Patent Publication Number: US-2018053266-A1

Title: Real Property Valuation System

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an improved computer system and, in particular, to a method and apparatus evaluating real properties. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for identifying accurate values for the real properties. 
     2. Background 
     Identifying value of real properties is performed for various real property operations. The operations include, for example, project planning, pricing new sales, property development, and other operations. One manner in which the value of the real properties is identified includes analyzing comparables. The comparables are properties with characteristics similar to the property in question that may be compared to identify the value of the real property. For example, factors that are examined for the comparables include conditions of sale, financing conditions, market conditions, vocational comparability, and physical comparability. 
     However, identifying and evaluating the real properties that are considered to be comparables is subjective. As a result, identifying prices of the real properties may not be as accurate as desired. Further, appraisal data often becomes outdated based on market changes. 
     Further, the identification of the comparables only provides a snapshot of the value of the real properties in time. This type of analysis is static and does not lend itself to identifying trends for real properties. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that take into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues. For example, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that overcome a technical problem with identifying the value of the real properties with a desired level of accuracy. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer system. The computer system comprises a display system, a real property database, and a property analyzer. The real property database comprises income information for people in regions based on locations of the people. The regions are organized into levels in a hierarchy in which a parent region in a first level in the levels is comprised of child regions in a second level in the levels that is below the first level in the hierarchy. The property analyzer is in communication for with the display system and the real property database. The property analyzer received a request for the income information for a region in a selected level in the hierarchy. The property analyzer identifies the income information for the region in the selected level in the hierarchy in the real property database. The property analyzer displays the income information in a graphical user interface on the display system. The income information, which is displayed in the graphical user interface on the display system, enables performing an operation with respect to real property. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for analyzing real property. A request for income information for a region in a selected level in a hierarchy of levels in a real property database is received by a computer system. The income information for the region in the selected level in the hierarchy of levels in the real property database is identified by the computer system. The income information in a graphical user interface on a display system is displayed by the computer system. The income information displayed in the graphical user interface on the display system enables performing an operation with respect to the real property. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product for analyzing real property. The computer program product comprises a computer readable storage media, first program code, second program code, and third program code. The first program code, the second program code, and the third program code are stored on the computer readable storage media. The first program code receives a request for income information for a region in a selected level in a hierarchy of levels in a real property database. The second program code identifies the income information for the region in the selected level in the hierarchy of levels in the real property database. The third program code displays the income information in a graphical user interface on a display system. The income information displayed in the graphical user interface on the display system enables performing an operation with respect to real property. 
     The features and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a block diagram of real property information environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  an illustration of a block diagram of a record in payroll information in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a block diagram of a graphical user interface in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a record in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is yet another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is still another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is yet another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for analyzing real property in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for updating a real property database in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for updating a real property database with statistical information in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for displaying income information in a graphical user interface in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that current methodologies for identifying value of real properties are not as accurate as desired. The illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that actual rent data and census information are used in identifying the value of real properties. Those embodiments recognize and take into account that this type of information is often inaccurate as entered, is outdated, or both. 
     Additionally, the illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that additional factors should be considered in identifying the value of the real properties. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that identifying a trend in the value of the real properties may be helpful in making an evaluation of the value of a real property. In another example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that at least one of willingness to pay, ability to pay, or stability of income should be taken into account in evaluating the value of the real properties. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of each item in the list may be needed. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items and number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list are required. The item may be a particular object, a thing, or a category. 
     For example, without limitation, “at least one of item A, item B, or item C” may include item A, item A and item B, or item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C or item B and item C. Of course, any combinations of these items may be present. In some illustrative examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A; one of item B; and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations. 
     The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that other sources of data may be more accurate than those currently used. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that information from payroll databases are more accurate than rent data and census data when analyzing attributes such as willingness to pay, ability to pay, and stability of income. 
     Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for analyzing real properties. In one illustrative example, a computer system receives a request for income information for a region in a selected level in a hierarchy of levels in a real property database. The computer system identifies the income information for the region in the selected level in the hierarchy in the real property database and displays the income information in a graphical user interface on a display system. The income information displayed in the graphical user interface on the display system enables performing an operation with respect to the real property. 
     With reference now to the figures and, in particular, with reference to  FIG. 1 , an illustration of a block diagram of a real property information environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Real property information environment  100  includes property analyzer  102 . Property analyzer  102  may be used to analyze real properties  104 . Real properties  104  may include at least one of land, land with improvements, land with crops, or land with natural resources. 
     As depicted, property analyzer  102  is in communication with real property database  106 . Property analyzer  102  analyzes real properties  104  using real property database  106 . 
     In this illustrative example, real property database  106  comprises income information  108  for people  110  in regions  112  based on locations  114  of people  110  in real properties  104 . As depicted, regions  112  are organized into levels  116  in hierarchy  118  in which parent region  120  in first level  122  in levels  116  is comprised of child regions  124  in second level  126  that is below first level  122  in hierarchy  118 . 
     In this illustrative example, income information  108  may be derived from payroll information  150  received from payroll system  152 . Further, locations  114  also may be derived from payroll information  150 . Deriving income information  108  and locations  114  may include at least one of locating the information in payroll information  150  or calculating the information from payroll information  150 . 
     Payroll system  152  may be, for example, in an organization or a payroll company that performs payroll for many organizations in many different geographic locations. For example, payroll system  152  may be a regional payroll system, a nationwide payroll system, or an international payroll system. 
     Property analyzer  102  receives request  128  for income information  108  for region  130  in selected level  132  in hierarchy  118 . Property analyzer  102  identifies income information  108  for region  130  in selected level  132  in hierarchy  118  in real property database  106 . 
     Depending on selected level  132  in hierarchy  118 , region  130  may be selected from one of a census block, a block group, a census track, a county, a state, and a region of the county in this particular example. Other types of hierarchies or types of partitions may be used in other examples. 
     Property analyzer  102  is also in communication with display system  134  and displays income information  108  in graphical user interface  136  on display system  134 . Income information  108  is displayed in graphical user interface  136  on display system  134  that enables performing operation  138  with respect to real property  140  in real properties  104 . 
     Property analyzer  102  may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When software is used, the operations performed by property analyzer  102  may be implemented in program code configured to run on hardware, such as a processor unit. When firmware is used, the operations performed by property analyzer  102  may be implemented in program code and data and stored in persistent memory to run on a processor unit. When hardware is employed, the hardware may include circuits that operate to perform the operations in property analyzer  102 . 
     In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take a form selected from at least one of a circuit system, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device may be configured to perform the number of operations. The device may be reconfigured at a later time or may be permanently configured to perform the number of operations. Programmable logic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array, a programmable array logic, a field programmable logic array, a field programmable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices. Additionally, the processes may be implemented in organic components integrated with inorganic components and may be comprised entirely of organic components, excluding a human being. For example, the processes may be implemented as circuits in organic semiconductors. 
     Computer system  142  is a physical hardware system and includes one or more data processing systems. When more than one data processing system is present, those data processing systems are in communication with each other using a communications medium. The communications medium may be a network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, or the Internet. The data processing systems may be selected from at least one of a computer, a server computer, a tablet, or some other suitable data processing system. 
     In this depicted example, display system  134  is connected to computer system  142 . Display system  134  is a physical hardware system and includes one or more display devices on which graphical user interface  136  may be displayed. The display devices may include at least one of a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or some other suitable device on which graphical user interface  136  can be displayed. 
     Operator  144  is a person that may interact with graphical user interface  136  through user input  146  generated by operating input system  148  for computer system  142 . Input system  148  is a physical hardware system and may be selected from at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a touchscreen, a stylus, a motion sensing input device, a cyber glove, or some other suitable type of input device. 
     In one illustrative example, one or more technical solutions are present that overcome a technical problem with identifying the value of the real properties with a desired level of accuracy. For example, property analyzer  102  derives income information  108  from payroll information  150  received from payroll system  152 . Payroll information  150  provides current and up-to-date information for use in identifying income information  108  for people  110 . 
     As a result, one or more technical solutions may provide a technical effect of improved accuracy in providing information to identify the value of real properties using income information  108 . As depicted, income information  108  may be derived from payroll information  150  that is obtained from payroll system  152 . In this manner, income information  108  may be at least one of more accurate or more up-to-date as compared to currently used systems. 
     As a result, computer system  142  operates as a special purpose computer system in which property analyzer  102  in computer system  142  enables ensuring income information  108  in real property database  106  is more accurate as compared to currently used systems. In particular, property analyzer  102  transforms computer system  142  into a special purpose computer system as compared to currently available general computer systems that do not have property analyzer  102 . For example, property analyzer  102  may provide a visualization of income information  108  in a manner that is easier for operator  144  to view and use in identifying operation  138  with respect to real property  140 . Income information  108  may be displayed in different ones of regions  112  at different ones of levels  116  in hierarchy  118  on graphical user interface  136  on display system  134 . The display of income information  108  at different ones of levels  116  provides different visualizations of income information  108  that enable identifying income information  108  for evaluating real properties  104 . 
