., location).
CMAs are performed in relation to a specific property for a variety
of reasons. For example, an agent may wish to become the listing
agent for a property that has yet to be placed on sale. The agent
may use CMAs to provide the potential seller with information and
advice so that the potential seller will chose the agent as listing
agent. As another example, an agent may use CMAs to determine an
asking price for a property that is listed with the agent. In
addition, the CMA criteria may be used to determine activity near
or associated with a particular property. For example, once a house
is placed on sale, the seller and the listing agent may wish to
monitor the surrounding area for houses placed on sale and/or
sold.
In conventional systems, an agent prepares a CMA report containing
information about properties that are comparable to the property at
issue. Sometimes, the CMA is conducted only once in relation to a
property that is placed on sale. In other instances, a CMA will be
conducted for a property that is placed on sale sporadically to
provide an update. The frequency is often determined by the agent,
the seller, and available time.
Like the systems used to locate properties of interest for
potential buyers, searches are typically done one property at a
time, and the results are printed for future reference. In some
systems, the search criteria may be saved and retrieved for future
searching. The disadvantages of great time consumption and
difficulty in organization, as well as other disadvantages
associated with conventional buyer list systems discussed above,
are present in such conventional CMA systems.
Many conventional computer-based, real-estate systems include
appointment-monitoring functions. For example, when an appointment
is made or changed, the data describing the appointment is printed
and placed in the listing agent's mail box. Afterwards, the listing
agent must call the showing agent to obtain buyer comments after a
listing is shown. In some conventional appointment systems, agents
may retrieve appointment information using a company appointment
system computer, but such data is generally not accessible from any
computer via the Internet. Such conventional systems have a variety
of disadvantages. For example, printing appointment information is
time consuming, costly, and inefficient. Agents must often come
into the office to obtain such appointment information. Moreover,
communication with the showing agent can be complicated by
unavailability of the showing agent and time constraints.
There is a variety of other agent-credibility and value
disadvantages in the use of conventional systems. For example,
conventional systems often result in an agent's clients becoming
aware of area activity before an agent becomes aware of such
activity, thereby lessening the value and credibility of the
agent.
What is needed is a system and method for providing real estate
information that does not include these disadvantages, and that
offers other advantages.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides processes and systems for providing
real-estate information using a computer network, such as the
Internet. One embodiment provides a buyer information web page
showing relevant buyer information in an easy-to-read, summary
format. Buyer information provided includes summaries of various
aspects of real estate listings needed by a real estate agent to
effectively represent and assist a buyer. Potential buyer
information summarized on such a web page comprises a potential
buyer name, a new activity summary associated with the potential
buyer name, a new views summary associated with the potential buyer
name, a new tags summary associated with the potential buyer name,
and a last login summary associated with the potential buyer
name.
The new activity summary may comprise a number indicating the
number of properties meeting a buyer profile associated with the
potential buyer name that have been modified (i.e., added to an
available property database (e.g., the MLS database or similar
database having property information) or that have been changed in
the available property database) since a previous view of a new
activity web page associated with the potential buyer name by the
agent. The new activity web page comprises a list of properties
meeting the buyer's profile criteria. Also, the new activity
summary may comprise a date indicating the earliest date that a
property meeting the buyer profile associated with the potential
buyer name was added to, or changed in, the MLS database or similar
database since a previous view of the new activity web page
associated with the potential buyer name by the agent. For example,
if the agent viewed the new activity web page on Oct. 15, 2000, and
a eleven property listings were either added to a property database
or modified in the property database, the first of which was added
on Oct. 20, 2000, the number determined would be eleven and the
date determined would be Oct. 20, 2000.
The new views summary may comprise a number indicating the number
of properties viewed by the potential buyer using an online
property information viewing system since a previous view of a new
views web page associated with the potential buyer name by the
agent. That is, the new views web page comprises a web page
summarizing properties viewed in detail by the buyer using an
online property information viewing system. The new views summary
may also comprise a date indicating the earliest date that the
buyer viewed the informational details of a property using the
online property information viewing system since a previous view of
the new views web page associated with the potential buyer name by
the agent. This date is determined by examining a new views
database to determine the date on which the buyer viewed such
details.
Similarly, the new tags summary may comprise a new tags number
indicating the number of properties tagged by the person associated
with the potential buyer name using the online property information
viewing system since a previous view of a new tags web page
associated with the potential buyer name by the agent. A new tags
web page comprises a web page listing properties tagged as of
interest using an online system. The new tags summary may also
comprise a date indicating the earliest date that the buyer tagged
a property as of interest since a previous view of the new tags web
page associated with the potential buyer name by the agent. This
date is determined by examining a new tags database to determine
the first tag added since the last view of the new tags web page by
the agent. Also, the last login summary associated with the
potential buyer name may comprise a date indicating the last time
the person associated with the potential buyer name used the online
property information system.
Note that in the preferred embodiment, all of the dates in the
summaries show the date on which the information provided first
became available after the last view of the relevant web page by
the agent (i.e., the date shows when the first piece of information
in the category at issue became available to the agent). The dates
provide the agent with summary information on urgency and similar
information.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise an online property
information viewing system. In a preferred embodiment, the property
information viewing system comprises two sub-systems for obtaining
property information. The first, or primary, sub-system comprises a
system whereby the buyer is provided access to search results
showing property information that is the result of a comprehensive
set of search criteria entered by the agent for the buyer. The
search criteria is saved and the results updated when the buyer
logs into the viewing system and activates a request for the first
system (e.g., by a clicking on a hyperlink). The second sub-system
in the property information viewing system comprises a computerized
system that allows buyers to input search criteria (e.g., price
range, minimum number of bedrooms, minimum number of bathrooms, and
minimum square footage), to receive a list of properties meeting
the search criteria, and to view detailed property information in
relation to the properties on the list selected by the buyer. The
sub-system accesses a property information database to provide such
information to the buyer. Such a system is accessible by the buyer
via the Internet. In an embodiment, the buyer's agent provides the
buyer with access to the online property information viewing
system. The buyer's activity using the online property information
viewing system is monitored and recorded.
In an embodiment, the information shown on the buyer information
web page is organized into a grid, comprising rows and columns. One
embodiment comprises a buyer name column comprising the potential
buyer name and a new activity column comprising the new activity
information (e.g., a new activity summary). The grid may also
include a new tags column comprising the new tag information (e.g.,
a new tag summary) and a new views column comprising the new views
information (e.g., a new views summary).
The new activity summary comprises a hyperlink, and a new activity
web page is provided upon activation of the hyperlink. As
mentioned, the new activity web page summarizes properties falling
within a potential buyer profile associated with the potential
buyer name. The profile comprises criteria, such as price range,
number of bedrooms, and geographic area, and features desired or
required by the buyer. The list of properties provided includes at
the top of the list properties added to the list after the last
viewing of the list by the real estate agent, and the added
properties are highlighted as well, e.g., by change of color or
with an icon.
In an embodiment, the new tags summary also comprises a hyperlink.
The hyperlink is linked to a new tags web page which, as mentioned,
comprises a list of properties of interest selected (or "tagged")
by a person associated with the potential buyer name or by a real
estate agent. Like the new activity list, the list of properties of
interest shows at the top of the list properties added to the list
after the last viewing of the list by the agent, and the added
properties are highlighted. The new views summary likewise
comprises a hyperlink linked to a new views web page comprising, as
mentioned, a summary list of properties viewed in detail by the
buyer using the online property information viewing system.
As shown generally in FIGS. 9 and 11, embodiments also provide a
CMA List, which as shown is a list regarding sellers and their
properties. In an embodiment, a web page showing subject property
information in an easy-to-use, summary format is provided. The
subject property information comprises a property identifier for
one or more properties of interest. The property identifier may
comprise an address or other identifier for a property. The subject
property information also comprises a new appointments summary
associated with the property identifier, an area activity summary
associated with the property identifier, a seller name associated
with the property identifier, and a last login summary associated
with the property identifier. The area activity summary comprises a
number indicating the number of properties in a pre-defined area
undergoing a pre-defined event (e.g., an addition to a property
database or a change in status, such as a sale) since a previous
view of a new area activity web page associated with the property
identifier by the agent. The search may also be limited to
pre-defined profile criteria and a pre-defined time range. The new
area activity summary also comprises a date indicating the earliest
date that a property in the pre-defined area underwent one of the
pre-defined events since a previous view of the area activity web
page associated with the property list. The date comprises the
earliest date of modification (change or addition) date associated
with the property(ies) in the property database that were added to
the database or changed in the database, that are within the
pre-defined area, and that meets the pre-defined search criteria,
and were modified after the previous view of the area activity web
page associated with the buyer name by the agent.
The new appointments summary comprises a new appointments number
indicating the number of appointments carried out in relation to
the property associated with the property identifier since a
previous view of a new appointments web page associated with the
property identifier. The seller accounts summary comprises
identification of an owner of the property associated with the
property identifier. The new appointments summary may also comprise
a date that reflects the earliest appointment in the appointments
database that is after the previous view of the new appointments
web page.
Like the buyer list web page embodiment discussed, an embodiment of
the CMA list web page is organized in a grid having rows and
columns. The columns include an area activity column comprising the
new area activity summaries, and an appointments column comprising
the new appointments summaries. Such summaries comprise hyperlinks
linked to an area activity web page and an appointments web page,
respectively.
