CA2058166A1 - Real estate property and agent location method - Google Patents
Real estate property and agent location methodInfo
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- CA2058166A1 CA2058166A1 CA 2058166 CA2058166A CA2058166A1 CA 2058166 A1 CA2058166 A1 CA 2058166A1 CA 2058166 CA2058166 CA 2058166 CA 2058166 A CA2058166 A CA 2058166A CA 2058166 A1 CA2058166 A1 CA 2058166A1
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A method for locating available real estate properties for sale, rent or lease or for locating available real estate agents using a database of available properties and agents at a central location accessible by voice telephone by any member of the public who can select, using an interactive voice synthesized menu system, the criteria of desired properties or agents to be searched by the database to provide the caller with recorded voice information on the properties or agents located. A caller may leave a voice mail message for an agent. A real estate agent may access the database by telephone using a unique password to listen to his voice mail messages, change his agent profile information and add, delete or change information on available properties.
A method for locating available real estate properties for sale, rent or lease or for locating available real estate agents using a database of available properties and agents at a central location accessible by voice telephone by any member of the public who can select, using an interactive voice synthesized menu system, the criteria of desired properties or agents to be searched by the database to provide the caller with recorded voice information on the properties or agents located. A caller may leave a voice mail message for an agent. A real estate agent may access the database by telephone using a unique password to listen to his voice mail messages, change his agent profile information and add, delete or change information on available properties.
Description
Real Estate Property and Agent Location Method BACKGROUND OF_INVENTION
1. Field of Invention This invention reLates to the real estate industry. Vendors of real estate properties seelc real estate agents to list their properties. Purchasers look for suitable properties to purchase or real estate agents who may locate such properties for them. Real estate agents advertise to attract potential purchasers and vendors and look for available properties to meet purchaser's needs. In 15 the traditional market, vendors and purchasers do not have an easy way to review the qualifications of real estate agents in order to select one that meets their requirements. As well, potential purchasers may not practically look for suitable properties to purchase without going through a real estate agent who locates suitable properties. Purcha3ers may drive around looking for properties 20 displaying a for sale sign; however this proces~ does not provide purchasers with any information on a property, for which they must typically contact a xeal estate agent to discover. When purchasers first approach a real estate agent, they are not sure of the type of real estate property that they would be interested in and could afford. As a result, often it requires a real ~state agent's 25 time to qualify purchasers as to the type of property that they would be interested in purchasing and their fixtancial means. This is inefflcient use of a real estate agent's time and deL~ys the sales cycle.
Real estate agents, under the current system, typically advertise their 30 services in newspapers, direct mail pieces and other media of the same type.
This type of advertising is often not very efficient or cost-effective as it i5 not always targeted directly to people who are considering selling or purchasing real estate property. As well, when purchasers ~all a real estate agent, the agent is often out of the office and purchasers must leave a message. It is important 35 that the real estate agent returns purchaser's calls as soon as possible and currently this involves the agent continually call;ng the office for any :
telephone messages that may have been left. Agents also use mobile pagers to avoid the necessity of calling their office for messages. The message left for the real estate agent in either case may contain errors and typically contains only the name and nun~ber of the person who called, but no detailed message from 5 the caller. Some agents intercept messages left for other agents and return the call to the purchasers, thereby stealing the lead from the intended agent.
When potential purchasers contact a real estate agent seeking suitable real estate proper~ies to purchase, real estate agents must access paper based ` 10 listing sheets of available real estate property or, access a central computer database containing listings of available real estate properties, generally referred to as a "multiple listing service" or "MLS". This computer which stores real estate listings may be accessed through terminals for retrieval of specific information relating to a given property. However, the search of the stored information is typically dependent on the operators intricate knowledge of the local area, its political subdivisions and informal housing tract designations. Furthermore, the public may not access this multiple listing service as access to this database is restricted to real estate agents who also must have expertise in how the system operates. To list a real estate property or to update information on a property already listed on the MLS system usually takes one or more days. In a busy real estate rnarket, using a database that is one or more days out of date could lead a real estate agent to suggest properties `` which are still ~ILS listed as being available which in fact have been sold. This - wastes the agent's time and may be frustrating to both the agent and the .~ 25 purchaser.
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As a result, in the traditional real estate market, there are time delays between ` when a purchaser first decides that he is interested in looking for properties to purchase, locating a suitable real estate agent, meeting the real estate agent and selecting suitable properties for view~ng, and purchasing a property.
In order to overcome some of the difficulties in the traditional real estate market, the prior art has disclosed several inventions which improve the operation of the real estate industry.
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For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,136 to Cicunpa discloses a method of gathering a massive inventor,v of real estate properties in a city and storing them on video disk for later review by real estate agents and potential 5 purchasers. The invention of Ciampa however, is not intended to overcome the difficulties in the real estate industry as described above, as it is directed primarily to providing a massive database of real estate properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,576 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,989 to Tornetta disclose 10 real estate search and location methods. These methods encompass the use of a remo~e CRT or a personal computer which has access to a central database of real estate properties. The remote user uses a graphical locator interface for defining the desired area of search for real estate properties. Properties may be further qualified by price, type of struchlre ancl other criteria ~vlùch may be 15 specified before a database search is conducted. Once properties matching thedescription of the criteria are located, they are displayed on the graphic interface and the user has the ability to zoom ;n and zoorn out to smaller or larger areas under the method. As with the M.LS system, the Tornetta patents also require the use of a remote Cl~T or a personal computer ru~ming a 20 software communications program and the use of a modem to communicate data o~rer the telephone line to the central computer containing the database.
The required use of this cornputer tec~nology limits the widespread use of the Tometta methods as members of the public generalIy do not have access to personal computers running suitable communication software and modems.
25 If they do have the suitable hardware and software, they may not have the expertise to know how to operate the computer to locate properties of interest.
As a result, under the Tornetta methods p~chasers would still have to attend at a real estate offlce to have a real estate agent or operator operate the Tornetta rernote CRT in order to locate properties of interest.
Prior art also discloses local transmitter devices which are installed at real estate properties which are available for sale. These devices allow a poten~al purchasers to hear details on a house using their car radio while in their car parked outside o~ a particular real estate property for sale. However, :.; ~ . .
' . , '' ' ~` ' ' ' .
``'i` j `
again, this has the limitation that a purchaser must locate the propert,v initially and the property must have one of these local transmitters installed.
The object of the present invention is to overcome several of these 5 difficulties. One object is to provide widespread public access to search and locate real estate properties or real estate agents in which they would be interested, through the use of any telephone set.
Another object is to allow vendors and purchasers quick access to real 10 estate property and real estate agent information selected by them. This includes properties or agents with the characteristics that match their needs, and provide information on open houses.
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Another object of the invention is to allow real estate agents to provide 15 detailed advertisements on themselves and on real estate properties that theyhave listed, thereby attracting potential p-lrchasers and vendors. Still anotherobject of the invention is to qualify purchasers so that they know what type of properties they would be interested in and could afford, resulting in saving ~; time of a real estate agellt in qualifying a ~urchaser and shorteni~g the sales ,! 20 cyde.