     Computer system  142  performs a transformation of payroll information  150  into income information  108 . The changes are such that the data has a different function or has a different use. Payroll information  150  is typically used for payroll purposes while the transformation into income information  108  allows for evaluating real properties  104 . 
     With reference next to  FIG. 2 , an illustration of a block diagram of a record in payroll information is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, record  200  is an example of a record in payroll information  150  in  FIG. 1 . 
     In this illustrative example, record  200  has a number of different fields. As depicted in this illustrative example, record  200  includes name  202 , residence address  204 , workplace address  206 , rate of pay  208 , money earned  210 , net pay  212 , taxes withheld  214 , voluntary deductions  216 , and benefits information  218 . 
     Name  202  is the name of a person for which location information is identified. In this illustrative example, name  202  is not included in income information  108  in real property database  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example, residence address  204  and workplace address  206  are locations  114 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , for the person. These addresses are used by property analyzer  102  in  FIG. 1  to identify locations  114  in regions  112  in real property database  106  in  FIG. 1 . As depicted, locations  114  may include both workplace and resident addresses. In this manner, a more versatile analysis of real properties  104  in  FIG. 1  may be used by having both residence address  204  and workplace address  206  used in locations  114 . 
     Rate of pay  208  indicates how the person is paid. Rate of pay  208  may be, for example, an hourly rate, a salary, or some other manner in which the person is paid. Money earned  210  is the amount of money earned by the person in a particular payroll. Net pay  212  is the amount of pay that the person received from a particular payroll after the money has been withheld or deducted from money earned  210 . 
     Taxes withheld  214  is the amount of money withheld for taxes from money earned  210 . Taxes withheld  214  may include at least one of state taxes or federal taxes. Voluntary deductions  216  are amounts that are deducted from money earned  210 . 
     Benefits information  218  identifies benefits for the person. For example, benefits information  218  may include an identification of vacation days and sick days for the person. Benefits information  218  also may include retirement contributions for an individual retirement account (IRA), a 401(k) account, or some other suitable type of retirement vehicle. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of a block diagram of a graphical user interface is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the illustrative examples, the same reference numeral may be used in more than one figure. This reuse of a reference numeral in different figures represents the same element in the different figures. 
     In this illustrative example, an example of one implementation of graphical user interface  136  is shown. In this figure, graphical user interface  136  comprises graphical elements  300  that are used to display income information  108  in real property database  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example, window  302  in graphical elements  300  displays regions  304 . Regions  304  are all of the same level in hierarchy  118  in  FIG. 1  in real property database  106 . The display of regions  304  takes a number of different forms. For example, regions  304  may be displayed in at least one of map  306  or satellite image  308  in window  302 . 
     Further, graphical elements  300  also includes window  310  in which income information  312  is displayed. Income information  312  is a visualization of at least some of income information  108  in  FIG. 1  in real property database  106 . For example, income information  312  may be displayed in graphical form in window  310  and may include at least one of text, icons, a graphic, highlighting, bolding, color, or other types of graphical information. 
     Further, income information  312  may be derived from income information  108 . In other words, calculations, comparisons, or other processing using income information  108  may be used to generate at least some of income information  312  displayed in window  302 . 
     Additionally, graphical elements  300  also include a group of controls  314 . The group of controls  314  may be used to interact with graphical user interface  136 . For example, the group of controls  314  may be used to change the level of regions  304  displayed in window  302 . As another example, the group of controls  314  may be used to focus on selected region  316  in regions  304 . In this example, income information  312  is for selected region  316  in regions  304 . The group of controls  314  may be used to change focus to another selected region  318 . This change in focus causes a change in the display of income information  312  to provide a visualization of income information  312  from selected region  316  to another selected region  318 . 
     In this illustrative example, the group of controls  314  may be separate graphical elements. In some illustrative examples, one or more of the group of controls may be integrated within regions  304 . In other words, a selection of a region in regions  304  causes a change in the focus to that region in displaying income information  312  in window  310 . 
     The illustration of real property information environment  100  and the different components in  FIGS. 1-3  are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. Other components in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implemented in an illustrative embodiment. 
