CA3010392A1 - Social network application for real estate - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for managing real estate information on a social network implements a mobile application for real estate customers, real estate agents, and real estate managers, with shared but distinct features for each type of user. Multiple listing service (MLS) data including data relating to open houses associated with particular real estate sites is collected and stored on a database server. Real estate customers use the mobile application to access the MLS
data to identify open houses. Real estate agents use the mobile application to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses, and to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded so that the seller may reenter a premises of that open house.

Description

SOCIAL NETWORK APPLICATION FOR REAL ESTATE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method and a software application for providing information and coordinating MLS databases for residential real estate. The application connects clients (potential purchasers) to agents and agents to management.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The housing market in Canada is an essential building block for the entire economy.
Large numbers of residential real estate transactions have the potential for overwhelming the entire system. This is further complicated by the fact that a large percentage of buyers are first time buyers who are unfamiliar with the details required to review in a search for and buying a house.
A number of tools have been provided to assist the buyers and sellers and their agents in attempting to target a collection of suitable houses to relevant, potential purchasers. One of the most well-known is the MLS listing with MLS standing for "Multiple Listing Service." The MLS listing is generally a regionally based complex database of listings entered directly by real estate professionals. The database is intended to act as a trading platform to buy and sell real estate properties. When a property is on the market for sale it is added to the database and tracked through the sales transaction cycle. MLS
listings is a source of information that provides data that fields real estate service sites like ZillowTM, Trulia TM, and AGENT.COM.
It is clear that there is a need for objectively sharing information amongst the various parties involved in a real estate transaction to provide an efficiently operated system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a social network application (app), which, as an essential feature thereof, is implemented by way of computer technology.
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for managing real estate information on a social network. The social network is implemented by way of a web server communicatively coupled to a database server and to at least one networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device executing a mobile application. The mobile application provides access to the web server for real estate customers, real estate agents, and real estate managers, and has shared but distinct features for each type of user. The method comprises collecting multiple listing service (MLS) data and storing the MLS data on the database server. The MLS
data includes data relating to open houses associated with particular real estate sites. The method further comprises permitting the real estate customers to use the mobile application to communicate with the web server to access the MLS data stored on the database server to identify open houses from the MLS data stored on the database server, permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses, and permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded so that the seller may reenter a premises of that open house. Computer-implementation of the method and use of the networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device is essential.
The method may further comprise providing safety features in the mobile

- 2 -application to alert emergency personnel if danger arises at the open house.
In some embodiments of the method, the database server and the web server are both hosted on a common computer system.
In other aspects, the present invention is directed to a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device configured for computer-implementation of the above-described method for managing real estate information on a social network, and to a computer-program product comprising a tangible computer-readable medium embodying computer-usable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to manage real estate information on a social network according to the above-described method wherein the tangible computer-readable medium embodying computer-usable instructions is essential.
The app has the following features:
1. Compare Homes - Allows for comparing multiple homes at once on one screen with the ability to toggle between multiple comparable options including basic specs, descriptions, pictures (both posted and users), videos (both posted and users), and user notes.
2. Check-in/outITrackinq/Safety ¨ GPS enabled home check in/out to meet the needs of the buyer, seller, real estate agent (agent), and broker-in-charge (BIC)/office as well as safety features.
a. Buyer I. Check in ¨ When the buyer checks-in at the home, this can be done at any

- 3 -time, they are capable of adding additional notes/pictures/videos to their home to further develop necessary information to drive a purchasing decision.
Check out ¨ When the buyer checks-out at the home they are prompted to provide feedback. 1) It reminds the buyer to update their rating and comments while the showing is fresh on their mind. 2) It helps provide beneficial feedback to the real estate agent AND/OR seller. 3) Prompt the buyer if they need directions to the next scheduled appointment/home.
b. Seller Check in ¨ Feature that allows the seller to know when the scheduled showing appointment has begun as it notifies the seller through text/email (their choice) when the buyer/agent check-in.
ii.Check out ¨ Feature that allows the seller to know when the buyer and agent have finished their showing appointment. The seller will receive instant notification through text/email (their choice) when the showing has completed at their listed home after the buyer/agent check-out. This can be GPS enabled through GEO Boundary Technology.
c. Agent ¨ Feature in place to increase schedule visibility with the intention of improved Agent safety and tracking aby authorized parties.
i.Check-in ¨Prompts dashboard on Agent's smart phone that gives them the option to access the home screen, notes/feedback, contact office, call 911, or go to home screen.
Check-in also alerts BIC or designated office lead that the Agent has started his/her showing appointment.
Check-out ¨ When the Agent leaves the home the Agent is prompted to check-out. The purpose of checking-out is to 1) Remind the Agent to obtain feedback

