Server equipment, program, and method

The server device addresses inefficiencies in property transactions by managing information and facilitating secure transfers and brokerage agreements, enhancing the efficiency and security of property sales and purchases.

JP2026111712APending Publication Date: 2026-07-06
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024227082
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Filing Date
2024-12-24
Publication Date
2026-07-06

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  • Figure 2026111712000001_ABST
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Abstract

This invention provides a server device, program, and method for effectively supporting the buying and selling of properties. [Solution] The server device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires property information from a first terminal device used by the property provider, a first transmission unit that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a second terminal device used by the property acquirer, and a second transmission unit that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a third terminal device used by the property broker.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a program, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for assisting in the sale and purchase of a property has been proposed by introducing a broker to the seller and the buyer of the property (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there has been room for improvement in the conventional system. The present disclosure has been made from the above-described background, and an object thereof is to provide a server device, a program, and a method for effectively assisting in the sale and purchase of a property and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The server device according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires property information regarding a property from a first terminal device used by a property provider, a first transmission unit that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a second terminal device used by a property acquirer, and a second transmission unit that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a third terminal device used by a property broker.

[0006] The program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire property information regarding a property from a first terminal device used by a property provider, transmit the property information to a second terminal device used by a property acquirer, and transmit the property information to a third terminal device used by a property broker.

[0007] The method relating to this disclosure includes obtaining property information from a first terminal device used by the property provider, transmitting the property information to a second terminal device used by the property acquirer, and transmitting the property information to a third terminal device used by the property broker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to effectively support the buying and selling of properties. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of a system configuration including a server device. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram to explain the escrow payment procedure. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a server device. [Figure 5] This is an example of the information included in property listings. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of property information displayed on the monitor of the second terminal device. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process performed by the system. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process performed by the system. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the outline of the contractual procedures concluded between the provider and other acquirers. [Figure 10] This block diagram shows an example of the functions of the server device that executes the transactions described in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process the system executes. [Figure 12] This sequence diagram shows an example of the process the system executes when a contract is concluded between a property provider and another buyer. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a server device. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a property listing page that includes a comment section. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processes executed by the system when a property viewing takes place. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of descriptions of these components may be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, "XX unit" does not simply mean a physical means for realizing function "XX," but may also mean that the function performed by that "XX unit" is realized by software. Also, the function performed by one "XX unit" may be realized by two or more physical means or two or more software programs. Moreover, the functions of two or more "XX units" may be realized by one physical means or one software program.

[0011] The server device disclosed herein supports transactions between property providers and property buyers. The program stored in the server device provides a property matching platform that assists in matching properties by providing information about properties to members and others.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including a server device. The system 1 includes, for example, a server device 2, a first terminal device 3, a second terminal device 4, a third terminal device 5, an external server device 6, a fourth terminal device 7, and a fifth terminal device 8. However, the system 1 does not necessarily include all of the server device 2, the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, the third terminal device 5, the external server device 6, the fourth terminal device 7, and the fifth terminal device 8. Also, the server device 2 may be composed of a plurality of devices. That is, the server device 2 may include a first server device and a second server device. Similarly, the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, the third terminal device 5, the external server device 6, the fourth terminal device 7, and the fifth terminal device 8 may each be composed of a plurality of devices.

[0013] The server device 2, the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, the third terminal device 5, the external server device 6, the fourth terminal device 7, and the fifth terminal device 8 are connected to each other via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes, for example, a hardware processor 201, a bus 202, a memory 203, a communication device 204, and an input / output interface 205.

[0015] The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a processor that controls the entire server device 2 using a system program. The hardware processor 201 reads, for example, a system program stored in the memory 203. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an electronic circuit, or the like.

[0016] The bus 202 is a communication path that connects each hardware within the server device 2 to each other. Each hardware within the server device 2 exchanges data via the bus 202.

[0017] Memory 203 is a storage device that stores system programs, various programs, and various data. Memory 203 is a computer-readable storage medium. Memory 203 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0018] The communication device 204 is a device for communicating between the server device 2 and other devices included in system 1 via network N. The communication device 204 includes, for example, a communication control circuit and an antenna.