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Another object is to keep telephone messages confidential to the called real estate agent and allow t~e messages to be error free and detailed in scope.
Another object of the present invention is to utilize, as a component, an interactive voice response system, also called a voice ir~formation processor system and interface such a system to a real-time database to ~acilitate on-linesearching and researching of the database based upon multiple search criteria.
A typical interactive voice response processing system is comprised of a 30 computer, an interface to the telephone network, disk storage for storing greetings and to record messages, all of which are controlled by a computer program. It does not include a real-time database or an interface to a real-timedatabase. It also has no facilities to connect to a specific telephone nuinber located from a database or to send information located by facsimile.
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. ~ . . . ; i, An interactive voice response system system is well known for use in automated voice mail systems and in automated telephone operator systems.
In a voice mail system, the facility is provided for a caller who calls a specific 5 person to leave a voice message which is recorded for later access and play-back by that person. In an automated telephone operator system, a caller may enter the extension number or name of the party to whom the caller wishes to speak i and the system then connects the caller to the desired telephone extension.
The caller in either of these current systems uses the push-buttons on a 10 telephone set each of which activates an electronic sound having a fixed tone.
In the case of a rotary dial telephone set, a separate commonly available push button pad is available to duplicate the push buttons of a telephone set to activate fixed tone sounds.
15 ~nteractive voice response systems are also known for "Talking Yellow Pages"
classified advertising. In this system a caller selects a particular telephone number to gain access to a recorded message on a particular subject matter, such as the weather report or stock quotations. This system really has no meml provided to the caller and does not conlain a database.
Interactive voice response systems are also known in dating services or telepersonal messaging services. In this applicatlon, ~ caller may select from ameml to hear recorded personal messages under that menu item. This system does not, however, provide an interface to a full-featured database providing 25 real-time searching and researching of a database based upon multiple search criteria.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
As indicated, the objects of the present invention are to overcome many of the difficulties experienced in the current real estate indus-try. The ` invention allows any member of the public to remotely real-time search for available and suitable real estate properties on a database. A caller uses any telephone to call a telephone number corresponding to a computer database of , .
available properties. When the telephone call is made the computer database system of the invention (called "Host")answers the telephone using an interactive voice response component of the invention, which verbally greets the caller, through recorded messages or voice synthesis, provides the caller 5 with a menu of choices and prompts the caller for responses. After the caller provides a response, the system may provide additional sequential menus and prompt the caller for sequential responses.
Using this method in this manner, callers may sequentially specify the 10 search criteria for the property in which they are interested. Once a caller completes the criteria selection, a real-time search is performed on the database to locate available real estate properties which match the criteria. The caller then hears a recorded message providing a description for each of the properties so located.
As a result, any potential purchaser may, without contacting a real estate agent, acquire information on real estate properties available that meet the needs of the p~lrchaser. As this method uses a telephone set, no training is required in order to practice the method of the invention. The method may be Z0 used ~4 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is usef~ll for potential purchasers who work shift hours or those who seek infoImation on weekends.
I~sing the same me~od, vendors may use the method of the invention to access information on properties similar to their property in order to allow 25 them to determine if their property is, for example, listed at the appropriate selling price.
After listening to the recorded particular information on a property, callers may request to be connected directly to the responsible real estate agent 30 by responding with the appropriate menu choice.
In a similar way, callers may also leave a voice mail message for a real estate agent relating, for example, to a proper~y of interest located in the search.
A voice mail message is a message from a caller recorded by the Host for a I ,, ~
particular receiving party, which may only be accessed and played-back by that receiving party. Additionally, a caller may request a paper copy of information relating to any property located which could be sent by facsimile or by mail.
A purchaser in selecting -the criteria for a search may select the criteria for properties that it would be interested in such as: the geographic area; the : property type; and the price range. The caller may also request to be served in the language of his choice. To one skilled in the field there could be other criteria provided to conduct searches on the Host database.
` The potential purchasers or vendors may also use the method of the present invention to select appropriate real estate agents. Using this method, apurchaser may call a telephone number which will be answered by the Host indicating a menu of options and requesting a response from the caller.
Subsequent menu options and responses may also be provided to allow callers to define criteria for selecting an agent. In this manner a caller may locate available real estate agents which most suit tlle caller's requirements. These requirements could indude the geographic area handled by the agent, the property types in which the agent is an expert and the languages spoken.
Callers also initially hear a short advertisement by the agent. The caller may leave a voice mail message for any agent located in the search.
The present invention also allows authorized real estate agents to access the real estate database system, again from any telephone. The real estate agentmay provide an identity number and a password to the system which allows the agent to gain access to listen to any voice mail messages left for the agent, modify information on any properties currently listed on the database by the agent, add new properties to the database, and delete that agent properties from-the database. The real estate agent may also transmit information on any of the agent's properties by facsimile to the Host. This is the information provided to a caller who requests information on that particular property.
The present invention overcomes many of the difficulties currently experienced in the real estate industry. To purchasers and vendors it may .
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., , provide a free up-to-date source of categorized and detailed information on available real estate properties, open houses available in their area, and real estate agents. The method is very convenient, easy to use (no training is required) and may be accessed by any member of the public to locate real estate 5 properties or agents. Furthermore, a purchaser or vendor using the invention may now locate real estate agents that meet their personal needs in order to choose one to list a property with or to work with in purchasing a property.
The method may also enable a purchaser to locate open houses which are available for viewing.
There are many advantages of the invention for real estate agents. It provides a consistent targeted and cost effecti~re method of advertising to vendors and purchasers. A real estate agent advertisement is played to callers to the Host where that agent is located in the database search based upon the 15 caller's criteria. Real estate agents may indicate their expertise ancl strengths resulting in broader exposure at minimal cost which likely result in more contacts with purchasers and vendors, enabling more sales. It also allows agents who do not list properties to advertise themselves professionally, which is not currently available through traditional methods. The method of the 20 invention provides accurate, interesting, detailed and personal property descriptions provides potential purchasers with more information than normally would be available through traditional methods and at~racts them to use the real estate agents who use the system. The method also saves the time of real estate ageffls by eliminating the need to personally describe the same 25 property to many callers. The method allows for a property to be placed on the market immediately, in fact even while the agent is at the property of the vendor, impressing the vendor with the fast and efficient listing service. A
real estate agent when seeking information on a property listed by anot~er agent may use the method for acquiring detailed information without the need 30 to contact the listing agent, thereby saving time for both parties. The real estate agent is provided with complete personal confidential voice mail messages from callers who may leave a detailed message, allowing a real estate agent to respond directly to their needs and remove the possibility of incorrect messages. The voice mail messages are kept confidential as they are directed .- .