- 4 -from the buyer that they can then submit to seller 2) Alert the seller the showing is complete and the home is vacant 3) Alert the BIC/office that the Agent has completed the scheduled showing 4) Prompt the Agent if they need directions to their next scheduled showing/home. This can be automated by GEO Boundary.
d. BIC/Office Check-in ¨ Alerts office that the Agent has begun his/her showing and starts a timer. The timer allows the office to track how long the Agent has been at the home with the buyer. The office can adjust the settings on when to contact the Agent if the appointment has extended past the standard period (for instance, if the Agent has not checked out after one hour the office will be notified via test/email/alert to contact the Agent to ensure everything is ok).
Check-out ¨ Notifies the office that the agent has ended his/her scheduled showing.
3. Home Linked Communication ¨ One source of communication between the app users and/or Agents separated into different files for each home in conversation. File can contain all previous conversations/pictures/videos/notes/calendar history will also connect with the user's calendar to link scheduled showings/open house to user's calendar. This revolves around photo of home and MLS number (if available.) 4. Feedback - While viewing homes the customer or agent will have a feedback screen appear or be an option on the showing screen. It will automatically ask for feedback (if GPS enabled) when checking out of a home after a showing. The agent will receive all feedback from the customer viewing the home after the buyer/user has completed feedback and checkout (this will be the listing agent if the buyer has not

- 5 -selected an agent). In the case of the buyer having an agent, the feedback will first be received and is editable by the agent and then can be forwarded to the listing agent or designated contact. If there are multiple showings in one day, all feedback can be sent with one button, or each can be viewed/edited and sent one at a time.
5. Communicating Appointments (Showings) - After an appointment(s) is requested which may be done through a link to a designated app source, the agent can confirm appointment(s), which will go to the "Scheduled Appointments" section of the application. Appointments will show up in the order of the scheduled appointment(s) with a time stamp of the slotted time confirmed. This screen also tracks past showings in order of the date and shows that the showing has been completed when both check-out (triggered by the check-out feature above) and feedback has been sent. The appointment will not be completed or time-stamped until both of the above are completed.

6. 3 Star Rating System ¨ Measure of rating on a scale of 3 stars (1 being the lowest, 3 being the highest). This rating system can be updated through the home buying process and dictates the order or ranking of viewed homes as seen on the "Favorites"
screen.
This rating is visible to the buyer's agent (if he/she has selected an agent) and helps the agent understand the buyer's favorites. The buyer can also move homes up or down by sliding the listing info up or down to give them a preference order with homes of the same 3 star rating. When they select a home to "in the top 3" it will automatically replace the previously ranked 3rd home on the favorite page. The rating is visible to the buyer's agent (if selected) and helps the agent understand the buyer's favorites.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 schematically illustrates the operation of a social network in which a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device communicates with a web server which in turn communicates with one or more databases.
Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, with web browsers executing on a laptop computer and a desktop computer.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing logic layers executing on the web server of Figure 1 to facilitate the operation of the social network.
Figure 3A is a block diagram showing an exemplary computer system in respect of which aspects of the present technology may be implemented.
Figure 3B is a block diagram showing an exemplary smartphone in respect of which aspects of the present technology may be implemented.
Figure 4 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 5 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 6 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 7 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 8 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 9 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 10 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 11 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 12 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 13 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 14 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 15 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 16 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.

- 7 -Figure 17 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 18 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 19 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 20 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 21 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 22 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 23 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 24 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 25 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 26 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 27 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 28 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 29 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 30 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 31 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 32 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 33 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 34 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 35 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 36 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 37 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 38 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 39 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.

- 8 -=
Figure 40 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
Figure 41 depicts a display screen as it appears on a mobile app.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The application of this invention is adaptable for three separate sets of users, all within a single application. The application provides for customer interface on one hand, a real estate agent on the other hand, and yet a third level for real estate managers. The applications will be discussed in the following description with regard to the above entities in the same order. In all three categories, the application searches MLS
database for residential real estate, which is a starting, point for the three categories of users. The technology for carrying out the process of this application is described below.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Certain aspects of the technology for carrying out the process of the current application is illustrated in Figures 1 through 3B. The technology for the mobile application provides a database for a web server, which is in communication through a social networking technology with the mobile application as illustrated in Fig. 1.
More particularly, as illustrated in Fig. 1, as an essential element of the claimed invention a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device, shown for illustrative purposes as a smartphone 102, communicates, e.g. via the Internet, with a web server 104 which in turn communicates with one or more databases 106 to implement the operation of a social network. The database 106 may be hosted on the web server 104, i.e. the database server and the web server may be hosted on a common

