Patent Publication Number: US-2021174617-A1

Title: System for Providing Access to Real Estate Properties

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a system for providing access to real estate properties, and more particularly to a system for providing access to real estate properties via a digital key that is provided to a user through a smartphone application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the real estate industry, prospective buyers or renters (the “prospect”) typically prefer to view a property in person before deciding whether to live there. This typically requires that a real estate professional make themselves available to show the prospect the property in person, in order to give them access and tell them about the features of the property. This process of showing properties in person requires a great deal of communication and coordination in order to schedule viewings at a time that is convenient for all parties. In some cases, real estate professionals also need to coordinate with the property owners in person to obtain a key, and in some cases, multiple real estate professionals need to share a key or coordinate amongst each other to avoid scheduling viewings at the same time. 
     These logistical tasks are time-consuming and increase the costs associated with real estate transactions. In addition, the hurdles involved in viewing a property make it difficult for the prospect to efficiently view many properties, and so many individuals do not get the home or apartment that is ideal for them. Moreover, the typical process of viewing properties limits the available hours that a prospect can view properties. 
     Aspects of the present application are directed to overcoming these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, a system for providing access to real estate properties includes: a property computer accessible via telecommunication network; a user device authenticated to said property computer via a user profile; the property computer having a database having a plurality of property profiles, and each of the property profiles is associated with a real property; and the user device displays the plurality of property profiles to a user, and each of the property profiles has a corresponding digital key; wherein the property computer is configured to receive a request from the user device for access to the real property and to provide a digital key associated with the real property to the user. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing access to real estate properties includes the steps of providing a user device for receiving a plurality of property profiles from a property computer and displaying the plurality of property profiles to a user; selecting via the user device a one of the plurality of property profiles; and transmitting a digital key associated with the selected property profile to the user device. 
     In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, further aspects of the present invention can include one or more of the following features, individually or in combination: the digital key provides access to a physical key, and the physical key unlocks a door of the real property; the digital key authenticates the user to a doorman, and the doorman provides the user access to the real property; the digital key is unique to each property profile; the digital key is a digital badge that authenticates the user to a doorman; the digital badge draws user information from the user profile; the user information includes a user photograph; a geofence exists around the real property, and once the user enters the geofence an arrival notification is sent to the property computer; an agent receives a notification that the user has entered the geofence; the agent provides information to the user through the user device upon the agent receiving the notification; unlocking a door of a real property associated with the property profile using the digital key; scanning the digital key with a scanner; authenticating the digital key; unlocking a lockbox containing a physical key to a real property; displaying via the user device a digital badge incorporating the digital key; authenticating via the digital badge the user to a doorman; incorporating user information of the user into the digital badge; connecting an agent to the user such that the agent can provide information relating to a physical property to the user via the user device. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the drawings and detailed description provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a system for providing access to real estate properties in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of a system for providing access to real estate properties as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic of a system for providing access to real estate properties as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a method according to the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method according to the system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a system  100  in accordance with examples described herein.  FIG. 1  illustrates a property computer  102 , a property database  104 , property profiles  106 , a digital key  108 , an agent  110 , a landlord  112 , an internet  114 , a key holder  116 , a physical key  118 , an entry notification  120 , a user device  122 , and a key request  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the agent  110  provides information to the property computer  102  to generate the property profiles  106  stored on the property database  104 , and also views activity in the system  100  provided to the agent  110  by the property computer  102 . The landlord  112  provides information to the property computer  102  or the agent  110  for inclusion in the property profiles  106 . The property computer  102  and the user device  122  are in communication with each other through the internet  114 , and the property computer  102  provides a digital key  108  to the user device  122  upon receiving a key request  124  from the user device  122 . The digital key  108  can be used to obtain a physical key  118  from a key holder  116 . An entry notification  120  can be generated by the user device  122  and transmitted to the property computer  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the digital key  108  (not shown here for simplicity) may be a code that a user  128  presents to a scanner  126  which allows the user  128  to obtain the physical key  118  from the key holder  116  (e.g. the digital key  108  unlocks a lockbox containing a physical key  118  to the real property  130 ). The key computer  134  has a key database  136 , which stores the digital keys  108  and provides them to the property computer  102 , which receives the digital key  108  and associates it with a particular property profile  106  and stores the information in the property database  104 . The user  128  browses property profiles  106  on their user device  122 , and once the user  128  identifies a property profile  106  that they would like to look at in person, the user requests the digital key  108  for that property profile  106 . The property computer  102  then provides the digital key  108  to the user  128  via the user device  122  for display on the user interface  132 , which can be presented to the scanner  126 . The user  128  then receives the physical key  118  and uses it to unlock a door to the real property  130  so they can view the real property  130  in person. In other embodiments, the scanner  126  may be directly linked to a door of the real property  130 , such that the user can use the digital key  108  on the user device  122  to unlock the door directly. In yet other embodiments, the digital key  108  may be a digital badge that is displayed on the user device  122  via the user interface  132 . The digital badge might draw information from a user profile associated with the user  128 , for example, the digital badge might include a photograph of the user  128 . The digital badge might also draw information from the property profile  106 . The digital badge would be particularly useful in embodiments of the system  100  where the user  128  is accessing a real property  130  with a doorman, since the user  128  could present the digital badge to the doorman and the doorman could both verify the user  128  and also obtain the information needed to provide the user  128  with access to the correct real property  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a property database  104  is in communication with a user device  122  via the internet  114 . In other embodiments, the system shown in  FIG. 3  is in communication with one or more systems similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 . In this way, access to the real property can be shared between different applications. This can be advantageous, for example, if a person using the real estate application of the system shown in  FIG. 3 , wants to allow a friend access to their real property. Taking advantage of the infrastructure already in place for the real estate application, the information stored in the property database  104  including any digital keys is shared with another database (not shown) and so a secondary application can use that information and thereby provide the functionality necessary to allow the user to provide access to their home to a friend. This process of sharing can allow, for example, tenant apps to take advantage of the infrastructure and information stored on the system for providing access to real estate properties. A person having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of the present disclosure would understand the synergies that would result in this sharing of infrastructure and database information. 