     For example, in  FIG. 1 , property analyzer  102  may receive payroll information  150  from one or more payroll systems in addition to or in place of payroll system  152 . As another example, the processing of payroll information  150  to obtain income information  108  may be performed in a number of different ways. As another example, record  200  may also include other fields in addition to or in place of the ones shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, record  200  also may include a field for Social Security, insurance withholdings, or other suitable information. 
     In another illustrative example, property analyzer  102  in  FIG. 1  may run on multiple threads. In other words, different instances of property analyzer  102  may run at the same time or concurrently in computer system  142  in  FIG. 1 . 
     For example, a first instance of property analyzer  102  may run on a first thread and a second instance of property analyzer  102  may run on a second thread. These two instances of property analyzer  102  may run at substantially the same time to process payroll information  150  in  FIG. 1 . For example, payroll information  150  from different payroll systems may be processed in which payroll information  150  from each of the payroll systems is processed by an instance of property analyzer  102  running on a thread that is separate from other instances of property analyzer  102  running on other threads. 
     In another example, multiple streams of payroll information  150  may be received from payroll system  152  in  FIG. 1  in which each stream of payroll information  150  is processed using an instance of property analyzer  102  running on a thread for the instance. In this manner, computer system  142  in  FIG. 1  is a special purpose computer system in which payroll may be run for multiple employees at substantially the same time using multiple threads that are executed concurrently on a single processor core or multiple processor cores in a processor unit. 
     In yet another illustrative example, income information  312  in  FIG. 3  may be displayed in another type of graphical element in graphical elements  300 . For example, income information  312  may be displayed in a pop-up, a tooltip, or some other suitable manner. In still other illustrative examples, income information  312  may be displayed in window  302 . 
     In another illustrative example, in  FIG. 1 , real property database  106  may include other information in addition to income information  108 . For example, real property database  106  may also include statistical information or other suitable types of information. As yet another example, in  FIG. 1 , levels  116  for regions  112  may have a hierarchical structure other than that of census information as shown in the illustrative examples. For example, regions  112  may be based on postal codes, area codes, latitude and longitude blocks, or other suitable types of demarcations for physical areas of land. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an illustration of a record is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, record  400  is a pay statement for an employee. Record  400  is an example of one implementation for record  200  in  FIG. 2 . 
     As depicted, record  400  is a pay statement for Jane E. Doe  402  with residence address  404  and workplace address  406 . Record  400  also shows rate of pay  408  and money earned  410 . Record  400  also includes deductions  412  and net pay  414 . Deductions  412  include statutory deductions  415  in the form of federal income tax  416 , Social Security tax  418 , Medicare tax  420 , state income tax  422 , and city tax  424  in this example. Other deductions  426  are present in deductions  412  and include long-term disability (LTD)  428 , personal plans  430 , personal accident  432 , and 401k  434 . Other benefits and information  436  is also shown in record  400 . Other benefits and information  436  include 401k  438 , hours  440 , commissions  442 , vacation  444 , bereavement  446 , holiday  448 , and pay notice  450 . 
     With reference next to  FIG. 5 , an illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, graphical user interface  500  is an example of an implementation of graphical user interface  136  shown in block form in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . 
     In this illustrative example, graphical user interface  500  includes window  502  in which regions  504  are displayed on map  506 . In this example, regions  504  represent blocks in levels or regions in a hierarchy of levels. 
     Further, window  508  is displayed in which income information  510  is displayed for region  512 , which is a particular block in this example. Section  514  shows an identification of the blocks represented by region  512 . Section  516  shows information about people in region  512 . This information includes, for example, the number of people, the number of people represented in a payroll providing the income information, the number of resident homes, and the number of resident homes with mortgages. 
     Section  518  shows a monthly net income for region  512 . Section  520  shows a monthly medium income for region  512 . Section  522  shows information about the industry, and section  524  shows information about mortgages in region  512 . As depicted, monthly net income in section  518 , monthly medium income in section  520 , industry in section  522 , and mortgage in section  524  are examples of metrics for region  512 . 
     Additionally, controls  530  are displayed. Slider  532  in controls  530  is used to change the date of income information displayed in window  508 . Control  534  in controls  530  is used to select between income information based on residential addresses and income information based on work addresses. 
     Level selector  535  in controls  530  allows for changing levels in the hierarchy. For example, level selector  535  may be manipulated to change regions  504  from census blocks to some other level such as block groups, census tract, county, or some other suitable level. 