[0019] The input / output interface 205 is an interface for connecting an external device to the server device 2. The external device is, for example, an input / output device. The input / output device includes, for example, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0020] The hardware configurations of the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, the third terminal device 5, the external server device 6, the fourth terminal device 7, and the fifth terminal device 8 may be the same as or different from the hardware configuration of the server device 2. That is, the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, the third terminal device 5, the external server device 6, the fourth terminal device 7, and the fifth terminal device 8 may each be equipped with a hardware processor 201, memory 203, communication device 204, and input / output interface 205.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the escrow settlement procedure provided by System 1 of this disclosure. The escrow settlement procedure is a procedure for conducting transactions securely between the provider of the property and the acquirer of the property.

[0022] Property is real estate. Real estate consists of land and fixtures on the land. Fixtures on the land include buildings, trees, and garden stones. Buildings include, for example, houses, apartments, condominiums, and office buildings.

[0023] A provider includes at least one of the seller, prospective seller, landlord, and prospective tenant of the property. A acquirer includes at least one of the buyer, prospective buyer, tenant, and prospective lessee of the property.

[0024] When a property sales contract is concluded between the property provider and the property buyer (1. Contract Conclusion), the property price is transferred from the buyer's account to the system provider's escrow account (2. Transfer). Once the system provider confirms that the transfer of payment from the property buyer has been completed, it sends a transfer completion notification to the provider indicating that the transfer has been completed (3. Transfer Completion Notification).

[0025] Once the provider confirms the transfer completion notification, the provider hands over the property to the buyer (4. Transfer). When the buyer receives the property, the buyer sends a transfer completion notification to the system provider indicating that the transfer is complete (5. Transfer Completion Notification). When the system provider receives the transfer completion notification from the property buyer, it transfers the payment for the property to the provider's account (6. Transfer). This ensures that the property transaction between the provider and the buyer is conducted securely.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the server device 2. The server device 2 supports the transaction of property between the provider and the acquirer by comprising the following parts. The server device 2 comprises, for example, an acquisition unit 211, a first transmission unit 212, a transfer acceptance unit 213, a transfer notification unit 214, a delivery completion reception unit 215, and a transfer execution unit 216. The acquisition unit 211, the first transmission unit 212, the transfer acceptance unit 213, the transfer notification unit 214, the delivery completion reception unit 215, and the transfer execution unit 216 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using system programs, various programs, and various data stored in memory 203.

[0027] The acquisition unit 211 acquires property information from the first terminal device 3 used by the property provider. The first terminal device 3 transmits property information to the server device 2 based on operations performed by the property provider on the first terminal device 3. The acquisition unit 211 acquires property information in response to the transmission of property information from the first terminal device 3.

[0028] The first terminal device 3 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, and a tablet device. The first terminal device 3 used by the provider is a terminal device owned by the provider. The first terminal device 3 used by the provider may also be a terminal device that can be used with the provider's account. Property information is information that shows the details of the property.

[0029] Figure 5 shows an example of information included in property listings. Property listings may include, for example, the property name, floor plan, size, address, year built, price, nearest station, travel time from the nearest station to the property, and photographs. Photographs may include at least one of still images and / or videos. Property listings may also include evaluation comments about the property.

[0030] The first transmitting unit 212 transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 to a second terminal device 4 used by the property acquirer. The second terminal device 4 transmits request information to the server device 2 in response to an operation on the second terminal device 4 by the property acquirer. When the first transmitting unit 212 receives the request information from the second terminal device 4, it transmits the property information to the second terminal device 4. The property information transmitted by the first transmitting unit 212 may include property information for multiple properties. When the second terminal device 4 receives the property information, it displays the property information on a monitor, for example.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an example of property information displayed on the monitor of the second terminal device 4. The monitor displays a browser 10 that displays property information. The browser 10 includes a first area 101 and a second area 102.

[0032] In the first area 101, for example, the string "New" is displayed to indicate that the property information is new. To the right of this string, the floor plan of the property is indicated as "3LDK" and the size of the property is indicated as "74.58m 2 The text " and "5 years," indicating the age of the property, are displayed. Below these strings, the name of the property, "AAA Heights," is displayed.

[0033] The second area 102 displays strings such as "32,980,000 yen" indicating the property price, "Minato-ku, Tokyo..." indicating the address, and "8 minutes on foot to CCC Station on the BBB Line" indicating the nearest station to the property and the time required to get to the nearest station.