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only to the appropriate agent and therefore other agents may not have access to them. The method of the invention saves money by eliminating the expense of office staff or an answering service to take messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BRIE~F DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to 10 the accompany drawings in which:
FI~;. 1 is a block diagram of the invention showing public access and real estate agent access to the real estate property, open house, and agent database;
EIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the procedure for members of the public to access the database, select criteria and hear recorded information on real estate properties or real estate agents matching the criteria located in the database;
FIG. 3 is a detailed llow diagram showi~:lg the procedure to follow for real estate agents to access the database to listen to their voice mail messages, update an agent's profile, update property information and recorded advertisements for properties listed, and to send information on real estate proper~ies by facsimile to the Host; and ','5 FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing in detailed how members of the public would practise the method of the invention to access and search the real estate property and real estate agent databases.
" 30 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1, shows an overview of a system according to the present invention which includes a central host computer system 1 (called "Host 1") : ` . : ~ , :, :: ~.; `` ' ~ ':
, ; which contains a database of available real estate properties and of real estate agents which is connected by telecommunications links 2 to a plurality of push-button remote telephone sets, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (cellular telephone in an automobile). Host 1 is also connected to a telephone line 8 suitable for sendingfacsimile transmissions and Host 1 has the ability to send information from its .' database on selected real estate properties by facsimile using telephone line 8.
Host 1 also has the ability to print a paper copy of information on available selected real estate properties which may subsequently be enclosed in an ` envelope 9 and mailed to a caller.
Host 1 contains a database of available property listings which contains a plurality of listings of property which are available for sale, lease or rent. The database is used for search and delivery of relevant property information to , those enquiring of the system with certain spedfications to be described later.
~Iost 1 also maint~ins a database of real estate properties that have open ;~ houses. EIost 1 also maintains a database of real estate agent profiles. Host 1 includes a voice mail messaging system which may store messages left by callers.
Host 1 would be comprised of a comp~lter, an interface to the telephone network, a interactive voice response processing system, disk storage -for storing greetings and to record messages, all of which are control!ed by a ccmputer program. It also includes a database which may be searched in real-time, or could be interfaced to a real-time database. It also has facilities to dial a specific telephone number located from a database and connect a caller to that number; or to send information located by facsimile.
The method involves a caller 10, 11 or 12 which may be a purchaser, vendor or real estate agent, dialling the telephone number o~ Host 1. Multiple callers may use a single telephone number at the same time to access Host 1.
Host 1 answers the call and presents various verbal menus which are described in more detail below, allowing a caller to specify the criteria for the desired property to be located. The caller may input data to Host 1 using the push-buttons on a telephone set, each of which activates an electronic sound having . . ... - . , :. , .. : ~
a fixed tone. The method of inputting data is not limited to the use of a push-button telephone set or separate hand held tone generating unit, but may indude other means of inputting data such as voice recognition processes, where for example, Host 1 would recognize when the caller spoke the numbers 5 1, 2 or 3 to make a selection. Input data is interactively gathered in this manner from the caller and then used to conduct a real-time search of the database of ~Iost 1 Searches of databases by specified criteria are well known.
Upon completion of the database search, the caller may be informed of the number of matched properties so located and may receive a recorded property 10 description for each of the properties so located.
In one embodiment of the invention, the caller may optionally leave a voice mail message which may be automatically addressed by Host 1 to the real estate agent responsible for the particular property located. In adclition, a caller 15 may request to be connected directly to the agent responsible for the property, in which case Host 1 dials the telephone number of the agent and connects the caller. If such connection is not possible, Host 1 will ask the caller if the caller would like to leave a voice mail message for that agent.
In another embodiment of the invention, a caller may request further ; information on selected properties to be sent by facsimile or by mail.
A real estate agent may also access Host 1 using an ordinary telephone set 6. The real estate agent provides a password allowing the agent access to the database to listen to voice mail messages addressed to the agent, and to add or delete property listings or modify those currently listed on the database. ~ real estate agent may also access Host 1 via a cellular telephone 7 from an automobile. This is a very convenient and time saving feature for an agent.
- Host 1 provides verbal menus for the real estate agent to select the desired activities. Similar to the method for locating real estate properties by a purchaser as described above, a real estate agent may input responses to Host 1 through the use of the push-buttons on his telephone set. The real estate agent may also send information on any of the agent's properties to Host 1 to be sent to any caller requesting information on that property by facsimile.
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FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the procedure for members of the public to access the database, select criteria and hear recorded information on real estate properties or real estate agents matching the criteria located in the database. Beginning at start 13, a caller dials the telephone number of Host 1.
Host 1 answers the telephone call and provides an verbal menu 14 to the caller and prompts for a selection from the caller. After the caller inputs a first selection as described previously, Host 1 may provide a sequential menus 13 and again each time prompts for a caller response. This process continues until the caller has responded to all menus provided by Host 1. If there is no response from a caller, Host 1 prompts for the caller to try again 15 and if there is a positive response, provides the previous menu again to the caller. If the caller does not respond to the try again prompt, then the caller may be provided with help 16, consisting of an verbal message on how to use the system after which, upon a positive response~ the caller is returned to the beginning of menu 14. If the caller does not respond to help 16, then Host 1 hangs up 17 on the caller.
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When a caller has provided a prompt ~:o all menu 14 items, a real-time search 18 is cond~lcted of the database to locate all real estate properties 19 that match the criteria selected by the caller. If no properties are located then thecaller is so informed as shown at 21 and is returned to menu 14 to initiate a new search. In cases where properties are located matching the criteria, pre-recorded information 20 on each property is provided to the caller. The caller ; 25 has the ability to control the playing of the property recordings and at the end of each one may indicate to play the next recording, review the previous recording, request a copy of the property information by facsimile or request tobe connected directly to the agent responsible, request open house information, request agent profile information or hang up and terminate the call. If the caller does nothing, the property information recordings may be played one after the other with a slight pause between each. At the end of the recordings the caller may hang up 20 and terminate the search or may select to return to menu 14 to initiate a new search using the same or different criteria.
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FIG. 3 is a detailed flow diagram shovving the procedure to follow for real estate agents to access the database to listen to their voice mail messages, update an agent's profile, update property information and recorded advertisements for properties listed, and to send information on real estate 5 properties by facsimile to the Host. A real estate agent initiates the method at start 50 by dialling the telephone number for Host 1. Host 1 answers the call and prompts for the agent's password at step 51. The agent enters his ~mique password and, if correct, Host 1 then presents a main menu 52 providing the agent with four choices: 1) listening to messages; 2) accessing agent profile; 3) 10 accessing property listings; or 4) transmitting information to Host 1 by facsimile.
If the agent selects listen to messages, the agent would for example press number 1 on his telephone set. Host 1 verbally provides the agent with the 15 number of messages unread and a second menu 53 prompting for choices to 1) listen to unread messages; 2) listen to read messages; 3) listen to discarded messages; 8) return to the main menu; or 9) hang up. If the agent selec~s 1) or
1. Field of Invention This invention reLates to the real estate industry. Vendors of real estate properties seelc real estate agents to list their properties. Purchasers look for suitable properties to purchase or real estate agents who may locate such properties for them. Real estate agents advertise to attract potential purchasers and vendors and look for available properties to meet purchaser's needs. In 15 the traditional market, vendors and purchasers do not have an easy way to review the qualifications of real estate agents in order to select one that meets their requirements. As well, potential purchasers may not practically look for suitable properties to purchase without going through a real estate agent who locates suitable properties. Purcha3ers may drive around looking for properties 20 displaying a for sale sign; however this proces~ does not provide purchasers with any information on a property, for which they must typically contact a xeal estate agent to discover. When purchasers first approach a real estate agent, they are not sure of the type of real estate property that they would be interested in and could afford. As a result, often it requires a real ~state agent's 25 time to qualify purchasers as to the type of property that they would be interested in purchasing and their fixtancial means. This is inefflcient use of a real estate agent's time and deL~ys the sales cycle.