- 9 -computer system, or on a different computer system (e.g. a separate database server 108 as shown in Fig. 3) with communication therebetween being by way of a local area network, wide area network or the Internet, for example. In the illustrated embodiment the smartphone 102 executes the mobile application as a web application (i.e.
an HTML
program executing in a web browser) which sends service requests to the web server 104 using the SOAP protocol and receives responses from the web server 104 in XML
(eXtended Markup Language) format for display in the web browser.
Native implementations of the mobile application (e.g. for the iOS or Android operating systems) are also contemplated. Fig. 2 illustrates an arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 1, implementing website communication with similar technology including a database server 108 implementing the database 106 and a web server 104 in communication with web browsers executing on a laptop computer 110 and a desktop computer 112.
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing logic layers executing on the web server to facilitate the operation of the social network. The logic layers include a presentation layer 320, an access layer 322, a business logic layer 324 and a data access layer 326.
The access layer 322 receives web service requests (e.g. SOAP protocol requests from the smartphone 102) and passes them to the business logic layer 324 after suitable processing. The business logic layer 324 then executes on the request, typically communicating with the data access layer 326 to retrieve data from and/or store data in the database(s) 106. The business logic layer 324 can be implemented in any suitable language(s), including C Sharp (C#), Visual Basic or another suitable programming language (e.g. an object oriented programming (00P) language). The data access layer 326 may be implemented in any suitable language(s), including C Sharp (C#), Visual

- 10 -Basic or another suitable programming language, or may implement tools such as NHibernate, CodeSmith, or Dlinq, for example. The presentation layer 320 presents the results from execution of the business logic layer 324, and may implement ASP
(Active Server Pages), the .NET Framework, and/or Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), for example.
The present invention may be embodied within a system, a method, a computer program product or any combination thereof. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium or media having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present technology. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a

- 11 -waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network. Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present technology may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language or a conventional procedural programming language. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.
In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to implement aspects of the

- 12 -present technology.
These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing aspects of the mobile application described herein.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the mobile application described herein.
The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement aspects of the mobile application described herein.
An illustrative computer system in respect of which aspects of the technology herein described may be implemented is presented as a block diagram in Figure 3A. The illustrative computer system is denoted generally by reference numeral 400 and includes a display 402, input devices in the form of keyboard 404A and pointing device 404B, computer 406 and external devices 408. While pointing device 404B is depicted as a

- 13 -mouse, it will be appreciated that other types of pointing device, or a touch screen, may also be used.
The computer 406 may contain one or more processors or microprocessors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) 410. The CPU 410 performs arithmetic calculations and control functions to execute software stored in an internal memory 412, preferably random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), and possibly additional memory 414. The additional memory 414 may include, for example, mass memory storage, hard disk drives, optical disk drives (including CD and DVD drives), magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives (including LTO, DLT, DAT and DCC), flash drives, program cartridges and cartridge interfaces such as those found in video game devices, removable memory chips such as EPROM or PROM, emerging storage media, such as holographic storage, or similar storage media as known in the art. This additional memory 414 may be physically internal to the computer 406, or external as shown in Figure 4, or both.
The computer system 400 may also include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded. Such means can include, for example, a communications interface 416 which allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system 400 and external systems and networks.

Examples of communications interface 416 can include a modem, a network interface such as an Ethernet card, a wireless communication interface, or a serial or parallel communications port. Software and data transferred via communications interface 416 are in the form of signals which can be electronic, acoustic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 416.
Multiple

- 14 -interfaces, of course, can be provided on a single computer system 400.
Input and output to and from the computer 406 is administered by the input/output (I/O) interface 418. This I/O interface 418 administers control of the display 402, keyboard 404A, external devices 408 and other such components of the computer system 400. The computer 406 also includes a graphical processing unit (GPU) 420. The latter may also be used for computational purposes as an adjunct to, or instead of, the (CPU) 410, for mathematical calculations.
The various components of the computer system 400 are coupled to one another either directly or by coupling to suitable buses.
Figure 3B shows an exemplary networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device, in the form of a smartphone 500, in respect of which aspects of the technology herein described may be implemented. The smartphone 500 includes a display 502, an input device in the form of keyboard 504 and an onboard computer system 506. The display 502 may be a touchscreen display and thereby serve as an additional input device, or as an alternative to the keyboard 504. The onboard computer system 506 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 510 having one or more processors or microprocessors for performing arithmetic calculations and control functions to execute software stored in an internal memory 512, preferably random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM) is coupled to additional memory 514 which will typically comprise flash memory, which may be integrated into the smartphone 500 or may comprise a removable flash card, or both. The smartphone 500 also includes a communications interface 516 which allows software and data to be transferred between the smartphone 500 and external systems and networks. The communications interface