[0034] In addition, the second area 102 displays the first button 103 and the second button 104. The first button 103 is for requesting a viewing of the property. The first button 103 displays the text "I want to see it in person (free)". The second button 104 is for making an inquiry to the property provider. The second button 104 displays the text "Inquire (free)".

[0035] The second area 102 also includes one main image display area 105 and one or more sub-image display areas 106. The main image display area 105 and the sub-image display areas 106 display images of the property. When an image displayed in the sub-image display area 106 is clicked, it is enlarged and displayed in the main image display area 105. The images may be still images or videos. The images may include images of the exterior of the property, images of each room in the property, and images of furniture, appliances, etc., provided in the property.

[0036] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, the transfer acceptance unit 213 accepts the transfer of the property price from the acquirer's account. The price may be, for example, the purchase price of the property or the rental fee for the property. The transfer acceptance unit 213 accepts the transfer of the payment to the escrow account. The acquirer's account is the acquirer's bank account.

[0037] When the transfer acceptance unit 213 receives the payment, the transfer notification unit 214 sends a transfer completion notification to the first terminal device 3 indicating that the payment has been completed. Once the provider confirms that the first terminal device 3 has received the transfer completion notification, the provider hands over the property to the acquirer. For example, the transfer of ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer is registered. Furthermore, the seller hands over the property documents and the keys to the property to the buyer.

[0038] When the recipient of the property receives the property, the handover completion receiving unit 215 receives a handover completion notice from the second terminal device 4 indicating that the handover of the property has been completed. In other words, once the handover of the property is completed and the recipient of the property operates the second terminal device 4, the second terminal device 4 transmits a handover completion notice to the server device 2.

[0039] The transfer execution unit 216 transfers the payment received by the transfer reception unit 213 to the provider's account in response to the property being handed over from the provider to the acquirer. Specifically, the transfer execution unit 216 transfers the payment received by the transfer reception unit 213 to the provider's account in response to the delivery completion receiving unit 215 receiving the delivery completion notice. The provider's account is, for example, the provider's bank account.

[0040] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process executed in System 1 when a contract is executed between a provider and a buyer. First, the property provider sends property information to Server Device 2 using the first terminal device 3 (step S101). For example, the seller of a property accesses the platform provided by Server Device 2 and uploads the property information to the platform. This transmits the property information from the first terminal device 3 to Server Device 2.

[0041] When server device 2 receives property information, it stores the property information in a storage unit (not shown) (step S102). In other words, server device 2 registers the received property information on the platform.

[0042] Next, the property acquirer sends a request to the server device 2 to transmit property information using the second terminal device 4 (step S103). For example, the property acquirer accesses the platform provided by the server device 2 and requests to view the property information.

[0043] Next, when the server device 2 receives a transmission request from the second terminal device 4, it transmits the property information stored in its memory unit to the second terminal device 4 (step S104). The property information that the server device 2 transmits to the second terminal device 4 may be property information relating to multiple properties. For example, when a user accesses the platform using the second terminal device 4, the server device 2 transmits property information relating to multiple properties to the second terminal device 4. This allows the user to view property information relating to multiple properties.

[0044] When a property buyer views property information and decides on a property they wish to purchase, they submit a purchase application. That is, in response to the buyer's operation on the second terminal device 4, the second terminal device 4 transmits application information for purchasing, leasing, etc., the property to the server device 2 (step S105).

[0045] When server device 2 receives application information from the second terminal device 4, it transmits the received application information to the first terminal device 3 (step S106). In other words, server device 2 can inform the property provider using the first terminal device 3 that an application for the purchase of property has been made.

[0046] When an offer to purchase a property is received, the property provider decides whether or not to accept the offer. If the property provider accepts the offer, the first terminal device 3 transmits acceptance information indicating acceptance of the purchase of the property to the server device 2 in response to the provider's operation on the first terminal device 3 (step S107).

[0047] When server device 2 receives acceptance information from the first terminal device 3, it transmits the received acceptance information to the second terminal device 4 (step S108). This allows the acquirer using the second terminal device 4 to confirm that their application for the purchase of the property has been accepted. In other words, a contract such as a sales contract is concluded between the property provider and the property acquirer.