The area activity web page comprises a list of properties within a
pre-defined profile (e.g., price range, geographic area, builder,
number of bedrooms, and square footage) undergoing a pre-defined
event (e.g., an addition to a property database and a change in
status, such as a sale) in a pre-defined time period (e.g., last
thirty days). The new appointments web page comprises a list of
appointments carried out in relation to the property associated
with the property identifier. The newly-added properties on the
area activity web page and the newly-added appointments on the
appointments web page are shown at the top of the list and are
highlighted.
Embodiments of the present invention offer a variety of advantages.
Importantly, embodiments save many hours of work by real estate
agents by automating property information functions and by offering
easily-viewable, summary information helpful to real estate
agents.
In relation to searching for new property activity for buyers,
embodiments of the present invention automatically checks for new
listings and/or listing changes for all of an agents' buyers,
including searching from the last time the agent checked listings
for each buyer. If new listings and/or listing changes are found, a
hyperlink with the number of unseen properties and their earliest
date is displayed. Embodiments allow agents to avoid spending time
selecting properties to send to each buyer. Moreover, agents and
their buyers are better informed while using less of the agents'
time.
In relation to receiving communication from a client as to which
property the client is particularly interested, embodiments of the
present invention offer computerized "tagging" methods whereby
buyers indicate properties of particular interest and links to the
indicated properties are automatically provided to the agent in a
convenient format. Such embodiments and similar embodiments provide
time savings to agents, are less disruptive to buyers, and speeds
and improves communication between agents and their clients.
Another advantage of the present invention is that embodiments
allow agents to provide their customers with a private web-based
service that is monitored for the agent's benefit. A further
advantage of the present invention is that embodiments provide
agents a means of determining their clients' true interests by
monitoring the properties viewed by their clients using a property
information system provided by the agent. A still further advantage
of the present invention is that embodiments allow agents to
determine the last date on which a client logged into a property
information system, and thereby determine which buyers are likely
to buy and which buyers are merely browsing.
The inclusion of an appointment activity summary in embodiments of
the present invention offers the advantage of time savings for
agents. For example, agents may obtain appointment information via
the Internet, rather than visiting the office. Moreover, staff time
and costs are reduced in that printing cost and office staff time
in printing appointment information is eliminated.
Another advantage of the present invention is that embodiments
automatically check for area activity (e.g., new listings and/or
listing changes) for all of an agents' CMA properties, and a
summary of such activity is provided. Moreover, using such
embodiments allows agents to obtain much time savings and to
receive area activity information quickly, thereby allowing the
agent to provide increased value to their clients.
Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in
part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a system according
to the present invention.
FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of adding a buyer, consistent
with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary flowchart of adding a buyer by an
agent, consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of a buyer information (or buyer list)
webpage according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a new activity web page according to
the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a tagged list web page according to
the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a buyers search results web page
according to the present invention.
FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary property detail page, consistent
with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary webpage allowing a buyer to obtain
information about a particular property, consistent with
embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6C illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary property search
relating to FIG. 6B, consistent with embodiments of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a viewed list web page according to
the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram comprising an embodiment of steps used
to provide a buyer list web page according to the present
invention.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a CMA list web page according to the
present invention.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an area activity web page according
to the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a CMA list web page according
to the present invention.
FIGS. 12-15 and 16A and 16B show an embodiment of data tables used
in an embodiment of the present invention to provide a buyer list
web page and associated web pages according to the present
invention.
FIGS. 17-18 and 19A and 19B show an embodiment of data tables used
in an embodiment of the present invention to provide a CMA list web
page and associated web pages according to the present
invention.
FIG. 20 illustrates an example of integrated messaging, consistent
with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a CMA Services agent page,
consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a seller front page, consistent
with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a Cyber CMA Report, consistent
with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 includes a set of exemplary Query Rules used in an
embodiment consistent with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and processes
for providing real-estate information via the Internet. FIG. 1
shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the
present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a web server 10 connected to the Internet 16. The web
server 10 comprises a web site 12 and various database,
communications, and other applications 14 that assist in carrying
out processes according to the present invention as described
herein. The web site 12 comprises web pages 13, both static web
pages and dynamic web pages. Static web pages are web pages that
comprise a file consistently available at the web site 12 on the
server 10. Dynamic web pages are web pages built by one or more of
the applications 14 and provided as part of the web site 12.
Generally, the dynamic pages are built by accessing one or more
databases. The server 10 is in communication with various buyer
list databases 26, including a buyer database 28, a tags database
30, and a views database 32. The server is also in communication
with a seller database 38, including a CMA property database, a
seller account database, and an appointments database. These
databases are discussed further below. As shown in FIG. 1, the
server is also in communication with an appointments system 36.
A computer 18 accessible by a real estate agent and a computer 20
accessible by a client/customer of the real estate agent are in
communication with the Internet 16. The web site 12 is accessible
via the Internet 16 by the real estate agent and the
client/customer of the agent via their computers 18, 20 and is
viewable by Internet browsers (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer or
Netscape Navigator) residing on the computers 18, 20. The term
agent is used with reference to item 18 to refer to the agent's
computer (and browser), the agent, or both. Likewise, the term
client or customer (or particular client or customer name) is used
with reference to item 20 to refer to the client/customer's
computer, the client/customer, or both.
The server 10 is in communication with a database of real estate
data 22 containing information on listed and previously listed
properties. In the embodiment shown, the database 22 comprises the
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database, which is a well-known
database of real estate information.
The server 10 is also in communication with a property data
database 24 (also called the "for-sale" database). Periodically,
the server 10 accesses the MLS database 22, retrieves any updated
information, and writes the data from the MLS database 22 to the
property data database 24. Thus, the property data database 24
comprises the data from the MLS database.
The server 10 also includes an online property information viewing
system 11. In a preferred embodiment, the property information
viewing system 11 comprises two sub-systems for obtaining property
information. The first, or primary, sub-system comprises a system
whereby the buyer 20 is provided access to search results showing
property information that is the result of a comprehensive set of
search criteria entered by the agent 18 for the buyer 20. The
search criteria entered by the agent for the buyer 20 is saved and
the results updated when the buyer 20 logs into the viewing system
and activates a request for the first system (e.g., by a clicking
on a hyperlink). The second sub-system in the property information
viewing system 11 comprises a computerized system that allows
buyers to input search criteria (e.g., price range, minimum number
of bedrooms, minimum number of bathrooms, and minimum square
footage), to receive a list of properties meeting the search
criteria, and to view detailed property information in relation to
the properties on the list selected by the buyer. The sub-system
accesses a property information database 24 to provide such
information to the buyer. Such a system 11 is accessible by the
buyer 20 via the Internet 16. In an embodiment, the buyer's agent
provides the buyer with access to the online property information
viewing system. The buyer's activity using the online property
information viewing system 11 is monitored and recorded. For
example, the buyer's view of detailed property information for a
particular property is recorded in the views database 32.
Similarly, the buyer's tagging of a particular property is recorded
in the tags database 26. The buyer's access of the system 11 is
likewise recorded. In an embodiment, the buyer's agent provides the
buyer with access to the online property information viewing system
11, and may provide the buyer with access to the first system or
both the first and second systems in the system 11.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a real estate agent uses
the agent's personal computer (PC) 18 to log onto the web site 12
using a user name and password assigned to the agent. In the
embodiment shown, the agent's first and last name serves as the
log-in agent name for the agent.
In the embodiment shown, prior to the log-in session under
discussion, the agent logged into the web site 12 and specified a
profile for a plurality of the agent's clients or potential clients
(called buyers or potential buyers herein). The profile comprises
buyer information such as first and last name of the potential
buyer, property type of interest (e.g., single family or condo),
price range, geographic area(s) of interest, and property features
of interest (e.g., minimum number of bedrooms, minimum number of
bathrooms, and minimum square footage). The buyer profile is stored
in the buyer database 28 in association with the buyer name and the
real estate agent name. In the embodiment shown, the agent has
entered a profile for eight buyers: Mary Doe, Jennifer Gray, Bob
Holmes, Johnny Johnson, Mark and Mary Jones, Chloe Mills, Bob
Morris, and John Smith. These names comprise the agent's buyer
list. The agent may add further names and profiles at any time.
Upon receiving the log-in name and password from the agent's
computer 18, the server 10 examines the name and password to
determine if they are valid. If so, the server 10 allows the
computer 18 to access the web site 12. In the embodiment shown, the
server 10 determines that the user name and password are valid, and
allows access to the web site 12.
The server 12 provides a web page to the agent 18 inquiring whether
the agent wishes to access a buyer list or whether the agent wishes
to access comparative market analysis (CMA) functionality. In
embodiments, the server 12 also inquires if the agent 18 would like
access to other services via the web site 12. In the embodiment
shown, the agent 18 indicates that the agent 18 would like to
access the agent's buyer list by activating a designated
hyperlink.
On receiving an indication that the agent 18 would like to access
the agent's buyer list, the server 10 provides the buyer list to
the agent 18 in the form of a buyer information web page. The
server 10 does so by accessing the databases 26 having information
associated with the agent and the buyers on the agent's buyer list,
constructing a buyer information web page according to a pre-stored
format, and sending the buyer information web page to the agent
18.
FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of adding a buyer, consistent
with embodiments of the present invention. An agent may add one or
more buyers using the form in FIG. 2A. This Add Buyer form may be
used to create or change a buyer account and allows buyer access by
filling out a buyer profile form. Agents may add the buyer type 202
and decide whether the buyer receives a Buyer Report 204, or a
Property Lookup 206. The agent adds profile information such as the
buyer's name 208, address 210, city 212, state 214, zip code 216,
home phone number 218, work phone number 220, fax number 222, pager
number 224, and an e-mail address 226.
FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary flowchart of adding a buyer by an
agent, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. An
agent may first login to the system to enter a Buyer profile or
alternatively to enter a Seller profile. The submitted profile may
then be analyzed. When the agent is satisfied with the results, the
buyer profile is saved in the Buyer database 26. The seller
profiles are stored in seller database 38. At the time a buyer
profile is accepted and saved, the buyer is sent a message
notifying them of their account. The system notifies the buyer or
buyers that the web site was created for them by their agent and
providing them with their respective user code and password
(234).
In addition to adding personal information regarding the client
(such as name, address, etc.), the agent includes in his clients'
profiles important information regarding the buyer or seller's
property or desired property. For example, the agent when entering
buyer information selects what features of the system the buyer
will be able to use. The agent, for example might allow the buyer
to use both the Buyer Report and the Property Lookup features. In a
preferred embodiment, if the Buyer Report feature is not selected,
the buyer can still receive a list of properties that the agent
tags. The agent selects the type of properties the buyer is
interested in, and the location of the buyer's interest. For
instance the agent may enter a MLS area, from a table the system
provides to the agent. The agent can add additional areas, or can
select certain areas by, for example, sub-divisions or schools. The
agent also selects the type of property of interest (e.g. single
home, townhouse, condominium, or all) and the size of the home of
interest. The present invention preferably includes an advanced
areas Wizard that allows the agent to follow a step by step process
of selecting sub-divisions, complexes, or school districts, by
means of example only. The agent can also select only certain
counties as of interest to the buyer. In preferred embodiments, the
agent can include more than one geographical selection (e.g. school
division and county) so that only properties falling with both
selections are listed. The agent also enters the price or price
ranges of interest to the buyers. Preferably, the agent will also,
from a list of features, identify those features that the buyer
must have and those that the buyer would like to have. The
invention may include an extensive list of features, such as square
footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, location, and so
forth) that can be selected as "must have" or "like to have"
features.
After the agent enters clients such as buyers, the agent can then
review the list of all of his buyers. A buyer information (or buyer
list) webpage 39 is shown in FIG. 2C. The buyer information webpage
39 comprises potential buyer information 40 in summary format. The
potential buyer information 40 shown in FIG. 2C comprises a grid of
eight potential buyer names 41 (the names entered earlier by the
agent) and summary information associated with each of the eight
potential buyer names 41. The pre-stored format is stored on the
server 10. Database applications and web-page construction
applications 14 carry out the accessing of data in the databases 26
and the construction of a web page.
The code for constructing the format comprises code for
constructing a grid as shown in FIG. 2C. Moreover, the format
provides that the summaries or names in the buyer name column 50,
the new activity column 52, the new tags column 54, and the new
views column 56 comprise hyperlinks to associated web pages.
Referring to the buyer name of Jennifer Gray as an example in FIG.
2C, the potential buyer information 40 comprises a potential buyer
name 42 and a new activity summary 44 associated with the potential
buyer name of Jennifer Gray 42. The information 40 also includes a
new tags summary 47 associated with the potential buyer name of
Jennifer Gray 42, and a last login summary 48 associated with the
potential buyer name of Jennifer Gray 42.
As another example, referring to the buyer name of Mark and Mary
Jones 60, the potential buyer information 40 comprises a new
activity summary 62 associated with the potential buyer name of
Mark and Mary Jones 60. The information 40 also includes a new
views summary 64 associated with the buyer name of Mark and Mary
Jones 60, and a last login summary 66 associated with the potential
buyer name of Mark and Mary Jones 60.
Referring again to the Jennifer Gray buyer name 42, the new
activity summary 44 comprises a new activity number 45 indicating
the number of properties meeting the buyer profile of Jennifer Gray
that have been added to the property database 24 since a previous
view by the agent of a new activity web page associated with
Jennifer Gray. The new activity summary 44 also comprises a date
indicating the earliest date that a property meeting the buyer
profile associated with the potential buyer name was added to, or
changed in, the MLS database or similar database since a previous
view of the new activity web page associated with the potential
buyer name by the agent. For example, if the agent viewed the new
activity web page on Oct. 15, 2000, and eleven property listings
were either added to a property database or modified in the
property database, the first of which was added on Oct. 20, 2000,
the number determined would be eleven and the date determined would
be Oct. 20, 2000.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the new activity summary 44
associated with Jennifer Gray indicates that fourteen properties
that fit the profile of Jennifer Gray have been modified (i.e.,
added to the database or changed in the database, such as a price
change) since the agent's last view of the new activity web page,
and that the first date on which such a modification occurred is
Oct. 11, 2000. Thus if the agent last viewed the new activity web
page associated with Jennifer Gray on Oct. 3, 2000, and fourteen
properties have been modified in the property database (e.g., new
listings, drop in price, and alterations to price) since October 3,
and the first of those modifications occurred on Oct. 11, 2000
(i.e., all fourteen modifications occurred on or after October 11),
then the new activity summary 44 of Jennifer Gray would be as shown
(14 [Oct. 11, 2000]).
Part of a new activity web page 70 associated with the buyer name
of Jennifer Gray is shown in FIG. 3. The agent may view this web
page 70 by clicking on (i.e., activating) the new activity summary
link 44. The new activity web page 70 comprises a list summarizing
properties in the property data database 24 that meets (i.e., falls
within) the buyer profile (e.g., price range) associated with the
buyer name of Jennifer Gray. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, all
properties, including all newly-listed or changed properties, that
fall within the buyer profile of Jennifer Gray is provided in the
web page (or web pages) provided upon activating the new activity
summary link 44. In other embodiments, just the newly-listed or
changed properties may be shown on the new activity web page.
In another embodiment, the new activity webpage comprises a list of
properties meeting the buyer's property type, area, price range,
and "Must Have" property features. The system may allow the agent
and/or buyer to evaluate each property feature indicating if they
1) Don't care about a feature by leaving it blank; 2) Really want
the feature but will consider houses without that feature by
indicating it's a "Like to Have" feature; and 3) Won't consider
houses unless they have the feature by indicating it's a "Must
Have" feature. Properties with all of the buyer's "Like to Have"
features in addition to the meeting the type, areas, price range
and "Must Have" features requirements are considered "Perfect
Matches."
When preparing the buyer information webpage 39, the server 10
constructs the new activity summary 44 by accessing the buyer
database 28 which includes the date on which the agent last
accessed the new activity webpage associated with Jennifer Gray,
and then accessing the property data database 24 to determine the
number of properties that meet Jennifer Gray's profile that have
been added or changed since that date. The MLS database 22 and the
property data database 24 includes a date stamp indicating the date
a particular property profile was added or changed. Once such dates
for the properties meeting Jennifer Gray's profile and number of
new activity (post-web page viewing) listings meeting Jennifer
Gray's profile are identified, the server 10 selects the earliest
of the dates as the number to place in the new activity summary,
and the server 10 places the number and the date in a hyperlink,
and provides the summary 44 in the new activity column 52 as shown
in FIG. 2C.
When viewing property summaries for a particular buyer name, the
agent can "tag" certain properties of interest. For example, when
viewing the new activity web page for Jennifer Gray shown in FIG.
3, the agent can click a "Tag" check-box 72 associated with a
particular property. By tagging a particular property, the property
is added to a list of tagged properties for Jennifer Gray. The
buyer can also tag properties as the buyer reviews available
properties. In the embodiment shown, when a buyer "tags" a
property, an e-mail alert is sent to the buyer's agent notifying
the agent that the buyer has tagged the property. Additionally,
when the agent "tags" a property for a buyer, an e-mail alert is
sent to the buyer notifying the buyer that the agent has tagged a
property.
Buyers may also access the new activity web page and tag properties
of interest (sometimes called a "Home Finder Report"). Buyers
access the web site 12 via the Internet 16 in a manner similar to
the agents' access. For example, Jennifer Gray and other buyers on
the buyer list 41 may access the page shown on FIG. 3 (or a similar
page) and tag properties of particular interest. The MLS number or
other pointer associated with a tagged property is stored in a tags
database 30 in association with the buyer name (the tags database
30 is also called the "userstate database").
For example, if Mary Doe or the agent 18 access a property list for
Mary Doe and tag a particular property (e.g., a property at 8927
Scotch Heather Way), a MLS number or other pointer is stored by the
server 10 in the tags database 30 in association with the buyer
name Mary Doe.
Referring to FIG. 2C, the new tags summary 55 comprises a new tags
number 57 indicating the number of properties tagged by Mary Doe
using an online property information viewing system accessible by
Mary Doe since a previous view of the new tags web page associated
with Mary Doe (shown in FIG. 4). When preparing the buyer
information web page 39, the server 10 constructs the new tags
summary 55 by accessing the buyer database 28 which includes the
date on which the agent last accessed the new tags web page
associated with Mary Doe, and then accessing the new tags database
24 to determine the number of properties that have been tagged by
either the agent or Mary Doe in associated with Mary Doe's profile
since that date. The server 10 then determines the date of the
earliest-tagged property since the last time the agent examined the
new tags web page associated with Mary Doe. Only the properties
tagged by the agent when working with Mary Doe's profile are
included (i.e., the properties tagged by the agent when working
with others' profile are not included). The properties tagged by
the agent for other buyers are not included in Mary Doe's list.