Real estate agents, under the current system, typically advertise their 30 services in newspapers, direct mail pieces and other media of the same type.
This type of advertising is often not very efficient or cost-effective as it i5 not always targeted directly to people who are considering selling or purchasing real estate property. As well, when purchasers ~all a real estate agent, the agent is often out of the office and purchasers must leave a message. It is important 35 that the real estate agent returns purchaser's calls as soon as possible and currently this involves the agent continually call;ng the office for any :
telephone messages that may have been left. Agents also use mobile pagers to avoid the necessity of calling their office for messages. The message left for the real estate agent in either case may contain errors and typically contains only the name and nun~ber of the person who called, but no detailed message from 5 the caller. Some agents intercept messages left for other agents and return the call to the purchasers, thereby stealing the lead from the intended agent.
When potential purchasers contact a real estate agent seeking suitable real estate proper~ies to purchase, real estate agents must access paper based ` 10 listing sheets of available real estate property or, access a central computer database containing listings of available real estate properties, generally referred to as a "multiple listing service" or "MLS". This computer which stores real estate listings may be accessed through terminals for retrieval of specific information relating to a given property. However, the search of the stored information is typically dependent on the operators intricate knowledge of the local area, its political subdivisions and informal housing tract designations. Furthermore, the public may not access this multiple listing service as access to this database is restricted to real estate agents who also must have expertise in how the system operates. To list a real estate property or to update information on a property already listed on the MLS system usually takes one or more days. In a busy real estate rnarket, using a database that is one or more days out of date could lead a real estate agent to suggest properties `` which are still ~ILS listed as being available which in fact have been sold. This - wastes the agent's time and may be frustrating to both the agent and the .~ 25 purchaser.
~ . .
As a result, in the traditional real estate market, there are time delays between ` when a purchaser first decides that he is interested in looking for properties to purchase, locating a suitable real estate agent, meeting the real estate agent and selecting suitable properties for view~ng, and purchasing a property.
In order to overcome some of the difficulties in the traditional real estate market, the prior art has disclosed several inventions which improve the operation of the real estate industry.
. .
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,136 to Cicunpa discloses a method of gathering a massive inventor,v of real estate properties in a city and storing them on video disk for later review by real estate agents and potential 5 purchasers. The invention of Ciampa however, is not intended to overcome the difficulties in the real estate industry as described above, as it is directed primarily to providing a massive database of real estate properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,576 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,989 to Tornetta disclose 10 real estate search and location methods. These methods encompass the use of a remo~e CRT or a personal computer which has access to a central database of real estate properties. The remote user uses a graphical locator interface for defining the desired area of search for real estate properties. Properties may be further qualified by price, type of struchlre ancl other criteria ~vlùch may be 15 specified before a database search is conducted. Once properties matching thedescription of the criteria are located, they are displayed on the graphic interface and the user has the ability to zoom ;n and zoorn out to smaller or larger areas under the method. As with the M.LS system, the Tornetta patents also require the use of a remote Cl~T or a personal computer ru~ming a 20 software communications program and the use of a modem to communicate data o~rer the telephone line to the central computer containing the database.
The required use of this cornputer tec~nology limits the widespread use of the Tometta methods as members of the public generalIy do not have access to personal computers running suitable communication software and modems.
25 If they do have the suitable hardware and software, they may not have the expertise to know how to operate the computer to locate properties of interest.
As a result, under the Tornetta methods p~chasers would still have to attend at a real estate offlce to have a real estate agent or operator operate the Tornetta rernote CRT in order to locate properties of interest.
Prior art also discloses local transmitter devices which are installed at real estate properties which are available for sale. These devices allow a poten~al purchasers to hear details on a house using their car radio while in their car parked outside o~ a particular real estate property for sale. However, :.; ~ . .
' . , '' ' ~` ' ' ' .
``'i` j `
again, this has the limitation that a purchaser must locate the propert,v initially and the property must have one of these local transmitters installed.
The object of the present invention is to overcome several of these 5 difficulties. One object is to provide widespread public access to search and locate real estate properties or real estate agents in which they would be interested, through the use of any telephone set.
Another object is to allow vendors and purchasers quick access to real 10 estate property and real estate agent information selected by them. This includes properties or agents with the characteristics that match their needs, and provide information on open houses.
i.
Another object of the invention is to allow real estate agents to provide 15 detailed advertisements on themselves and on real estate properties that theyhave listed, thereby attracting potential p-lrchasers and vendors. Still anotherobject of the invention is to qualify purchasers so that they know what type of properties they would be interested in and could afford, resulting in saving ~; time of a real estate agellt in qualifying a ~urchaser and shorteni~g the sales ,! 20 cyde.
. .
Another object is to keep telephone messages confidential to the called real estate agent and allow t~e messages to be error free and detailed in scope.
Another object of the present invention is to utilize, as a component, an interactive voice response system, also called a voice ir~formation processor system and interface such a system to a real-time database to ~acilitate on-linesearching and researching of the database based upon multiple search criteria.
A typical interactive voice response processing system is comprised of a 30 computer, an interface to the telephone network, disk storage for storing greetings and to record messages, all of which are controlled by a computer program. It does not include a real-time database or an interface to a real-timedatabase. It also has no facilities to connect to a specific telephone nuinber located from a database or to send information located by facsimile.
`; 4 :.
. ~ . . . ; i, An interactive voice response system system is well known for use in automated voice mail systems and in automated telephone operator systems.
In a voice mail system, the facility is provided for a caller who calls a specific 5 person to leave a voice message which is recorded for later access and play-back by that person. In an automated telephone operator system, a caller may enter the extension number or name of the party to whom the caller wishes to speak i and the system then connects the caller to the desired telephone extension.
The caller in either of these current systems uses the push-buttons on a 10 telephone set each of which activates an electronic sound having a fixed tone.
In the case of a rotary dial telephone set, a separate commonly available push button pad is available to duplicate the push buttons of a telephone set to activate fixed tone sounds.
15 ~nteractive voice response systems are also known for "Talking Yellow Pages"
classified advertising. In this system a caller selects a particular telephone number to gain access to a recorded message on a particular subject matter, such as the weather report or stock quotations. This system really has no meml provided to the caller and does not conlain a database.