[0048] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process executed in System 1 when payment for a property is made. Once the contract is concluded, the property acquirer operates the second terminal device 4 to request payment (step S109). The second terminal device 4 sends the payment request to, for example, the server device 2 that manages the acquirer's bank account. The payment request is a request to transfer funds from the acquirer's account to the system provider's escrow account.

[0049] The transfer acceptance unit 213 of server device 2 accepts the transfer of payment to the escrow account (step S110). Upon confirmation that the transfer acceptance unit 213 has received the payment, the transfer notification unit 214 sends a transfer completion notification to the first terminal device 3 (step S111). Once the transfer completion notification is confirmed by the property provider, the property is handed over from the property provider to the property acquirer.

[0050] Once the transfer of the property from the provider to the acquirer is complete, the acquirer operates the second terminal device 4 to send a transfer completion notification from the second terminal device 4 to the server device 2 (step S112). When the transfer completion receiving unit 215 of the server device 2 receives the transfer completion notification, the transfer execution unit 216 executes a transfer of the payment from the escrow account to the property provider's account (step S113). This ensures that the transaction of the property between the provider and the acquirer is conducted securely.

[0051] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the contract procedures concluded between the provider and other buyers through the mediation of an intermediary. Unlike buyers who deal directly with the provider, other buyers are those who conduct transactions with the provider and the property through the intermediary.

[0052] The provider first transmits property information to server device 2. In other words, the provider transmits property information to the platform that provides property information. This allows the buyer and the intermediary to obtain property information for the property that the provider wishes to sell, etc. The provider, buyer, and intermediary are individuals or corporations that have entered into a platform usage agreement with the platform provider. Therefore, the provider, buyer, and intermediary may pay a platform usage fee to the platform provider.

[0053] Furthermore, the property provider transmits contract information regarding the brokerage agreement for the property to server device 2. Server device 2 stores the property information and contract information in association.

[0054] The real estate agent retrieves and references property information. If the agent wishes to handle the property, they use the contract information stored in server device 2 to conclude a brokerage agreement with the property provider. Specifically, the agent retrieves the contract information stored in server device 2, signs the contract indicated by that information, and sends the signed contract to the property provider. This concludes the brokerage agreement for the property between the property provider and the real estate agent.

[0055] Once a property brokerage agreement is concluded between the provider and the real estate agent, the agent will advertise the property on their website, real estate portal sites, etc. If another buyer who views the property information on the agent's website or real estate portal site wishes to purchase the property, they will inform the agent of their interest. This allows other buyers who have not signed a platform usage agreement with the system provider to purchase the property. In other words, the property provider can offer the property not only to buyers who have signed a platform usage agreement with the system provider, but also to other buyers who have not signed a platform usage agreement.

[0056] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the server device 2 that executes the transactions and contracts described in Figure 9. In addition to the acquisition unit 211, first transmission unit 212, transfer acceptance unit 213, transfer notification unit 214, delivery completion receiving unit 215, and transfer execution unit 216 shown in Figure 4, the server device 2 includes a second transmission unit 217, contract acceptance unit 218, contract information transmission unit 219, contract establishment information acceptance unit 220, and contract establishment information transmission unit 221. Note that some of the functions of the server device 2 shown in Figure 10 that are the same as those of the server device 2 shown in Figure 4 may be omitted from this explanation.

[0057] The second transmission unit 217, contract reception unit 218, contract information transmission unit 219, contract completion information reception unit 220, and contract completion information transmission unit 221 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using system programs, various programs, and various data stored in memory 203.

[0058] As described above, the acquisition unit 211 acquires property information from the first terminal device 3 used by the property provider. This registers the property information on the platform provided by the system provider.

[0059] The second transmission unit 217 transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 to a third terminal device 5 used by the intermediary. An intermediary is a business that mediates property transactions between property providers and property buyers. An intermediary is, for example, a real estate broker.

