NZ629929B - Property proximity method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for managing properties. The method comprises a processing system receives property criteria indicative of one or more properties of interest from a mobile communications device via a communications network (202). The processing system identifies one or more matching properties from a number of listed properties using the property criteria. The processing system communicates with the mobile communications device (203) via a communications network to determine if the mobile communications device (203) is located within a set distance of a matching property. The processing system then identifies a lister associated with the matching property, and provides a proximity notification to the lister. from a number of listed properties using the property criteria. The processing system communicates with the mobile communications device (203) via a communications network to determine if the mobile communications device (203) is located within a set distance of a matching property. The processing system then identifies a lister associated with the matching property, and provides a proximity notification to the lister.

Description

PROPERTY PROXIMITY METHOD AND APPARTUS Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a property proximity method and apparatus, and in one particular example, to a method and apparatus for determining proximity of a user to a listed property of interest.

Description of the Prior Art The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it) , or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication ( or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

It is known to provide networked based resources, such as websites, for displaying real estate listings, which are details of properties available for sale or rent. However, these are typically passive systems that require users to actively search listings in order to view details of available properties of interest.

Additionally, existing systems typically dont provide information to sellers, so it is difficult for sellers to gauge the level of interest in listed properties, other than based on the number of people attending inspections.

Summary of the Present Invention In one broad form the present invention seeks to provide a property proximity method, the method including, in a processing system: a) receiving property criteria indicative of one or more properties of interest from a mobile communications device via a communications network; b) identifying one or more matching properties from a number of listed properties using the property criteria; c) communicating with the mobile communications device via a communications network to determine if the mobile communications device is located within a set distance of a matching property; d) in response to a successful determination: i) identifying a lister associated with the matching property; and, ii) providing a proximity notification to the lister.

Typically the method includes, in the processing system: a) determining an identifier associated with the mobile communications device; and, b) generating the proximity indication at least partially in accordance with the identifier.

Typically the method includes, in the processing system, determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by: a) periodically receiving an indication of a device location from the mobile communications device; and, b) comparing the device location to the location of one or more matching properties.

Typically the method includes, in the processing system, determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by: a) providing an indication of property locations of the one or more matching locations to the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device being adapted to: i) comparing the device location to the location of one or more matching properties; and, ii) generate a proximity indication in response to a successful comparison; and, b) receive the proximity indication from the mobile communications device.

In another broad form the present invention seeks to provide a property proximity method, the method including, in a mobile communications device: a) obtaining property criteria indicative of one or more properties of interest, the property criteria being provided to a processing system via a communications network to allow the electronic processing device to identify one or more matching properties from a number of listed properties using the property criteria; b) determining a device location; c) communicating with the electronic processing device to determine if the mobile communications device is located within a set distance of a matching property; and, d) generating a proximity alert in response to a successful determination.

Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a flow chart of an example of a property proximity method; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a distributed computer architecture; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a processing system; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a mobile communications device; Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example of a process of a lister creating a property listing; Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a first example of a user interface used in creating a property listing; Figures 6B to 6I are schematic diagrams of a second example of a user interface when used in creating a property listing; Figures 7A to 7C are a flow chart of a specific example of a property proximity method; and, Figures 8A to 8D are schematic diagrams of an example of a user interface when used in the process of Figures 7A to 7C.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments An example of property proximity method will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

In this example, it is assumed that the process is performed at least in part using a processing system, which is in communication with one or more mobile communications devices. The processing system is typically a suitably programmed computer system, such as a personal computer, server, or the like, and is capable of communicating with the mobile communications device via one or more communications networks. The mobile communications devices are capable of presenting content, such as visual, audible, or haptic content, based on information provided by the electronic processing device and are typically mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, mobile computers, or the like. It will be appreciated from this that the term "mobile communications device" is not intended to be limiting and could apply to any device that is portable and can perform suitable processing operations.

