Real estate information exchange process and system

Abstract

A system and process includes a computer that is operatively connected to an area network, such as to the Internet. A database of MLS properties that are for sale is maintained that is accessible to the computer. Real estate agents must subscribe in order to use the system and are then included in the database. Clients may be either prospective buyers or sellers of the MLS properties. Each client is required to complete a client commitment form whereby the client elects to have a currently subscribing real estate agent represent them before they are allowed access to the information and services provided. Current client files are also included in the database. Real estate agents are given the full functionality that is offered to the clients in that they may view any of the client's files and activities and they are also allowed to post upcoming MLS properties that are to be offered for sale and to FAX property defects that are made available only to other real estate agents. Agents are also able to view the activity of any of their own listings.

1 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a first real estate agent and a client; and   (c) wherein said system is adapted to maintain a file of favorite properties that are selected by said client.   
     
     
         2 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said system provides an automatic update to said client regarding a change in status of any of said favorite properties. 
     
     
         3 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 2  wherein said automatic update occurs as a result of a change in an asking price or a change in availability of said any of said favorite properties. 
     
     
         4 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said system maintains a record of any property that has been viewed by said client and which has been selected by said client for inclusion in said favorite properties file, and wherein said first agent is able to view a listing that is created by said system and provided for viewing to said first agent of at least some of the properties of said favorite properties file that have been recently viewed by said client. 
     
     
         5 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said first agent is able to view any of the properties of said favorite properties file of said client. 
     
     
         6 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said system maintains a record of properties that have been viewed by said client and wherein said first agent is able to view a listing that is created by said system and provided to said first agent of at least some of the properties that have been viewed by said client. 
     
     
         7 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said client can add additional properties to said favorite properties file or delete previously added properties from said favorite properties file and wherein said client can recall said favorite properties file from said database for subsequent viewing. 
     
     
         8 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said system maintains a record of at least one property that is for sale and which has been recently viewed by said client and wherein said first agent is able to view said record. 
     
     
         9 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 3  wherein said change in availability includes a placement of said property back on a listing of properties that are for sale. 
     
     
         10 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  including means for sharing MLS property information between said first real estate agent and a second real estate agent; and wherein said client is provided access to said system subsequent to said client electing to work with said first real estate agent and wherein said client must first agree to have said first real estate agent represent said client by accepting an online Client-Commitment that is provided over said Internet to said client and wherein said client must fully complete and agree to said Client-Commitment prior to an enabling of said means for sharing MLS property information between said first real estate agent and said client. 
     
     
         11 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 1  wherein said client must first register with an ID and a password to gain access to said MLS information. 
     
     
         12 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a real estate agent and a client; and   (c) wherein said system is able to save a criteria used by said client when said client searches for properties that are for sale.   
     
     
         13 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 12  wherein said agent is able to view said criteria. 
     
     
         14 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a real estate agent and a client; and   (c) wherein said system includes means for registering said client sufficient to provide said client with access to said MLS property information, and including means for notifying said agent whenever said client subsequently registers to use said system.   
     
     
         15 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 14  wherein said means for notifying said agent whenever said client subsequently registers includes a transmittal by said system of an email to said agent, said email including an indication that identifies said client as currently communicating over said Internet with said system. 
     
     
         16 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a real estate agent and a client; and   (c) wherein said system includes means for permitting said client to elect to work with said agent and wherein said system includes means for notifying said agent that said client has elected to work with said agent subsequent to said client having elected to work with said agent.   
     
     
         17 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 16  wherein said means for notifying said agent that said client has elected to work with said agent includes a transmittal by said system of an email to said agent. 
     
     
         18 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a real estate agent and other people; and   (c) including a listing agent and wherein said listing agent has provided a listing of at least one property that includes a relevant file of said MLS property information and wherein said system is adapted to provide to said listing agent a report that appertains to said listing.   
     
     
         19 . The real estate information exchange process and system of claim  18  wherein said system is adapted to provide to said listing agent a report that indicates how many times said listing of said at least one property was saved to a file of favorite properties that was selected by any of said other people. 
     
     
         20 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 18  wherein said system is adapted to provide said listing agent with the identity of said agent who is representing at least one of said other people. 
     
     
         21 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 18  wherein said report indicates how many times said listing of said at least one property was viewed over said Internet by said other people. 
     
     
         22 . The real estate information exchange process and system of  claim 18  wherein said system is adapted to save said listing to a file of favorite properties and wherein each property in said file of favorite properties is selected by said agent and wherein said report to said listing agent includes an indication that said listing is included in said file of favorite properties. 
     
     
         23 . A real estate information exchange process and system, comprising:
 (a) a database that is accessible by connection to an Internet network;   (b) means for sharing MLS property information between a first real estate agent and a client; and   (c) wherein said first agent is able transmit by facsimile to said system a disclosure of property defects, and wherein said disclosure of property defects is available for viewing by a second real estate agent.   
     
     
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