Abstract: A method is provided for tracking funds in a real estate transaction using a real estate transaction portal. Through an interface of a real estate transaction portal, a request is accepted from a pre-registered buyer to transfer funds to a pre-registered beneficiary, the funds being in settlement of at least a portion of a real estate transaction. A corresponding payment request is initiated through a digital payment channel. On receipt of a first automated message through the payment channel, the first automated message is decoded as a confirmation of the initiation of the payment request. In real time, a graphical status indicator is displayed to the pre-registered buyer and the pre-registered beneficiary showing the initiation. On receipt of a second automated message through the payment channel, the second automated message is decoded as a completion of the payment request and the graphical status indicator is accordingly updated in real time.