For the purpose of the example, the following terminology will be used. The term "property" refers to any form of real estate including residential or commercial property, such as a house, apartment, townhouse, block of land, strata title, office, office block, or the like and is not intended to be limiting. The term "listed property" refers to any property to be offered for sale or lease (c urrent listings), and can also optionally include historical data regarding previously listed, sold or leased properties (hi storical listings). The term "user" is used to refer to an individual that is interacting with the electronic processing device via the mobile communications device to view details of properties. The term "lister" refers to any entity that is involved in listing a property, including but limited to an individual or company, such as a seller, renter, or property agent.

In this example, at step 100, the method includes, determining property criteria indicative of one or more properties of interest. In general, the user defines the property criteria using the mobile communications device, with this information then be transferred to, and hence received by the processing system. This can be achieved in any suitable manner, and can include for example, allowing a user to view available property criteria via an App or website, and then select property criteria of interest.

At step 110, one or more matching properties are identified from a number of listed properties using the property criteria. This is typically performed by the processing system, which can maintain a database including property details of listed properties, allowing the processing system to filter these using the property criteria. Thus, for example, if the property criteria are two bedroom houses for sale, the processing system simply searches the database for all listed properties matching these requirements.

At step 120, the processing system and mobile communications device communicate via a communications network to determine if the mobile communications device is located within a set distance of a matching property. This can be achieved using any suitable technique, and may depend on the preferred implementation, as well as on available facilities.

For example, the mobile communications device can determine its own location, using locating mechanisms, such as GPS (G lobal Positioning System), A-GPS ( A ssisted Global Position Systems) or the like, with this information being provided to the processing system. The processing system can then use reverse geocoding to identify a corresponding street address, with this being compared to a street addresses of the matching properties.

Alternatively, the processing system could determine the location using other techniques, such as based on the communications network, or specific base station to which the mobile communications device is attached.

As a further alternative however, the street addresses of matching properties could be uploaded to the mobile communications device, allowing this to perform the comparison in a similar manner. This technique is generally not preferred as it can limit the amount of information available to the processing system, and also limit system functionality as will be described in more detail below. Nevertheless, this can be advantageous in some scenarios, such as if there is limited communications network availability.

The particular set distance used can vary depending on the preferred implementation, but would typically be set at a value of a few tens of meters, thereby determining if the user is driving or otherwise passing the property, but precluding a proximity being identified merely if the user is in the same suburb. However, it will be appreciated that this could be varied depending on the circumstances in which the system is used, and may for example be defined as a greater distance in rural regions compared to urban regions, where properties are typically closer together.

In the event that the mobile communications device, and hence by association the user, are determined to be within the set distance of a matching property, either or both of two different actions can be performed.

In one example, at step 130, the processing system determines a lister associated with the relevant matching property that the mobile communications device is near, for example from the property details stored in the database, and then provides a proximity notification to the lister at step 140. The proximity notification can be of any suitable form and can include communication sent to the lister via nominated contact details, such as an email, SMS (S hort Message Service) or the like, or could alternatively include updating statistics in a database that can be accessed by the lister upon demand. The proximity notification can indicate the relevant matching property, but may also include other associated relevant information, such as a date and/or time in which the user was in proximity of the property, and optionally information regarding an identity of the user or mobile communications device, as will be explained in more detail below.

Additionally and/or alternatively, at step 150 the mobile communications device can be adapted to generate a proximity alert in response to a successful determination. The proximity alert can be of any suitable form, but typically includes an audible, visual or haptic signal that can be used to indicate to a user that they are within proximity of a property matching their property criteria. The alert can also be accompanied by additional information, such as details of the relevant property. In a further example, the alert could be provided to the user via other mechanisms, such as pushing a notification to a smart watch, glasses display system such as Google Glass , an in-car or portable satellite navigation system, in-car head up display or the like.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described method and apparatus can be used to allow a user to define property criteria representing properties of interest using a mobile communications device. The location of the mobile communications device is then used to identify when the mobile communications device, is within a set distance of a property meeting those criteria, with this information being communicated to either or both of a lister of the property and the user.