Once the date of the earliest-tagged property and number of new
tags have been determined by the server 10, the server 10 places
the number and the date in a hyperlink, and provides the summary 55
in the new tags column 54 as shown in FIG. 2C.
Referring to FIG. 2C, the new tag summary 54 for Mary Doe indicates
that one property has been added to the new tags database by the
buyer since the last date the agent viewed the new tags web page
associated with Mary Doe. The summary 54 also indicates that Oct.
10, 2000, was the date on which Mary Doe tagged the property. The
October 10 date is the date of the earliest changed information
after the last view of the web page.
As another example, the summary associated with Jennifer Gray 47
indicates that three new tags have been added to the new tags
database 30 by the buyer since the last date on which the buyer
viewed the new tags web page associated with Jennifer Gray (assume
the last date on which the buyer viewed the new tags web page
associated with Jennifer Gray was Oct. 5, 2000). The summary 47
also indicates that the first of the three new tags added by the
buyer was added to the new tags database 30 on Oct. 10, 2000.
A new tags web page 80 is shown in FIG. 4. The new tags web page 80
shown is for Mary Doe, and is the page reached when clicking on the
new tags hyperlink 55. The new tags web page 80 is constructed by
the server 10. To do so, the server 10 accesses the tags database
30 to determine the MLS number(s) or other pointer(s) indicating
the properties tagged for Mary Doe by Mary Doe or the real estate
agent. Once these pointers are determined, the pointers are used to
obtain information from the property data database 24 regarding
each property indicated by the pointer(s). Once this information is
obtained, the information is formatted as shown in FIG. 4 and
provided to the requesting client computer, e.g., the agent 18. The
client/customer 20 is provided access to an online property
information system by the server 10 via the Internet 10. The
information system is provided in the web site 12 residing on the
server 10. The agent 18 provides the client/customer 20 access to
the web site 12 by creating a profile for the client/customer, and
the server 10 assigns a user (i.e., buyer) name to the
client/customer 20. This user name, along with an associated
password assigned by the server 10, is provided to the
client/customer 20, preferably by e-mail from the server 10.
The client/customer 20, e.g., Mark and Mary Jones, logs into the
web site 12 using the user name and password provided by the server
10. The web site 12 provides various features to the
client/customer 20. The agent 18 may choose to provide or not to
provide certain ones of various features offered by the web site 12
to the client/customer 20, depending for example on the agent's
relationship with the client/customer 20.
One feature to which the agent may provide access to the
client/customer 20 is the home finder search feature within the
online property information viewing system 11. As discussed above,
the agent enters a profile search criteria for the buyer, and the
buyer is presented with properties from the property database 24
that meet this criteria. The buyer 20 may also be given access to a
second aspect of the property information viewing system 11. In the
second aspect, the client/customer (buyer) 20 is provided a search
page in the web site 12 comprising form fields in which the
client/customer 20 may enter search criteria (e.g., price range,
geographic location, minimum number of bedrooms, minimum number of
bathrooms, and minimum square footage). The criteria is provided to
the online system 11 which conducts a search of the properties in
the property data database 24. The online system 11 constructs a
summary web page of the properties meeting the search criteria and
provides the web page to the client/customer 20. An example of such
a search results page 90 is shown in FIG. 5.
The client/customer 20 may then select one or more properties in
the search results list for examination of further details
regarding that property. For example, Mark and Mary Jones may
activate (e.g., click on) the hyperlink 94 associated with 5908
Carriage Oaks Drive to examine further details regarding that
property. When Mark and Mary Jones activates the hyperlink 94, two
activities take place. First, the online system 11 accesses data in
the property data database 24 associated with 5908 Carriage Oaks
Drive, formats the data into the web page 96 shown in FIG. 6, and
provides the web page to Mark and Mary Jones at their client
computer 20 via the Internet. Second, the online system 11 records
Mark and Mary Jones's view of the details of the Carriage Oaks
property in the views database 30. For example, the MLS number of
the Carriage Oaks Drive property is recorded as a "new view" in the
views database 30 in association with the Mark and Mary Jones buyer
name. Referring to FIG. 5, the Mark and Mary Jones buyer also
clicks on the 9740 Faires Farm Road hyperlink 96 and views the
details of the Faire Farm Road property. The online system 11 also
records this "new view" in the new view database 32. The "new
views" in the embodiment discussed reflects a view by the
customer/client of the details of a particular property. A viewing
of summary data, as shown in FIG. 5, is not recorded in the new
views database, but a viewing of the details associated with a
property, as shown in FIG. 6, is recorded as a new view.
Also shown in FIG. 6 is an example of tagging. In FIG. 6, Mark and
Mary Jones have "tagged" the property at 5908 Carriage Oaks Drive
by clicking the check-box 92 associated with the property.
Referring again to FIG. 2C, when the server is creating the web
page 39, the server creates a new views summary for each buyer in
the buyer list for which there are new views. For example, the Mark
and Mary Jones user has carried out new views not viewed by the
agent, and a new views summary 64 is created for Mark and Mark
Jones. The new views summary 64 comprises a new views number 65
indicating the number of properties viewed by Mark and Mary Jones
using the online information system since a previous view of the
new views web page 98 associated with Mark and Mary Jones (shown in
FIG. 7).
FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of an exemplary property detail page,
consistent with embodiments of the present invention. In addition
to the normal property information such as listing details,
property photos and a map showing the location of the property, the
system may provide additional reports including an area sales 602
report and loan report 604. An area sales report 602 automatically
finds sold properties in the area around the property being viewed,
without requiring the user to define search criteria. The area
sales 602 may provide an idea of the price range of the surrounding
properties and may also show re-sales of neighboring properties
providing an indication of area price appreciation. Loan report 604
may estimate principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) for
the property being viewed. It may also provide taxes and insurance,
and other expense estimates.
FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary webpage allowing a buyer to enter
search criteria and conduct a search for properties, consistent
with embodiments of the present invention. To initiate a search,
the buyer enters search criteria by, for example, choosing between
Target Price 610, Price Range 612, Sub-Division 614, Street Name
616 and MLS Number 618.
Target price 610 finds properties closest to the price the buyer
enters in search box 620. Buyers may enter the appropriate price of
the property they want to locate and the system automatically
creates a range that locates properties that are close to that
price. A buyer may use the Property Lookup to see how much of a
house they can buy, i.e., comparably priced properties. Price Range
612 finds properties priced between the prices the user enters in
search box 620. Sub-Division 614 and Street Name 616 find
properties with the Sub-Division name or Street Name the user
enters, and the MLS Number 618 finds the property with the
corresponding MLS number.
FIG. 6C illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary property search
relating to FIG. 6B. A buyer may first select Property Lookup from
the menu bar. When a Property Lookup request is received, the
system queries the buyer database 28 for the buyer's MLS areas.
Next it may query the MLS database 22 to determine counties
corresponding to the buyer's MLS areas. A Property Lookup page,
like that shown in FIG. 6B, is then returned to the buyer with the
lookup counties indicated at the top of the page. When the buyer
submits the Property Lookup form, the form is checked for
completeness and returned to the buyer if any required information
is missing. When the required information is submitted, the system
queries the for-sale database 24 for properties located in the
counties indicated that match the query and provide the results to
the buyer. The buyer can perform various searches and then review
the results of the search. In a preferred embodiment, the Property
Lookup feature is also available to agent's sellers, as well as to
the agent.
In addition to tagging properties in the buyer report generated in
response to criteria entered by the agent on the buyer's behalf, a
buyer can tag properties he finds using the Property Lookup
feature. The properties a buyer tags will be added to the tagged
list, and the buyer's agent will be automatically notified
regarding the tagged properties, as explained above. The tagged
property is stored in tags database 30. The method and systems of
the invention preferably use highlighting or other indication to
distinguish the tagging of properties by the agent from the tagging
of properties by the buyer.
When preparing the buyer information web page 39, the server 10
constructs the new views summary 64 by accessing the buyer database
28 to determine the date on which the agent last accessed the new
views web page associated with Mark and Mary Jones, and determining
the date of the earliest of the new views that occurred after the
agent last accessed the new views web page associated with Mark and
Mary Jones. The server then accesses the new views database 32 to
determine the number of properties that have been viewed by Mark
and Mary Jones in association with Mark and Mary Jones' profile
since the date of the last access of the new views web page. Once
this date and number of new views have been determined by the
server 10, the server 10 places the number and the date in a
hyperlink, and provides the summary 64 in the new views column 56
as shown in FIG. 2C. In the new views summary 64, it is shown that
eleven properties have been viewed by Mark and Mary Jones since the
last date on which the agent viewed the new views web page. The
earliest new view that occurred after the date of the last date on
which the agent last viewed the new views web page is Oct. 14,
2000.
A new views web page 98 for Mark and Mary Jones is shown in FIG. 7.
The page is reached when clicking on the new views hyperlink 64
associated with Mark and Mary Jones. The new views web page 98 is
constructed by the server 10. To do so, the server 10 accesses the
views database 32 to determine the MLS number(s) or other
pointer(s) indicating the properties viewed by Mark and Mary Jones.
