Abstract:
This invention discloses a process involving automatic notification to interested individuals of current real estate values. The process consists of a monitoring service entity, external data source, and end-user. The disclosed embodiments include a process whereby parties can be directly notified of real estate values or alternatively may initiate contact with the monitoring entity to receive data.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/173,440, filed Jul. 1, 2005, the entire contents of which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates, generally, to a process for monitoring and reporting real estate valuation; more particularly to a process in which interested individuals can be automatically notified of recent property sales and changes in values in particular neighborhoods. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Setting the optimum selling price for real estate property is crucial to a successful and profitable sale. An overpriced property can sit on the market for a year or more. An underpriced property may sell quickly, but for potentially far less money than it is actually worth. So before a property is sold, it is essential to know the property&#39;s true market value in today&#39;s ever-changing real estate market. 
         [0006]    Traditionally, buyers or sellers of real estate contact real estate agents, brokers, or the like, to determine the value of real estate within a certain location. The problem with this method is that many individuals are reluctant to initiate contact with real estate agents or brokers for fear of having to commit to a sale or purchase, or fear of getting locked into an exclusive contract to pay a commission. Another problem is that the agent or broker, without being asked in advance, neither monitors nor notifies potentially interested parties about up-to-the minute changes in the property values within a certain given location. Even if agents were able to monitor changes in property values, the time and commitment required would be cost-prohibitive for the agents, particularly given that there is no assurance that such close monitoring would lead to closing any particular transaction for which that broker or agent would be certain to earn a commission. Sellers of real estate have another problem in that they have to pay to have the value of their real estate assessed and later pay again if the market changed before the sale has been closed. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there has been a long felt need in the art for a method to allow people to monitor their property values, a process which is automated, accurate, and able to notify the interested individual on a regular basis at low cost and without the necessity of a personal relationship with an agent or a broker. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    This invention is directed towards overcoming the above shortcomings by disclosing a method of monitoring real estate values that is automated and able to report directly to interested individuals. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the method to monitor real estate values comprises evaluating an initial property valuation of the property of interest; monitoring periodically for the most recent local sales; determining an estimated property value of the property of interest; and notifying clients of the estimated property value and most recent local sales, and how the most recent local sales affect the estimated property value of the property of interest. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the evaluating part comprises using at least one algorithm and at least one data set within a monitoring service computer. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment, the evaluating part comprises using information from a third party. 
         [0012]    In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the monitoring part comprises using at least one data set and at least one algorithm within the monitoring service computer. Alternatively, the monitoring part involves an individual randomly contacting the monitoring service computer. 
         [0013]    A method to monitor real estate is disclosed wherein the determining part comprises a method of calculating the most recent local sale using latitude and longitude coordinates from data sets or from areal estate service, checking the most recent local sale&#39;s longitude and latitude coordinates against the property of interest&#39;s coordinates, and then determining whether the estimated property value for the most recent local sale is within a particular price range. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the price range is a universal range. In a further embodiment, the price range is individually determined for each property monitored at the time of the initial property valuation. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the method to monitor real estate involves recording the identities of the properties used as most recent local sale and the property of interest receiving the estimated property value in the monitoring service computer. 
         [0016]    Further, a method to monitor real estate values is disclosed, where the notifying part comprises contacting individual consumers by electronic means. Alternatively, third parties could be contacted by electronic means. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment of the invention, the method to monitor real estate values further comprises displaying a map of the neighborhood of the property of interest, the estimated property value, and the most recent local sales information. In another embodiment, the method comprises displaying an equity calculator. In a further embodiment, the method to monitor real estate values comprises displaying an equity history over time of the property of interest. 
         [0018]    Further, a system to monitor real estate values is disclosed which comprises a means for evaluating an initial property value of the property of interest; a means for checking periodically for the most recent local sales; a means for determining the estimated property value of the property of interest based upon the most recent local sales; and a means for notifying clients of the most recent local sale, and how the most recent local sales affect the estimated property value of the property of interest. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the relationships between the parties. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the information sent from the External Data Source to the Data Base within the Monitoring Service. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating commands being sent into the Data Processor within the Monitoring Service and the reports generated by the Monitoring Service. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a computer screen form to be filled out by the end-user to request the monitoring service to monitor a property of interest. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a report displayed on a computer screen used by the monitoring service to notify end-users of the EPV and MRLS data. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  shows the external data source  10  in relationship with the monitoring service  11  which is in relations hip with the end-user  15 . The monitoring service comprises data base  12 , data processor  13 , and server  14  components. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows information flowing from one or numerous external data sources. This information or data sets includes, but is not limited to, real estate information from tax rolls  16 , deed information (most recent sales)  17 , periodic data updates (transactions)  18 , periodic data updates (properties)  19 , and other public records and real estate information. The external data source(s)  10  will send information to the monitoring service  11  using ASCII file, FTP or similar electronic link, or with human intervention using a CD or DVD-ROM or other portable data storage means. The data will be sent periodically in an automatic manner as determined by algorithms, or when desired as determined by human operators using a computer, a web browser, and a graphical user interface (GUI) operably connected to the external data source&#39;s server or computer. 