Thus, this enables property listers to gather statistics relating to the number of times users pass by a property of interest, whilst also allowing users to be alerted when they are within the vicinity of a property of interest. For example, the lister can select a property they are currently involved in listing and then view details of any time a user is within the proximity of the property. This can assist listers in maximizing the effectiveness of advertising, whilst also assessing interest in individual properties.

Additionally, from a users perspective, this can assist users in locating properties of interest, as well as allowing users to view information regarding historical listings. This provide users with a point of comparison, enabling them to identify properties that have previously been sold within their price range, and more easily compare these to currently listed properties.

A number of further features will now be described.

In one example, the method includes, in the processing system, determining an identifier associated with the mobile communications device and generating the proximity indication at least partially in accordance with the identifier. The identifier could be of any suitable form and could include a phone number, MIN (Mobi le Identification Number), or a UDID (U nique Device Identifier) associated with an App installed on the mobile communications device. In one example, this can be used by the lister in order to identify users, for example to contact them to ascertain their level of interest. Even in the event that the information is not sufficient to identify the user from the identifier alone, it may be possible for the lister to subsequently match individuals attending inspections or leasing or purchasing, with those that have been in proximity of the property. Even without this information however, the statistics provided relating to the number of individuals that are passing the property and which are interested can be valuable, for example allowing the lister to determine the success of marketing, or whether the property is being offered at any appropriate valuation.

Typically the method includes, in the processing system, determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by periodically receiving an indication of a device location from the mobile communications device and comparing the device location to the location of one or more matching properties. Thus, the processing system receives location information from the mobile communications device and uses this to determine if the mobile communications device is within proximity of any properties matching the property criteria.

However, alternatively the method can include determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by providing an indication of property locations of the one or more matching locations to the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device being adapted to compare the device location to the location of one or more matching properties. Thus, this allows the mobile communications device to receive locations of properties meeting the property criteria, and then use this information to determine if the mobile communications device is within a proximity of a matching property. This can be used in an offline environment, or in a situation in which a user does not provide permission to allow their location to be provided to the processing system. Nevertheless, in this example, the mobile communications device can be adapted to generate a proximity indication in response to a successful comparison so that the processing system can receive the proximity indication from the mobile communications device. This allows the processing system to alert the lister that a mobile communications device is in proximity of a matching property.

In one example, the method further includes, in the processing system, receiving a tour request, determining a tour route to a between a number of matching properties and providing an indication of the tour route to the mobile communications device. In this example, the mobile communications device is typically adapted to determine a current location, and provide an indication of one or more directions in accordance with the current location and the tour route. Accordingly, this allows users to be guided to properties of interest, via a route determined by the processing system. This can take into account various parameters, such as the timing of inspections, locations of recently sold properties or the like, thereby enabling users to visit as properties in a convenient manner.

In one example, the method further includes, in the processing system, receiving a route save indication, receiving a sequence of locations from the mobile communications device and saving an indication of the sequence of locations. This allows user to save routes they have travelled, allowing these to be retrieved and reviewed at a later date.

In one example, the above described processes are performed by one or more processing systems operating as part of a distributed architecture, an example of which will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

In this example, the arrangement includes a number of processing systems 201 and mobile communications devices 203 interconnected via one or more communications networks, such as the Internet 202, and/or a number of local area networks (LANs) 204. A number of computer systems 205 may also be provided. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the networks 202, 204 is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing system, mobile communications devices and computer systems 201, 203, 205 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.11 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.

The use of separate terms "processing system", "mobile communications device" and "computer system" is for illustrative purposes and to enable distinction between different devices, optionally having different functionality. For example, the processing and computer systems 201, 205 could represent servers and clients respectively, as will become apparent from the following description. However, this is not intended to be limiting and in practice any suitable computer network architecture can be used.