Once these pointers are determined, the pointers are used to obtain
information from the property data database 24 regarding each
property indicated by the pointer(s). Once this information is
obtained, the information is formatted as shown in FIG. 7 and
provided to the requesting computer, e.g., the agent 18.
Referring to FIG. 7, note that the 9740 Faires Farm Road property
is shown as viewed 100. The Carriage Oaks Drive property is below
the Faires Farm Road property on the list shown in FIG. 7 and is
thus not shown. The new views list partially shown in FIG. 7
includes thirty properties. The thirty properties comprise all the
properties viewed by Mark and Mary Jones using the server's system.
The eleven properties viewed by the Mark and Mary Jones since the
agent's last view of the new views web page are shown at the top of
the list. In an embodiment, the eleven new views are highlighted as
well.
In all web pages shown, when a property address is shown as
underlined, it comprises a hyperlink. When the hyperlink is
activated, the details of the property are provided to the user,
similar to that which is shown in FIG. 6.
The web page 39 shown in FIG. 2C also includes a last login summary
for each buyer on the buyer list. The last login summary is shown
in the last login column 58. The last login summary is associated
with a potential buyer name, and comprises a date indicating the
last time the person associated with the potential buyer name used
the online property information system provided by the server. For
example, the last login summary for Jennifer Gray 48 indicates that
the last time and date that Jennifer Gray logged into the online
property information system provided by the server was 11:10 am on
Oct. 10, 2000. The last login summary for Mark and Mary Jones 66
indicates that the last login for Mark and Mary Jones was 12:37 pm
on Oct. 26, 2000. If the person associated with the buyer name has
not yet logged in, the last login summary indicates "Not yet," and
if the buyer has not yet been given access to the online property
information system, the login summary gives an indication, such as
"- -," "Not Provided Access," or some other indicator.
The server determines the data used in the last login summary by
accessing the buyer database 26. When a buyer logs in, the date and
time is stored along with the buyer name, and the server 10
retrieves this information in constructing the last login
summary.
As shown in FIG. 2C, and as described above, the buyer information
web page 39 comprises a grid--a group of rows and columns. Each row
is associated with a particular buyer name. The buyer names
comprise hyperlinks that link to an options menu page for each
buyer that links to reports and services for each buyer, or that
links to other information about the buyer. The columns comprise a
new activity column 52 which shows the new activity summary for
each buyer, a new tags column 54 comprising the new tag summaries
for each buyer, a new views column 56 comprising the new views
summary for each buyer, and a last login column 58 comprising the
last login summary for each buyer. Each of the summaries comprises
a hyperlink that links to an associated web page.
FIG. 8 shows a simplified flow diagram of some of the steps
according to the present invention described above. The
processor/server receives a request for a buyer list from an agent
101. The server 10 retrieves a list of all buyers associated with
the agent requesting the buyer list from the buyer database 102.
The server 10 then carries out the steps shown in items 104-106 for
each of the buyers in the retrieved buyer list.
First, the server 10 checks the property data database for
properties that match the first buyer's criteria and that either
came on the market or changed since the last time the agent
examined the buyer's home finder report (a summary list of
properties meeting the buyer's criteria) 104. Second, the server
checks for properties that the first buyer tagged since the last
time the agent examined the first buyer's Tagged List (a summary
list of properties tagged as being of particular interest by the
buyer or the agent) 105. The server checks the tags database 30 for
such properties, which is the database in which at least a pointer
to tagged properties is stored. Third, the server checks for
properties the first buyer viewed since the last time the agent
examined the buyer's Viewed List (a summary list of properties for
which the buyer viewed a detailed information web page).
The server then repeats these steps 104, 105, 106 for each buyer in
the list of buyers associated with the agent. Once the steps have
been completed for each buyer, the server formats the buyer list
web page (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C) 107 and provides the web page
to the agent's browser for display 108.
Embodiments of the present invention may offer seller functionality
as well. Referring again to FIG. 1, after the agent 18 logs into
the web site 12, the web site 12 receives an indication (e.g., by a
hyperlink) that the agent 18 would like to access the agent's CMA
list. Upon receiving the indication, the server 10 provides a list
web page showing subject property information to the agent 18.
An embodiment of a CMA list web page 110 is shown in FIG. 9. The
web page 110 provides summary information useful to a real estate
agent in listing a property for-sale. The web page 110 includes a
list of properties of interest to the agent (called "subject
properties") 114.
The real estate agent has previously identified to the web site 12
the subject properties. For example, in an embodiment, the real
estate agent identifies the subject properties by filling out a
property description form, selecting properties of interest from a
list or properties, indicating the MLS number in a form field
provided by the web site, or by other means. For example, referring
to the list of subject properties 114 in FIG. 9, the real estate
agent 18 has previously indicated the seven property addresses
shown as subject properties. A pointer to each of the subject
properties is stored in the CMA Property database 39 in the CMA
Services database 38. The pointers are stored in association with
the real estate agent's user name for retrieval.
Referring to FIG. 9, the CMA list web page 110 comprises subject
property information 112 comprising property identifiers for each
of the subject properties 114 and an area activity summary
associated with each of the property identifiers (e.g., the summary
shown as "1 [Oct. 12, 2000]" 132 associated with the Mordred Lane
property). The embodiment shown of the CMA list web page 110 in
FIG. 9 also includes a seller accounts summary associated with each
of the property identifiers (e.g., the summary shown as "Bob
Milman" 138 associated with the Mordred Lane property), and a last
login summary (e.g., the summary shown as associated with the
property identifier for the Mordred Lane property 140 in FIG.
10).
The server 10 creates the CMA list web page 110 provided to the
agent 18 by accessing the appropriate databases and placing the
pre-designated data in a template in the form shown in FIG. 9.
When preparing the CMA list web page 110, the server 10 accesses
the CMA property database 39 to determine all of the CMA properties
designated by the logged-in agent. The property identifiers for
each of these properties is placed in the CMA property column 120
as shown in FIG. 9.
Also, when preparing the CMA list web page 39, the server 10
constructs the area activity summary 132. The area activity summary
comprises a new area activity number (e.g., item 134) indicating
the number of properties in a pre-defined area undergoing a
pre-defined event (e.g., an addition to the property database or a
change in status, such as a sale, drop in price, or other change
within a pre-defined time period) since a previous view of a new
area activity web page associated with a property identifier.
The server constructs the area activity summary 132 by accessing
the CMA Property database 39 which includes the date on which the
agent last accessed the area activity web page associated with 6929
Mordred Lane, and then by accessing the property data database 24
to determine the number of properties that fall within a
pre-designated area and predesignated criteria that have been added
to the database 24, or that have changed, since that date. The MLS
database 22 and the property data database 24 includes a date stamp
indicating the date a particular property profile was added or
changed, and includes geographic, neighborhood, and other area
information. The earliest of these data stamps that occurred after
the last access of the area activity web page is used as the date
for the summary hyperlink. Once this date and number of new area
activity listings are determined, the server 10 places the number
134 and the date 136 in a hyperlink, and provides the summary 132
in the new area activity column 122 as shown in FIG. 9. For
example, since the agent last viewed the area activity web page
associated with the Mordred Lane property on October 5, one new
property has been added to the database 24 (or changed in the
database) that is in the Mordred Lane area and fits the pre-defined
property profile, and that property was added on Oct. 12, 2000.
That is, the summary 132 indicates that one property meeting the
pre-defined area and criteria has been added to the property
database 24 since the agent last viewed the new area activity web
page. It should be noted that this addition is the only activity
occurring with the area in the last thirty days. The date (Oct. 12,
2000) indicates the date the property was added to the database
since it is the only property. If it were not the only property,
the earliest addition or change date of the properties would be
shown. The date 136 indicating the date of the previous view of the
new area activity web page associated with the Mordred Lane
property is shown as "Oct. 12, 2000," but may be in any format.
The new area activity summary comprises a hyperlink that, when
activated, causes the server 10 to construct a new activity web
page and to send the web page to the agent 18. An example of a new
area activity web page is shown in FIG. 10. The new area activity
web page 140 provides a summary of new activity in a pre-designated
area around the property of interest, i.e., the Mordred Lane
property.
Referring to FIG. 10, an area activity web page 140 is shown for
the Mordred Lane property. The web page 140 shows one property 142
for the Mordred Lane property in the property data database 24.
Note that this property 142 is the one "new" (i.e., post-Oct. 12,
2000) property noted in the area activity summary 132 shown in FIG.
9. If there were other properties in the database 24, they would be
listed on the new activity web page 140 as well. In the embodiment
shown, the new properties are listed at the top of the list in the
new activity web page 140. In other embodiments, the new properties
are highlighted using background color, background graphics, an
icon, or other highlighting.
The server creates the area activity web page by accessing the
property data database 24 and retrieving summary information
regarding each property in the database in a pre-defined area
(e.g., street, neighborhood, area defined by an algorithm, or other
definition) undergoing a pre-defined event (e.g., an addition to
the property database or a change in status, such as a sale, drop
in price, or other change). The property data found is formatted as
shown in FIG. 10. All of the properties that fit the profile are
summarized on the area activity web page, and those properties that
have undergone a pre-defined event since a previous view of the new
area activity web page associated with a property identifier by the
agent are listed at the top.
In other embodiments, the area activity summary and the area
activity page comprises properties meeting pre-defined criteria,
such as price range, geographic area, builder, number of bedrooms,
and square footage. That is, the area activity inquiry may include
many factors.