     In other embodiments, a business could invite a client to their office and provide the client access to their office using the features described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . As an example, assume a user buys a ticket to a museum exhibit. The user receives a confirmation email with the calendar invite for the event and also enclosing their ticket. In that same email, a link would be provided which can be used to access the exhibit when the user arrives at the museum. The user would take their phone out when they arrive, and assuming the user is already registered to use the real estate application, they can use that same smart phone application already on their phone to access the museum exhibit. The app would know already know how to generate an access badge or digital key in accordance with the present disclosure, such that the user does not need to have a separate application to access the museum exhibit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a method of providing access to real estate properties in accordance with the system  100  is shown. The method starts  400  and the system provides a user device for receiving a plurality of property profiles from a property computer and displaying the plurality of property profiles to a user  402 . A user selects via the user device a one of the plurality of property profiles  404 . The property computer transmits a digital key associated with the selected property profile to the user device  406 . The user device displays a digital badge incorporating the digital key  408 . The user presents the digital key to a scanner that scans the digital key  410 . The scanner authenticates the digital key  412 . If the digital key is authenticated  414 , a door of a real property associated with the property profile may be unlocked  416 . If the digital key is not authenticated, then the user will be denied access to the real property  418 . Optionally, the method may include the step of sending a notification to the agent  420  in the event that the digital key is not authenticated. The method ends  422 . In certain embodiments, the various steps of the method shown in  FIG. 4  may be skipped, for example, the system may use either the digital badge or the digital key rather than both. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a method of providing access to real estate properties in accordance with the system  100  is shown. The method starts  500  and the system provides a user device for receiving a plurality of property profiles from a property computer and displaying the plurality of property profiles to a user  502 . A user selects via the user device a one of the plurality of property profiles  504 . The property computer transmits a digital key associated with the selected property profile to the user device  506 . The user device then incorporates user information of the user into a digital badge  508 . The user device displays the digital badge which incorporates the digital key  510 . The doorman then looks at the digital badge and authenticates the user  512 . Once the user is inside the real property, they are connected to an agent such that the agent can provide information relating to the physical property to the user via the user device  514 . The method ends  516 . In certain embodiments, the various steps of the method shown in  FIG. 5  may be skipped. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the digital key  108  may be unique to each property profile  106 , each user  128 , and/or each key request  124 . The digital key  108  may be a code, e.g. a QR code or near-field communication (NFC) code. Acquisition of the digital key  108  may involve the property computer  102  generating a text message, which is sent to the user device  122 . The text message includes a link, which the user  128  follows in order to create a user profile. The user profile may be stored on the property computer  102 , and may include information like a photograph of the user, the user&#39;s name, an account name, account password, property preferences (e.g. neighborhood, square footage, number of beds/baths, proximity to schools/hospitals, walk-up v. elevator, and other preferences known to those of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure), notification or communication preferences, favorite properties, and other user information known to those of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the user device  122  presents the user  128  with a user interface  132  that allows the user  128  to input information pertaining to their personal information or the properties. In some embodiments the user  128  inputs their availability so that the property computer  102  can manage the schedules for the various real properties  130  associated with each of the property profiles  106 . In other embodiments, the user interface  132  allows the user  128  to input feedback after they visit the real property  130 , e.g. a rating out of 5 stars. The property computer  102  may use the feedback to adjust the pricing of the real property  130  or to suggest other property profiles  106  that the user  128  should view. In these embodiments, the property computer  102  will analyze the real properties  130  that the user  128  has visited and the feedback received from them in order to determine the property profiles  106  that are similar. The property computer can optionally incorporate feedback from the agent  110  into the suggestions, and/or the suggestions can be based on the user&#39;s current location and the property profiles  106  in that area that are available to be viewed at that time. In certain embodiments, the user  128  can access their own property using the system  100 . In these embodiments, the user has a tenant application version of the real estate app running system  100 , and this allows them to set up their front door or amenities to be opened using the digital key  108 . This can allow a user  128  to not have to rely on separate applications to control access to their own home. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the system  100  may include a geo-fence around the real property  130 . Once the user device  122  is inside the geo-fence, they are prompted via the user interface  132  to check in. This may generate an entry notification  120  which is transmitted to the property computer  102 . In some embodiments, the entry notification  120  may be transmitted directly to the agent  110  or the property computer  102  may generate a subsequent notification that is sent to the agent  110 . In general, the use of a geo-fence helps the agent  110  track who has viewed the real property  130  and this information can be used by the agent  110  in a variety of ways apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the agent  110  is provided with the opportunity to call the user  128  in order to provide them with information pertaining to the real property  130 , or the user  128  may be provided with an option via the user interface  132  to automatically connect with an agent  110  to talk about the real property  130 . For example, the agent  110  may be able to provide the user  128  with information about the amenities of the building, the features of the real property  130 , the costs of utilities, the neighborhood or schools in the area, and other information apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the user interface  132  may include a video chat to allow an agent  110  to provide the user  128  with a digital tour. The video chat may occur through an ordinary smart phone or it may occur through an augmented reality system, allowing the agent to overlay information and guide the user through a tour of the real property  130 . In other embodiments, a digital tour may be pre-recorded and displayed to the user as a video or audio recording. In other embodiments, the user interface  132  provides the user  128  with an integrated chat program to text with the agent  110 . The agent  110  may be a virtual agent or a real person. If a virtual agent, the agent may be an artificial intelligence program that integrates with the property computer  102  in order to access the information stored in the property profiles  106  and use that information to provide the user  128  with additional background and features of the real property  130 . In other embodiments, users that have already viewed a real property  130  may be offered a promotional rate. In embodiments where the user  128  is presented with a recorded or virtual tour, the tour may include feature tags showing various aspects of the real property  130 , and it may also include virtual furnishings to help the user  128  appreciate the potential of the real property  130 . 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the property computer  102  has an agent portal where agents  110  are able to collect data accumulated by the activity in the system  100 . For example, the property computer may display the numbers of visits with the property profiles  106 , applications for that property profile  106 , and other data collected during individual visits to the real property  130 . The agent portal also can provide the agent  110  with tools to use while giving a virtual tour to the user  128 . The agent portal provides the agent  110  with a variety of business opportunities to help facilitate their work and operate more efficiently. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the system  100  may include features specifically designed to protect the privacy of a user  128 . The system  100  does not include an integrated video camera that watches a user  128  as they view the property. This aspect of the system  100  is intended to protect the privacy of the user  128  and in turn encourage use of the system  100 . 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the agent  110  might be a real estate professional. In other embodiments, the agent  110  might also be a current tenant of the real property  130 . The system  100  may thus provide a great deal of value prospect in lease break situations. For example, current tenants would have the ability to put their apartment up for lease ahead of the expiration date on their lease. This cuts down on vacancy loss for the landlord and can also help a tenant find a replacement tenant in order to allow them to leave a lease early. This could also help a tenant find a roommate, or replacement for a departing roommate. Similarly, if the system  100  is implemented with a current tenant as the agent  110 , the agent  110  can use the system  100  to provide access to the real property to visiting family and friends, contractors, dog walkers, or any other person that requires access to the real property  130 . In these applications, the system  100  may act as a sign-in sheet such that the entry notification  120  is provided to the tenant, the landlord, and/or the doorman. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the system  100  can be gamified in order to increase usage and engagement with the system  100  by users  128  (e.g. potential tenants). In these embodiments, the system  100  will provide points to the user  128  for certain activities, and the points can be redeemed for various rewards. For example, the user  128  may receive points for viewing a property profile  106 , favoriting the property profile  106 , visiting a real property  130 , speaking to an agent  110 , and other activities described herein and known to those of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. The rewards may include providing the user  128  with hidden deals and discounts. The system  100  may also categorize users  128  based on how many points they have obtained with pre-set point levels defining one or more categories. A user  128  may be treated differently by the system  100  based on their achieved category, including access to various types of deals, discounts, special offers, and other preferential treatment by a doorman or an agent  110 . For example, a user  128  may be provided with a hidden deal where they are provided with a property profile  106  and presented with a timer through the user interface  132 . The user  128  has to either visit the real property  130  associated with the property profile  106  or put in an application for the real property  130  before the timer runs out in order to receive the special offer. 
     Example advantages of systems described herein may include increases in speed and efficiency for prospects accessing real properties, streamlined access and sales of real property, enabling sharing and connecting between prospects and agents. Note that the advantages described herein are provided to facilitate an appreciation of examples of the described technology. It is to be understood that examples of the described technology may not exhibit all, or even any, of the described advantages. 
     From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the claimed technology. 
     Examples described herein may refer to various components as “coupled” or signals as being “sent/transmitted to” or “received/retrieved from” certain components. It is to be understood that in some examples the components are directly coupled one to another, while in other examples the components are coupled with intervening components or networks disposed between them. Similarly, a signal may be provided directly to and/or received directly from the recited components without intervening components, but also may be provided to and/or received from the certain components through intervening components. 
     While several embodiments have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that aspects of the present disclosure include many more embodiments and implementations. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments.