AU2014202610A1 - Method and system for facilitating online property sales - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A computer implemented method of facilitating property sales between a seller and an intermediary is provided. The method includes providing a seller account associated with a seller, providing an intermediary account associated with an intermediary (each intermediary account having one or more predetermined intermediary attributes). One or more properties for sale associated with one or more sellers are provided and each of the properties includes one or more predetermined seller attributes. The properties are selectively displayed to the intermediaries by a seller based on one or more predetermined intermediary attributes matching predetermined seller attributes. Nonetheless, the seller may selectively provide the intermediary access to the one or more properties which do not match the predetermined attributes. [FIGURE 3] User profile: Standard referral fee % 305 Agreed referral fee % Fig 2 Feedback rating Fig. 3 Number of transactions Location Intermediary Returns results filtered by: 1. Profile 315 v Seller requirements 2. Search parameters Fig 4 Conducts a seac Fi> using parameters generated by them Include commission: 3. Network partner specified; or 4. Agreed. Preloaded requirements: e AReferral fee % range Agreed Feedback rating Fig. 3 referral Number of transactions Fees % Location Figure 3

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING ONLINE PROPERTY SALES [0001] This application claims priority from Australian Application No. 2013901679 filed on 13 May 2013, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herewith by this reference. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to a method and system for facilitating property sales in an online environment. More particularly the invention relates to a method and system for business to business off the plan property transactions. Background of the Invention [0003] Currently many real estate properties are sold through real estate agents working together with financial advisors, accountants and other advisors. These agents are paid a commission for the sale of these properties to the investor. Some property developers and real estate agents maintain company portals to distribute their properties. These systems rely on maintaining multiple relationships with agents which is very time-consuming and costly. [0004] It would be desirable to provide an improved method and/or system of facilitating an online property sale. [0005] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which the specification relates. Summary of the Invention [0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented method of facilitating property sales between a seller and an intermediary, the method includes: providing a seller account associated with a seller; providing an intermediary account associated with an intermediary, each intermediary account having one or more predetermined intermediary attributes; providing one or more properties for sale associated with one or more sellers, each of the properties including one or more predetermined seller attributes; selectively displaying to the 1 intermediaries, one or more properties for sale by a seller based on one or more of the predetermined intermediary attributes matching the predetermined seller attributes; and selectively providing access by the seller to the intermediary one or more properties which do not match the predetermined attributes. [0007] Advantageously, the present invention provides a further option for the seller where despite the search results not being provided to the intermediary (due to one or more parameters not being met) the seller may provide an offer to the intermediary. [0008] A seller is preferably a seller or lister of property - namely an entity that lists stock on the system for access by others (intermediary). [0009] Preferably, the predetermined intermediary attributes include one or more of location of the intermediary, feedback score associated with an intermediary, commission percentage, sales history and/or a price range. Preferably the commission percentage is a fixed percentage, but it may include a range. [0010] In an embodiment, the invention further includes selectively providing access to the intermediary including the following steps: generating and sending an offer via communication from the seller to the intermediary, the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes; the intermediary selectively accepting accept or rejecting the offer via a communication from the intermediary to the seller. [0011] Preferably, the method further includes the intermediary providing a counter-offer the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes. The predetermined seller attributes may include a commission percentage. [0012] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented method of allocating property stock between a provider and a seller, the method including: providing a provider account associated with a provider, each provider having one or more projects having one or more properties for allocation; providing a seller account associated with a seller, each seller account having one or more predetermined seller attributes; selectively allocating/withholding one or more properties within a project to one or more sellers based on one or more predetermined seller attributes; and for each property allocated to a seller, selectively displaying information relating to the properly or project to the seller based on one or more of the predetermined seller attributes. [0013] Advantageously, the provider can selectively allocate or withhold properties to sellers based on one or more predetermined seller attributes. 