The CMA list web page 110 also includes a seller accounts summary
138 associated with the Mordred Lane property identifier 130. In
the embodiment shown, the seller accounts summary comprises the
name of the owner of the property if the owner has signed up for a
service offered by the web site 10 for sellers and the designation
"- -" if the seller has not.
The seller accounts summary is constructed for each property
identifier in the list 114 by accessing the seller accounts
database 37 to determine if a seller associated with the CMA list
property has been given access to the web site 12. The seller
accounts database 37 comprises the profiles of registered sellers,
including their property identifier, as entered by the real estate
agent 18. For example, the server 10 accesses the seller accounts
database 37 and finds that the seller name associated with the
Mordred Lane property is "Bob Milman," and the name "Bob Milman" is
used as the seller account summary 138 associated with the Mordred
Lane property.
Similarly, the CMA list web page 110 comprises a last login summary
for each listed property. For example, the last login summary for
the Mordred Lane property comprises "07:53 pm Nov. 1, 2000" 141.
This summary indicates that last time and date that the seller
associated with the subject property logged into a service offered
by the web site 10. For example, the last login summary mentioned
141 indicates that Bob Milman, the owner associated with the
Mordred Lane property, last logged into the service offered by the
web site 10 to sellers was 7:52 pm on Nov. 1, 2000. The server 10
constructs the last login summary by accessing the seller accounts
database 37, which includes seller profiles and the date and time
the seller last logged into a service offered by the web site
10.
In the embodiment shown, the CMA list web page 110 is formatted as
a grid. The page 110 comprises a property column 120 in which the
property identifiers for the subject properties 114 are listed and
an area activity column 122 comprising the new area activity
summaries (e.g., the summary for the Mordred Lane property 132).
The grid also includes a seller accounts column 124 having the
seller account summaries for the subject properties 114, and a last
login column 126 having the last login summaries associated with
the seller accounts.
Each of the underlined summaries in the CMA property list column
120 and the area activity column 122 comprises a hyperlink. The
hyperlinks in the CMA property list column 120 are linked to a menu
options page that provides links to various other services for a
particular property. The hyperlinks in the area activity column 122
are linked to the new area activity pages associated with the
subject property.
FIG. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of a CMA list web page. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the material discussed
in relation to FIG. 9, the CMA list web page 150 comprises an
appointments column 152 that includes a new appointments summary
associated with a property identifier. The page 150 shown in FIG.
11 comprises a new appointments summary 156 associated with the 159
Falmouth Road property identifier 162. The new appointments summary
indicates the number of appointments (three) 158 carried out in
relation to the property associated with the property since the
last time the agent 18 viewed a new appointments web page
associated with the property (Oct. 12, 2000). The summary 156
indicates that three appointments have been added to an
appointments database 35 since the last date the agent viewed a
list of appointments online. The date (Oct. 12, 2000) indicates the
earliest of the three appointments in the database. In other words,
October 12 reflects the earliest appointment added to the database
since the agent's last view of the appointments web page.
The appointments database 35 is in communication with an
appointments system that receives notification of visits to a
listed property, whether receiving through manually entering
appointments, communication from an electronic key box or through
e-mail or other electronic communication. The received
appointments, and associated data (e.g., name of showing agent,
date and time of visit, and comments of the potential purchaser(s))
is recorded in the appointments database 35. Also recorded in the
appointments database is the last date and time which the agent
viewed a web page listing the appointments carried out in relation
to the property. In an embodiment, when the server 10 receives
notice of a new appointment from the appointments system 36, in
addition to recording the information regarding the appointments in
the appointments database 35, the server 10 sends an e-mail to the
listing agent.
The server 10 examines the data in the appointments database 35 in
constructing the appointments summary. The server 10 examines the
CMA property database 39 to determine the last date the agent
viewed the appointments web page offered on the web site 10 and to
determine the number of appointments carried out since that date.
The appointments web page comprises a web page linked to the
appointments summary 156 that shows data from the appointments
database 35 describing the various appointments carried out in
relation to the subject property. For example, the appointments
summary hyperlink 156 associated with the Falmouth Road property
links to an appointments web page describing various aspects of
appointments kept by potential buyers to view the Falmouth Road
property, such as date, time, showing agent, and comments by
showing agent. The appointments web page is constructed using data
from the appointments database 35. Like the previous web pages
discussed, the new appointments (those occurring after the last
time the web page was viewed by the agent) are listed first and
highlighted, and the others are listed below the new
appointments.
FIGS. 12-16 show database tables used in an embodiment of the buyer
list aspect of an embodiment of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 1. Each of the tables in FIGS. 12-16 shows a column name (or
data field name), type of data in the column, length of the data in
the column, and a brief description of the data in the column.
Referring to FIG. 1 and the database tables shown, FIG. 12 shows a
database table in the buyer database 28. The table includes
information about the buyers associated with an agent. FIG. 13
shows a database table also in the buyer database 28. The table
includes profile information about buyers. FIG. 14 shows a database
table in the views database 32 which includes information on
full-information views carried out by buyers. FIG. 15 shows a
database table in the tags database 30, including pointers to
properties tagged by buyers.
FIGS. 16A and 16B comprise a data table in the property data
database 24. The data fields shown comprise data obtained from the
MLS database 22 by the server 10 and stored in the property data
database 24. FIG. 16B continues the table shown in FIG. 16A.
FIGS. 17-19B similarly comprise data tables associated with the CMA
features of an embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1. Like the
tables of FIGS. 12-16, a column name (or data field name), data
type, and data length are shown. In addition, a brief note about a
some of the column names are made in relation to columns that are
not immediately apparent from similar fields in FIGS. 12-16, or in
context, or for which a brief description is helpful. FIG. 17 shows
a data table of data located in the seller accounts database 37.
The table comprises profile information about a seller, including a
pointer to the CMA property profile associated with the seller.
FIG. 18 shows a data table located in the CMA Property database 39.
The table comprises information about the CMA property, including
its identification and the date the associated agent last viewed
the area activity web page associated with the property. FIGS. 19A
and 19B comprise a data table found in the property data database
24 which is used in carrying out the CMA functions. FIG. 19B
continues the table shown in FIG. 19A.
FIG. 20 illustrates an example of integrated messaging, consistent
with an embodiment of the present invention. Clients/Customers may
communicate electronically with their agents anywhere, anytime
without the use of an email account. Buyers and sellers are
notified of new messages by a blinking envelope at the end of a
menu bar (not pictured). In one embodiment, the subject line of the
message is automatically filled. For example, when a client is
viewing a property and sends a message to their agent, the subject
line automatically fills with the street address of the property
being viewed.
Consistent with the invention, the agent or his buyers or sellers
are provided with a Message Center when they log in. The Message
Center is their personal post office. When the Message Center is
opened, the messages received are displayed in a date sequence,
with the last message received shown first. Messages from an
agent's clients are received and messages to the clients are stored
indefinitely, unless they are deleted or the client is removed from
the system. The user can by clicking view either messages received
or messages sent. Messages received are preferably displayed in
date sequence, with the last message received shown first. New
messages also are preferably displayed in bold type, to further
simplify there identification. The system preferably includes a New
Message Indicator, such as a closed envelope, to visually alert the
user of messages he has not seen. Messages are viewed by clicking
on their subject link.
The Message Center may identify old messages (e.g. by an opened
envelop) and new messages separately. Old messages can be viewed
again by clicking on the subject link. The Message Center may have
a date column for each message, indicating the date and time
messages were sent. Messages sent by an agent to a client also have
a status line that shows whether and when a client opened and read
a message, thereby providing valuable information to the agent. The
Message Center may also include a filter menu that will allow the
agent to select whose messages he wants to review. This allows the
agent to view messages sent and received from a particular client.
The filter can also be used to view only new messages that the
agent has not yet opened.
Embodiments consistent with the invention may allow the agent and
his clients to enter and share with each other tasks to be
completed, and due dates for such tasks. This is shown on web pages
as a To Do List, in one embodiment. The agent or client can enter
in the description box a brief description of the task, to be
identified in a list to the other, and additional details can be
entered in the details box. A due date menu allows the user to
select when a task is due, by either selecting options (such as
today, tomorrow, etc.) or enter the specific due date and time.
When a project is completed, the user can "close" the task. If a
task is not closed by its due date, the agent and/or client will
receive a reminder notice. The user can select either open or
closed tasks, and embodiments consistent with the invention may
include filters that allow the user to switch, for example, between
all tasks, current tasks, and past due tasks. In such embodiments,
the tasks may be arranged in date sequence, with past due tasks
shown first. Task with due dates approaching, can also be
highlighted, and the agent or his client can also edit the tasks,
or change the due date. The system also includes a reopen feature
that will allow the agent or client to reopen tasks that were
thought to be completed and therefore were closed, but were later
found to require additional work. Closed tasks are preferably saved
for a preselected period of time, e.g. 30 days, so allow the agent
of client to review the tasks and check when they were
completed.
Systems and methods consistent with the invention are incorporated
into a Server system in which agents, buyers, and sellers can
access the system through the Internet. In one embodiment, when the
agent logs into the system, he is provided with a LbAgent page.
From that page he can select a variety of options that might
include, for example, Frontpage, Buyer Services, Seller Services
(also at times referenced in this application as CMA page), Message
Center, To Do List, and Help. The agent's web page may allow the
agent to send or review messages from any of these options. The
agent's web page also displays the agent's account information,
including the last login by the agent. The agent has an inbox that
identifies messages received, as well as projects approaching a due
date. Also in the embodiment, a flashing envelope may be displayed
in a prominent place on the web page, to identify to the agent any
unopened new messages from his clients. The agent can then open the
message, even if he has not activated the Message Center. Sellers
and buyers of the agent are provided similar webpages and options,
as disclosed in this application. The agent can decide what options
his clients (sellers or buyers) or other persons that he grants
access (customers) can use, when they log into the system. By means
of example, the agent can activate or not allow his clients to tag
properties or to perform their own searches. The system may also
provide more information to actual clients (having a contract with
the agent) than a customer or potential client. For example, a
customer might be restricted from viewing information such as days
on the market, price history, property notes, tax value or rate,
and area sales.
Applicants include the following summary of an embodiment
consistent with the present invention to further explain and
describe the associated methods and system.
As explained above and below, embodiments consistent with the
present invention may provide a system and method that enables real
estate agents to create interactive, multi-dimensional, property
information web sites for themselves and their respective buyers
and sellers. The web sites are automatically updated and maintained
and deliver a unique array of property information and messaging
services that link buyers and sellers to their agents. The
disclosed methods and systems of the invention thereby increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of agents and their clients who have
access to the system. Moreover, the users can access the system
through the internet from any location where a user has a computer
with internet communication capabilities.
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention may allow
the process server of the system to be periodically updated,
preferably several times a day. In that operation, the system
connects periodically to a Master Property Database (such as
Multiple Listing Service) to retrieve property information that was
added or changed in the outside database. The retrieved information
is processed and integrated internally into the For-sale Database
and the Sold Databases of the system. The For-sale and Sold
Databases are included in the Property Data 24 shown in FIG. 1 and
are available for searching by the system, as it operates. The
agent and his clients (buyers and sellers) can initiate searches
through the databases, and the databases at times automatically are
searched by the system, as the system updates information or
responds to logins or requests from a user.
The disclosed system creates a number of internal databases that
are generated, updated, and accessed during its application and
use. In one embodiment, these internal databases include, for
example, a For-Sale Database of properties for-sale, a Sold
Database of Properties sold, an Agent Database of agents and their
profiles, a Sellers Database of sellers and their profiles, a
Buyers Database of buyers and their profiles, a Message Database of
messages to and from an agent, and a To Do Database of calendared
projects created by agents and their clients.
Consistent with the invention, an agent can provide access to all
of his or her active buyers or sellers. The agent grants access to
an agent's client by placing profile information regarding the
client into the system, to set up an account for the client. The
profile information included for a particular client can include
the client's name and address, phone number, and email address. The
information can further include a seller's property, the type of
property a buyer's is looking for, the geographical areas of
interest, the price range, and other feature criteria, including
"like to have," and "must have" features. The agent can either
allow, or not allow, a given client access to account features,
such as a Buyer's Report (the report of properties falling within
the criteria), or a Property Lookup feature (allowing a client to
perform his or her own searches), or the appointments feature. In
one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may in turn
notify the buyers and sellers that their accounts have been created
and give them their respective logins and passwords. The system
creates data for each individual buyer and seller. The agent and
his client (buyer or seller) can access the information on these
databases, at their respective individual convenience. Moreover,
both the agent and client can review the databases and information
at the same time and activate various system features, while they
both are viewing the resultant webpages.
When an agent logs into the system, the system in a preferred
embodiment queries the Agent Database to determine the agent's last
login, the Message Database to identify new messages to the agent,
the appointments database to check for appointments, and the To Do
Database to check for any items requiring action. The agent can
activate any of these features to view specific reports. For
example, if the agent wants to review buyer information, he selects
Buyer Services from the menu bar. In a preferred embodiment, the
system then provides the agent with the option of viewing a variety
of reports, such as a Buyer's Report, or a Viewed List, or a Tagged
List, or a Buyer Profile.
If the agent activates Buyer's List, the system reviews the Buyer
Database and provides the agent with a listing of each buyer, the
buyer's last login, and the last time the agent viewed the Buyer's
Report or the Buyer's Viewed List, or the Buyer's Tagged List. The
Buyer's List for each buyer gives the agent the number (and
earliest date) for any updates since the last time the agent viewed
the information, any new views by the buyer, or any new tags by the
buyer. It also provides the last login for the buyer. In a
preferred embodiment, the system automatically queries the For-sale
Database and identifies to the agent the number of properties that
both match a given buyer's criteria and were added or changed since
the agent last viewed the Buyer's Report. The system, after
querying the User Database, preferably identifies to the agent the
number and identity of properties viewed by the buyer since the
agent last looked at the buyer's Viewed List. The system similarly
identifies the count and identity of properties tagged by the buyer
since the agent last viewed the buyer's Tagged List. The system
also indicates who (the agent or the buyer) tagged the
properties,
If an agent activates New Activities for a given buyer, the system
will provide a report that highlights and places at the top of the
list all of the New Updates (newly added properties or changes in
property information previously on the list) so that the agent can
immediately be aware of these changes. The system may mark these
highlighted properties as either new or changed, to assist the user
in his review.
If an agent activates the New Views for a given buyer, the system
will identify to the agent any properties that the buyer has viewed
and place those properties at the top of the list and highlighted.
Similarly, if the agents activates the New Tags for a given buyer,
the system will identify and place at the top of the list and
highlight properties that the buyer has tagged. The Last Login
feature will advise the agent of the last time the buyer used the
system. The system also allows the buyer to request that his
existing search criteria be changed by the agent, and this request
is sent to the agent. All of this information will educate the
agent about his buyer and allow the agent to better serve the buyer
and find a property that the buyer will purchase.
As shown in FIG. 3, the information provided in a Buyer's Report
can include, for example, a property's address, sub-division,
levels, bedrooms, baths, age, square footage, and price. The report
preferably indicates whether the properties are actively on the
market, or are pending a sale, or have been sold. As shown in FIG.
4, a user can request and review a list of only those properties,
and their features, that have been tagged.
As shown in FIG. 6, a user can also view a given property and
thereby receive a photograph of the property. In a preferred
embodiment, additional information regarding the property is
included with the view. Such information can include the area, the
multiple listing number, the age, levels, square footage, price,
bedrooms, heat, type, style, exterior, acreage, $/sq. ft., baths,
water, parking, and any other information in the databases.
In one embodiment, actions taken by the agent and the buyer are
recorded, for future use. When an agent, buyer, or seller logs into
the system, the date of the login is recorded. When a buyer views a
given property, that choice is monitored and recorded. In addition,
a user can tag a property that he likes, by clicking on the Tag It
link associated with a property. The system checks the Userstate
Database and updates it to indicate who (agent or buyer) tagged a
property, and when. If a viewed property was not previously in the
Buyer Report list, a new record is created with the buyer's
identification, the property multiple listing number, and a time
stamp. When the property listing is tagged, different tag markers
are used, one to indicate that the agent tagged the property and
another to indicate the buyer tagged the property. If the buyer
tags the property, the system preferably sends a message to the
agent, indicating that the buyer tagged a property. Similarly, if
the agent tags the property, the system preferably sends a message
to the buyer, providing notice. Both the buyer and agent can untag
a property.
Under the systems and methods of the invention, the agent can
provide his buyers or sellers with comparables for a property,
either through reports provided by the agent to his client buyers
or sellers, or through search features that the buyer and seller
can use to perform their own searches, or both. The agent or his
clients can obtain comparables of "for-sale" or "sold" properties
through an automatic search feature, where the search is performed
in response to criteria entered by the agent, seller or buyer, in
response to selections provided on the user's web pages. The user
selects criteria to be used in the search, and the server then
searches though the property database to provide the results. The
"for-sale" comparable feature in response provides the user with a
dynamic listing of comparable "for-sale" properties, from which the
user can review or view detailed information by clicking properties
of interest. The "sold" comparable feature provides a similar
dynamic listing of "sold" comparables. The agent, buyer, or seller
also can perform Property Lookup searches, as explained previously,
to find additional properties that might be a good comparables.
The agent, buyer, or seller can select, from the properties found
through one or all three of these searches, the specific property
comparables that he wants to use as a comparable listing to assist
him in the real estate process. The agent, seller, or buyer can
then use a Cyber CMA feature to take the selected comparable
properties to create a report that identifies not only the
"for-sale" and "sold" comparables and their characteristics, but
also relevant financial information to provide averages and even a
proposed selling price, or selling price range, or offering price,
or offering price range. Thus, the user, can use the resultant
information to assist him in selecting a potential offering price
by the buyer or listing price for the seller.
FIG. 21, by way of example, illustrates a web page of an agent
showing comparable features available to the agent. As shown, the
agent by going to a specific property on his CMA list can activate
For-sale Comps, Sold Comps, Property Lookup, Cyber CMA Report, Edit
CMA report, or Give CMA. FIG. 22 illustrates a front page of a
seller and show that the seller similar can activate For-sale
Comps, Sold Comps, Property Lookup, and Cyber CMA. The buyer has
front page with similar features.
To obtain a "for-sale" or "sold" comparable, the user fills out a
form and identifies a property by its multiple listing number, or
by its address. Through the form, the user can select criteria for
the search and thereby limit the search to properties listed or
sold within a specified period of time (e.g. within 6 months or a
year) or within specific geographical areas or within certain price
ranges. The user can further limit the search to properties of a
certain size or having certain features. Once the form is
completed, the profile is assigned an ID number and added to the
CMA Database. The system then queries the For-sale Database to
obtain a "for-sale" listing of comparables or the Sold Database to
find a list of "sold" comparable properties. The Query Rules
applied by a preferred embodiment of the present invention are
shown in FIG. 24, by way of example.
