AU2014101077A4 - A computing device, system, method and data signal arranged to facilitate the purchase of property - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for marketing a property to a purchaser, comprising: a central database arranged to contain property information related to properties for sale; and a communications link arranged to provide the information to a device associated with the purchaser; wherein the property information is provided to the purchaser in a predetermined format specific to an intermediary. . . . .I.. . ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - I.. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . I'l 00C ((0

Description

1 A COMPUTING DEVICE, SYSTEM, METHOD AND DATA SIGNAL ARRANGED TO FACILITATE THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a computing device, system, method and data signal arranged to facilitate the purchase of property. Embodiments of the invention find particular, but not exclusive, use in providing a mobile communications system which assists in the purchase of real property or other goods and services. Background Art [0002] Most property owners have traditionally sold their property or properties through a licensed real estate agent. The role of the real estate agent is to advertise the property, show prospective purchasers the property, convey purchaser offers for consideration by the vendor, and assist in financial aspects of the transaction (e.g. hold a deposit in a trust). In other words, real estate agents assume responsibility for the administrative aspects of selling a property and receive a commission for selling the property. [0003] With the advent of the Internet, the development of user friendly interfaces and sophisticated 'back end' processing, there has been a growth in many 'do it yourself' applications and websites for the sale of property and also the sale of any other goods and services. Nowadays, many property owners list properties directly on the Internet and there has been a move away from using Real Estate Agents. Agents have faced increased competition, not only from other agents, but from tools that allow property owners to handle their own sales. [0004] There is a need to provide a cost-effective, easy to use and efficient system and method which allows real estate agents to communicate complex information seamlessly and easily via any one of a number of different telecommunications device.

2 Summary of the Invention [0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for marketing a property to a purchaser, comprising: a central database arranged to contain property information related to properties for sale; and a communications link arranged to provide the information to a device associated with the purchaser; wherein the property information is provided to the purchaser in a predetermined format specific to an intermediary. [0006] The system, in one embodiment, further includes an interface arranged to receive property information from an external database, and incorporate the received property information into the central database. [0007] The system may also include an ecosystem database, arranged to contain information regarding at least one external party associated with the intermediary, wherein the information regarding the at least one external party is provided to the purchaser. [0008] In one embodiment, the system further includes a purchaser database, wherein the property information is provided to the purchasers in the purchaser database. [0009] There may also be provided an intermediary interface, arranged to allow an intermediary to access any one or more of the databases in the system. [0010] There may also be provided an inspection database, wherein at least one of a purchaser and an intermediary can exchange information regarding an inspection of a property. [0011] There may be provided an inspection module arranged to interact with the inspection database, wherein the inspection module includes an algorithm to determine whether information regarding an inspection of a property meets one or more predetermined criteria. [0012] The device may be a mobile communications device.

3 [0013] There may be provided a registration module arranged to require at least one of an intermediary and a purchaser to provide information regarding their identity prior to being granted access to the system. [0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for the marketing of a good or service to a consumer, comprising: a central database arranged to contain information related to the good or service; and a communications link arranged to provide the information to a device associated with the consumer; wherein the information is provided to the consumer in a predetermined format specific to an intermediary. [0015] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic method for marketing a property to a purchaser, comprising the steps of: providing a database arranged to contain property information related to properties for sale, the database being in communication via a communications link arranged to provide the property information to a device associated with the purchaser; wherein the property information is provided in a predetermined format specific to an intermediary. [0016] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program, including at least one instruction capable of being executed by a computing system, which implements a method in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. [0017] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium including a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention. [0018] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal including at least one instruction being capable of being received and interpreted by a computing system; wherein the one instruction, on being interpreted by the computing system, implements a method in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is 4 included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an example computing system which is capable of operating a device, system, method and/or computer program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A to 3H are screenshots of various mobile interface screens utilised by a user (consumer) when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4A to 4C are screenshots of various web interface screens utilised by a user (consumer) when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data flow process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a notification system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sub domain generating system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 11 through to 38, are screenshots of various embodiments of the invention of Figure 10.