- 15 -516 is coupled to one or more wireless communication modules 524, which will typically comprise a wireless radio for connecting to one or more of a cellular network, a wireless digital network or a Wi-Fi network. The communications interface 516 will also typically enable a wired connection of the smartphone 500 to an external computer system. A
microphone 526 and speaker 528 are coupled to the onboard computer system 506 to support the telephone functions managed by the onboard computer system 506, and a location services module 522 (e.g. including GPS receiver hardware) may also be coupled to the communications interface 516 to support navigation operations by the onboard computer system 506. One or more cameras 530 (e.g. front-facing and/or rear facing cameras) may also be coupled to the onboard computer system 506. The camera(s) 530 may be used to capture an image of a home or a portion of an interior of a home (e.g. a room), and/or an image of a customer and/or an image of an agent, for further handling according to the present disclosure. Input and output to and from the onboard computer system 506 is administered by the input/output (I/O) interface 518, which administers control of the display 502, keyboard 504, microphone 526, speaker 528 and camera 530. The onboard computer system 506 may also include a separate graphical processing unit (GPU) 520. The various components are coupled to one another either directly or by coupling to suitable buses.
The terms "computer system", "data processing system" and related terms, as used herein, are not limited to any particular type of computer system and encompasses servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, as well as other types of computer systems.

- 16 -Thus, computer readable program code for implementing aspects of the technology described herein may be contained or stored in the memory 512 of the onboard computer system 506 of the smartphone 500 or the memory 412 of the computer 406, or on a computer usable or computer readable medium external to the onboard computer system 506 of the smartphone 500 or the computer 406, or on any combination thereof.
Operation of an exemplary implementation of the mobile application will now be described.
Definitions:
1. Customers are people who are searching for a home within a geographical area. They can search by street, city, zip code, or schools. The client has the entire suite of tools necessary for managing the searching and buying process of their new home from start to finish.
2. Real estate agents are the sellers and buyers agent for the customers.
The agent can manage all their clients, schedule appointments, chat with clients, and more within the application.
3. Real estate managers are the people responsible for overseeing agents.
The application allows them to view agents checking in and check out status, receive emergency alerts and more.
CUSTOMER VERSION
The customer version is designed specifically for the end user (customer). The main focus is to give the customer one place to search, communicate with their agent,

- 17 -compare, rank, organize and give feedback on homes.
The home screen is the main landing page of the mobile application. Customers can access the general features by clicking on the various icons.
The application is unique in that it has a section "My Files." The customer application is a set of features that are related to a specific home that the customer has selected from the search results. Think of this as a filing cabinet with the following built-in features and icons:
= My notes = My photos = My videos = My recordings = My showings = Agent Chat This feature allows the customer to build its own virtual file on the home(s) they are searching. These features are specific to a single home. Each home has its own file/section.
The customer version can be accessed from a website and or downloaded from iTunes or Google Market Place to the customer's mobile device (phone or tablet).
The simple search features searches the MLS database based on the customers search criteria. The simple search feature is located at the top of the application on all pages throughout the app.
The search can be based on one or more of the following:
= City and State = School = Zip Code The application searches the MLS database based on the customers search criteria. The customer can then save the search criteria for later use. Once the user finds

- 18 -=
the home, they can add to favorites or start using these features. The following is a list of features found in the left slide out menu, also illustrated in Fig. 4.
Features:
Search Tools:
= Advanced search = Saved searches = Open houses = Agent suggested homes Settings:
= My Profile = Manage real estate = Favorite homes = Schedule showing = Share Quitchet/Improve Quitchet = Terms of Use = Sign out When the user selects "Advanced Search" from the left menu, the screen illustrated in Fig. 5 will appear in the body of the application. The customer can click "Save & Search" (this will save the search criteria to the customers Saved searches or they can simply click "Search."
Features:
= Home for sale = Homes under contract = Homes recently sold = By price = Number of beds = Number of baths = Home type = Key words (features)

- 19 -When the user selects "saved searches" from the left menu, the screen of Fig.

will appear in the body of the application. The customer can select the previously saved search from the list.
Features:
= Displays number of homes in that search criteria = Lists the saved search title = Delete selected saved searches When the user selects "Open Houses" from the left menu, the screen of Fig. 7 will appear in the body of the application. The customer can select one of the Home icons to reveal the details of the home. The customer can search a specific area for Open Houses or they will show the ones in the saved search area(s). The customer can select "open houses" to create a saved "tour" and the app will map them to each home and open files on each home via GPS enabling or manually.
Features:
= Address = Main photo = Beds = Baths = Square footage = Price = More Link (right arrow) = Directions When the user selects "Agent Suggested Homes" from Figure 8 menu, the screen to the right will appear in the body of the application. The customer can view all the homes their agent has suggested for them to review (map view or list view.) Features:
= Address = Main photo = Beds

- 20 -= Baths = Square footage = Price = More Link (right arrow) = Directions When the user selects "My Profile" from the left menu, the screen of Fig. 9 will appear in the body of the application. The customer can edit their basic information.
Features:
= First name = Last name = Email = Password When the user selects "Manage real estate agent" from the left menu, the screen of Fig. 10 will appear in the body of the application. The customer can search for local agents, they can:
Features:
= Call = Text = Remove agent = Add agent When a customer selects an agent as "My Agent" all other agents names and information will be hidden until or unless the customer removes that agent designated as their agent.
When the user selects "Share" from the left menu, the screen of Fig. 11 will appear in the body of the application. The customer can help us improve the app by leaving us some feedback. They can also share the app with others.
Features:
= Improve the app