An example of a suitable processing system 201 is shown in Figure 3. In this example, the processing system 201 includes an electronic processing device, such as at least one microprocessor 300, a memory 301, an optional input/output device 302, such as a keyboard and/or display, and an external interface 303, interconnected via a bus 304 as shown. In this example the external interface 303 can be utilised for connecting the processing system 201 to peripheral devices, such as the communications networks 202, 204, databases 211, other storage devices, or the like. Although a single external interface 303 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) m ay be provided.

In use, the microprocessor 300 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 301 to perform required processes, such as communicating with other processing or computer systems 201, 203. Thus, actions performed by a processing system 201 are performed by the processor 300 in accordance with instructions stored as applications software in the memory 301 and/or input commands received via the I/O device 302, or commands received from other processing or computer systems 201, 203.

The applications software may include one or more software modules, and may be executed in a suitable execution environment, such as an operating system environment, or the like.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing systems 201 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, or the like. In one particular example, the processing systems 201 are standard processing system such as an Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the processing system could be or could include any electronic processing device such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.

As shown in Figure 4, in one example, the mobile communications device 203 includes at least one microprocessor 400, a memory 401, an input/output device 402, such as a keyboard and/or display, and an external interface 403 such as a radio transceiver, interconnected via a bus 404 as shown. In this example the external interface 403 can be utilised for connecting the mobile communications device 203 to the communications networks 202, 204. Although a single external interface 403 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided. The mobile communications device 203 can also incorporate location determining technology, such as a GPS module 405 or the like, coupled to the bus 404, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

In use, the microprocessor 400 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 401 to allow communication with the base station 201, for example to allow content to be received therefrom and to allow the content to be presented.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the mobile communications devices 203 may be formed from any suitable device, such as a smart phone, tablet, network enabled media player, laptop, or the like. Thus, in one example, the mobile communications device 203 is a standard smart phone, or tablet executing software applications stored on non-volatile storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the mobile communications devices 203 can be any electronic processing device such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (F ield Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.

The computer systems 205 will typically have a similar configuration to either the processing systems 201 or the mobile communications device 203, and could therefore be a suitably programmed PC, Internet terminal, lap-top, hand-held PC, smart phone, PDA, tablet, or the like, and these will not therefore be described in any further detail.

It will also be noted that whilst the processing and computer systems 201, 205 are shown as single entities, it will be appreciated that this is not essential, and instead one or more of the processing and/or computer systems 201, 205 can be distributed over geographically separate locations, for example by using processing systems provided as part of a cloud based environment.

Examples of the above described method(s ) will now be described in further detail.

For the purpose of these examples, it is assumed that the processing system(s ) 201 host webpages or interacts with Apps, allowing listers, such as property or real estate agents to post details of available properties using the computer systems 205. Additionally, users use the mobile communications devices 203 to access details of listed properties from the processing system 201. It will also be assumed that the users and listers interact with the processing system 201 via a GUI (Graphical User Interface), or the like, presented on the mobile communications system 203 or the computer system 205, and in one particular example via an App or via browser application that displays webpages hosted by the processing system 201.

In the current examples, reference to the computer system 205 and mobile communications device 203 is to assist in distinguishing between devices used by the lister and user respectively, but in practice, the lister and user can both use mobile communications devices or computer systems with location tracking functionality, and this is not therefore intended to be limiting.

However, it will be appreciated that the above described configuration assumed for the purpose of the following examples is not essential, and numerous other configurations may be used. It will also be appreciated that the partitioning of functionality between the processing system, mobile communications device and computer systems 201, 203, 205 may vary, depending on the particular implementation.

An example process for allowing a lister to add a property listing will now be described with reference to Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6I.