5 Description of Embodiments General Overview [0020] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an example computing system which is capable of facilitating transactions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] In Figure 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of a computing system, which in this embodiment is a server 100 suitable for use with an embodiment of the present invention. The server 100 may be used to execute application and/or system services such as a system and method for facilitating the transfer of value (i.e. an electronic financial transaction) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0022] With reference to Figure 1, the server 100 may comprise suitable components necessary to receive, store and execute appropriate computer instructions. The components may include a processor 102, read only memory (ROM) 104, random access memory (RAM) 106, an input/output devices such as disc drives 108, remote or connected input devices 110 (such as a mobile computing device, a smartphone or a 'desktop' personal computer), and one or more communications link(s) 114. [0023] The server 100 includes instructions that may be installed in ROM 104, RAM 106 or disc drives 112 and may be executed by the processor 102. There may be provided a plurality of communication links 114 which may variously connect to one or more computing devices 110 such as servers, personal computers, terminals, wireless or handheld computing devices, or mobile communication devices such as a mobile (cell) telephone. At least one of a plurality of communications link 114 may be connected to an external computing network through a telecommunications network. [0024] In one particular embodiment the device may include a database 116 which may reside on the storage device 112. It will be understood that the database may reside on any suitable storage device, which may encompass solid state drives, hard disc drives, optical drives or magnetic tape drives. The database 116 may reside on a single physical storage device or may be spread across multiple storage devices. [0025] The server 100 includes a suitable operating system 118 which may also reside on a storage device or in the ROM of the server 100. The operating system is arranged 6 to interact with the database and with one or more computer programs to cause the server to carry out the steps, functions and/or procedures in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein. [0026] Broadly, the invention relates to a computing device and system arranged to interact with one or more remote devices via a communications network. The system, in one embodiment, comprises a server including a database arranged to facilitate a purchase of real property. The database is arranged to receive and transmit information via the communications network from the one or more remote devices. [0027] Other aspects of the broad inventive concept relate to a corresponding method and data signal. The method facilitates the advertisement and purchase of real property between two or more entities via one or more remote devices and a centralized database. [0028] The database is arranged to contain various types of information. In more detail, the database is arranged to hold information regarding properties for sale for the one or more entities. Definitions [0029] Before describing the system and method in more detail, it is instructive to provide some definitions that are helpful to clarify the components of the embodiment to be described with reference to ensuing Figures. It will be understood that the definitions are provided solely to allow the reader to better understand the embodiment described herein, and are not intended to be limiting on the broader inventive concept. [0030] 'Appy': A trade mark name utilised to denote an embodiment of the system, method, computer program and data signal described in more detail herein. [0031] 'App': A software application specifically designed to operate on a mobile communications device, such as a 'smartphone'. [0032] 'Smartphone': A mobile communications device (i.e. a mobile or 'cell' phone) that is capable of performing various computing functions in addition to being usable as a telephone device. That is, a communications device that can act as a computing system and execute applications or programs, in addition to having Internet connectivity.

7 [0033] 'Domain': A domain is a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the Internet. [0034] 'Domain Name': A domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the Internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System (DNS). [0035] 'Sub domain': In the context of a Domain Name System, a domain that is part of a larger domain. [0036] 'Platform': A computing platform including a hardware architecture and a software framework (including application frameworks), where the combination allows software to be developed or executed. System Overview [0037] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic diagram which outlines the software and hardware components which make up the Appy system. At 200, there is shown a super admin function which controls three separate software applications or platforms. The first application is the Appy Real Estate Platform 202. There is also an Appy Agent's Platform 204 and an Appy App Store 206. The Appy Agent's Application or Platform is arranged to interact with Real Estate Agents 208 and provides a number of functions for Real Estate Agents including a login location 201, a sign-up application 212 which is linked up to a sign-up form 214 and the ability to create a local instance of an App 216. The created App 218 in turn, also provides a login page 220, a sign-up page 222 including a sign-up form 224 and the ability to modify a list within the App 226. It will be understood that the Agent may also interact with the Appy Real Estate Platform 202 and end users 228 interact with the App 218. [0038] The App, designated 218 in Figure 2 is now described in more detail with reference to Figures 3A to 3H. The App allows an end user to interact with a Real Estate Agent, wherein the App provides access to a number of functions unique to the Appy system. At Figure 3A there is shown generally at 300, a start-up screen which is first displayed when the App is run. Once the App is loaded, a login page 302 is presented (at Figure 3B). The login page 302 allows a user to enter their login details at 304 and log into the application.