- 21 -= Facebook = Twitter = Text message = Email When the user selects "Terms of use" from the left menu, the screen to the right will appear in the body of the application. The customer can read the corporate Terms of Use for the mobile app.
Referring to Fig. 13, the main page of the app is the Map page. This page is has many features for the customer.
Features by reference number:
1. Left icon: By reference number, link to left menu features, search and settings.
2. Quick Search: type in city, state, or school.
3. Right icon: Link to right menu features in My tools.
4. Logo: Link back to main map page.
5. Draw icon: Draw on app the area search boundaries.
6. Map icon: Searches homes based on customer current location/GPS
location.
7. Search icon: Filter homes by for sale, under contract, recently sold, price, beds and baths.
8. Home pop up window: shows basic information about home selected.
9. Map icons: Color coded map icons showing location of homes.
10. Map button: Takes user back to home page (this page).

- 22 -11. List button: Shows the homes based on the search criteria in a list view.
The app has a set of tools designed specifically for the customer. The tools are located on the right slide out menu illustrated in Fig. 14. The following is a list of features found in the right slide out menu.
Features:
= Favorite homes = Scheduled appointments = Agent chat messages = Compare homes The app allows the customer to take any home found in their search results and add/remove them to a "Favorite homes" list. The following is a list of features found in the once a home has been added to the Favorite homes section.
Features:
= Images (scroll left and right) = MLS details (scroll up and down) = Remove home from Favorites = Share home with agent = Compare home against other favorite homes = Listed by star rating.
The application allows the customer to request a showing (if they have an agent the request goes to their agent, or if not, the request always goes to the listing/sellers agent). The agent will be notified, once the agent sets the date and time for the showing it will notify the customer and display in Scheduled showings. Once accepted this will populate the customer and agent's calendar.
Features as illustrated in Fig. 15:
= Back to search

- 23 -= Chat with agent = Directions to the home = Listed showings by date and time = List of past showings = "I viewed the home"
= "I left feedback"
The application allows the customer and the associated agent to chat (within the app) around each home. This ensures that all conversation (chats) are grouped and stored within the appropriate home. The Agent chat messages is a list of all the homes that have a chat session. The customer can select the home and review/start or continue a chat dialog. The most recent is always at the top and unanswered chat on each home will be indicated by a bubble icon.
Features (Fig. 16):
= Back to search = Chat with agent = List of homes with chat session = Separated by general chat with agent and by homes Once the customer selects a home that has a chat history (see above Agent chat message) they are taken to the actual chat message history.
Features (Fig. 17):
= Back to search = Schedule a showing = My Files = Add to favorites = Display house details = Email agent = Call agent = Picture of customer and agent = Enter message = Link to Map/Home

- 24 -,=
The Compare Homes feature allows the customer to select as many homes as they desire from the "Favorite Homes" list. Once the homes are selected and then added to the "Compare Homes" page, the customer can compare all the details side by side with each home.
Features (Fig. 18):
= Back to search = My favorite homes = Images (slide left and right) = MLS details (slide up and down) = My Files (access all personal images, notes, video, audio, scheduled showing and chat messages).
The Closer Look ¨ Compare Homes feature allows the customer to access all the apps that makeup My Files.
Features (Fig. 19):
= Back to search = Home details = Email agent = Call agent = Add/edit notes = Add/edit photos = Add/edit video = Add/edit voice recording = Request showing = Driving directions = Chat with agent = Top 3 = Rate this home (3 star) The Closer Look ¨ Home Details is the main page of all homes in the system.
When selected the customer can see all of the MLS details.
Features:
= Back to search = Chat with agent = Schedule showing = My Files

- 25 -= Add to Favorites = MLS details = Directions = Email agent = Call agent The Closer Look ¨ Showing Feedback feature allows the customer to send feedback on the home (after they have visited) back to their showing agent. If they don't have a selected agent it will go directly to the listing agent.
Features (Fig. 20):
= Speech or text general comment = Type general comments = Sent to agent via email = Auto updated on Scheduled showing that Feedback was left.
The agent version is designed specifically for the professional agent. The main focus is to give the agent one place to search, communicate with their customers, compare, rank, organize and give feedback on homes. The agent version has all of the features of the customer version but has additional features as described below.
The agent status is the main landing page of the agent version mobile application.
The agent has several options once they log in.
Features (Fig. 21):
= Check in to the property = Check out of the property = My customer = Leave feedback = Contact my agency = Dial 911 The agent version can be accessed from a website and or downloaded from iTunes or Google Market Place to the customer mobile device (phone or table).
Agents have access to the customers they are connected with and users who are