2 [0014] Preferably, the predetermined seller attributes include one or more of location of the seller, feedback score associated with a seller, commission percentage, sales history and/or a price range. Preferably, the commission percentage is a fixed percentage or is provided in a range. [0015] Selectively providing access to the seller may include the following additional steps; generating and sending an offer via communication from the provider to the seller, the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes; the provider selectively accepting accept or rejecting the offer via a communication from the seller to the provider. [0016] In an alternative, it may be that it there is no offer and acceptance required, rather the provider allocates the one or more properties to the seller. Brief Description of the Drawings [0017] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. [0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example network that can be utilised to give effect to a method and system according to an embodiment of the invention; [0019] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an example processing system that can be connected to the network; [0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a system and method for facilitating property sales in an online environment according to the invention; [0021] Figure 4 a flow diagram illustrating an example method of the invention in which a one or more properties are searched; [0022] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of the invention in which an offer is made to an intermediary; [0023] Figure 6 a flow diagram illustrating an example method of the invention in which a property transaction is carried out; [0024] Figure 7A is sample screenshot of a search result returned to an intermediary; [0025] Figure 7B is sample screenshot of a comparison of properties returned to an intermediary after a search is carried out; [0026] Figure 8A is a sample screenshot in which a seller can review a number of aspects relating to the sale of properties within projects; 3 [0027] Figure 8B is a sample screenshot of a feedback page; [0028] Figure 8C is a sample screenshot of where the seller may view details of intermediaries who have viewed projects that the seller is offering; [0029] Figure 8D is a sample screenshot in which a seller views a summary of the projects they have available; [0030] Figure 8E is a sample screenshot of a reporting function; [0031] Figure 8F is a sample screenshot illustrating management of a project; [0032] Figure 8G is a sample screenshot illustrating a project displayed to a seller or an intermediary; [0033] Figure 9 a flow diagram illustrating an example method of the invention in which a property transaction is carried out and feedback is provided; [0034] Figure 10 a flow diagram illustrating an example method of the invention in which properties are selectively allocated to a seller; [0035] Figure 11 A is a sample screenshot in which a provider has logged into the system; and [0036] Figure 11 B is a further sample screenshot of in which a provider has logged into the system. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention [0037] Embodiments of the present invention can be realised over a network 115, an example of which is shown in Figure 1. [0038] The system 100 of the present invention may run on a network 115 which includes one or more electronic devices 105, 110 and one or more server processing systems 120. In this example, the electronic devices include one or more mobile communication devices 105 and one or more personal computers (PCs) 110. The server processing system includes a server 120 connected to a database 125. The electronic device 105, personal computer 110 and server 120 are connected via a network 115 such as the internet. [0039] The transfer of information and/or data over the network can be achieved using wired communications means or wireless communications means. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be realised over different networks, such as a MAN (metropolitan area network), WAN (wide area network) or LAN (local area network). Also, embodiments need not take place over a network, and the method steps could occur entirely on a client or server processing system. 4 Example of a Processing System [0040] The mobile communication device 105, personal computer 110 and server 120 may include a processing system 200 shown in Figure 2. [0041] The processing system 200 includes a processor 202 (or processing unit), a memory 204, at least one input device 206, at least one output device 208 and a communications port 222. As is shown, the processor 202, memory 204, input device 206, output device 208 and communications port 222 are typically coupled together via a bus or group of buses 210. In certain embodiments, input device 206 and output device 208 may be the same device such as in the case of, for example, a computer graphics display or handheld device such as an tablet or mobile communication device that incorporates a touch-screen. [0042] An interface 212 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 200 to one or more peripheral devices. For example interface 212 may include a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 214 which houses at least one database 216 can also be provided. [0043] The memory 204 may include any suitable memory device and including, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The memory 204 may typically store an operating system that provides functionality to the processing system 200. A file system and files are also typically stored on the storage device 214 and/or the memory 204. The memory 204 may also include one or more software applications or program data. [0044] The applications running in memory 104 may include a web browser or application suitable application for displaying electronic documents for reading or reviewing and accessing the internet 115 to carry out the method and system of the present invention. [0045] The processor 202 may include more than one processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 200. Input device 206 receives input data 218 and may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointer device such as a pen-like device or a mouse, a touch-screen, audio receiving device for voice controlled activation, such as a microphone, data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, data acquisition card, etc. The input device 208 may be operable