Interactive voice response systems are also known in dating services or telepersonal messaging services. In this applicatlon, ~ caller may select from ameml to hear recorded personal messages under that menu item. This system does not, however, provide an interface to a full-featured database providing 25 real-time searching and researching of a database based upon multiple search criteria.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
As indicated, the objects of the present invention are to overcome many of the difficulties experienced in the current real estate indus-try. The ` invention allows any member of the public to remotely real-time search for available and suitable real estate properties on a database. A caller uses any telephone to call a telephone number corresponding to a computer database of , .
available properties. When the telephone call is made the computer database system of the invention (called "Host")answers the telephone using an interactive voice response component of the invention, which verbally greets the caller, through recorded messages or voice synthesis, provides the caller 5 with a menu of choices and prompts the caller for responses. After the caller provides a response, the system may provide additional sequential menus and prompt the caller for sequential responses.
Using this method in this manner, callers may sequentially specify the 10 search criteria for the property in which they are interested. Once a caller completes the criteria selection, a real-time search is performed on the database to locate available real estate properties which match the criteria. The caller then hears a recorded message providing a description for each of the properties so located.
As a result, any potential purchaser may, without contacting a real estate agent, acquire information on real estate properties available that meet the needs of the p~lrchaser. As this method uses a telephone set, no training is required in order to practice the method of the invention. The method may be Z0 used ~4 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is usef~ll for potential purchasers who work shift hours or those who seek infoImation on weekends.
I~sing the same me~od, vendors may use the method of the invention to access information on properties similar to their property in order to allow 25 them to determine if their property is, for example, listed at the appropriate selling price.
After listening to the recorded particular information on a property, callers may request to be connected directly to the responsible real estate agent 30 by responding with the appropriate menu choice.
In a similar way, callers may also leave a voice mail message for a real estate agent relating, for example, to a proper~y of interest located in the search.
A voice mail message is a message from a caller recorded by the Host for a I ,, ~
particular receiving party, which may only be accessed and played-back by that receiving party. Additionally, a caller may request a paper copy of information relating to any property located which could be sent by facsimile or by mail.
A purchaser in selecting -the criteria for a search may select the criteria for properties that it would be interested in such as: the geographic area; the : property type; and the price range. The caller may also request to be served in the language of his choice. To one skilled in the field there could be other criteria provided to conduct searches on the Host database.
` The potential purchasers or vendors may also use the method of the present invention to select appropriate real estate agents. Using this method, apurchaser may call a telephone number which will be answered by the Host indicating a menu of options and requesting a response from the caller.
Subsequent menu options and responses may also be provided to allow callers to define criteria for selecting an agent. In this manner a caller may locate available real estate agents which most suit tlle caller's requirements. These requirements could indude the geographic area handled by the agent, the property types in which the agent is an expert and the languages spoken.
Callers also initially hear a short advertisement by the agent. The caller may leave a voice mail message for any agent located in the search.
The present invention also allows authorized real estate agents to access the real estate database system, again from any telephone. The real estate agentmay provide an identity number and a password to the system which allows the agent to gain access to listen to any voice mail messages left for the agent, modify information on any properties currently listed on the database by the agent, add new properties to the database, and delete that agent properties from-the database. The real estate agent may also transmit information on any of the agent's properties by facsimile to the Host. This is the information provided to a caller who requests information on that particular property.
The present invention overcomes many of the difficulties currently experienced in the real estate industry. To purchasers and vendors it may .
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., , provide a free up-to-date source of categorized and detailed information on available real estate properties, open houses available in their area, and real estate agents. The method is very convenient, easy to use (no training is required) and may be accessed by any member of the public to locate real estate 5 properties or agents. Furthermore, a purchaser or vendor using the invention may now locate real estate agents that meet their personal needs in order to choose one to list a property with or to work with in purchasing a property.
The method may also enable a purchaser to locate open houses which are available for viewing.
There are many advantages of the invention for real estate agents. It provides a consistent targeted and cost effecti~re method of advertising to vendors and purchasers. A real estate agent advertisement is played to callers to the Host where that agent is located in the database search based upon the 15 caller's criteria. Real estate agents may indicate their expertise ancl strengths resulting in broader exposure at minimal cost which likely result in more contacts with purchasers and vendors, enabling more sales. It also allows agents who do not list properties to advertise themselves professionally, which is not currently available through traditional methods. The method of the 20 invention provides accurate, interesting, detailed and personal property descriptions provides potential purchasers with more information than normally would be available through traditional methods and at~racts them to use the real estate agents who use the system. The method also saves the time of real estate ageffls by eliminating the need to personally describe the same 25 property to many callers. The method allows for a property to be placed on the market immediately, in fact even while the agent is at the property of the vendor, impressing the vendor with the fast and efficient listing service. A
real estate agent when seeking information on a property listed by anot~er agent may use the method for acquiring detailed information without the need 30 to contact the listing agent, thereby saving time for both parties. The real estate agent is provided with complete personal confidential voice mail messages from callers who may leave a detailed message, allowing a real estate agent to respond directly to their needs and remove the possibility of incorrect messages. The voice mail messages are kept confidential as they are directed .- .
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only to the appropriate agent and therefore other agents may not have access to them. The method of the invention saves money by eliminating the expense of office staff or an answering service to take messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BRIE~F DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to 10 the accompany drawings in which:
FI~;. 1 is a block diagram of the invention showing public access and real estate agent access to the real estate property, open house, and agent database;
EIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the procedure for members of the public to access the database, select criteria and hear recorded information on real estate properties or real estate agents matching the criteria located in the database;
FIG. 3 is a detailed llow diagram showi~:lg the procedure to follow for real estate agents to access the database to listen to their voice mail messages, update an agent's profile, update property information and recorded advertisements for properties listed, and to send information on real estate proper~ies by facsimile to the Host; and ','5 FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing in detailed how members of the public would practise the method of the invention to access and search the real estate property and real estate agent databases.
" 30 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1, shows an overview of a system according to the present invention which includes a central host computer system 1 (called "Host 1") : ` . : ~ , :, :: ~.; `` ' ~ ':
, ; which contains a database of available real estate properties and of real estate agents which is connected by telecommunications links 2 to a plurality of push-button remote telephone sets, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (cellular telephone in an automobile). Host 1 is also connected to a telephone line 8 suitable for sendingfacsimile transmissions and Host 1 has the ability to send information from its .' database on selected real estate properties by facsimile using telephone line 8.
Host 1 also has the ability to print a paper copy of information on available selected real estate properties which may subsequently be enclosed in an ` envelope 9 and mailed to a caller.
Host 1 contains a database of available property listings which contains a plurality of listings of property which are available for sale, lease or rent. The database is used for search and delivery of relevant property information to , those enquiring of the system with certain spedfications to be described later.
~Iost 1 also maint~ins a database of real estate properties that have open ;~ houses. EIost 1 also maintains a database of real estate agent profiles. Host 1 includes a voice mail messaging system which may store messages left by callers.
Host 1 would be comprised of a comp~lter, an interface to the telephone network, a interactive voice response processing system, disk storage -for storing greetings and to record messages, all of which are control!ed by a ccmputer program. It also includes a database which may be searched in real-time, or could be interfaced to a real-time database. It also has facilities to dial a specific telephone number located from a database and connect a caller to that number; or to send information located by facsimile.