- 26 -requesting to be customers. Agents can click the "Favorite homes" next to their customer and access the customers' options. This feature connects the agent and the customer with each and every home added to favorites by the customer.
Features (Fig. 22):
= Your buyers (remove, connect, share) = Your sellers = Pending buyer user request = Pending seller user request The agent version can be accessed from a website and/or downloaded from iTunes or Google Market Place to the customer mobile device (phone or tablet).
The simple search feature searches the MLS database on the agents search criteria entered (city and state, zip code, school). The agent can also search for customers or users based on first name or last name. The simple search feature is located at the top of the application on all pages throughout the app.
The customer can search based on:
= Customer (first or last name) = City and State = School = Zip Code The agent app searches the MLS database based on the agents search criteria.
The agent can then save the search criteria for later use. Once the agent finds the home, they can add to their customers "My Favorites."
Features (Fig. 23):
Search Tools = Advanced search = Saves searches = Open houses

- 27 -Settings = My profile = Manager user request = Share Quitchet/lmprove Quitchet = Terms of Use = Sign Out Closer Look ¨ Advanced Search: When the agent selects "Advanced Search" from the menu of Fig. 24, the screen will appear in the body of the application.
The agent can set their search criteria and can click "Save & Search" (this will save the search criteria to their Saved searches) or they can simply click "Search."
Features (Fig. 24):
= Home for sale = Homes under contract = Homes recently sold = By Price = Number of beds = Number of baths = Home type = Key words (features) When the agent selects "Saved Searches" from the menu, the screen of Fig. 25 will appear in the body of the application. The agent can select a previously saved search from the list.
Features (Fig. 25):
= Displays number of houses in that search criteria = Lists the saved search title = Delete selected saved searches When the agent selects "Open Houses" from the menu, the screen of Fig. 26 will appear in the body of the application. The agent can select one of the Home icons to reveal the details of the home. The agent can search a specific area for Open Houses or they will show the ones in their saved search area(s). The agent can "add an open house"

- 28 -, if they wish to schedule one of their listings for a future date and time.
This will show to all users in the open house search field.
Features (Fig. 26):
= Address = Main photo = Beds = Baths = Square foot = Price = More link (right arrow) = Directions When the agent selects "My Profile" of Fig. 27 from the menu, the screen will appear in the body of the application. The agent can edit their basic information and can also add/edit a full profile visible to all users. A "buyer's packet" can be forwarded to any customer through the app when selected as an agent by a user and accepted by the agent as a customer.
Features (Fig. 27):
= First name = Last name = Email = Password They can also add/edit a full profile visible to all users, add a "buyer's packet" that can be forwarded to any customer via the app when selected as an agent by a user and accepted by app as a customer function.
Closer Look ¨ Manager user request: When the agent selects "Manage user request" from the left menu, the screen of Fig. 28 will appear in the body of the application.
The agent can manage user request to join as a customer if so desired.

- 29 -Features (Fig. 27):
= Call = Text = Deny as customer = Add as customer When an agent selects "Add as customer" an email and text will be automatically sent to the user welcoming them as a new customer. This will include the "buyer packet"
if created by that agent. The user is then added to the Agent customer (home) screen once they have accepted the invitation. This agent becomes that users "My Agent."
When the agent selects "Share" of Fig. 29 from the left menu, the screen will appear in the body of the application. The agent can help improve the app by leaving feedback. They can also share information with others.
Features (Fig. 29):
= Improve this app = Facebook = Twitter = Text Message = Email When the agent selects "Terms of Use" from the left menu, agent can read the corporate Terms of Use for the mobile app.
When the agent searches for homes in the agent version, the results are displayed in a Map view. The agent has access to several features:
Features list:
1. Left icon: link to left menu features, search & settings.
2. Quick Search: type in city, state, or school.
3. Right icon: link to right menu features in My tools.
4. Logo: link back to main map page 5. Draw icon: draw on app the area search boundaries.
6. Map icon: searches homes based on customer current location/GPS
location.

- 30 -7. Search icon: filter homes by for sale, under contract, recently sold, price, beds and baths.
8. Home pop up window: shows basic information about home selected.
9. Map icons: color coded map icons showing location of homes.
10. Map button: takes user back to homepage (this page).
11. List button: shows the homes based on the search criteria in a list view.
When the agent selects a home from the search results, the details of the home (pulled from MLS) will be displayed. The agent can add this home to their customer(s) "Agent suggested homes" section within the customer app.
Features:
= MLS details = Directions = Share with Customers = Image slider Agent Tools The agent version has a set of agent tools designed specifically for the agent. The tools are located on the right slide out menu (Fig. 30.) Features:
= My customers = Schedule an appointment = Scheduled appointments = Customer chat messages = Compare homes = Showing feedback = Check In/Out When the agent clicks on "My Customers" the agent has access to the customer and user who is requesting to be a customer. The agent can manage their customers and access each customer "My Favorite Homes."
Features (Fig. 31):
= Phone