by a user to enter input data 218, or it may receive data from another input data source. Thus, the input data 218 may be provided by different input 5 devices 206. For example, in an embodiment the input data 218 may include keyboard or mouse instructions entered by a user, in conjunction with data received via a network. Preferably, the input device 208 includes a touch screen associated with an electronic communication device. [0046] Output device 208 produces or generates output data 220. In one embodiment, the output device 208 includes a display device (such as a computer graphics display) for providing output data 220 in a visual form. In another embodiment, the output device 208 includes a display device or monitor together with a set of audio speakers in which case the output data 220 may be provided in an audio-visual form. [0047] It will be appreciated that other types of output devices 208 may also be used, such as, a port (for example a USB port), a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. [0048] It will also be appreciated that the output data 220 could be output from a variety of different output devices 208 such as, for example, a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network. In such an embodiment a user may view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a monitor or using a printer. [0049] The storage device 214 can include any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. [0050] The communications port 222 allows the processing system 200 to communicate with other devices via a hard wired or wireless network, such as network 115 in Figure 1. [0051] In use, the processing system 200 can be adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 216. The interface 212 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 202 and peripheral components that may serve a specialized purpose. The processor 202 may receive instructions as input data 218 via input device 206 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 208. Multiple input devices 206 and/or output devices 208 can be provided. [0052] It should be appreciated that the processing system 200 may be any form of terminal, server processing system, specialised hardware, computer, computer 6 system or computerised device, personal computer (PC), mobile or cellular telephone, mobile data terminal, portable computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), pager or any other similar type of device. [0053] Figure 3 illustrates a system 300 of the present invention for searching for properties of interest for an intermediary to engage with a seller. It will be appreciated that in the context of the specification and for ease of reference a seller may be a property developer or a licensed real estate agent working as a head/master agent. Sellers typically list off the plan property and offer referral fees to intermediaries to sell their properties. [0054] An intermediary includes a licensed real estate agent or an accountant, financial planner or other advisor working with a licensed real estate agent. The intermediary wishes to access properties to sell to their clients on behalf of the seller and may include one or more off the plan properties in a large property development. [0055] The present invention provides a system 300 in which an intermediary 305 may conduct a unique profile based search of properties available for sale. Intermediary 305 may be a user who is using a computer terminal 110 or mobile communication device 105 to search and returns search results. The intermediary 305 is associated with an account on the system 300 which includes a user profile 310 which may be stored on the server 120. The user profile includes a number of intermediary attributes including, but not limited to: standard referral fee percentage, agreed referral fee percentage, a feedback rating, number of transactions carried out and location information. The system 300 also includes a seller 320 who interacts via a computer terminal 110 or mobile communication device 105 to interact with the server 120 to list available properties. The seller provides one or more properties available for sale to the server 120 for possible access by the intermediary 305 depending on one or more seller attributes. For example, the seller 320 may include one or more predetermined seller attributes which may include (but is not limited to) an agreed referral fee percentage, referral fee range, feedback rating, number of transactions or location. [0056] In operation, the intermediary 305 conducts a search 315 over the network 115 and accesses the server 120. The properties available to the intermediary 305 is dependent upon the intermediary attributes and in this way results returned 335 by the server 120 are limited to the intermediary attributes matching the seller attributes 325. For example, the seller 320 may set a referral fee range of 0 to 5% or 1 to 5 % 7 (or any range) and therefore an intermediary 305 has a preferred referral fee of 5% will not see results for properties which have a referral fee of anything that falls outside the sellers referral fee range. Preferably, the intermediary 320 is limited to providing a referral fee which is an integer and not a range. Similar restrictions may apply to the number of transactions carried out by an intermediary 305, the location of the intermediary 305, feedback rating of the intermediary 305 and the like. Advantageously, the present invention provides a further option for the seller 320 where despite the search results 335 not being provided to the intermediary 305 (due to one or more attributes not being met) the seller may provide an offer 330 to the intermediary 305. The offer may be a seller attribute which does not match the intermediary attributes and therefore did not appear in the search results for the intermediary 305. For example, the attribute may be a referral fee. The intermediary 305 can then accept or reject the offer from the seller 320 via the server 120. Advantageously this system allows intermediaries 305 to search for properties for sale which meet their requirements but also provides