The method involves a caller 10, 11 or 12 which may be a purchaser, vendor or real estate agent, dialling the telephone number o~ Host 1. Multiple callers may use a single telephone number at the same time to access Host 1.
Host 1 answers the call and presents various verbal menus which are described in more detail below, allowing a caller to specify the criteria for the desired property to be located. The caller may input data to Host 1 using the push-buttons on a telephone set, each of which activates an electronic sound having . . ... - . , :. , .. : ~
a fixed tone. The method of inputting data is not limited to the use of a push-button telephone set or separate hand held tone generating unit, but may indude other means of inputting data such as voice recognition processes, where for example, Host 1 would recognize when the caller spoke the numbers 5 1, 2 or 3 to make a selection. Input data is interactively gathered in this manner from the caller and then used to conduct a real-time search of the database of ~Iost 1 Searches of databases by specified criteria are well known.
Upon completion of the database search, the caller may be informed of the number of matched properties so located and may receive a recorded property 10 description for each of the properties so located.
In one embodiment of the invention, the caller may optionally leave a voice mail message which may be automatically addressed by Host 1 to the real estate agent responsible for the particular property located. In adclition, a caller 15 may request to be connected directly to the agent responsible for the property, in which case Host 1 dials the telephone number of the agent and connects the caller. If such connection is not possible, Host 1 will ask the caller if the caller would like to leave a voice mail message for that agent.
In another embodiment of the invention, a caller may request further ; information on selected properties to be sent by facsimile or by mail.
A real estate agent may also access Host 1 using an ordinary telephone set 6. The real estate agent provides a password allowing the agent access to the database to listen to voice mail messages addressed to the agent, and to add or delete property listings or modify those currently listed on the database. ~ real estate agent may also access Host 1 via a cellular telephone 7 from an automobile. This is a very convenient and time saving feature for an agent.
- Host 1 provides verbal menus for the real estate agent to select the desired activities. Similar to the method for locating real estate properties by a purchaser as described above, a real estate agent may input responses to Host 1 through the use of the push-buttons on his telephone set. The real estate agent may also send information on any of the agent's properties to Host 1 to be sent to any caller requesting information on that property by facsimile.
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FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the procedure for members of the public to access the database, select criteria and hear recorded information on real estate properties or real estate agents matching the criteria located in the database. Beginning at start 13, a caller dials the telephone number of Host 1.
Host 1 answers the telephone call and provides an verbal menu 14 to the caller and prompts for a selection from the caller. After the caller inputs a first selection as described previously, Host 1 may provide a sequential menus 13 and again each time prompts for a caller response. This process continues until the caller has responded to all menus provided by Host 1. If there is no response from a caller, Host 1 prompts for the caller to try again 15 and if there is a positive response, provides the previous menu again to the caller. If the caller does not respond to the try again prompt, then the caller may be provided with help 16, consisting of an verbal message on how to use the system after which, upon a positive response~ the caller is returned to the beginning of menu 14. If the caller does not respond to help 16, then Host 1 hangs up 17 on the caller.
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When a caller has provided a prompt ~:o all menu 14 items, a real-time search 18 is cond~lcted of the database to locate all real estate properties 19 that match the criteria selected by the caller. If no properties are located then thecaller is so informed as shown at 21 and is returned to menu 14 to initiate a new search. In cases where properties are located matching the criteria, pre-recorded information 20 on each property is provided to the caller. The caller ; 25 has the ability to control the playing of the property recordings and at the end of each one may indicate to play the next recording, review the previous recording, request a copy of the property information by facsimile or request tobe connected directly to the agent responsible, request open house information, request agent profile information or hang up and terminate the call. If the caller does nothing, the property information recordings may be played one after the other with a slight pause between each. At the end of the recordings the caller may hang up 20 and terminate the search or may select to return to menu 14 to initiate a new search using the same or different criteria.
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FIG. 3 is a detailed flow diagram shovving the procedure to follow for real estate agents to access the database to listen to their voice mail messages, update an agent's profile, update property information and recorded advertisements for properties listed, and to send information on real estate 5 properties by facsimile to the Host. A real estate agent initiates the method at start 50 by dialling the telephone number for Host 1. Host 1 answers the call and prompts for the agent's password at step 51. The agent enters his ~mique password and, if correct, Host 1 then presents a main menu 52 providing the agent with four choices: 1) listening to messages; 2) accessing agent profile; 3) 10 accessing property listings; or 4) transmitting information to Host 1 by facsimile.
If the agent selects listen to messages, the agent would for example press number 1 on his telephone set. Host 1 verbally provides the agent with the 15 number of messages unread and a second menu 53 prompting for choices to 1) listen to unread messages; 2) listen to read messages; 3) listen to discarded messages; 8) return to the main menu; or 9) hang up. If the agent selec~s 1) or
2) to listen to unread or read messages, Host 1 plays the first message and thenprovides him with menu 54 to deal with that nnessage. He may at this stage 1) 20 save the message; 2) discard the message; 3) review the message again; 4) return and hear the previous message; 5) play the ne~t message; 8) return to the main menu; or 9) hang up. All messages may be ti~ne and date stamped. If the agent selects next message, by for example pressing the number 5 on the agent's telephone set, the next message is played again followed by menu 54. This ~5 process is continued until all messages have been played. If the agent selects discarded messages from menu 53, the agent may be provided with the most recent discarded message followed by message menu 55 allowing the agent to deal with the discarded message and to listen to additional discarded messages.
Discarded messages may typically be maintained on the Host 1 for a certain 30 number of days, selectable by the user, after which time they will be automatically erased.
Where the agent selects access agent profile from the main menu 52, he is then presented with agent profile menu 56 allowing him to 0) enable or disable the agent profile completely; 1) indicate language spoken; 2) indicate the geographic area by code that the agent works in; 3) indicate the property type for which the agent is an expert; 4) indicate the agent's phone number; 5) allow theagent to record a profile message which may be used for advertising; 8) return 5 to the main menu; or 9) hang up. All of the agent's input is again accomplished by use of the push-buttons on a telephone set, except for the agent's profile message which is accomplished by the agent recording a message.
If the agent selects 3) access property information from the main menu 52, the agent is presented with menu 57 prompting the agent for the number of the agent's property listing for which access is desired. After the agent selects the number for the property, Host 1 presents property information menu 58.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing in detailed the procedure for allowing the public to practice the method of the invention by accessing the database Host 1. The caller initiates the procedure by dialing the telephone number of Host 1 at Start 70. Host 1 answers with the verbal main menu 71 which prompts the caller to input the desired search ~o be performed, namely: 1) real estate agents; 2) real estate properties; 3) open ho-lses; or 9) hang up.
I~ callers desire a search on available real estate properties, they may indicate this by pressing number 2 on the push-buttons on the telephone set.