-31 -= Chat = Remove customers = Add customers = Deny user request = Access Favorite homes (by customer) Closer Look ¨ Schedule An Appointment When a customer requests a showing the agent is notified via mobile pop up.
The agent can then view all the showing requests grouped by customer. When order is selected all phone appointments are grouped by contact telephone number with time slots noted by each home. The agent can place multiple appointments in order by sliding up and down the list view and assign them a date. They can also be arranged in map view by touching the home screen. The agent can phone or contact the MLS indicated party (individual or appointment contact company) populated from the MLS information to schedule a showing. The appointment can be expedited through the scheduler of the application. The agent would then select the date and time and the app would notify customer via the app with the details after the appointment has been confirmed.
Features (Fig. 32):
= Customer information = Home details = Direct text or email chat = Designated contact company or Listing Agent phone, text, email or link to schedule appointment (from MLS data) = Schedule showing = PRO app shows the listing agent contact name and listing number and email in this view and scheduled showing view for ease of contact prior to or during showing session.
When the agent sets the appointment in the app, the application will set the date and time of the appointment in the calendar of agents customer and the agent opt to send the listing agent and seller an email or text alert when arriving and leaving the

- 32 -appointment.
Features (Fig. 33):
= Notify seller and listing agent = Set date and time range The agent can view all scheduled appointments for each customer. Once the agent has scheduled an appointment the agent can view in their mobile calendar on this page.
Features (Fig. 34):
= Customer name = Showing date and time = Email customer = Call customer = Directions: (always takes you from your present location if GPS is activated) ¨ if not it will show from your designated "home" start point in your GPS.
= MLS details (and image slider) = Check in/Check Out alert or manual function = when the agent enters the home, GPS will trigger a 5 grid screen (or it can be manually done) to give options to:
o View home o Enter feedback o Check in o Check out o Emergency alert The agent version allows the agent to check in and out of a showing.
= Check in/Check out alert functions appear when the agent enters the home GPS will trigger a 6 grid screen to give options to:
(FIG. 35) = My Customers

- 33 -= Contact my agency = Leave feedback = Check in ¨ this button can activate app needed for lock box access = Check out = Emergency alert Closer look ¨ Customer chat messages The agent app allows the agent and customers to chat around each home. This ensures that all conversations (chats) are grouped and stored within the appropriate home. The Customer chat message is a list of all the homes that have a chat session.
The agent can select the home and review/start or continue a chat dialog. The most recent is always at the top and an unanswered chat on each home will be indicated by a bubble icon.
Features (Fig. 36):
= Back to search = Chat with customer or agent on each home = List of homes with chat session = Separated by general chat with customer and by homes.
Closer Look ¨ Customer Chat ¨ History Once the agent selects the chat icon on a home (see above) the agent is taken to the chat history between the customer and agent around that home.
Features (Fig. 37):
= Back to search = Schedule a showing = My Favorites = Add to Favorites = Display House Details = Email customer = Call customer = Picture of customer and agent

- 34 -= Enter message = Link to Map/Home The Compare Homes feature allows the customer to select as many homes as they desire from the "Favorite Homes" list. Once the homes are selected and then added to the "Compare Homes" page the customer can compare all the details side by side for each home.
Features (Fig. 38):
= Back to search = My Favorite homes = Images (slide left and right) = MLS details (slide up and down) = Home Page (access all personal images, notes, video, audio, scheduled showing and chat messages.) The Closer Look feature allows the agent to access all the apps that make up the customer version for each customer.
Features (Fig. 39):
= Back to search = Home details = Email agent = Call agent = Add/edit notes = Add/edit photos = Add/edit video = Add/edit voice recording = Request showing = Driving directions = Chat with agent The Closer Look ¨ Showing Feedback ¨ form This feature allows the agent to complete the feedback based on the comments given to them by the buyer and then send feedback on the home (after they have visited)

- 35 -back to their account to be forwarded later to the listing agent.
Features (Fig. 40):
= Speech to text general comment = Type general comments = Sent to agent via email = Auto updated on Scheduled showing that Feedback was left.
The Closer Look ¨ Showing Feedback ¨ Manager This feature allows the agent to view and send the feedback to the listing agent.
Features (Fig. 41):
= Phone or chat with customer = Send feedback to listing agent = Add feedback for customer = Phone, text or email listing agent There are additional features within the agent version to allow for the schedule of showings through the chat features and link to the listing, setting up schedules, showings and verification through the appropriate contact, either a call or showing center, listing company, listing agent or individual, as designated in the listing information. This can be done by text, email, or hyperlink. After confirmation, it is forwarded to the customer for acceptance and loaded into their calendar.
The agent version also has an additional feature that begins to establish procedures for closing. It allows the agent to schedule inspections, link to inspectors, attorneys, and all other parties involved in the closing process. The agent version has safety features; one feature allows the "safety showing screen" to remain on the agent's screen during the open house. They will check in for the start of the open house and