the seller with an opportunity to selectively contact one or more intermediaries 305 despite the intermediary 305 not meeting all of the seller attribute requirements. As will be described further with reference to Figure XXX, the system 100 preferably records which intermediaries 305 viewed a particular project and the seller 320 may then invite or send a message to one or more intermediaries 305 to participate in a project. [0057] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention 400. At step 405 one or more seller accounts are provided and associated with one or more sellers. The seller account may be stored on the server 120 and accessed by the seller via a mobile communication device 105 or computer 110 over a network such as the internet 115. Control moves to step 410 where one or more intermediary accounts are provided and associated with one or more intermediaries. The intermediary accounts are stored on the server 120 and may be accessed by a mobile communication device 105 or a computer 110 over a communications network such as the internet 115. Each of the intermediary accounts is provided with one or more predetermined intermediary attributes which may include: the type of business the intermediary is involved in, for example a seller cannot also be an intermediary. [0058] Advantageously, this is a key information confidentially control of the system and method of the present invention. Further intermediary attributes include location of the intermediary (the intermediary must specify the nation or region in 8 which they primarily operate), the standard referral fee charge by the intermediary, transaction history (for example the number of sales made), feedback ratings associated with the intermediary and/or agreed referral fees of the intermediary. Advantageously, these attributes allow an intermediary 305 when using the system of the invention to search for properties available for sale which are filtered on one or more of these intermediary attributes. Control then moves to step 415 where one or more properties available for sale and associated with one or more sellers 320 is provided on the system. The sellers 320 will have uploaded the data associated with the properties to the server 120 which may include floor plans, photographs, legal requirement notices and the like. Also uploaded by the seller 320 for each of the one or more properties available for sale on the system are one or more predetermined seller attributes associated with the property. The seller attributes limit the ability for an intermediary to have particular property appear in their search results depending on one or more seller attributes. For example restrictions may be put in place by the seller 320 such as a commission range, the location, the number of sales made using the system by an intermediary 305 and/or a minimum feedback rating of the intermediary 305. Control then moves to step 420 where the properties available for sale are selectively displayed to the intermediary's 305 based on one or more of the predetermined intermediary attributes matching the predetermined seller attributes. Advantageously the intermediary 305 cannot see properties that they are not eligible to offer for sale. This is advantageous for the seller 320 since they may wish to limit the number of intermediaries 305 that have access to particular property/properties. Control then moves to step 425 where the seller 320 has the opportunity to override step 420 by selectively providing access to one or more intermediaries 305 to one or more properties which do not match the predetermined attributes. Advantageously, the system of the present invention restricts the intermediaries 305 from seeing all of the properties available (i.e. limited based on certain attributes) but provides functionality for the seller 320 to override (in certain circumstances) this requirement for matching attributes in the event they wish to offer the property for sale to a particular intermediary 305. [0059] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the referral fee percentage is negotiated between the seller 320 and the intermediary 305. The method 500 starts at step 505 in which the seller 320 has released properties which will be stored at the server 120 for searching and retrieval by one or more 9 intermediaries 305. However there may be one particular intermediary 305 that the seller 320 wishes to contact directly since it may be that this intermediary may not see the property in their search results for various reasons (such as their referral fee is to low or too high, they are outside of a particular geographical location, they don't have enough feedback or they have not made enough sales) but in any event the seller 320 wishes to contact the intermediary 305 with an offer. [0060] For example, an intermediary 305 may be known to a seller 320 from either outside of the system, by the intermediary 305 initiating contact through an enquiry function or the intermediary may undertake a transaction or reservation on an unrelated project/property. [0061] At step 510 the seller 320 may add the intermediary to a contact list and control moves to step 515 where the seller 320 invites the intermediary 305 to the property or stock on terms dictated by the seller 320. Control moves to 520 where the proposal is communicated from the seller 320 to the intermediary 305. Preferably the proposal may be via email or may be via internal messaging on the system. Control moves to step 525 where the proposal is received by the intermediary 305 and the intermediary can either accept or reject the proposal. In the event the intermediary 305 accepts the proposal, control moves to step 530 where an agreement is recorded in the profiles associated with the seller 320 and the intermediary 305 and this is reported back to the seller 320 and to the intermediary 305. The acceptance of the agreement will impact the search profile for the intermediary 305 in that the property will now show up within their search results. This may also impact the ability to reserve a property and may also impact referral fee calculations. [0062] In