[0060] The contract reception unit 218 receives contract information relating to the brokerage contract from the first terminal device 3 and stores it in the storage unit (not shown). A brokerage contract is a contract in which the provider of a property requests a real estate agent to handle the business related to the transaction of the property. The contract information is information for concluding a brokerage contract between the provider of the property and the real estate agent. The contract information includes, for example, the name and address of the provider, the location of the property, the land area, the building area, and the structure of the property. The contract information may also include a clause stating that, for example, if a sales contract for the property is concluded between the provider of the property and another buyer, the provider of the property will not pay a brokerage fee to the real estate agent. The contract information is, for example, an electronic contract with the electronic signature and timestamp of the provider of the property. The electronic contract may also include a clause stating that the provider of the property cannot conclude a brokerage contract with another company.

[0061] The contract information transmission unit 219 transmits the contract information received by the contract reception unit 218 to the third terminal device 5 in response to a transmission request from the third terminal device 5. The third terminal device 5 transmits a transmission request to the server device 2 to request the contract information in response to an operation by the intermediary to the third terminal device 5. Once the contract information is transmitted from the server device 2 to the third terminal device 5, the intermediary can view the contents of the brokerage contract.

[0062] If an intermediary wishes to conclude a brokerage agreement, the intermediary inputs the information necessary to conclude the brokerage agreement into the third terminal device 5. Once the information necessary to conclude the brokerage agreement is input into the third terminal device 5, the third terminal device 5 transmits the contract conclusion information to the server device 2. The contract conclusion information is, for example, information with the intermediary's electronic signature entered into the electronic contract.

[0063] The contract formation information receiving unit 220 receives contract formation information from the third terminal device 5 to conclude the brokerage contract. The contract formation information receiving unit 220 also stores the received contract formation information in the storage unit.

[0064] The contract formation information transmission unit 221 transmits the contract formation information received by the contract formation information reception unit 220 to the first terminal device 3. When the property provider confirms the contract formation information using the first terminal device 3, a brokerage contract is formed between the provider and the intermediary.

[0065] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process that System 1 executes when a brokerage agreement is concluded between the provider and the intermediary. First, the first terminal device 3 transmits property information to the server device 2 based on an operation performed by the provider on the first terminal device 3 (step S201). When the server device 2 receives the property information from the first terminal device 3, it stores the property information in its storage unit (step S202). In other words, when the acquisition unit 211 acquires property information, it stores the property information in its storage unit.

[0066] Next, the server device 2 transmits property information to the third terminal device 5 used by the intermediary (step S203). In other words, the second transmission unit 217 transmits property information to the third terminal device 5. The server device 2 may also transmit property information to the third terminal device 5 in response to receiving request information from the third terminal device 5 requesting property information. The third terminal device 5 only needs to transmit request information to the server device 2 to request property information based on the intermediary's operation on the third terminal device 5.

[0067] Furthermore, the first terminal device 3 transmits contract information to the server device 2 based on the provider's operation on the first terminal device 3 (step S204). When the server device 2 receives contract information from the first terminal device 3, it stores the contract information in its storage unit (step S205). In other words, in response to the contract reception unit 218 receiving contract information from the first terminal device 3, the server device 2 stores the contract information in its storage unit.

[0068] Next, the third terminal device 5 sends a transmission request to the server device 2 to request the transmission of contract information (step S206). When the server device 2 receives the transmission request from the third terminal device 5, it transmits the contract information to the third terminal device 5 (step S207).

[0069] When an intermediary using the third terminal device 5 decides to conclude a brokerage agreement because there are no problems with the contract information, they perform operations on the third terminal device 5 to conclude the brokerage agreement. For example, the intermediary performs an operation to enter an electronic signature on the electronic contract indicated by the contract information. Next, the third terminal device 5 transmits contract conclusion information to the server device 2 to conclude the brokerage agreement (step S208).

[0070] When server device 2 receives contract formation information, it stores the contract formation information in its storage unit (step S209). Next, contract formation information transmission unit 221 transmits the contract formation information to the first terminal device 3. When the property provider confirms the contract formation information, a brokerage contract is concluded between the property provider and the intermediary.

[0071] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process that System 1 executes when a contract is concluded between the provider and another buyer after a brokerage agreement has been concluded between the provider and the intermediary.

[0072] When a real estate agent posts a property related to a brokerage agreement they have concluded on their own website, for example, the third terminal device 5 transmits the property information to the external server device 6 (step S301). The external server device 6 is, for example, a server device that manages the real estate agent's website. The external server device 6 may also be a server device that manages a portal site that provides real estate information.