- 36 -check out when all is clear and they are in their car safely. A "911" button is always up for emergency use. The Agent or the Customer viewing the open house can also complete feedback while viewing the home and send it to the listing agent who can then forward to the seller for completion of the open house. The seller then knows that it is safe to return to the property.
The Manager App The Manager version is designed specifically for the manager of the agents.
The manager can view each agent's scheduled showings. The manager can view the scheduled times, check in and check out status, and how long the agent has been Agent picture Phone number / link Dial 911 Appointment date and time Address MLS number Map link Customer name and phone number Check status with time stamp Check out with time stamp Timer which stays running until check out Data gathering to create reports for agents on items such as the number of homes shown until sale, miles traveled, number of customers lost/not converted to sale,

- 37 -=
etc.
As can be seen from the above description, the systems and methods for managing real estate information described herein represent significantly more than merely using categories to organize, store and transmit information and organizing information through mathematical correlations. The systems and methods for managing real estate information are in fact an improvement to the technology of access control for the premises at which open houses are conducted, as they permit the real estate agents to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses and to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded. This facilitates the ability of the seller to reenter the premises of that open house sooner and with greater certainty. Moreover, the systems and methods for managing real estate information are confined to residential real estate applications.
One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims as purposively construed. In construing the claims, it is to be understood that the use of a computer (including for greater certainty a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device) to implement the embodiments described herein is essential.

- 38 -

Claims (8)

1.
A computer-implemented method for managing real estate information on a social network, such social network being implemented by way of a web server communicatively coupled to a database server and to at least one networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device executing a mobile application, the mobile application providing access to the web server for real estate customers, real estate agents, and real estate managers, the mobile application having shared but distinct features for each type of user, the method comprising:
collecting multiple listing service (MLS) data and storing the MLS data on the database server, the MLS data including data relating to open houses associated with particular real estate sites;
permitting the real estate customers to use the mobile application to communicate with the web server to access the MLS data stored on the database server to identify open houses from the MLS data stored on the database server;
permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses; and permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded so that the seller may reenter a premises of that open house;
wherein computer-implementation of the method and use of the networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device is essential.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing safety features in the mobile application to alert emergency personnel if danger arises at the open house.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the database server and the web server are both hosted on a common computer system.

4. A networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device configured for computer-implementation of a method for managing real estate information on a social network, comprising:
at least one processing unit;
at least one communications interface coupled to the at least one processing unit;
a memory coupled to the at least one processing unit;
the memory containing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processing unit:
communicatively couple the at least one processing unit via the at least one communications interface to a web server that is in turn communicatively coupled to a database server; and implement a mobile application on the networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device, the mobile application providing access to the web server for real estate customers, real estate agents, and real estate managers, the mobile application having shared but distinct features for each type of user, wherein the mobile application:
permits the real estate customers to use the mobile application to communicate with the web server to access the MLS
data stored on the database server, the MLS data including data relating to open houses associated with particular real estate sites, to identify open houses from the MLS data stored on the database server;
permits the real estate agents to use the mobile application to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses; and permits the real estate agents to use the mobile application to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded so that the seller may reenter a premises of that open house;
wherein computer-implementation of the method using the networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device is essential.

5.
The networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device of claim 4, wherein the mobile application is further configured to provide safety features to alert emergency personnel if danger arises at the open house.

6.
A computer-program product comprising a tangible computer-readable medium embodying computer-usable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to manage real estate information on a social network, such social network being implemented by way of a web server communicatively coupled to a database server and to at least one networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device executing a mobile application, the mobile application providing access to the web server for real estate customers, real estate agents, and real estate managers, the mobile application having shared but distinct features for each type of user, by doing the following:
collecting multiple listing service (MLS) data and storing the MLS data on the database server, the MLS data including data relating to open houses associated with particular real estate sites;
permitting the real estate customers to use the mobile application to communicate with the web server to access the MLS data stored on the database server to identify open houses from the MLS data stored on the database server;
permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to enter check-in and check-out information regarding the real estate customers at the open houses; and permitting the real estate agents to use the mobile application to notify a seller that a respective one of the open houses has been concluded so that the seller may reenter a premises of that open house;
wherein the tangible computer-readable medium embodying computer-usable instructions is essential.

7. The computer-program product of claim 6, wherein the computer-usable instructions include instructions for providing safety features in the mobile application to alert emergency personnel if danger arises at the open house.

8. The computer-program product of claim 6, wherein the computer-usable instructions include instructions for hosting both the database server and the web server on a common computer system.