8 [0039] Once the user has logged into the application at Figure 3C, the user is presented with an initial screen which allows the user to either select properties to buy at 306 or properties to rent at 308. The user is then taken to Figure 3D, where properties selected by the user are displayed generally at 310. [0040] Alternatively, at Figure 3E, a list of properties may be shown as indicated generally by numeral 312. Alternatively, the user may utilise a map shown at Figure 3F and generally by numeral 314, to display the relative location of each of the list of properties for sale. [0041] If the user is interested in contacting the Agent, the user is then taken to the screen shown generally at numeral 316 (in Figure 3G). The user, at screen 316, may make contact with the agent by, for example, identifying them and asking the Agent to return to them with more information. [0042] Returning now to Figure 3H, the user may also filter their search by entering various parameters as shown generally by numeral 318. [0043] Referring now to Figure 4 generally, there is also provided an Appy Real Estate website which was denoted by numeral 202 in Figure 2. Figure 4A shows a "dashboard" for Real Estate Agents, allowing the Real Estate Agent to determine their access or otherwise, by providing a snapshot of various statistics. [0044] Referring now to Figure 4B, there is shown a front page of the website 202, and at Figure 4C, there is shown a general page providing summary information of properties for sale based on the geographical location of the properties. [0045] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a system scenario in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As with Figure 2, there is provided a super admin function 500 which allows the super admin to create a number of real estate "sub domains". Each sub domain represents an independent mobile website which is unique to each Real Estate Agent. In the example given, two Real Estate Agents are shown, but it will be understood that any number of Real Estate Agents may be generated using a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0046] Referring to Real Estate Agent 1 (502), there are provided corresponding functions for both the Agent 504 and the user 506. The Agent may add a new listing 9 508 and the user may view the listing 510. The Agent may update the listing 512 and the user may view the system 514 and the Agent may delete the listing 516 and the user may contact the Agent 518. Each of these functions is controlled by a first App 520. Correspondingly if a second real estate sub domain is created at 522 as with the first Real Estate Agent 502, the Agent may create a listing 520 and the user may view a listing 526, the Agent may add a new listing 528 and the user may view the listing 530, the Agent may update the listing 532 and the user may view the listing 534, the Agent may delete the listing 536 and the user may contact the Agent 538, and this process would be mediated through a separate App 2 denoted by 540. [0047] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a dataflow diagram of the function performed by the super admin (equivalent to the super admin outlined in Figure 5). [0048] The super admin 600 is in contact with a database 602 and also with a website 604 which allows for the creation of Apps such as Apps 606 and 608. The Apps 606 and 608 may interact with an Agent 610 or a user 612 and the second App may interact with an Agent 614 and a user 616. As can be seen from the diagram, data flows in both directions from one component to another. That is, Agents 610 and 614 interact respectively with Apps 1 and 2 to add listings, update listings and delete listings. Correspondingly, users 612 and 616 interact with Apps 1 and 2 to view listings and to contact the Agent. While Agents and users interact directly with the App, the Apps 606 and 608 in turn communicate with the main website and in turn the main website interacts with the super admin 600 to save data in a centralised database 602. As such, the embodiment described herein provides a hybrid data management system. Agents and users interact (from their point of view), with an App located on their mobile device. However, the App synchronises with both the website and a central database. This provides a hybrid model which allows the users to interact seamlessly with only one point of contact (namely the App). [0049] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a push notification system which is located within the website (i.e. the web application). There is provided a database 700 which is arranged to send SMS messages 702 to the App 704. This is mediated by a session handler 706, which checks to determine whether the user has logged in for the first time at 708. If the user already exists at 710, then the App is loaded at 712. If the user does not exist 714, then information is requested at step 716 prior to loading the App at step 718.

10 [0050] Figure 8 is directed to an overall system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 8, there is shown an overall system diagram illustrating various components of the system in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The system includes two databases, labelled 800 and 802, which are arranged to provide mirror copies of the data necessary to operate the system. [0051] Database 800 is arranged to synchronise with a real estate website 804, to either draw information from the website or post information to the website. The database 800 then synchronises with database 802, to ensure that both databases carry equivalent information. [0052] Database 802 subsequently interfaces with main Appy website 806, which is protected via a login/signup page 808. The Super Admin 810 interfaces with the main website 808 to create new Apps. The main website 808 then draws on the database 802 to create new listings, as shown generally at 812. [0053] The main website 806 is also arranged to interface, either directly or indirectly, with an app store 814, such that users may download an appropriate app which contains a hybrid website/app. [0054] The database 800 is also arranged to interface with a sub domain app 816, which is an app utilised by agents to set up their hybrid/mobile website. The sub domain app 816 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 9. Returning to Figure 8, the subdomain app 816 provides a main admin interface 818, which is arranged to allow the agent to customize their sub domain app, such that a unique interface is presented to users. As can be seen from the flow diagram of Figure 8, sub domain app 816 remains separate to the 'end user' app, which is arranged to be accessed by an end user. As such, the embodiment described herein provides a different interface/app for the agent as opposed to the user. [0055] Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown an example of the sub domain app denoted generally at 900. The system 900 works through a super admin function 902 to connect to the 'appy agents' application 904, which allows the real estate to perform various function and ultimately publish an app 906, which may then be accessed by an end user 908.