[0073] When the external server device 6 receives property information, it stores the property information (step S302). The real estate agent, for example, makes the property information viewable by performing an operation on the third terminal device 5 to post the property information on the homepage.

[0074] When the property information becomes available for viewing, the fourth terminal device 7 accesses the homepage and views the property information. In other words, the fourth terminal device 7 sends a request to the external server device 6 to transmit the property information. The fourth terminal device 7 is a terminal device used by other acquirers.

[0075] When the external server device 6 receives a request to transmit property information from the fourth terminal device 7, the external server device 6 transmits the property information to the fourth terminal device 7 (step S303). In other words, when the external server device 6 receives the property information, it transmits the property information to the fourth terminal device 7, which is used by a different acquirer than the acquirer. This allows the other acquirer to view the property information using the fourth terminal device 7.

[0076] When another buyer finds a property they wish to purchase from among several properties they have viewed, they submit an application to purchase the property. The other buyer performs an operation to submit an application to purchase the property on the fourth terminal device 7, and the external server device 6 transmits the application information to the third terminal device 5 (step S304). This allows the real estate agent to confirm that another buyer has submitted an application to purchase a property listed on the website or elsewhere.

[0077] When the third terminal device 5 receives application information from the external server device 6, the third terminal device 5 transmits the application information to the first terminal device 3 (step S305). The third terminal device 5 transmits the application information to the first terminal device 3 based on the intermediary's operation to the third terminal device 5. The property provider can find out that an application has been made for the property by confirming the application information received by the first terminal device 3. Subsequently, the property is transferred from the provider to the other buyer through the intermediary mediating the transaction between the property provider and the other buyer.

[0078] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of server device 2, which has further functions. Server device 2 includes a comment function unit 222, an auction function unit 223, a viewing function unit 224, and a support function unit 225. The comment function unit 222, the auction function unit 223, the viewing function unit 224, and the support function unit 225 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using system programs, various programs, and various data stored in memory 203.

[0079] The comment function unit 222 receives and displays comments that include at least one of the following: a first comment from the first terminal device 3, a second comment from the second terminal device 4, and a third comment from the third terminal device 5. In other words, the comment function unit 222 enables communication among multiple members who can use the system provider's platform using the comment section. The comment function unit 222 provides a comment section for each property, for example. Members who can use the platform can write comments, questions, etc., in the comment section of the page where their favorite property is listed, for example. In other words, the comment function unit 222 displays a comment section on each page listing a property and accepts comments from members. This allows members to know that properties on pages with many comments are popular properties.

[0080] Figure 14 shows an example of a property listing page with a comment section. The property listing page 20 includes an area where property information is displayed, a display area 231 where images of the property are displayed, and a comment section 232. The comment section 232 displays, for example, the name or pen name of the person who posted the comment and the comment itself.

[0081] The auction function unit 223 receives and displays price information that includes at least one of the following: offering price information indicating the provider's desired offering price for the property, first price information indicating the buyer's desired acquisition price, and second price information indicating the intermediary's desired acquisition price for the property. In other words, the auction function unit 223 provides a property auction function to members who are able to use the platform. For example, the auction function unit 223 grants the property provider the right to list the property. The listing right is the right to list the property at the desired price. The auction function unit 223 also grants members other than the property provider the right to bid in the auction. The bidding right is the right to successfully bid on the property at the desired price.

[0082] The viewing function unit 224 receives a viewing request from at least one of the second terminal device 4 and the third terminal device 5, indicating the desired date and time for viewing the property. When the desired date and time included in the viewing request arrives, it transmits unlocking information to at least one of the second terminal device 4 and the third terminal device 5 to unlock the property. In other words, the viewing function unit 224 enables unattended viewings of the property by the property buyer or real estate agent. An unattended viewing is when the property buyer or real estate agent views the property without the presence of the property manager. Traditionally, when a property buyer wishes to view a property, a person such as the property provider or real estate agent needs to handle the handover of the property keys. However, by equipping the server device 2 with the viewing function unit 224, it is no longer necessary for a person to handle the handover of property keys.