     Metric selector  536  in controls  530  allows for selecting metrics that are displayed in window  508 . Merchant overlay  538  is an example of additional information that may be displayed on map  506  in addition to regions  504 . Information such as groceries  540 , drug stores  542 , and restaurants  544  may be used in performing operations with respect to region  512  and other regions in regions  504 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, graphical user interface  500  now displays regions  600  on map  506  in window  502 . Regions  600  represent block groups, which are on a level higher in the hierarchy of regions than regions  504  that represent blocks in  FIG. 5 . Window  508  now displays income information, metrics, and other information on a block group level for regions  600 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , yet another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, graphical user interface  700  is an example of one implementation of graphical user interface  136  shown in block form in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . 
     In this example, section  701  in window  702  displays regions  704  on map  706 . Regions  704  represent census tracts in this illustrative example. Census tracts are on a higher level in the hierarchy than block groups as displayed in  FIG. 6 . 
     In this illustrative example, color is used in regions  704  to identify medium income for different census tracts. Key  708  in section  710  indicates the average income for a particular color used in regions  704 . Additionally, section  712  in window  702  displays information for residents in region  714  in regions  704 . 
     Further, control  716  is present in window  702 . Control  716  is a slider that allows the selection of information for regions  704  to be changed to different dates. 
     With reference next to  FIG. 8 , still another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this example, section  800  illustrates earnings for residents in region  714 . Section  802  shows where residents in region  714  work. Section  804  show the jobs held by residents in region  714 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , yet another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this example, section  900 , section  902 , section  904 , section  906 , and section  908  in window  702  show information for the top five regions in regions  704 . In this example, information in the form of net income for residents is shown for the top five census tracts for a city. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , another illustration of a graphical user interface with regions and information about the regions is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this example, information for businesses is shown instead of residents in window  702  in graphical user interface  700 . 
     In this example, information is shown for businesses in region  714 . This information is shown in section  1000 , section  1002 , and section  1004  in window  702 . As depicted, section  1000  shows net pay by businesses. Section  1002  shows how far employees commute to work in region  714 . Section  1004  shows the industries and jobs in region  714 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 11 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for analyzing real property is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process in  FIG. 11  may be implemented in property analyzer  102  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The process begins by receiving a request for income information for a region in a selected level in a hierarchy of levels in a real property database (step  1100 ). Next, the process identifies the income information for the region in the selected level in the hierarchy in the real property database (step  1102 ). 
     The process then displays the income information in a graphical user interface on a display system (step  1104 ) with the process terminating thereafter. The income information displayed in the graphical user interface on the display system enables performing an operation with respect to the real property. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 12 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for updating a real property database is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process in  FIG. 12  may be implemented in property analyzer  102  in  FIG. 1  to update real property database  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The process begins by receiving records with payroll information for people (step  1200 ). In this example, the records in step  1200  are for a payroll processed for a group of organizations. An organization in the group of organizations may be selected from one of a company, a partnership, a charity, an educational group, a social group, a team, a city, a government agency, or some other suitable organization. 
     The process then identifies location information for the people in the payroll information in the records (step  1202 ). The location information is selected from at least one of a residence address or a workplace address in step  1202 . 
     Next, the process identifies salary information for the people in the payroll information in the records (step  1204 ). The payroll information is selected from at least one of a rate of pay, money earned, a net pay, taxes, voluntary deductions, benefits information, retirement contributions, or other suitable information. 
     The process then maps locations of the people into regions in a real property database (step  1206 ). The process updates the income information for the regions identified (step  1208 ) with the process terminating thereafter. The income information in the regions is updated using the location information and the salary information. 
     In the illustrative example, the income information for each region is identified using the payroll information. For example, the income information for a region in a higher level in the hierarchy is identified using the payroll information for the people in that region. In another example, the income information for a selected region may be calculated using the income information already calculated for the regions that are lower in the hierarchy that are within the selected region. 
     With reference next to  FIG. 13 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for updating a real property database with statistical information is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process in this flowchart may be implemented in property analyzer  102  to add statistical information to real property database  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The process identifies statistical information for regions (step  1300 ). The statistical information for a region may include, for example, at least one of demographic information, a monthly net income, a monthly medium income, age, a number of residential homes, a number of commercial properties, the dominant industry, the dominant financial institution, or other suitable information about the region. 
     The process stores the statistical information in a real property database in association with the regions (step  1302 ). Storing the statistical information associated with the regions may be performed by using pointers, indexes, or other mechanisms for associating pieces of information with each other. The process terminates thereafter. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for displaying income information in a graphical user interface is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 14  may be implemented in property analyzer  102  in  FIG. 1  to display income information  108  in graphical user interface  136  on display system  134  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The process begins by displaying a map of a region in a selected level of the region in a request (step  1400 ). The process displays income information in association with the map of selected regions in a graphical user interface on a display system (step  1402 ). 
     The process then waits for user input to the graphical user interface (step  1404 ). When the user input is received, a determination is made as to whether the user input changes the level or selects the region that is displayed in the map (step  1406 ). If the user input changes the level, the process changes the display of the map to show the selected level (step  1408 ). The process then returns to step  1404 . 
     With reference again to step  1406 , if the user input selects a region, the process identifies income information for the region selected by the user input (step  1410 ). The process then displays the income information in association with the map of the regions (step  1412 ) with the process returning to step  1404 . 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrative embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function, or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks may be implemented as program code, hardware, or a combination of the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowcharts or block diagrams. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, the implementation may take the form of firmware. Each block in the flowcharts or the block diagrams may be implemented using special purpose hardware systems that perform the different operations or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code run by the special purpose hardware. 
     In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, the function or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram. 
     For example, the process in  FIG. 11  may also display other information in addition to income information in step  1104 . For example, the process may also display the statistical information for the region in the graphical user interface on the display system. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system  1500  may be used to implement computer system  142  in  FIG. 1 . In this illustrative example, data processing system  1500  includes communications framework  1502 , which provides communications between processor unit  1504 , memory  1506 , persistent storage  1508 , communications unit  1510 , input/output (I/O) unit  1512 , and display  1514 . In this example, communications framework  1502  may take the form of a bus system. 
     Processor unit  1504  serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  1506 . Processor unit  1504  may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. 
     Memory  1506  and persistent storage  1508  are examples of storage devices  1516 . A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, at least one of data, program code in functional form, or other suitable information either on a temporary basis, a permanent basis, or both on a temporary basis and a permanent basis. Storage devices  1516  may also be referred to as computer readable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory  1506 , in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage  1508  may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation. 
     For example, persistent storage  1508  may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage  1508  may be a hard drive, a solid state hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage  1508  also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  1508 . 
     Communications unit  1510 , in these illustrative examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communications unit  1510  is a network interface card. 
     Input/output unit  1512  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system  1500 . For example, input/output unit  1512  may provide a connection for user input through at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit  1512  may send output to a printer. Display  1514  provides a mechanism to display information to a user. 
     Instructions for at least one of the operating system, applications, or programs may be located in storage devices  1516 , which are in communication with processor unit  1504  through communications framework  1502 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit  1504  using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory  1506 . 
     These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit  1504 . The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer readable storage media, such as memory  1506  or persistent storage  1508 . 
     Program code  1518  is located in a functional form on computer readable media  1520  that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system  1500  for execution by processor unit  1504 . Program code  1518  and computer readable media  1520  form computer program product  1522  in these illustrative examples. In one example, computer readable media  1520  may be computer readable storage media  1524  or computer readable signal media  1526 . 
     In these illustrative examples, computer readable storage media  1524  is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code  1518  rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code  1518 . 
     Alternatively, program code  1518  may be transferred to data processing system  1500  using computer readable signal media  1526 . Computer readable signal media  1526  may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code  1518 . For example, computer readable signal media  1526  may be at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over at least one of communications links, such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, or any other suitable type of communications link. 
     The different components illustrated for data processing system  1500  are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system  1500 . Other components shown in  FIG. 15  can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code  1518 . 
     Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for evaluating real properties. One or more technical solutions are present that overcome a technical problem with identifying a value of real properties with a desired level of accuracy. For example, a property analyzer derives income information from payroll information received from a payroll system. The use of the payroll information provides current and up-to-date information for use in identifying the income information. 
     As a result, one or more technical solutions may provide a technical effect of improved accuracy in providing information to identify the value of the real properties using the income information. As depicted, the income information may be derived from the payroll information obtained from the payroll system. In this manner, the income information may be at least one of more accurate or more up-to-date as compared to currently used systems. 
     Further, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for visualizing the income information. In the depicted examples, regions of land may be displayed at different levels in a hierarchy. The income information may be displayed for different regions. 
     The accuracy of the information, the visualization provided, or both enable valuing the real properties more accurately than with current systems. In this manner, operations may be performed with respect to the real properties. 
     The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In an illustrative embodiment, a component may be configured to perform the action or operation described. For example, the component may have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the component an ability to perform the action or operation that is described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component. 
     Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other desirable embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.