the event the intermediary 305 rejected the offer at step 525, control moves to step 535 where the intermediary 305 is given an opportunity to propose a counter-offer to the seller 320 which can then be either accepted or rejected by the seller 320 and the steps of 505 through to 520 are carried out again. [0063] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved in the system and method of the present invention for reserving a property once the intermediary 305 has selected a property of interest. The method 600 starts at step 605 in which the property is identified (for example via search as described with reference to Figure 3 and 4) and the commission offered is restated. The intermediary 305 indicates their interest in the property. The selection of the property may have come about through a search such as those described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 or may have come 10 about due to an offer from the seller 320 as described with reference to Figure 5. Control then moves to step 610 in which the intermediary 305 is provided with one or more options for the property such as car parks, storage, upgrades, colour schemes etc. Once these have been selected control moves to step 615 in which the purchasers particulars are provided this may include name, address, phone and email and solicitor's information of the purchaser. Control then moves to step 620 in which a contract particulars are provided including contract postage address, price, foreign investment review board requirements and terms and conditions. Control then moves to step 625 in which deposit information is provided including holding deposit confirmation details surrounding the deposit and balance due date. Control then moves to step 630 where the legal requirements are fulfilled namely agreeing to the terms and conditions of the site and seller 320 and control then moves to step 635 which is the final review in which all information previously presented as sales advice is provided for review prior to lodgement. [0064] Figure 7 is a screen shot illustrating possible search results from carrying out the method and system of the present invention as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In this case the intermediary 305 or possibly a purchaser upon searching for properties will receive the information in the form of a stub 700 which includes the project name and address, project images, project description, seller logo, name and feedback rating of the seller, minimum and maximum price ranges, size ranges for the properties available and the number of properties available in that particular project. [0065] It will be appreciated that this may be apply to a single property or in the case of the above a project which includes a number of apartments for example. [0066] Figure 7B illustrates a screen shot of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which following the search results carried out according to the systems and methods of Figures 4 and 5, the intermediary 305 or a purchaser using the system may compare and contrast properties available to them. As shown in Figure 8, the intermediary 305 or a purchaser may compare lot, level, price, dollar per metres squared, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, car space, storage spaces, view or lack of view, distance to CBD, current status and the like. It is also envisaged that a purchaser may be able to use the screenshot in a similar way to compare properties. 11 [0067] Figure 8A illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a seller 320 can review a number of aspects relating to the sale of properties within projects, for example, activity, performance and the like. Included is a reservations tab 801, a quick reservations tab 802, messages tab 803, feedback tab 804, commission tab 805, deposits & settlements tab 806 and an outside reservations tab 807. The reservations tab 801 displays information about reservations of particular properties as shown in 808 including a unique identifying number, the type of project, which lot the reservation relates to, whether there is a network partner (a network partner may be a business looking to access properties to sell to their clients - for example, a network partner may be a Real Estate Agent, Wealth Creation Expert, Accountant or Financial Planner. Preferably, the network partner is either a licensed estate agent or working in conjunction with a licensed estate agent). In addition, details as to who the network partner is, price, status of the property, date and time associated with that is provided. An activity screen is also included which indicates whether or not action needs to be taken and an action button 809 for amending the particular line items 808. [0068] The quick reservations tab 802 provides a similar list to that of 808 but in relation to quick reservations where a user of the system (which may include a seller or a provider in the form of a network partner) may reserve a property temporarily by providing the name only of the purchaser. [0069] The outside reservations tab allows a seller to keep track of any reservations they process within the system where the property has not been reserved by an existing user of the system. The messages tab 803 contains messages which have been sent or received from the seller 320 to intermediaries 305 and the like. The feedback tab 804 displays feedback received and provided to and from intermediaries 305 and will be described further with reference to Figure 8B. The commission tab 805 provides details that commissions received and paid for a particular property or project. The deposits & settlements tab 806 provides information with regard to whether or not deposits have been paid, deadlines for deposits and whether or not the property has settled together with deadlines for settlement. The outside reservations tab 807 allows a seller to keep track of any reservations they process within the system where the property has not been reserved by an existing user of the system. 