The search results are provided to the user, preferable in a
dynamic listing that provides a general overview in the list or
table. The system in a table can for each property provide valuable
information such as the properties' identification, location,
levels, number of bedrooms, number of baths, age, sq. footage,
listing price, sales price and so forth. The user can click on
individual properties on the list to view the properties and learn
even more about the specific characteristics of properties of
particular interest.
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention may
provide the agent with a comparative market analysis list of each
property for which he has performed a search to find comparables
for that property. The list, for example, would include the
identification of the property, and preferably its owner, a CMA
identification number, and a New Activities and New Sales feature.
The system preferably indicates the last time the agent viewed the
respective properties' "for-sale" and "sold" comparables. The
system, when activated by the agent to pull up the comparative
market analysis for a property on the list, preferably will
automatically query the "for-sale" and "sold" databases to find
properties that match the criteria used to provide the previous
comparables, to thereby identify to the agent additions or changes,
and the oldest dates of such additions or changes, again similar to
the buyer list. The new or changed properties are highlighted on
the resulting updated list. By clicking the New Activities feature,
the agent can quickly learn or any new additions or changes to
"for-sale" properties. By clicking on the New Sales feature, the
agent can quickly learn of new sales or pending sales.
In one embodiment, a comparable report provided by the invention,
called Cyber CMA Report, is available to both the client and the
agent through the invention. The agent or his client first selects
properties from his previous searches to be included in the Cyber
CMA Report. When the Cyber CMA Report feature is activated, the
system then obtains information regarding these selected properties
from the property databases, analyzes the information, and prepares
a report that identifies the properties and provides statistics
and/or graphs. In a preferred embodiment, the Cyber CMA Report
lists several For-sale comparables and provides along with the
specifics for each comparable, the average list price, average
$/sq. ft., days on the market, and average market time for those
properties. It does the same for a separate list of Sold
Comparables. An example of such a CyberCMA Report is shown in FIG.
23. As shown, that report also provides the user with "low price,"
"average price," and "high price" ranges, based on the properties
selected for inclusion in the Cyber CMA Report.
In one embodiment, the agent's seller is also provided with a Sold
Comps feature. The seller can select Sold Comps from the menu bar,
and a list of properties comparable to the seller's property is
returned. The invention provides this list by retrieving the seller
criteria entered by the agent and querying the sold property
database available to the server. The invention preferably arranges
the properties in the order of comparability to the seller's
property. Recent sales not previously viewed are highlighted.
The system also provides the agent with a record of every message
sent to or received from his clients. The system tracks when
messages were sent and received, and records when they are read.
Once an agent logs in, he can activate the Message Center. The
system queries the Message Database for a list of messages received
by the agent and queries the User Database for the names of the
buyers and sellers that sent the agent messages. The messages are
then reported by buyers and sellers. The agent can also request to
see the message that he sent, or that he hasn't opened. The agent
can request only previously viewed messages, or messages received
from a particular buyer or seller.
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention
preferably may provide an inbox for the agents, sellers, and
buyers. For example, the inbox of the agent preferably notifies the
agent of messages from his client, properties a client tagged and
items in his To Do List. In boxes for the seller and buyer provide
similar notices and information.
One feature of the disclosed embodiments is that the system is
available not only to the agent, but also to his clients. A buyer
or seller accesses the system by entering his user code. The system
is activated and a front-page is then sent back.
The Buyer's front page, for example, informs the buyer of any
criteria change to the buyer criteria entered by the agent, any New
Messages, any Tagged Properties, and any To Do items. In one
embodiment, the buyer is provided with his last login date, the
last time the agent changed any criteria, new messages from the
agent, new tags of properties by the agent, and any items requiring
the buyer's attention.
The buyer can review the list of properties matching the criteria
entered by the agent by selecting Buyer Report from the menu bar.
The system then retrieves the buyer's criteria from the Buyer
Database and queries the For-sale Database to provide an updated
listing of properties matching the buyer's criteria. The properties
are arranged in an updated order with the most recent properties on
top. New and changed properties not previously viewed by the buyer
are marked by highlighting. If, for example, the price or
description of a property changes, the "changed" property will be
placed at the top of the list and highlighted. In one embodiment,
Properties matching the buyer's Must Have and Like to Have features
(entered by the agent) will have a Smile Face or similar
designation added to the beginning of their address, indicating a
"perfect" match. The properties on the list are also checked
against the list of tagged properties stored in the buyer's
profile, and a Tag Marker is added to the display line.
After viewing the properties on the Buyer Report, the buyer can
clear markers, so that when he requests an updated Buyer Report at
a later time, only the most recently changed, new, or tagged
properties will be marked. As shown in FIG. 6a, the buyer in a
preferred embodiment of the invention can request a Photo Report,
Area Report, or Loan Report for each property on the list.
In addition to reviewing Buyer Report properties selected according
to the criteria placed into the system by his agent, a buyer can
use the system to perform a Property Lookup search. The buyer
selects the Property Lookup from their menu bar and then fills out
his desired search criteria on a form. For example, the buyer can
input selected criteria, such as target price, price range,
sub-division, street name, or MLS number. The system then queries
the Buyer Database for the buyer's MLS area and also can query the
For-sale Database, to locate properties that match the criteria
entered by the buyer. The search results are provided to the buyer
in a form like that of the Buyer Property List, and the buyer can
view, tag, and study properties in the same manner as properties on
the Buyer Property List. The buyer can tag any properties of
interests, and the agent will be automatically notified that the
buyer tagged a property.
As a buyer considers properties, he can obtain additional
information about a property. For example, a buyer can request a
Price History Report. The system queries the For-sale Database and
provides the buyer with for the property's address, current price,
last price change date, previous price, and initial listing price.
The buyer can also learn how many days a property has been on the
market. The buyer can also request an Area Sales Report, and the
system searches the Sold Database for properties sold in the same
area during a selected time frame, such as six months, a year, or
two years, and so forth. The buyer can also obtain a Loan Report.
The Loan Report, for example, accepts the listed price and provides
loan information. For example, the Loan Report can provide the user
with the loan information based on a 5%, 10%, and 20% down payment.
The report can also provide tax and insurance costs. The buyer can
also activate a To Do List function and review or enter projects
(and relevant dates) that need to be completed during the home
buying process.
Embodiments consistent with the invention may allow the agent and
his client to share information. For example, as the buyer uses the
system and reviews property and information, the buyers can review
the buyer criteria placed into the system by the agent, including
the "Like to Have" and the "Must Have" features and request that
the agent make changes. A message is sent to the agent, who in a
preferred embodiment is the only person authorized to make the
changes. Through this system, the buyer can reassess what is
important to him, and the agent will become aware of the buyer's
current thinking and requirements.
As shown in FIG. 11, the system can provide an agent with a Seller
List that can identify all of the seller properties, along with any
appointments, any seller accounts associated with the property, and
the last login.
When a seller logs into the system, the system queries the Seller
Database to determine the seller's menu bar format and last login.
The Message Database and the To Do Database are checked for any
items requiring attention, and the resulting information is
received by the seller. If the seller wishes to review Comparisons,
she can select For-sale Comparisons or Sold Comparisons and receive
reports. Any new or changed properties not previously viewed by the
seller are highlighted. The seller, like a buyer, can also select
Property Lookup, fill out search criteria, and receive and review
For-sale or Sold properties matching her criteria.
The Seller can also select Cyber CMA from the menu bar and receive
the Cyber CMA report from the CMA Database. The seller can view
detailed reports on each comparable, including, for example, a
photograph of the property, its address, the geographical area, the
age, exterior, levels, square footage, price, bedrooms, heat,
basement, MLS#, style, acreage, $/sq. ft., baths, water, parking,
and so forth. In addition, when the seller reviews the results of a
Property Lookup search, she can add properties she selects into her
Cyber CMA Report, as well as remove properties from the report.
The CMA and Buyer Report service of the disclosed embodiments may
allow agents to authorize and review the information the sellers or
buyers receive and work with his clients efficiently. An agent can
send and receive information that his clients can review at any
time and place. The agent can make online presentations to buyers
or sellers. For example, if the client is not satisfied with the
report CMA property list they receive, they can review the For-sale
Comps and Sold Comps online with the agent and add or remove CMA
properties until they are satisfied with the reports. If the agent
is reviewing the CMA with clients, they can tour the report
properties and discuss why each property was selected for the
report. The agent and buyer can similarly review Buyer Reports
together, review relevant information, revise the buyer's search
criteria, perform new searches, and review the newly acquired
information.
The system facilitates virtual tours of properties regardless of
where the viewers and agents are located. For example, an agent in
city A and a wife in city B and her husband in city C can all view
the same list of properties at the same time. If the agent does a
conference call, he can take the couple on a virtual tour by
directing the couple to properties to view. In the preferred
embodiment, the system allows multiple users to view a property
list at the same time. Each user is given control of the viewing
process, but viewing can be coordinated since the list on their
respective computers will have identical property information and
are arranged in the same order.
Various embodiments of the invention have been described in
fulfillment of the various objects of the invention. It should be
recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
adaptations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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