         [0026]    The monitoring service  11  consists of data base  12 , data processor  13 , and server  14 . The data base  12  is comprised of information obtained from the external data sources that consist of data sets such as property information from tax rolls  16 , deed information (most recent sales)  17 , periodic data updates (transactions)  18 , periodic data updates (properties)  19 , and other public records and real estate information. The database  12  will also record information computed by algorithms within the data processor such as, but not limited to, most recent listed sales (MRLS)  20  and estimated property value (EPV)  21 . 
         [0027]    The data processor  13  within the monitoring service  11  consists of several different algorithms whose function includes, but is not limited to, (i) monitoring properties of interest (ii) calculating the most recent listed sales (MRLS)  20 , (iii) calculating the estimated property value (EPV)  21  and (iv) calculating changes in property values. 
         [0028]    The data processor  13  monitors properties using algorithms. For instance, the following algorithms can be used to monitor interested properties: 
         [0029]    If X count of props can be found within Y radius then send notification to the end user. 
         [0030]    If the property type is A, B, or C and within a certain geographic area send notification to the end user. 
         [0031]    Other than using algorithms, notification can be initiated via human operator intervention using a computer, web browser, and a graphical user interface (GUI) operably connected to the monitoring service&#39;s server or computer. 
         [0032]    The data processor  13  determines the initial property valuation (IPV) with algorithms using data sets within the data base  12  including, but not limited to, real property information from tax rolls  16 , deed information (most recent sales)  17 , periodic data updates (transactions)  18 , periodic data updates (properties)  19 , and other public records and real estate services. 
         [0033]    The processor also performs calculations of MRLS using latitude and longitude coordinates from data sets within the data base or from real estate services, checks each MRLS property&#39;s longitude and latitude coordinates against the coordinates of the property of interest, and then determine whether the estimated property value of the MRLS is within a particular range. The price range can be either a universal range or one that is individually determined for each property monitored at the time of the initial valuation. The identities of the properties used as recognized MRLS are recorded in the database  12 . 
         [0034]    Calculation of the EPV or its updated valuation is based on algorithms within the data processor  13  using data sets within the database  12  that includes, but is not limited to, real property information from tax rolls  16 , deed Information (most recent sales)  17 , periodic data updates (transactions)  18 , periodic data updates (properties)  19 , and all MRLS data for a monitored property after so many number of MRLS have been discovered. The identities of the properties receiving the EPV are recorded in the database  12 . 
         [0035]    The server  14  links the monitoring service to the internet. The monitoring service receives and transmits information respectively to the external data source  10  and the end-user  15 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates that the end-user entities  15  can request from the monitoring service  11  functions such as, but not limited to, which properties are to be monitored  22 , which properties to stop monitoring  23 , MRLS maps  24 , MRLS listings  25 , and listings  26  of individuals or parties that should be notified of EPV  21  and MRLS  20  data. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a computer screen form to be filled out by the end-user  15  to request the monitoring service  11  to monitor a property of interest. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates a report displayed on a computer screen used by the monitoring service to notify end-users  15  of the EPV  21  and MRLS  20  data. 
         [0039]    The end-user entity  15  can be directly notified by the monitoring service  11  using electronic means, or the end-user can initiate contact with the monitoring entity via electronic means. Here, the notification can also be personalized as if it came from a third party. The end-user  15  can be either individual consumers, or third party entities who are interested in providing information to their clients. Data from this notification process including, but not limited to, a record of the need to make the notification, a record of the fact that the notification was actually made via a certain manner, and when necessary, a record that notification was made but sent back (and noting what the reason was) will all be recorded in the database  12  of the monitoring service&#39;s computer for further use. 
         [0040]    The end-user entity  15  is comprised of a computer, a web enabled browser, and a graphical user interface (GUI) operably connected to said end user&#39;s server or computer.