Host I then presents verbally menu 72 allowing callers to indicate whether they desire a general real estate property search or a specific search for a particular property. Again, callers may indicate their choice corresponding to the number of the choice indicated in menu 72, for example, for a general search they would press number 1 on the telephone set. :~
If a general real estate search was chosen, Host 1 would provide menu 73 re~uesting if the search is to be done in 1) the metropolitan or city area; or 2) outside of the city. After receiving the caller's response, Host 1 would prompt,by menu 96, for the location within the city area or outside or the city, depending upon what was previously selected by the caller. The location may ,~, .. ~ , ,., . . ~ . . . . . . . . .
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be indicated by a caller by using a codPd area response such as C4 which may represent a particular geographic area, for example, within a city. The real estate industry often has a well established code system to identify particular areas within a city. After receiving the caller's response, Host 1 would prompt 5 for the type of property by menu 94 in which they are interested, such as residential, commercial, investment or industrial. Upon receiving the caller's input, Host 1 would then prompt for the price range by menu 95 desired by the caller. After receiving the caller's input, Host 1 would prompt for the languagetype by menu 74 preferred by the caller and thereafter all property informatioI~10 would be provided to the caller in that selected language. A real-time search of the Host 1 database referenced at 75 would then take place to locate properties that matched the criteria selected by the caller. When the search was complete, the caller would be presented with recorded information on the first property located followed by menu 76 allowing the caller to 1) listen to the next property 15 so located; 2) review of the information just heard; 3) leave a voice mail message for the agent responsible for the property just reviewed; ~) receive a copy of the information on the property just reviewed by facsimile; 5) access a real estate agent search; 6) access open house ~,earch; 8) return to the main menu; or 9) hang up.
IÇ callers select a specific property searc~ from menu 72, perhaps for a property that has been located in their neighbourhood, they would enter the house number for the house desired after being prompted by menu 78 and then enter the first three letters of the street name after being prompted by 25 menu 79. Host 1 would then play a recorded message of the number and full s-treet name and ask the callers if this was the desired property to which callers could respond. If there were two possible properties, Host 1 would verbally identify each until the caller indicated that t~at property was the correct one.Next, callers could enter their language preference when presented with menu 30 80 as discussed previously, and a real-time search would be conducted as shown at reference 81 of Host 1 database for this specific property. If located,recorded information for this property would be played -for the caller. At this stage the caller would be presented with menu 82 allowing the caller to re~uest .;
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certain items sirnilar to those described above under a general property search menu 76.
If a caller selected open houses from the main menu 71, the caller would 5 be provided with menu 83 requesting the geographic location either 1) within the city or 2) outside of the city. It will be appreciated that this menu may beeasily extended to cover specific geographic areas within a city such as particular subdivisions. Upon entry of the selection, the caller would be presented with menu 84 to request information regarding property type much 10 the same as described above with reference to menu 94. After callers enter their input, they would be presented with menu item 85 indicating a price range of properties in which they would be interested in a similar manner to that described above with reference to menu 95. After callers enter their input,they would be asked by Host 1 for their language preference by menu 86 and 15 thereafter the recorded messages would be provided in the language of chosen.The next step would be a real-time search referenced at 87 conducted of Host 1 database for open houses that matched the selected criteria of the caller. Host 1 would provide menu 88 to the caller which is similar in operation to menu 76, and would be operated in the same manner.
If the caller selected a 1) real estate i~gent search from the main menu 71, the caller would be presented with menu 89, and asked to indicate the geographic area for the desired real estate agent. After the caller's entry Host 1 would prompt with the property t,vpe menu 90 and after receivin~ the caller's ;~
25 input, Host 1 would present the language preference menu 91, after which the information would be provided in the language as chosen by the caller. Menus 89, 90 and 91 are similar to and operate much the same as menus 94, 95 and 74, respectively. A real-time search referenced at 92 of Host 1 database would then be conducted and the caller would be provided with a recorded message 30 providing the agent profile of the first agent so located. Menu 93 would thenbe presented by the Host 1 providing a caller with choices similar to those as provided in menu 76, except that no information by facsimile is provided and rather than returning to real estate agents search, the caller could return to areal estate property listing search.
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: ` ' ! j While the present invention has been described with reference to certain specific instances and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit 5 the scope of the invention. For example, the menus described are illustrative : only and may be enlarged or re-ordered and new menus added. The true spirit and scope of the invention should therefore be construed only by reference to the appended claims.
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Discarded messages may typically be maintained on the Host 1 for a certain 30 number of days, selectable by the user, after which time they will be automatically erased.
Where the agent selects access agent profile from the main menu 52, he is then presented with agent profile menu 56 allowing him to 0) enable or disable the agent profile completely; 1) indicate language spoken; 2) indicate the geographic area by code that the agent works in; 3) indicate the property type for which the agent is an expert; 4) indicate the agent's phone number; 5) allow theagent to record a profile message which may be used for advertising; 8) return 5 to the main menu; or 9) hang up. All of the agent's input is again accomplished by use of the push-buttons on a telephone set, except for the agent's profile message which is accomplished by the agent recording a message.
If the agent selects 3) access property information from the main menu 52, the agent is presented with menu 57 prompting the agent for the number of the agent's property listing for which access is desired. After the agent selects the number for the property, Host 1 presents property information menu 58.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing in detailed the procedure for allowing the public to practice the method of the invention by accessing the database Host 1. The caller initiates the procedure by dialing the telephone number of Host 1 at Start 70. Host 1 answers with the verbal main menu 71 which prompts the caller to input the desired search ~o be performed, namely: 1) real estate agents; 2) real estate properties; 3) open ho-lses; or 9) hang up.
I~ callers desire a search on available real estate properties, they may indicate this by pressing number 2 on the push-buttons on the telephone set.
Host I then presents verbally menu 72 allowing callers to indicate whether they desire a general real estate property search or a specific search for a particular property. Again, callers may indicate their choice corresponding to the number of the choice indicated in menu 72, for example, for a general search they would press number 1 on the telephone set. :~
If a general real estate search was chosen, Host 1 would provide menu 73 re~uesting if the search is to be done in 1) the metropolitan or city area; or 2) outside of the city. After receiving the caller's response, Host 1 would prompt,by menu 96, for the location within the city area or outside or the city, depending upon what was previously selected by the caller. The location may ,~, .. ~ , ,., . . ~ . . . . . . . . .
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be indicated by a caller by using a codPd area response such as C4 which may represent a particular geographic area, for example, within a city. The real estate industry often has a well established code system to identify particular areas within a city. After receiving the caller's response, Host 1 would prompt 5 for the type of property by menu 94 in which they are interested, such as residential, commercial, investment or industrial. Upon receiving the caller's input, Host 1 would then prompt for the price range by menu 95 desired by the caller. After receiving the caller's input, Host 1 would prompt for the languagetype by menu 74 preferred by the caller and thereafter all property informatioI~10 would be provided to the caller in that selected language. A real-time search of the Host 1 database referenced at 75 would then take place to locate properties that matched the criteria selected by the caller. When the search was complete, the caller would be presented with recorded information on the first property located followed by menu 76 allowing the caller to 1) listen to the next property 15 so located; 2) review of the information just heard; 3) leave a voice mail message for the agent responsible for the property just reviewed; ~) receive a copy of the information on the property just reviewed by facsimile; 5) access a real estate agent search; 6) access open house ~,earch; 8) return to the main menu; or 9) hang up.