12 [0070] Figure 8B is a screenshot 800 illustrating the feedback tab 804 and includes line items 808 for each particular transaction. It also includes a column for the feedback type. The system collects feedback at two stages of the sale of a property. The at 30 days after unconditional contract and then again at 30 days after settlement since off the plan property contracts are exchanged with a 10% deposit then settled up to 3yrs later when the building is completed and the remaining is paid. At unconditional stage, the provider (or network partner) is typically paid 50% of their commission with the balance paid on settlement. The action button 809 allows the seller 805 or the intermediary (depending on who has logged into the system) to provide feedback. Feedback provided at this stage will be included into a feedback score which may dictate the extent to which a particular seller 320 is allowed to have stock or to the extent to which an intermediary 305 is allowed to have stock. For example, an intermediary 305 or seller 320 may have low or negative feedback profile which would mean that certain projects or properties would not be available to them. [0071] Figure 8C illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which it is possible for a seller 320 to view details of intermediaries 305 who have viewed projects that the seller 320 is offering. A list of intermediaries 305 who have viewed a particular project is shown via box 810. Box 810 includes details of the project, the time when the intermediary 305 viewed the project and also includes an invite button 811 and a message button 812. Invite button 811 allows the seller 320 to invite an intermediary 305 to a project. The invite button also indicates whether or not the invite has been accepted by the intermediary 305. In addition, the seller 320 may via 812 send a message to the intermediary 305. [0072] Figure 8D illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a seller 320 may view a summary of the projects they have available. The listed projects 813 are listed in a table which indicates how many properties within the projects are available, how many properties have been sold, the completion date of the project. Tool buttons 814,815 and 816 are provided in which seller 320 can manipulate or edit the project. For example, Tool button 815 allows the seller 320 to edit the details of the project as shown in Figure 8F, tool button 816 allows the seller 320 to modify the listing of the project and tool button 814 allows the seller 320 to view reports of the project (which will be further described with reference to Figure 8E). 13 [0073] Figure 8E illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the tool button 814 of Figure 8D has been pressed. Tool button 814 is a project report button which when pressed provides the screenshot of Figure 8E. A report is provided to the seller 320 on a particular project shown as 817 which includes details relating to the project such construction start date, number of levels, who the builder is, estimated time of completion, number of units, referral commissions and the like. A number of tabs are provided such as new deposits tab 818, cancellations tab 819, commissions tab 820, contract status tab 821, price list tab 822, stock report tab 823 and sales report tab 824. Each of these tabs includes one or more records 825 which provide details of the particular which may be exported to a spreadsheet for example. New deposits tab 818 shows the deposit particulars (as recorded in Fig 6 at step 625). Cancellations tab 819 shows reservations and quick reservations that have been rejected/cancelled by the seller. Commissions tab 820 reports on the process described above under feedback, contract status tab 821 reports on both the details collected within a reservation form and the status of the contract (as detailed in Figure 9). Price list tab 822 shows the price list as a "stack plan" which means the properties are displayed on an x & y axis to provide a visual representation as to where they are located in the building (colours may be used indicate the status of the stock). Stock report tab 823 shows the status of the stock the sale and the contract which is used to display and hide properties within the system and administer contracts. Sales report tab 824 shows the status of all reservations and quick reservations. [0074] Figure 8F illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a particular project 826 can be managed. The project 826 includes a number of details relating to the project including dates, start date, completion date, number of levels, total number of units, builder and the like. Tabs are provided which allow the seller 320 to edit and manage details of the project. For example, details tab 327 allows the seller 320 to edit details of the project such as pictures and edit the listing of the project. Distribution tab 828 allows the user to dictate who sellers will have access to the properties as described with reference to Figure 3. This may be based on, for example the predetermined seller attributes namely one or more of location of the seller, feedback score associated with a seller, commission percentage, sales history and/or a price range, , Documents tab 829 permits the seller 320 to upload or amend documents which may be relevant to the 14 intermediary 305. Images tab 830 allows for new or updated images of the project, Reports tab 831 which provides reports on projects (as described with reference to Figure 8E), Additionals tab 832 which may include additional data or information such as whether the end purchaser will be a permanent resident for purposes of purchase or will require approval of foreign investment review boards, etc. Stock summary tab 833 provides a summary of whether the stock is available or sold or reserved together. Stock reservations tab 834 displays information about reservations of particular properties... [0075] Figure 8G illustrates a screenshot 800 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a project 835 is displayed to a seller 320 or an intermediary 305 (depending on who is logged into the system). A number of details relating to the project are provided including pictures, project