11 [0056] In more detail, the real estate agent follows a process shown generally at 910 to create a sub domain, which is then incorporated into the published app 906, such that the published app may then be uploaded to the app store 912. [0057] The agent 914 can also interact with the published app 906 via the process generally denoted at 916. The agent can also directly interact with the real estate website 918, as can the user 908. [0058] As demonstrated generally at Figure 9, the real estate interacts with the appy agents application 904 (and indirectly with the super admin 902) to create a published app 906, which interfaces with both users 908 and real estate agents 914. [0059] The user 908, in turn, interacts directly with either the published app 906, or the real estate website 918, in a seamless manner. [0060] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown generally at 1000 an "Appy Eco System" which illustrates some of the functionality of the Appy Eco System. As can be seen generally at 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 and 1010 a number of different entities are associated with the Appy Eco System including 'Building and Pest Control' 1002, 'Trades Persons' 1004, 'Banks' 1006, 'Conveyancers' 1008 and 'Mortgage Brokers' 1010. [0061] It will be understood that the aforementioned entities are connected via one or more devices to the Appy Eco System through the appy server 1012 which includes the appy database 1014. In turn the appy server 1012 includes a web server (not shown) capable of serving webpages 1014. Furthermore, the appy server 1012 interfaces with the 'Appy Mobile App' 1016 and a 'Secure Desktop Client' 1018, which in turn may interface with a 'Local Database/Client Relationship Management Software Application' 1020 which in turn may interface with an 'Agent Database' 1022. The Appy Eco System 1000, therefore, provides a central hub for the systems utilised by various different parties that are involved either directly or indirectly in the sale, rental and/or maintenance of real estate. [0062] In other words, the Appy Eco System provides a central system in which information can be exchanged amongst various entities, either internally (i.e. between the entities) or externally (i.e. between the entities and outside interested parties, such as buyers and sellers of real estate).

12 [0063] Turning to Figures 11 through 36, there is shown a second embodiment of the Appy Application, as rendered on a tablet computing system. At Figure 11, there is shown, at 1100 a typical "splash screen" of the Appy Real Estate application. The splash screen 1100 is shown when a user first opens the application on their tablet computing device. [0064] Once the application is loaded, the user is present with a login screen 1200, as shown in Figure 12. The login screen requires a user name and password generally denoted at 1202. By requiring authentication, the application verifies the identity of the person using the application and therefore ameliorates the possibility of fraudulent behaviour. [0065] Once a user has logged in, the user is taken to front page 1300 as shown in Figure 13. The front page provides the user with a number of options including the ability to view rental properties by selecting panel 1302, the ability view properties for sale by selecting panel 1304, the ability to arrange inspection times by selecting the panel at 1306 and the ability to gather information regarding the possibility of selling their own property by selecting the panel at 1308. [0066] Turning to Figure 14, at 1400 there is shown a user console that allows a real estate agent to interact with the Appy Real Estate App, including various functions such as registering a property for sale by selecting the 'register' icon 1402, adding a lead by selecting 'add lead' icon 1404, sharing the app with another user by selecting the 'share app' icon 1406, accessing other service providers (i.e. entities) who use the Appy Real Estate App by selecting the 'Appy Eco System' icon at 1408, messaging other users by selecting the 'message' icon at 1410, undertaking a search of other properties by selecting the 'search' icon at 1412, setting up an open inspection by selecting by the 'open inspections' icon at 1414, adding leads to a group by selecting the 'groups' icon at 1416 and/or changing preferences by selecting the 'preferences' icon at 1418. [0067] Where a user wishes to add a property for sale or for rent, the user is taken to a screen such as screen 1500 at Figure 15, where the user can enter various types of information regarding the property, including, without limitation, the address the property, the state or territory in which the property resides, the type of property, information regarding the nature of the property such as the number of bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, etc., the date on which the property will be open for inspection, a sale price, plus any other general description that the user wishes to enter. [0068] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown with reference to screen 1600 in Figure 16, the application may automatically verify the address entered by the user or may autocomplete the address based on partial information provided by the user. Such features are known in the art and fall within the purview of the embodiment described herein. [0069] Turning to Figure 17 there is shown a screen 1700 which is equivalent to screen 1500 of Figure 15, with an additional pop-up dialogue box 1702, which allows the user to enter information regarding open inspections. The ability to organise open inspections is a central feature of the Appy System, as it provides benefits to both the agent and the buyer. [0070] The functionality is primarily used by the real estate agent to add inspection times to the property when registering a property. The inspection times can be modified after the property has been registered. The agent is free to set-up an open inspection time, either as a single event, or as a repeating event, which can either be entered as a series of independent dates, or as a recurring date within the boundary of a defined 'start date' and 'end date'. [0071] Importantly, the system includes an algorithm which resolves any potential time or date conflicts which may arise when a single agents set-ups multiple inspection times. For example, if the same agent accidentally sets the same inspection time for two different properties, the system will prevent the agent from saving an advertising the overlapping inspection times. [0072] In addition, the algorithm also determines the likelihood that an agent is able to meet their suggested inspection time. For example, if an agent books an inspection time at one location for, say 11:00am, and books another time at 11:30 at a location that is a large number of kilometres away (for example, at another property that is 20 kilometres away), then the algorithm still identifies a conflict, as it calculates the likely travel time between the two properties to be inspected and determines that it would be physically impossible for the agent to travel between the two properties within the proposed inspection times. As such, the open inspection functionality provides a 14 "smart" algorithm which assists the real estate agent in correctly planning open inspection times. [0073] In yet another embodiment, the open inspection functionality automatically provides a map (not shown) which provides the agent with the ability to calculate the most efficient route between the properties and therefore organise inspection times accordingly. [0074] Moreover, the app may provide an internal calendar or may interface with an external electronic calendar in order to provide the agent with the ability to be reminded of an inspection. [0075] Turning to Figure 18, once information regarding a property has been entered, the user is taken to a screen 1800 and is asked, via the pop-up dialogue box 1802 if the user would like to instantly publish the property details (i.e. notify other users of the addition of the property). [0076] Where a user chooses to notify other users of the addition of a property, the user is taken to a notification screen 1900 as shown in Figure 19. The user notification screen 1900 includes a list of user names 102 and various options regarding the type of notification to be sent to a user including a 'push' notification 1904, an 'email' notification 1906 and a 'short messaging service (SMS)' 1908. The user may customise the manner in which information may be sent to other users by selecting the relevant options. [0077] Once the user has selected the correct options the user is taken to screen 2000 at Figure 20 and is informed if the notification is successful by dialogue box 2002. [0078] Turning now to Figure 21, there is shown an 'Add Lead' page 2100. [0079] Turning to Figure 22, there is shown a screen 2200 which allows a user to insert specific details regarding a new lead including their leads mobile number 2202, their name 2204 and 2206 and a user group into which they are to be placed 2208. There is also provided an option to scan a business card 2210. [0080] Turning to Figure 23, there is shown a 'Share App' screen 2300 in which a user may add a mobile number at box 2302 to share the app with any other user that has a mobile phone.

15 [0081] Turning to Figure 24, there is shown 'Appy Eco System' page 2400 in which a user may select one or more aligned service providers. [0082] Turning shown Figure 25, there is shown a map that a user is presented with when they select the search function and perform a search on properties for sale within a specific area. The map provides the user with an overview of properties for sale in the selected areas by providing an appropriate icon such as 2502 on the map. Alternatively, the user may search for properties in a conventional manner and may be provided with a list of properties as shown at screen 2600 in Figure 26. Once provided with a list of properties, the user may refine their search as shown at screen 2700 in Figure 27. The user is provided with a search box 2702 which allows the user to provide more specific details on what type of property they wish to locate. [0083] Turning to Figure 28, there is shown an 'Open Inspections' screen 2800 which provides a list of inspection times for properties searched for by a user. As generally shown at 2802 various listing times of particular properties are shown. [0084] Turning to Figure 29, there is shown a screen 2900 which allows a user to directly import information from a client relationship management module or software. [0085] It will also be understood that the fundamental appy framework, platform, app and database may be easily modified to provide a platform for the advertisement and sale of items other than real estate. While the embodiment described herein focuses primarily on the purchase, advertisement and sale of real estate, it will be understood that the invention may be applied to other goods and services. For example, referring now to Figures 30 through 32 there are shown various screens of the appy product as applied to the sale of motor vehicles (cars). For example, Figures 30 and 31 and 3000 and 3100 respectively, show a "splash"screen for an Appy Car Sales App. [0086] Turning specifically to Figure 32 at 3200, there is shown an 'Appy Car Sales' main screen, which is substantively similar to the 'Appy Real Estate' main screen, in that there is provided an icon to 'register' 3202, an icon to 'add a lead' 3204, an icon to 'share an app' 3206, an icon to become involved in the 'Appy Eco System' 3208, an icon to 'message' others 3210, an icon to conduct a 'search' 3212, an icon for 'inspection' times 3214, an icon to access 'groups' 3216 and an icon to edit 'preferences' 3218.

16 [0087] In other words, the advantages that flow from the Appy App for the sale of real estate also equally apply to the sale of other items. It will be understood that the Appy Car Sales App works in a manner analogous to the Appy Real Estate App. It will also be understood that the Appy Car Sales App could be easily modified to sell other items, such as boats, motorbikes or other vehicles. Such variations are within a purview of a person skilled in the art. Advantages [0088] The embodiments and broader inventive concept provide a number of advantages, only some of which are listed hereinbelow. Firstly, each agent operates and maintains a separate mobile 'mini-site', which is notionally independent of other agent's sites. As such, agents are able to grow and maintain their own site without needing to directly compete with other sites. [0089] Secondly, the hybrid model provided by the system described herein allows an agent to seamlessly maintain both a conventional website and a separate mobile optimized site. [0090] The user, in addition, can interact with a conventional website or a separate mobile optimized site seamlessly, as the user's preferences are carried over from their use of the mobile site to the conventional website (and vice versa). In other words, the user can receive and send the same information whether they are on the conventional website or on the mobile website. [0091] It will be understood that the embodiments and broader invention described herein are provided via an 'App', namely a software application arranged to operate on a mobile device, such as a smartphone. However, the embodiments and broader invention may also be encoded in firmware or integrated into an operating system, as required for any particular use. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art. Variations and Modifications [0092] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the figures can be implemented via an application programming interface (API), an application development kit (ADK) or as a series of libraries, for use by a developer, for the creation 17 of software applications which are to be used on any one or more computing platforms or devices, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computing system operating system, or within a larger server structure, such as a 'data farm' or within a larger transaction processing system. [0093] Generally, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and data files that perform or assist in the performance of particular functions, it will be understood that the functionality of the software application may be distributed across a number of routines, programs, objects or components to achieve the same functionality as the embodiment and the broader invention claimed herein. Such variations and modifications are within the purview of those skilled in the art. [0094] It will also be appreciated that where methods and systems of the present invention and/or embodiments are implemented by computing systems or partly implemented by computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilised. This includes standalone computers, network computers and dedicated computing devices (such as field-programmable gate arrays). [0095] Where the terms "computer", "computing system" and "computing device" are used in the specification, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware for implementing the inventive concept and/or embodiments described herein.

Claims (5)

1. A system for marketing a property to a purchaser, comprising: a central database arranged to contain property information related to properties for sale; and a communications link arranged to provide the information to a device associated with the purchaser; wherein the property information is provided to the purchaser in a predetermined format specific to an intermediary.

2. A system in accordance with Claim 1, further including an interface arranged to receive property information from an external database, and incorporate the received property information into the central database.

3. A system in accordance with Claims 1 and 2, further including an ecosystem database, arranged to contain information regarding at least one external party associated with the intermediary, wherein the information regarding the at least one external party is provided to the purchaser.

4. A system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further including an inspection database, wherein at least one of a purchaser and an intermediary can exchange information regarding an inspection of a property.

5. A system in accordance with Claim 4, further including an inspection module arranged to interact with the inspection database, wherein the inspection module includes an algorithm to determine whether information regarding an inspection of a property meets one or more predetermined criteria.