IÇ callers select a specific property searc~ from menu 72, perhaps for a property that has been located in their neighbourhood, they would enter the house number for the house desired after being prompted by menu 78 and then enter the first three letters of the street name after being prompted by 25 menu 79. Host 1 would then play a recorded message of the number and full s-treet name and ask the callers if this was the desired property to which callers could respond. If there were two possible properties, Host 1 would verbally identify each until the caller indicated that t~at property was the correct one.Next, callers could enter their language preference when presented with menu 30 80 as discussed previously, and a real-time search would be conducted as shown at reference 81 of Host 1 database for this specific property. If located,recorded information for this property would be played -for the caller. At this stage the caller would be presented with menu 82 allowing the caller to re~uest .;
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certain items sirnilar to those described above under a general property search menu 76.
If a caller selected open houses from the main menu 71, the caller would 5 be provided with menu 83 requesting the geographic location either 1) within the city or 2) outside of the city. It will be appreciated that this menu may beeasily extended to cover specific geographic areas within a city such as particular subdivisions. Upon entry of the selection, the caller would be presented with menu 84 to request information regarding property type much 10 the same as described above with reference to menu 94. After callers enter their input, they would be presented with menu item 85 indicating a price range of properties in which they would be interested in a similar manner to that described above with reference to menu 95. After callers enter their input,they would be asked by Host 1 for their language preference by menu 86 and 15 thereafter the recorded messages would be provided in the language of chosen.The next step would be a real-time search referenced at 87 conducted of Host 1 database for open houses that matched the selected criteria of the caller. Host 1 would provide menu 88 to the caller which is similar in operation to menu 76, and would be operated in the same manner.
If the caller selected a 1) real estate i~gent search from the main menu 71, the caller would be presented with menu 89, and asked to indicate the geographic area for the desired real estate agent. After the caller's entry Host 1 would prompt with the property t,vpe menu 90 and after receivin~ the caller's ;~
25 input, Host 1 would present the language preference menu 91, after which the information would be provided in the language as chosen by the caller. Menus 89, 90 and 91 are similar to and operate much the same as menus 94, 95 and 74, respectively. A real-time search referenced at 92 of Host 1 database would then be conducted and the caller would be provided with a recorded message 30 providing the agent profile of the first agent so located. Menu 93 would thenbe presented by the Host 1 providing a caller with choices similar to those as provided in menu 76, except that no information by facsimile is provided and rather than returning to real estate agents search, the caller could return to areal estate property listing search.
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: ` ' ! j While the present invention has been described with reference to certain specific instances and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit 5 the scope of the invention. For example, the menus described are illustrative : only and may be enlarged or re-ordered and new menus added. The true spirit and scope of the invention should therefore be construed only by reference to the appended claims.
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Claims (19)
1. A method for providing selected information regarding real estate properties, said method comprising the steps of:
a) creating a database of information on available real estate properties;
b) providing public voice telephone access to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for searching for information contained in said database;
e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information on real estate properties in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to the real estate properties located by said search.
a) creating a database of information on available real estate properties;
b) providing public voice telephone access to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for searching for information contained in said database;
e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information on real estate properties in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to the real estate properties located by said search.
2. The method of claim 1 where the additional criteria that may be specified by said caller includes the price range, geographic location, street address, neighborhood information, floor area, property type, and open house information for the real estate properties.
3. The method of claim 1 in which there is the further step of allowing the caller to select a language whereafter the said identified and selected information on real estate properties is presented in that language.
4. The method of claim 1 in which there is the further step of allowing the caller to leave a voice mail message for a real estate agent
5. The method of claim 4 in which there is the further step of allowing the caller to request information on said identified and selected real estate properties to be sent by mail or by facsimile.
6. The method of claim 4 in which there is the further step of allowing the caller to be connected by telephone to a real estate agent.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the database of available properties created in step (a) includes available real estate properties that have an open house.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the database of available properties created in step (a) includes available real estate properties that have an open house.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the database of available properties created in step (a) includes available real estate properties for commercial purposes.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the database of available properties created in step (a) includes available real estate properties for residential purposes.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the database of available properties created in step (a) includes available real estate properties for rental or lease purposes.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the said menu selection of criteria utilize the push buttons on a telephone set, each of which activates an electronic sound having a fixed tone.
13. A method for for providing selected information regarding real estate agents, said method comprising the steps of:
a) creating a database of information on available real estate agents;
b) providing public voice telephone access to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for searching for information contained in said database, e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information on real estate agents in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to the real estate agents located by said search.
a) creating a database of information on available real estate agents;
b) providing public voice telephone access to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for searching for information contained in said database, e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information on real estate agents in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to the real estate agents located by said search.
14, The method of claim 13 where the additional criteria that may be specified by the caller are the territory covered, property type handled, or the language spoken by a real estate agent.
15. The method of claim 13 in which there is the further step of allowing said caller to leave a voice mail message for a real estate agent
16. The method of claim 13 in which there is the further step of allowing the caller to be connected by telephone to a real estate agent.
17. A method for modifying selected information regarding real estate properties, said method comprising the steps of:
a) creating a database of information on available real estate properties;
b) providing password access by public voice telephone to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for modifying information contained in said database;
e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to said information in said database;
f) providing said caller with means through further verbal menus of information to modify said information on said database.
a) creating a database of information on available real estate properties;
b) providing password access by public voice telephone to said database;
c) providing a caller to said database with a voice menu relating to said information contained in said database and prompting for a selection;
d) accepting a menu selection from said caller to said menu selection specifying a criteria for modifying information contained in said database;
e) sequentially providing additional verbal menus of information and prompting for selections;
f) searching said database in real-time to identify and select available information in said database that match the criteria specified by said caller;
g) providing said caller with voice information relating to said information in said database;
f) providing said caller with means through further verbal menus of information to modify said information on said database.
18. The method of claim 17 in which there is the further step of providing said caller with an additional voice menu allowing said caller to listen to new voice mail messages addressed to the caller, to review previously heard messages, to save messages, and to discard messages.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the said caller is provided with the means to record information about real estate properties on said database.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2058166 CA2058166A1 (en) | 1991-12-20 | 1991-12-20 | Real estate property and agent location method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2058166 CA2058166A1 (en) | 1991-12-20 | 1991-12-20 | Real estate property and agent location method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2058166A1 true CA2058166A1 (en) | 1993-06-21 |
Family
ID=4148966
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2058166 Abandoned CA2058166A1 (en) | 1991-12-20 | 1991-12-20 | Real estate property and agent location method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2058166A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU784953B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2006-08-10 | Anthony Charles Earl Toop | Real estate marketing system |
-
1991
- 1991-12-20 CA CA 2058166 patent/CA2058166A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU784953B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2006-08-10 | Anthony Charles Earl Toop | Real estate marketing system |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |