Real Estate Patents (Class 705/313)
  • Patent number: 8321317
    Abstract: One or more price metrics are generated by retrieving, from a database, one or more price data sets representing a specified time period. Each of the retrieved price data sets includes at least a parameter value, a quoted cost, and a selling unit of measure for at least one item, and is responsive to a product specification data set that includes at least one parameter value and a unit of measure for each of one or more items. In at least one embodiment, a combined item price total is divided by a combined item unit total to generate a metric price per unit for each item in the product specification data set. In another embodiment, a summed individual metric price per unit is divided by the number of individual metric prices to generate an overall metric price per unit for each item in the product specification data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: BuyMetrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120290488
    Abstract: A web-based technique for managing transactions related to real estate that allows transactions to be advertised and to be transparent to sellers and buyers and potential sellers and potential buyers is provided. Selling agents who represent sellers of properties list descriptions of the properties with the property transaction system. Potential buyers can then view the descriptions of the properties. When a potential buyer wants to place an offer on a listed property, the potential buyer submits the offer to a registered buying agent. After the potential buyer submits the offer to the buying agent, the buying agent posts that offer to the selling agent. Once the selling agent has accepted an offer for the property, which may be contingent on not receiving a better offer, the property transaction system then makes details of offer available to other potential buyers so the potential buyers may submit better offers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald L. Mazzano
  • Publication number: 20120290489
    Abstract: A system for managing mineral interests includes at least one database for storing data records relating to oil and gas mineral interest. A server enables generation of a graphical user interface at a plurality of locations over an open network. The graphical user interface enables creation and editing of data records stored in the at least one database from the plurality of locations and the editing may occur over the open network. The graphical user interface further enables viewing of data records from the plurality of locations over the open network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: AGELIO NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: William R. Sinclair, Robert E. W. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20120284202
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the determination of notable locations around a specific address. The notable locations within a predetermined radius of the specific address are mapped and noted. Each notable location within that radius contributes (either increases or decreases) a score for a particular category. Each category relates to a particular concern that might relate to a specific demographic or segment of the population. The score for each category is then presented to a user. The user may also enter a ranking of the various categories and specific addresses whose scores are in line with the user's ranking may also be presented to the user. The notable locations around a specific address may be found in a database supplied by the municipality or any other source or may be derived from a digital map of the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: FIND A HOME CORP.
    Inventor: Timothy James Dalby
  • Patent number: 8296332
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for visual manipulation of database schema are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a system can display a schema view and a data view in graphic representation in an integrated GUI on a display device. The system can display a schema in the schema view, and one or more data records in the data view. The system can receive a touch input from the display device in the schema view, or the data view, or both. In response to the touch input, the system can modify the schema, or the data records, or both. The system can update the schema view and data view substantially simultaneously to reflect the modification in the schema or data records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Leon Boley, Ryan David Shelby, Ryan Christopher Griggs, Kevin Iversen Smith
  • Patent number: 8280778
    Abstract: A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Move, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Callow, Sumeet Bhatia, Duke Tsao-Ming Fan, David Kramer, Bruce Mitchell, Vaughan Allan Smith, Susan Stewart, Clifton Ray Williams
  • Publication number: 20120246084
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which allow for the electronic completion of the various documents, such as real estate disclosure documents. A seller of real estate may log into a web-based portal or application to view a list of the disclosure documents. The seller may then electronically answer questions related to the various real estate disclosure documents. Based on the answers supplied by the seller, an electronic document suitable for execution may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Marshall
  • Patent number: 8255418
    Abstract: Systems and methods to search for, gather, transform, integrate, and present information representative of real property and land parcels. The systems and methods are web-based and include a spatial database configuration having an input side and an output side. The input side is capable of transforming data gathered from multiple disparate sources in an automated or semi-automated manner. The output side is capable of presenting an intuitive interface for users to search for, access, and view the transformed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Real Estate Portal USA, LLC
    Inventors: David Patrick Fuhry, Joseph Walter Harwood, Robert James McGee, Allison McDaniel Schuring
  • Publication number: 20120215703
    Abstract: Model-based property value estimation with that implements a categorical location variable providing a neighborhood proxy. A regression models the relationship between sale price and a set of explanatory variables. These explanatory variables include a location variable that is defined at a level of granularity such that the location variable acts as a proxy for location within a neighborhood. An infill process remedies the effects of insufficient amounts of location variable data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Fannie Mae