[0083] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process executed in System 1 when a property viewing takes place. First, the property buyer displays the property information shown in Figure 6 on the second terminal device 4, for example. Next, the buyer touches the first button 103 which displays the string "I want to see it (free)". As a result, the second terminal device 4 sends a viewing request to the server device 2 indicating that the buyer wishes to view the property (step S401). The viewing request includes, for example, information to identify the property to be viewed, the desired date and time for the viewing, and information to identify the property buyer. When the server device 2 receives the viewing request from the second terminal device 4, the viewing function unit 224 stores the viewing request in the storage unit (step S402).

[0084] Next, when the desired viewing date and time, as specified in the viewing request, arrives, the viewing function unit 224 transmits permission information to the second terminal device 4 to authorize the viewing (step S403). The viewing function unit 224 may also transmit the permission information to a second terminal device 4 different from the second terminal device 4 that received the viewing request. In other words, if the server device 2 receives a viewing request from the PC used by the acquirer, it may also transmit the permission information to the smartphone used by the acquirer.

[0085] The authorization information may include, for example, information to display a 2D code on the screen. The authorization information may also include information to unlock the property by allowing the smartphone to communicate with the property's locking system.

[0086] When the second terminal device 4 obtains permission information, the second terminal device 4 performs an unlocking process (step S404). If the second terminal device 4 is a smartphone, the smartphone displays a 2D code on its screen. The property acquirer has the reader of the property's locking system read the 2D code displayed on the smartphone screen. This unlocks the property, allowing the acquirer to view the property. Alternatively, based on the acquirer's operation on the smartphone, the smartphone communicates with the property's locking system. This unlocks the property, allowing the acquirer to view the property.

[0087] The support function unit 225 receives support requests from at least one of the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, and the third terminal device 5, requesting a contract related to the property or work that arises in connection with the contract. Based on the received support request, the support function unit 225 transmits the support request to the fifth terminal device 8 used by the worker performing the work.

[0088] Contracts related to the property include sales contracts and lease agreements concluded between the provider and the buyer. Tasks that arise in conjunction with the contract include, for example, registration, property construction, and moving. In other words, the workers are real estate agents, judicial scriveners, electricians, moving companies, etc. The fifth terminal is a PC, smartphone, tablet, etc., used by these workers. The workers can check the support requests received by the fifth terminal device 8 and provide various services.

[0089] As explained above, the server device 2 includes an acquisition unit 211 that acquires property information from a first terminal device 3 used by the property provider, a first transmission unit 212 that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 to a second terminal device 4 used by the property acquirer, and a second transmission unit 217 that transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 to a third terminal device 5 used by the property broker. Therefore, the server device 2 can provide property information not only to the property acquirer but also to the property broker. This facilitates the buying and selling of properties.

[0090] In particular, when the property provider is an individual who owns the property and the property acquirer is an individual considering purchasing the property, server device 2 can support the sale of the property between these individuals while also providing property information to the intermediary. This allows server device 2 to reduce the workload for the property provider while simultaneously supporting both the sale of the property between individuals and the sale of the property through an intermediary.

[0091] Furthermore, the third terminal device 5 transmits property information to the external server device 6, and the external server device 6 transmits the property information to the fourth terminal device 7, which is used by a different acquirer than the acquirer. Therefore, the server device 2 can provide property information to members other than those who can use the platform provided by the system provider. This allows the server device 2 to facilitate the buying and selling of properties.

[0092] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes a transfer acceptance unit 213 that receives the payment for the property from the acquirer's account, and a transfer execution unit 216 that transfers the payment received by the transfer acceptance unit 213 to the provider's account when the property is delivered from the provider to the acquirer. Therefore, the server device 2 can implement escrow settlement. This allows property traders to trade the property securely.

[0093] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes a comment function unit 222 that receives and displays comments, including at least one of the first comment from the first terminal device 3, the second comment from the second terminal device 4, and the third comment from the third terminal device 5. Therefore, the server device 2 can provide a comment function to the platform, thereby revitalizing communication between property providers and property acquirers.

[0094] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes an auction function unit 223 that receives and displays price information, which includes at least one of the following: offering price information indicating the provider's desired offering price for the property, first price information indicating the buyer's desired acquisition price, and second price information indicating the intermediary's desired acquisition price for the property. Therefore, the server device 2 enables property providers to offer their properties at a high price.

[0095] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes a viewing function unit 224 that receives viewing requests indicating desired dates and times for viewing the property from at least one of the second terminal device 4 and the third terminal device 5, and when the desired date and time included in the viewing request arrives, transmits unlocking information to at least one of the second terminal device 4 and the third terminal device 5 to unlock the property. Thus, the server device 2 enables unattended viewings of the property by the property acquirer or other persons.

[0096] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes a support function unit 225 that receives support requests from at least one of the first terminal device 3, the second terminal device 4, and the third terminal device 5 for contracts related to the property or work arising in connection with the contract, and transmits the support requests to a fifth terminal device 8 used by the worker performing the work, based on the received support request information. Thus, the server device 2 can provide various services to property providers, property acquirers, intermediaries, and the like.

[0097] Furthermore, the server device 2 includes a contract reception unit 218 that receives contract information related to the brokerage agreement from the first terminal device 3, a contract information transmission unit 219 that transmits the contract information received by the contract reception unit 218 to the third terminal device 5, and a contract completion information reception unit 220 that receives contract completion information for concluding the brokerage agreement from the third terminal device 5. Therefore, the server device 2 can support the conclusion of a brokerage agreement between the property provider and the real estate agent.

[0098] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure, or from the gist of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 System 2 Server devices 3. First terminal device 4. Second terminal device 5. Third terminal device 6. External Server Devices 7. Fourth terminal device 8. Fifth terminal device 201 Hardware Processor Bus 202 203 memory 204 Communication equipment 205 Input / Output Interfaces 211 Acquisition Department 212 First Transmitter 213 Bank Transfer Department 214 Transfer Notification Section 215 Delivery completion reception section 216 Transfer Execution Department 217 Second transmitting section 218 Contract Reception Department 219 Contract Information Transmission Department 220 Contract Completion Information Reception Department 221 Contract Formation Information Transmission Department 222 Comment Function Section 223 Auction Function Department 224 Viewing Function Section 225 Support Function Section

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires property information relating to the property from a first terminal device used by the property provider, A first transmission unit transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a second terminal device used by the acquirer of the property, A second transmission unit transmits the property information acquired by the acquisition unit to a third terminal device used by the real estate agent for the property. A server device equipped with the following features.

2. The second transmission unit further transmits the property information to an external server device. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the external server device, upon receiving the property information, transmits the property information to a fourth terminal device used by a different acquirer than the acquirer.

3. A payment receiving department that accepts transfers of the payment for the property from the account of the acquirer, In response to the handover of the property from the provider to the acquirer, the transfer execution unit transfers the payment received by the transfer acceptance unit to the provider's account. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a comment function unit that receives and displays comments including at least one of a first comment from the first terminal device, a second comment from the second terminal device, and a third comment from the third terminal device.

5. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising an auction function unit that receives price information including at least one of the following: price information indicating the provider's desired price for the property; first price information indicating the buyer's desired acquisition price; and second price information indicating the intermediary's desired acquisition price for the property, and displays the price information.

6. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a viewing function unit that receives a viewing request indicating a desired date and time for viewing the property from at least one of the second terminal device and the third terminal device, and transmits unlocking information for unlocking the property to at least one of the second terminal device and the third terminal device when the desired date and time included in the viewing request arrives.

7. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a support function unit that receives support requests from at least one of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the third terminal device for a contract relating to the property or work arising in connection with the contract, and transmits the support requests to a fifth terminal device used by a worker performing the work.

8. A contract reception unit that receives contract information relating to the brokerage agreement from the first terminal device, A contract information transmission unit transmits the contract information received by the contract reception unit to the third terminal device. A contract formation information receiving unit receives contract formation information for concluding the mediation contract from the third terminal device, The server device according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. Obtaining property information relating to the property from a first terminal device used by the property provider, Transmitting the aforementioned property information to a second terminal device used by the acquirer of the aforementioned property, Transmitting the aforementioned property information to a third terminal device used by the real estate agent for the aforementioned property, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

10. Obtaining property information relating to the property from a first terminal device used by the property provider, Transmitting the aforementioned property information to a second terminal device used by the acquirer of the aforementioned property, Transmitting the aforementioned property information to a third terminal device used by the real estate agent for the aforementioned property, A method that includes this.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Method and system for real estate selling and buying brokerage, and recording medium

    JP2002007541A