In this example, at step 500, the lister optionally registers to use the system. This can be achieved using any suitable mechanism, and can include steps of creating an account and establishing a lister profile, including contact information, login credentials, such as a username and password, or the like. The lister may also be required to pay a fee for listing properties, and this can be in the form of a one off fee per listing, for example in the case of private listings, or alternatively could be in the form of a subscription for agents or the like.

As these are typical online registration processes, these will not be described in any further detail.

Once an account has been established, at step 505, the lister selects a new listing option using the computer system 205. This is typically achieved by selecting an appropriate input option on a user interface displayed to the lister, for example as part of a webpage hosted by the processing system 201, or as part of an App executed by the computer system 205.

At step 510, the lister enters property information using the computer system 205. In one example, this is performed via a webpage hosted by the processing system 201, an example of which is shown in Figure 6A. In this example, the computer system 205 displays a browser application 600, including a toolbar 611 having respective menu options, an optional scrollbar 612 and a browser window 620 that displays a webpage including a number of property fields 621. The property fields 621 can be used to allow the lister to enter details associated with the property and which are required to list the property. Whilst the details required will depend on the preferred implementation, in one example this includes information such as: Listing type; Property type; Street number; Street name; Suburb; Price; Features; Landsize; and, Description.

Once the details have been entered, the processing system 201 uses the address details to generate a map showing the property location, which is presented to the lister via a webpage. This allows the lister to review the map at step 525 to ensure that the property displayed on the map is the correct property. As part of this process, the user may interact with the map and selecting different views, such as a street view, satellite view, or the like.

If it is determined that the address is incorrect, at step 530 the lister indicates this via an appropriate input option, allowing the address to be corrected at step 535. It will be appreciated that this process can be repeated until the correct property address is selected.

At step 540, once the address has been confirmed to be correct, the property listing is added to a listings database, for example by creating a new property record associated with the corresponding property details.

The above has focussed on the use of a web based system for adding the new listing, but a similar process can also be performed using an App, allowing the lister to create a new listing using a computer system 205 in the form of a mobile communications device. An example of this is shown in Figures 6B to 6I, which show screen shots from an App.

In this example, after undergoing a registration or login process, the lister selects an add listing option, at which point the lister is asked to confirm a location. In one example, the can be manually entered, but alternatively, this process can be performed whilst the lister is located at the property, in which case GPS or other information can be used to identify the location. In this example, the GPS coordinates are submitted from the computer system 205 to the processing system 201, which uses reverse geocoding to identify an address. This is then displayed to the lister on a representation of a map, as shown for example in Figure 6B.

The lister can also select alternative views, such as a satellite view as shown in Figure 6C, allowing them to more easily confirm the address is correct.

Once the lister has confirmed the address is correct, they are presented with the interface shown in Figures 6D to 6G, allowing them to enter the property details, similar to the details outlined above. Finally, as shown in Figures 6H and 6I, the lister can define inspection times, indicating when the property will be open for inspection, and optionally upload a photo.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described processes provide easy mechanisms for allowing a lister to add details of a property, either via a website, or via a mobile App.

An example of the process for allowing a user to view property listings will now be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C and Figures 8A to 8D.

In this example, at step 700, the user opens an App installed on their mobile communications device 203. It will appreciated that this could include a process of installing the App from an App store, and also providing relevant permissions to the App, including allowing the App access to location data from a location tracking system, such as an in-built GPS receiver. This may also include a registration process for first time users in which user details, such as login information, contact details or the like, are provided, although this is not essential. This process will typically be used to establish a user profile, which is subsequently used to track user preferences, store property criteria, or the like.

At step 705, the App can cause an identifier, such as a phone number, MIN, UDID, username, password, or the like to be transferred to the processing system 201, allowing the processing system to access the respective user profile at step 710.

At step 715, the processing system determines if property criteria exist, and if not causes the user to enter property criteria at step 720, for example by having the App display property criteria available for selection by the user, as shown in Figure 8A. Once the user has selected relevant property criteria, the App submits these to the processing system 201 at step 725, allowing the processing system 201 to add these to the user profile. Storing the property criteria as part of the user profile, allows the selected criteria to be used by default each time the App is opened, obviating the need for the user to re-enter property criteria each time the App is used, although it will be appreciated that this is not essential and alternatively property criteria could be entered each time the system is used. As a further alternative the property criteria could be stored locally on the mobile communications device 203 and submitted each time the App is used.

In any event, at step 730, once the property criteria have been defined, the processing system 201 uses the property criteria to identity matching properties at step 730. In this regard, the processing system uses the property criteria as a filter, to thereby filter properties in the listing database, thereby identifying matching properties whose details meet the property criteria.

At step 735, details of the matching properties can be displayed to the user via the App. This can be performed in any suitable manner and can include displaying a list of the properties, although in one preferred example, the properties are displayed on a map, as shown for example in Figure 8B, allowing users to easily view the relative location of the properties. This helps the user in choosing which of the properties they wish to visit, but also allows the user to identify a route between the properties, for example if they are going to inspect a number of properties.

To assist with this process, at step 740, the user can select one or more viewing options. These influence how the properties are displayed and in one example, include four modes, namely: free roam, tour, track and save and an agent suggested properties tour. In free roam, the user is free to select which properties they visit and the route chosen, with the App merely alerting the user if they pass near a matching property. In tour, the processing system 201 calculates a route between the matching properties identified by the search. This may be geographically limited, so could include for example a tour around properties in a selected or current suburb. Additionally, the route can be optimised based on particular requirements, so could for example arrange for a number of properties to be visited in a sequence based on available inspection times, or alternatively could be arranged to cover as many properties as possible using a minimum route length. In the track and save mode, the user selects a record option, in which case the route they choose themselves is then recorded by the App, allowing it to be viewed on a map at a later time. Finally, in agent suggested mode, a tour round properties suggested by an agent is used.

In the free roam and track and save modes, location information from the mobile communications device is used to identify the route being travelled, with this being optionally saved, allowing the user to review the route taken at a later time. In the tour and agent suggested modes, location information from the mobile communications device is further compared to a defined route, which can be used to provide guidance information, for example by showing the route on a map and generating voice navigation commands, as known for example from existing navigation applications. Examples of routes, either recorded or suggested as part of a tour are shown in Figure 8C.

Irrespective of the particular mode used, the App and processing system 201 operate to identify when the user is within a set distance of a matching property as will now be described in more detail. In particular, at step 745, the mobile communications device 203 operates to determine location information, for example in the form of GPS coordinates, or the like, with this being transferred to the processing system 201 at step 750. It will be appreciated that whilst the use of GPS is described, additionally or alternatively other location information could be used, such as an indication of nearby Wi-Fi networks the mobile communications device is connected to, as well as information regarding nearby cellular communication towers.

At step 755, the processing system 201 uses reverse geo-coding to identify a street address associated with the mobile communications device location, with this being compared to the street addresses of matching properties at step 760. At step 765, the processing system 201 determines if the mobile communications device is within a set distance of a matching property based on the results of the comparison, and if not the process returns to step 745 allowing a next mobile communications device location to be determined.

However, in the event the mobile communications device 203 is within a set distance of a matching property, then at step 770, the processing system records a proximity indication. The proximity indication can include information such as an indication of the property, details of the mobile communications device and/or user, and additional details such as a date and time stamp. The proximity indication is typically stored in a database, allowing this to be subsequently accessed, for example, allowing it to be used in generating viewing statistics for different properties.

At step 775, the processing system, 201 transfers a proximity indication to the mobile communications device 203, causing the App to generate a proximity alert at step 780. The proximity alert can be of any suitable form but typically includes an audible and optional haptic indication, such as a ring tone and vibration, with accompanying visual information, such as an indication of the property details, as shown in Figure 8D.

The alert indicates to the user that they are near a matching property, and provides the user with relevant information, thereby helping the user to identify the matching property, and optionally view additional details to determine whether they wish to investigate the property further. For example, the alert could cause information to be displayed to the user to assist them in identifying the relevant property. This could include displaying a street view type representation, displaying navigatable images of the property and its surrounds.

Additionally or alternatively this could include a pointer, such as a representation of a compass or the like that uses location information from the mobile device to display a pointer directing the user to the relevant property. The property details can also include agent information and inspection times, allowing the user to organise an inspection if this is of interest.

Additionally, the App can display a save property option, allowing the user to select to save details of the property at step 785, for example to a favourites list stored either locally on the mobile communications device, or remotely as part of the user profile. This ensures that the user can easily retrieve details of the property at a later time should this be of interest.

Whilst the above described process has focussed on current listings, it will be appreciated that a similar process can be applied to historical listings, for example to thereby allow the user to view properties that have recently sold, and which would have also met their criteria. In this instance, a similar process can be performed, with the user optionally nominating a time period for which recent sales or leases should be included (e g: the last year). In this example, it will be appreciated that the information provided to the user could include an indication of when the property sold and the associated sale price.

Simultaneously with the above described process, the processing system 201 also identifies a lister associated with the property at step 790 and transfers a proximity notification to the lister at step 795. The proximity notification can include an indication of the property as well as additional information, such as the time and date, and optionally an indication of the mobile communications device and/or user. This allows the lister to identify whether potential buyers are interested in a property and also determine if people attending inspections have visited the property at other times, which can help them gauge a level of interest. This in turn helps provide the lister with useful feedback, in turn assisting with the sales process.

In one example, details of proximity notifications are stored for the lister for subsequent review. This can be accessed via a suitable interface, such as a webpage based dashboard, accessed via the computer system 205, which can be used to notify the lister each time a user passes listing, provide a full activity log on passing signboard traffic, produce weekly activity reports on listings and associated activity, extend marketing reach to buyers, as well as providing the interface to allow listers to list properties.

Further example details of the process and workflow are shown in Figure 9.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described system can identify when users are within a certain distance of properties that meet their criteria, allowing the system to issue an alert to the user, helping them to more easily identify matching properties.

Furthermore, the system can be adapted to guide users to properties using tour modes, making the process of viewing properties more straightforward, which is particularly useful for users when they are travelling around unfamiliar suburbs.

The system also notifies listers, such as agents, or proximity events, allowing agents to gauge levels of interest in properties, and hence more accurately assess effectiveness of marketing, likelihood of sales, or the like. Additionally, the system collects data regarding proximity events, such as drive bys, allowing statistics to be derived regarding the level of interest in different properties, and tracking of which different properties different individuals pass near. This allows listers to easily view statistics relating to each property to easily identify the relative popularity of each property.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims (4)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1) A property proximity method, the method including, in a processing system: a) receiving property criteria indicative of one or more properties of interest from a mobile communications device via a communications network; b) identifying one or more matching properties from a number of listed properties using the property criteria; c) communicating with the mobile communications device via a communications network to determine if the mobile communications device is located within a set distance of a matching property; and, d) in response to a successful determination: i) identifying a lister associated with the matching property; and, ii) providing a proximity notification to the lister.

2) A method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: a) determining an identifier associated with the mobile communications device; and, b) generating the proximity indication at least partially in accordance with the identifier.

3) A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the method includes, in the processing system, determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by: a) periodically receiving an indication of a device location from the mobile communications device; and, b) comparing the device location to the location of one or more matching properties.

4) A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the method includes, in the processing system, determining if the mobile communications device is within a distance of a matching property by: a) providing an indication of property locations of the one or more matching locations to the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device being adapted i) comparing the device location to the location of one or more matching properties; and, ii) generate a proximity indication in response to a successful comparison; and, b) receive the proximity indication from the mobile communications device.