    Inventors: WenXiong W. Yao, Eric Rosenblatt, Alexei M. Kisselev, Nathan Pieter Den Herder, Silviu Cristian Marghescu
  • Publication number: 20120215702
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for scheduling open house viewings and matching available open house hosts for these viewings via an internet web site. Methods include a seller access at an internet website server to book an open house host for an open house. The seller, at the internet website, submits open house booking information pertaining to an open house. The open house booking information includes property location, open house date and open house start time and open house end time. An open house host is matched to the booked open house based upon the open house booking information. Upon conclusion of the open house, the open house host accesses the internet website server and submits an open house report via the website server. The open house report is communicated to the seller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Thibeault
  • Patent number: 8249994
    Abstract: A system for managing mineral interests includes at least one database for storing data records relating to oil and gas mineral interest. A server enables generation of a graphical user interface at a plurality of locations over an open network. The graphical user interface enables creation and editing of data records stored in the at least one database from the plurality of locations and the editing may occur over the open network. The graphical user interface further enables viewing of data records from the plurality of locations over the open network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Agelio Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Willam R. Sinclair, Robert E. W. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20120209785
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating a subscription-based on-line property listing as part of an on-line property listing publication service are described. Consistent with some embodiments, in exchange for a fixed fee, a property listing is activated for a fixed duration of time, referred to as an activation period. At the end of the activation period, the property listing is deactivated if the property listing has generated a number of leads equal to or greater than some predetermined threshold number of leads. However, if the number of leads generated during the activation period was less than the threshold number, the property listing is reactivated for a rollover period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Canning
  • Patent number: 8224729
    Abstract: Comparison values are calculated for evaluating a commercial transaction. A request for quote received from a buyer agent includes a product specification data set that identifies items that differ in accordance with at least one parameter. Price data sets received from seller agents identify items and prices in response to the product specification data set. At least one of the price data sets identifies an item having a different parameter value as compared to the item in another price data set. A comparison value for each price data set is generated by determining a price total from the price data set and calculating a summed market price total by summing market price totals for each of the items. Calculating market price totals includes obtaining metric data indicative of market prices. The summed market price total is compared to the price total for the price data set to generate the comparison value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: BuyMetrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie Hansen
  • Patent number: 8214259
    Abstract: A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Move, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Callow, Sumeet Bhatia, Duke Tsao-Ming Fan, David Kramer, Bruce Mitchell, Vaughan Allan Smith, Susan Stewart, Clifton Ray Williams
  • Patent number: 8209265
    Abstract: An electronic settlement system for mineral production, distribution, and sales includes a plurality of modules and a processor for using information from those modules to effect a settlement between the parties involved in the production, distribution, and sales of minerals. The modules for information sufficient to perform the settlement includes: payor module, well tax module, mineral owner module, division order module, gathering system and gas plant module, wellhead price module, mineral lease and agreement module, product movement and balancing module, mineral ownership and book entry and netting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: EquityMetrix, LLC
    Inventors: Frank D. Agnew, Thomas J. Agnew
  • Publication number: 20120158600
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for property transactions. One device embodiment includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and user interface coupled to the memory and processor. The device includes program instructions storable in memory and executable by the processor to associate real property map grid data, having page and section identifiers with property data for the real property; record an assignment of a section associated with the map grid data to a listing agent; and record at least one indicator, having a number of levels representing a party's interest in a transaction involving real property in the section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gary E. Heyer
  • Publication number: 20120150753
    Abstract: Quantitative assessment of real estate property is provided, wherein a qualitative assessment of a subject property as compared to a comparison property is obtained from a user. The qualitative assessment includes qualitative comparisons of the subject property to the comparison property across comparison criteria, and a qualitative assessment is determined based on the qualitative assessment, by translating the qualitative comparisons into quantitative comparisons of the subject property to the comparison property, to obtain at least one numerical value, and then determining an overall attractiveness score based on the obtained at least one numerical value. In further aspects, aggregate and predictive quantitative assessments of the subject property, as well as an estimated transaction value of the subject property, can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Nathan Collins
  • Publication number: 20120136800