information such as who the seller is, price range, type of property, number of levels in the property, number of units in the property and start and construction end dates. Details of the project may also be provided together with location and, as shown in 836, statistics of that particular suburb may be provided from an external source. [0076] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which feedback is provided based on a sale. Feedback may be an attribute of both the seller and the intermediary which may dictate to what extent the intermediary deals with a seller and vice versa. For example the system and method of the present invention may restrict offerings of properties to intermediaries who have a feedback rating which is above or below a particular score. [0077] The method 900 starts at step 905 in which the intermediary 305 makes a reservation of the property and at step 910 the seller 320 accepts the pending reservation. At this stage the intermediary 305 will have has access to the property which means their feedback or commission fee was acceptable and appeared in the search results as described with reference to the method and system of Figures 3 and 4. Control then moves to step 915 where the seller sends a contact to the intermediary 305 control then moves to step 920 where the intermediary 305 arranges for signature of the contract and returns the contract to the seller 320. Control then moves to step 920 where the intermediary 305 pays the deposit associated with the property. At step 930 a first commission payment may be paid by the seller 320 to the intermediary 305. At this point control moves to step 950 where an email inviting feedback on the transaction and/or notification to the intermediary 305 which at step 15 955 they indicate their overall satisfaction being positive, neutral or negative for example and one or more questions with a scale so as to indicate to what extent they were satisfied with the transaction. Control then moves to step 960 where feedback is given and saved in the profile of the seller. Control then returns to step 935 which is a contract period or constructional settlement period and then control moves to step 940 where the purchaser pays the balance payable on the property control then moves to step 950 again in which the intermediary 305 invites feedback from the seller 320. Control then moves to step 955 where the seller provides their comments with the transaction being positive, neutral or negative and one or more questions with a scale so as to indicate the extent of their happiness with the transaction or otherwise. Control then moves to step 960 where the feedback is stored in the profile of the intermediary 305 control then returns to step 945 where a second commission payment is made by the seller 320 to the intermediary 305. [0078] The feedback mechanism describes at Figure 9 illustrates the way the system manages the transaction process where feedback is requested. Advantageously the system collects feedback at the unconditional stage of a contact and gain at settlement. These two stages are also where commission payments are typically enacted in off the plan property sales. Feedback is requested via email and a link on the profile of each of the parties to the transaction. [0079] Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention 1000 in which a provider may allocate projects containing properties to one or more sellers based on one or more predetermined seller attributes. At step 1005 one or more provider accounts are provided and associated with one or more providers. The provider account may be stored on the server 120 and accessed by the provider via a mobile communication device 105 or computer 110 over a network such as the internet 115. Control moves to step 1010 where one or more seller accounts are provided and associated with one or more sellers. The seller accounts are also stored on the server 120 and may be accessed via mobile communication device 105 or computer 110 over a communications network such as the internet 115. Each of the seller accounts is provided with one or more predetermined seller attributes which may include: the type of business the seller is involved in, the relationship between the seller and the provider. [0080] Advantageously, this aspect of the system of the invention allows for control of projects and properties (i.e. stock) from a provider to one or more sellers based on 16 predetermined seller attributes. Seller attributes may include: location of the seller (the seller must specify the region in which they operate), the referral fee charged by the seller, transaction history (for example, the number of sales made), feedback ratings associated with the seller and/or agreed referral fees of the seller. [0081] Advantageously, these attributes allow the provider when using the system of the invention to allocate projects and property stock to a seller which may be filtered based on one or more of the seller attributes. For example, a provider may provide the best stock to a seller 320 who has the best commission or who they have a good relationship with. Control moves to step 1015 where one or more projects having properties available for sale and associated with one or more providers is provided on the system. The providers will have uploaded the data associated with the properties to the server 120 which may include floor plans, photographs, legal requirement notices and the like. Also uploaded by the provider for each of the one or more projects and properties within projects available for sale on the system are one or more predetermined seller attributes associated with the property. These seller attributes limit the ability for a seller to have a particular property appear in their search results or, if the property does appear in their search results, limiting what they can see in relation to the property. For example, restrictions may be put in place by the provider so that a seller 320 cannot see the commission range, or the location of sales made using the system, whereas another seller 320 as dictated by the provider may be able to see this information. As described above, control then moves to step 1020 in which the properties available to the seller 320 are selectively displayed. Advantageously, the seller 320 cannot see the properties that they are not eligible to offer for sale. Advantageously, for the provider, they can limit the number of sellers 320 which have access to a particular property or project. [0082] Figure 11A illustrates a screenshot 1100 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a provider has logged into the system 100 of the present invention. The provider may allocate within a project two or more sellers 320. Typically, the provider will be a network partner which may be a business looking to access properties to sell to their clients. For example, a network partner may be a Real Estate Agent, Wealth Creation Expert, Accountant or Financial Planner. Preferably, the network partner is either a licensed estate agent or working in conjunction with a licensed estate agent. As shown in Figure 11 A, the provider may search for a particular property of project via search field 1105 and may do so via 17 suburb, maximum and minimum prices, number of bedrooms, completion date and property type, for example. Also provided are a number of activity tabs including incomplete reservations 1110, authorize tab 1115 (allows the provider to approve reservations that may be made by users they set up - which can be done by clicking on the user name at the top of the screen), reservations tab 1120 (displays information about reservations of particular properties), messages tab 1125 (view a summary of messages sent to and by the provider), feedback tab 1130, commission tab 1135 (displays information about commissions on various properties and projects) and deposits & settlements tab 1140 (which provides details of deposits paid, due dates and settlement dates and amounts). In each of the tabs, a number of records 1145 are provided which include details of the particular project, the seller, lot number, who the purchaser is and actions which can be taken. [0083] The Messages tab 1125 allows the provider to send and receive messages on the system typically between the provider and one or more sellers 320. The Feedback tab 1130 displays feedback received from sellers 320 and provided by the provider to sellers 320 for use in the system. [0084] Figure 11 B illustrates a screenshot of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which includes an Authorize tab which allows the provider to approve reservations that may be made by users they set up - which can be done by clicking on the user name at the top of the screen. 18

Claims (12)

1. A computer implemented method of facilitating property sales between a seller and an intermediary, the method including: providing a seller account associated with a seller; providing an intermediary account associated with an intermediary, each intermediary account having one or more predetermined intermediary attributes; providing one or more properties for sale associated with one or more sellers, each of the properties including one or more predetermined seller attributes; selectively displaying to the intermediaries, one or more properties for sale by a seller based on one or more of the predetermined intermediary attributes matching the predetermined seller attributes; and selectively providing access by the seller to the intermediary one or more properties which do not match the predetermined attributes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined intermediary attributes include one or more of location of the intermediary, feedback score associated with an intermediary, commission percentage, sales history and/or a price range.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the commission percentage is a fixed percentage.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the commission percentage provided is a range.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectively providing access to the intermediary includes the following steps; generating and sending an offer via communication from the seller to the intermediary, the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes; the intermediary selectively accepting accept or rejecting the offer via a communication from the intermediary to the seller.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method further includes the intermediary providing a counter-offer the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes. 19

7. The method of claim 5 or 6 wherein the predetermined seller attributes includes a commission percentage.

8. A computer implemented method of allocating property stock between a provider and a seller, the method including: providing a provider account associated with a provider, each provider having one or more projects having one or more properties for allocation; providing a seller account associated with a seller, each seller account having one or more predetermined seller attributes; selectively allocating/withholding one or more properties within a project to one or more sellers based on one or more predetermined seller attributes; and for each property allocated to a seller, selectively displaying information relating to the properly or project to the seller based on one or more of the predetermined seller attributes.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined seller attributes include one or more of location of the seller, feedback score associated with a seller, commission percentage, sales history and/or a price range.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the commission percentage is a fixed percentage.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the commission percentage provided is a range.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the selectively providing access to the seller includes the following steps; generating and sending an offer via communication from the provider to the seller, the offer including one or more predetermined seller attributes; the provider selectively accepting accept or rejecting the offer via a communication from the seller to the provider. 20