    Abstract: A system for the creation and management of MLS listing. Profiles are created for each subdivision the builder client builds in and for each house plan the builder builds. The Profiles store all information needed for an MLS listing that does not change for each home. With the profile when a user wishes to order a listing for a home that is being started they can choose the subdivision from a drop down menu and then select the floor plan from another drop down menu and press a button which then creates a pre-populated form. The user then needs only to enter the address, legal description, lot size, price and any special features unique to the particular home or lot and they are finished. In the system, a user can create a listing request in one or two minutes as opposed to filling out an eight page data input form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20120130912
    Abstract: The invention is a step-by-step method for gathering information, including but not limited to measurements. The information is used to create images for custom interior design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Marlowe
  • Patent number: 8180661
    Abstract: A system and method for managing property that in one embodiment provides a network-based system and method for creating, tracking and managing events, known herein as “incidents”, such as service requests, maintenance reminders and other events associated with managing property for supporting and enhancing the functions of tenant, property manager and vendor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Landport Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart C. Thielges, David S. George, Thomas C. Siffermann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8160955
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for capturing commercial loan application data and assigning a commercial loan request are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the invention provide mechanisms for capturing commercial loan application data, assigning a commercial loan request, monitoring an approval process, and administering association of accounts with approved requests via a series of user interface displays communicated to a user via a network communication link. In addition, the network environment of the invention provides for the storage of data in a relational database management system that enables previously entered data to populate data fields of applets within the user interface displays without the necessity to re-enter the data. Moreover, the status of the review process may be monitored to more quickly respond to requests for such information by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siebel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonius Adhi Wiryawan, Kit Man Cheng, Weide Ju, Hichem Sellami, Durgesh Kotwal
  • Patent number: 8145578
    Abstract: A system that allows the remote measurement of the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of a building and then uses the information to provide an estimate to repair or replace the roof, or to install equipment thereon. The system includes an aerial image file database that shows aerial images of buildings in a designated area according to address. The slope and orientation images are typically oblique perspective views and top plan views of the buildings in the area. The system also includes an image analysis and calibration feature that enables the viewer to closely estimate the size, geometry and orientation of the building's roof sections. The information can then be used to prepare a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of the roof or installation of roof equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eagel View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Pershing, Dave Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120072315
    Abstract: A computerized system and method are presented for allowing a real estate agent to directly enroll a buyer in a destination real estate market after referring the buyer to a receiving agent. After affirmation by the buyer, the system provides the buyer with listing information obtained through the MLS of the destination real estate market. The referring agent continues to participate in the buyer's real estate research through the system, while also being eligible to receive a referral fee paid by the receiving agent. The computerized system maintains a list of certified agents able to receive a referral. Only those agents that have contractually agreed to pay a referral fee for clients obtained from other agents through the system and who meet certain performance minimums in the system will be certified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: PREFERRED HOME BUYERS NETWORK, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Polston, Aaron Matthew Vennie, Jeffrey Matthew Colville, Michelle Patrice Hiller, Joan Marie Skallman
  • Patent number: 8140443
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing agent referrals for real estate transactions. The system and method provides buyers and/or sellers with a real estate agent referral based on the type of real estate involved in the transaction and/or preferences of the buyer/seller. The real estate agent provided through the referral will be the highest performing real estate available with the performance of the real estate agent based on criteria received from the seller/buyer and transaction history of the real estate agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mazen N. Fawaz
  • Patent number: 8140442
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for property transactions. One device embodiment includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and user interface coupled to the memory and processor. The device includes program instructions storable in memory and executable by the processor to coordinate a buyer electronic indicator and a seller electronic indicator associated with a piece of property in order to culminate a transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Gary E. Heyer
  • Publication number: 20120066061
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for real estate business collaboration and growth. A real estate business system includes a lead generation module, collaboration module, and paperless office module for integrating various features together to advance one or more real estate transactions. Lead generation module facilitates the generation of leads for real estate transactions. Lead generation module has a property syndication tool, squeeze pages tool, follow-up sequences tool, lead pipes tool, property launch template tool, and other tools. Collaboration module facilitates transactions among users and/or third parties, as well as tracks the progression of activities throughout the life cycle of a real estate transaction. Collaboration module includes a suitability matching tool, linking tool, and other collaboration tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: REALEFLOW LLC
    Inventor: Gregory R. Clement
  • Patent number: 8131650
    Abstract: A system for marketing real estate includes a property data device and a personal data device. The property data device is to be located in the vicinity of a real estate property, and the personal data device is to be provided to a user. The property data device is operable to transmit the property information data, and the personal data device operable to receive and store the property information data transmitted by the property data device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: George Ronald Reardon, Patricia Carol Hammock
  • Patent number: 8126819
    Abstract: An online lawn care service quoting method and system are disclosed. The method and system are initiated by an estimate inquiry from a customer, preferably via the Web. Data from a lawn care service administration database is retrieved. The data includes customer demographic information and GPS satellite imaging photographs of various lot size dimensions. The lot size information and customer demographic information are combined to provide at least one quote for the customer estimate inquiry. The data in the database is upgraded and amended as needed by any change in industry standards and customer change requests. At least one quote is displayed to the customer online in response to the estimate inquiry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Happy Lawn of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett A. Ersek
  • Publication number: 20120046964
    Abstract: A method of doing business is practiced by a group of independent professionals to meet the varied but related needs of an individual. The method uses a centralized computer system to coordinate professional services to an individual. Professional entities, such as attorneys, physicians, pharmacists, realtors, architects, financial institutions and advisors, insurance agents, bondsman, psychologists, enter into a coalition agreement. The coalition agreement defines a standard infrastructure comprising documentation, modes of communication, and administrative case management, all of which are operable and accessible through the centralized computer system. The professional entities form facilitator groups directed to particular multi-disciplinary problems, which individuals face. The standard infrastructure coordinates the activities of the professional entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Angelo A. Papa
  • Publication number: 20120047081
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes a real estate resource consolidation subsystem analyzing source data associated with a plurality of real estate resources and maintained by a plurality of distinct source data management subsystems, automatically generating one or more recommendations for consolidating the real estate resources based on the analyzing of the source data, providing the one or more recommendations for display in a portal, and performing at least one real estate consolidation operation associated with the real estate resources in accordance with at least one recommendation included in the one or more recommendations. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Pranay Bajpai, Kim Richard Selz, Tim Hunniecutt, Vidhyaprakash Ramachandran
  • Publication number: 20120041885
    Abstract: A system and method prepare real-estate contracts by gather information using simple questions. Based on the answers, contract clauses are selected and added to the contract. Information such as legal description, tax information, and realtor information can be pulled from outside databases and included in the contract. Signature collection is automated and recorded. Effective dates of the contract are calculated based on the signatures. The system can export deadlines and contract information to closing agents. The result is “hard” contracts that do no fail for lack of signature, improper legal description, or being improperly filled-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Simple Contracts, LLC
    Inventor: Jay P. Parker
  • Patent number: 8112329
    Abstract: In some example embodiments, a system and method are illustrated to bill a lister using consolidated leads received from potential renters. The system and method include receiving from at least one potential renter, at least one lead directed to a property listing associated with a lister. The system and method include consolidating two or more leads received from the same potential renter into a lead group. The system and method further include billing the lister according to the number of distinct leads received from potential renters counting each lead group as a distinct lead. In some example embodiments, the system and method further include setting a specified listing period for the lister and checking whether the specified listing period has expired before counting a received lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Canning, Robert Holden, Adrienne Go, Curtis Thornhill, William McKnight
  • Patent number: 8103597
    Abstract: A computer system for scheduling open houses can include an activity analysis module programmed to analyze one or more characteristics or factors associated with one or more properties that are located within an activity zone. The computer system can also include a schedule optimization module programmed to suggest an optimum time for a seller to schedule an open house on a particular date, and the schedule optimization module being programmed to suggest an open house itinerary for a buyer. The computer system can also include an activity alert module programmed to monitor the computer system and to notify the buyer or the seller of new activities in the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kristopher John Arnebeck
  • Patent number: 8095457
    Abstract: A computerized system and method are presented for exchanging information between a buyer, a seller, a lender, and a strategic business source. The system permits sellers, lenders and strategic business sources to input buyers that are then submitted for activation. The buyers use the system to obtain information about items, while the sellers, lenders, and strategic business sources make consistent contact with the buyer in order to work with the buyer. Information about the buyers is shared with the sellers, lenders, and strategic business sources. A business plan is input into the system for the financial institution employing the lender while another business plan is input for the seller institution employing the seller. Activity on the computerized system is calculated for compliance with the business plan. Feedback is provided to management relating to whether the business plan is being met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Preferred Home Buyers Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Polston, Aaron Matthew Vennie, Jeffery Matthew Colville, Michelle Patrice Hiller, Ronald J. Steele, Joan Marie Skallman
  • Patent number: 8095473
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, a process and architecture may be implemented to structure bond financing or refinancing for any municipally owned transportation facilities construction and/or renovation to improve economic and business terms for involved or interested parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Linda Grant Williams
  • Publication number: 20120005112
    Abstract: The present general inventive concept provides a system and method to analyze and validate data submission of real estate data related to property value, store the real estate data, and track any manipulation thereof, thereby providing secure real estate data with increased accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley Woodworth, Jason Whitney, Manish Sohaney
  • Publication number: 20120005030
    Abstract: The current invention presented here is an apparatus for securely managing objects, content, and virtual currency for identification, tracking, delivery, advertising and marketing with a Protect Anything Human Key attached for ability to sell, buy, and enable transactions of properties, in a 2D or 3D virtual world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: David Valin, Alex Socolof
  • Publication number: 20120005061
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating property sales and gifting, in particular real and personal property sales and gifting. A method and system for providing an online platform for property sales and gifting amongst various users of the method and system, including at least one property seller, at least one property recipient, at least one voter who votes to elect a property recipient and at least one donor of funds to provide funding for the ultimate property purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Ralf Schirg
  • Publication number: 20110320372
    Abstract: A showing management system for programmatically matching a specific electronic lockbox with a specific Listing ID, whereby lockbox access data from an electronic lockbox are matched with showing appointment records maintained in the showing management system to complete the lockbox access records when the Listing ID for a particular showing appointment is missing from the lockbox access record. The disclosed methods and algorithms are also applied to programmatically verify a manual assignment of a lockbox, to a real property, utilizing a showing management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Scott E. Woodard, Depeng Bi
  • Publication number: 20110320371
    Abstract: A method for managing multiple listing service (MLS) communications relating to real estate property listings includes managing a network of computers associated with MLS member to enable member access to a repository of information for real estate properties listed under contract with the MLS where listings for real estate property are received from a sending broker or agent network computer, the listing is linked the sending broker or agent, the listing information is deposited in the repository to render the listing information network accessible, any and all electronic communications relating to the listed real estate property are directed to the listing broker or agent linked to the listing and if the listing agent or broker does not respond to an electronic request for an appointment to view the listed real estate property or request to consider a bone fide offer to purchase the listed real estate property, the request is redirected to the owner of the listed property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Nilufer Nober Emek, Ismail Emek, Tanner Emek
  • Publication number: 20110307395
    Abstract: In a real estate brokerage method through a video-conference (VDC), a purchaser and a broker meet with each other through an on-line VDC. This method includes steps for providing a article search page to a communication terminal of a non-member that connects with a corresponding Internet site; entering identification information of the non-member and search condition information thereof into the article search page; and providing an article describing page having information of one or more articles satisfying the search condition to the communication terminal of the non-member. In case that the non-member requests an on-line VDC, the request is offered to a corresponding article register. After the article register checks information of a non-member who requested VDC, the article register can select a VDC execution button included in a page having buttons to determine whether VDC should be executed or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Hyun-Kyun CHO
  • Patent number: 8078698
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for producing a virtual host. The virtual host is generated. A demographic trait of a user, interacting with the virtual host, is acquired. The virtual host is endowed with the demographic trait, thereby enriching the virtual host to appeal the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Darryl Cynthia Moore
  • Patent number: 8073717
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems for underwriting insurance contracts. In one embodiment a system comprises a rules database of business rules specifying one or more conditions based upon one or more underwriting parameters; a user database comprising entries corresponding to registered users; and a processor configured to: provide to the user a form having a plurality of data fields generated based upon the underwriting parameters specified in the business rules; receive a plurality of inputted underwriting parameters corresponding to the data fields; determine whether the inputted underwriting parameters satisfy the business rules; and if at least one of the inputted underwriting parameters does not satisfy the business rules, provide a status message indicating that at least one business rule is not satisfied. The status message can be provided in an interface that includes a graphical element linking a part of the status message with a portion of the displayed form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Firstbest Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian E. Pelenur, Paul Thomas Cummings, Joseph Pilkerton, John Belizaire, Kelly Ann Lynch, Jeffrey Jerome Glass, Hao Chen, Thomas Albert Muldoon
  • Publication number: 20110295758
    Abstract: Neighborhood Networking: Building More Prosperous Neighborhoods wishes to give notice to the nature of the technical disclosures of our invention pertaining to the method of defining “Neighborhood” and “Moderator”. We have discovered through our plan of operation for Neighborhood Networking, that when a “Neighborhood” is made up of only those homes that exist within their own tract as per county records, and does not include any homes within “other” tracts, it creates a group of homes with the most similar characteristics and commonalities. Additionally, we discovered that by implementing a dedicated “Moderator” per “Neighborhood” utilizing the Neighborhood Networking model plan of action, versus several people, the goal of “Building More Prosperous Neighborhoods within Neighborhood Networking, are much more easily accomplished. This is a very simple discovery, one which is obvious, however is not being utilized by any other neighborhood networking or neighborhood community groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Johnny Keith Wotawa
  • Publication number: 20110289010
    Abstract: The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ACTIVITY TRACKING AND PROPERTY TRANSACTION FACILITATING HUB USER INTERFACE (“HUB”) facilitates the generation, evaluation, and recording of information and activities related to property transactions and associated communications. In one implementation, the HUB may allow for highly customizable mapping of spatiotemporal information in an integrated customer relationship management and real estate listing system; optimized scheduling of activities and/or appointments; efficient access to and economical display of contact information; dynamic sorting and filtering of searchable data; and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Claiborne R. Rankin, JR., Patrick A. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20110289009
    Abstract: The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ACTIVITY TRACKING AND PROPERTY TRANSACTION FACILITATING HUB (“HUB”) facilitates the generation, evaluation, and recording of information and activities related to property transactions and associated communications. In one implementation, the HUB dynamically generates an interface based on a user role, allows quick and efficient viewing of information relevant to an actual or potential property transaction, and records user activities or interactions to allow future access to a given interface state or set of relationships defined by interface element values, such as they may pertain to the given property transaction, an associated counterparty or contact, and/or the like. In one implementation, the HUB may provide a bifurcated display to allow for side-by-side visualization of required and available property information, attributes, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Claiborne R. Rankin, JR., Patrick A. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8060450
    Abstract: An interactive, computer-implemented system for providing a comparison of at least two real estate properties is provided. The system includes a database that stores a plurality of data relating to real estate properties. The data includes at least one of address data, ownership data, size data, geographic location data and monetary value data. An interface system enables a system user to input a request for a comparison of at least a portion of the data for at least two of the real estate properties. The request includes information sufficient to identify the real estate properties to be compared. A processor uses the information to obtain a comparison of the data relating to the real estate properties. A delivery system provides to the system user a comparison of the data relating to the real estate properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Pierce-Eislen, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Brock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8046306
    Abstract: An appraisal system, method, and apparatus for property appraisals including a collector system, an appraisal database, an accounting system, and a scoring system. The collector system gathers data associated with a property and provides the data to the appraisal database. The collector system also reviews, edits, corrects, validates, and formats the data. The scoring system uses the collector system and appraisal database to access and analyze the data to calculate a score associated with the property. The score is calculated using one or more of a zone and market group associated with the property. The scoring system maps the score to one or more comparable sales of one or more other properties based on one or more of the zone and market group in order to generate an appraisal report for the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Zaio Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Hugh Stinson
  • Patent number: 8041737
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting leasing arrangements for a plurality of rental spaces. The method includes the steps of providing a graphical user interface that depicts the plurality of rental spaces within a two-dimensional layout on a display of the graphical user interface where a relative size and relative location of each rental space on the display is proportional to a relative physical size and relative location of the actual rental spaces and associating a menu with at least some of the rental spaces on the display where the menu provides additional information regarding the rental space, building, rental space user prospects and associated documents. The method and apparatus also allow user IDs to simultaneously have access to information in multiple database partitions within a management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Leo Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Silverman, Paul J. Muessig, James J. Weber
  • Patent number: RE43068
    Abstract: A process for managing the showing and usage of real estate up for sale. The process allows buyers to schedule a showing or in person viewing of real estate directly through an Internet web site. The buyer will be able to view the schedule of multiple properties in their area giving them the ability to plan their house hunting expeditions. Sellers of real estate may block out times when they do not want their property shown directly from their own computers. Agents will have complete visibility of the seller's availability time thereby increasing availability to schedule. Sellers will also be able to view when agents have scheduled a showing for their property and gain access to historical records of their property showings. Agents will be able to list properties for showings and make appointments for their clients to view other agents' properties with a click of a mouse. The central scheduling focus will be around the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Showingtime.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Woodard, Herbert A. Greenman, Victoria Richard-York