Agentless real estate transaction processes

Abstract

A method for enabling real estate transactions includes arranging an access device and a camera at a property of a first party in response to a request from the first party to list that the property be made available for a transaction. The access device enables entry of a second party to the property upon receipt of an entry signal. The camera can view or record a viewing area at the property. The method further includes enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property and monitoring the camera to view the second party during a viewing of the property by the second party. The method further includes following a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property, as detected from monitoring the camera, penalizing the second party for the violation.

Description

AGENTLESS REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION PROCESSESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 679,402, filed August 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and systems for enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers without the use of, or at least with the reduced use of, buyer agents and / or seller agents.BACKGROUND

[0003] Herein, buyers and sellers of residential properties include (i) buyers (i.e., purchasers) and sellers for transfer of residential properties from the sellers to the buyers, and (ii) buyers in the form of lessees (i.e., renters or tenants) and sellers in the form of lessors (i.e., landlords or property owners) for lease or rental of residential properties from the lessors to the lessees.

[0004] A residential property is a structure or unit and that is intended and zoned for living space and the land on which the structure or unit is situated on. Examples of residential property include single-family houses, condominiums, townhouses, apartments, duplexes, cooperatives, multifamily residences, etc. (collectively, “residential property” or “property”).

[0005] A real estate transaction for a residential property between a buyer and a seller customarily involves a real estate agent of the buyer (buyer’s agent) and a real estate agent of the seller (seller’s agent). The buyer’s agent assists the buyer in finding suitable properties, arranging property tours, and preparing offers. The seller’s agent assists the seller in preparing the seller’s property for sale, setting a competitive price, marketing the property, and managing showings. When the buyer is ready to submit an offer while deciding offer terms (such as price, contingencies, and closing timeline), the buyer’s agent prepares the offer using standardized real estate forms andpresents the offer to the seller’s agent. In response, the seller’s agent presents to the buyer’s agent the seller’s response to the offer, such as acceptance or rejection of the offer or counteroffer. Once an agreement is reached, the agents coordinate inspections, appraisals, financing, etc. As the transaction moves toward closing, the agents work with escrow officers, title companies, and lenders to manage paperwork, resolve any last-minute issues, and ensure that funds and legal ownership are properly transferred. Upon the closing being completed, the agents are paid commissions as compensation for their services. Customarily, the seller pays the commissions to both agents.

[0006] The national association of realtors settled a lawsuit in 2024 in which sellers of residential real estate properties are no longer required to pay the commission of the buyer agent. In this case, buyer agents will need to seek their commission from their buyer client which will be more difficult. As indicated above, the functions of a buyer agent mainly pertain to scheduling showings and opening doors of seller properties that the buyer client wishes to view and filling in blanks on standardized real estate forms concerning a transaction for a buyer to buy a property from a seller of the property.SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to processes for enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers of residential properties without the use of, or at least with the reduced use of, buyer agents. In other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the processes enable the transactions between buyer and sellers of residential properties without the use of, at least with the reduced use of, seller agents. As indicated above, buyers and sellers of residential properties include (i) buyers and sellers for transfer of residential properties from the sellers to the buyers, and (ii) buyers in the form of lessees and sellers in the form of lessors for lease or rental of residential properties from the lessors to the lessees.

[0008] The processes may be conducted by a service provider that is in communication via an on-line user portal with buyers and sellers of properties. The service provider handles the main buyer agent functions of (i) scheduling showings and opening doors of seller properties and (ii)completing transactions of purchases by buyers of properties of sellers. In this way, transactions between buyers and sellers of residential properties without the use of, or at least with the reduced use of, buyer agents are enabled.

[0009] Regarding the buyer agent functions of scheduling a showing and opening the door of a seller property, the service provider schedules the showing of the property in response to receiving a showing request from a buyer. The service provider authorizes the buyer at a scheduled showing time to view the property without the use of a buyer’s agent or any other chaperone and enables the buyer to personally to open the door of the property to enter the property during the timing of the scheduled showing.

[0010] Regarding the functions of completing a transaction of a purchase by the buyer of the property from the seller, the service provider enables the buyer and the seller to communicate with one another via the service provider to coordinate and complete the transaction. In this regard, for example, the service provider provides standardized real estate transaction forms for the buyer and seller to complete and arranges for special services, such as transaction coordinator, notary service, real estate attorneys, inspectors, surveyors, etc. to assist in completion of the transaction.

[0011] As disclosed herein, a method for enabling real estate transactions is provided. The method includes arranging an access device and a camera (or cameras) at a real estate property of a first party in response to a request from the first party to list that the property be made available for a real estate transaction. The access device enables entry of a second party to the property via a door of the property upon receipt of an entry signal. The camera is configured to view or record a viewing area around or within the property. The method further includes enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property and monitoring the camera to view the second party during a viewing of the property by the second party.

[0012] The real estate transaction may concern a sale of the property. In this case, the first party is a seller of the property, and the second party is a potential buyer of the property.

[0013] The real estate transaction may concern a leasing of the property. In this case, the first party is a lessor of the property, and the second party is a potential lessee of the property.

[0014] The monitoring of the camera may be responsive to receiving from the first party an indication that a violation of the second party has occurred during the viewing of the property by the second party.

[0015] The monitoring of the camera may include monitoring the camera to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party. Upon a violation of the second party being detected, the method further includes penalizing the second party for the violation.

[0016] The monitoring of the camera may occur either during the viewing of the property or after the viewing of the property and not during the viewing of the property.

[0017] The arranging and enabling steps may be performed by a service provider. The monitoring step may also be performed by the service provider.

[0018] The monitoring of the camera may be performed by human users and / or with the use of artificial intelligence systems.

[0019] As further disclosed herein, a method for enabling real estate property transactions between buyers and sellers is provided. The method includes a service provider arranging an access device and a camera (or cameras) at a real estate property of a seller in response to a request from the seller that the service provider list the property as being for sale. The access device enables entry to the property via a door of the property upon entry of a valid access code. The camera is arranged to be configured to record a viewing area around or within the property. The method further includes the service provider providing the valid access code to a buyer in response to a request from the buyer to view the property. The method further includes the service provider monitoring the camera to detect a violation of the buyer occurring during a viewing of the property by the buyer and penalizing the buyer for the violation.

[0020] The service provider may monitor the camera either during the viewing of the property or after the viewing of the property. The service provider may monitor the camera in response to receiving from the seller an indication that the violation of the buyer has occurred.

[0021] The service provider may obtain from the buyer, prior to the viewing of the property, a security deposit. In this case, the service provider may penalize the buyer for the violation of the buyer by deducting at least a portion of the buyer’s security deposit.

[0022] The violation of the buyer may include, for example, at least one of (i) at least a portion of the viewing of the property occurring by the buyer outside of a scheduled time for the viewing of the property, (ii) the buyer being accompanied by an unauthorized person or an unauthorized pet during the viewing of the property, (iii) the buyer not securing the property after the viewing of the property, (iv) the buyer vandalizing the property, (v) the buyer stealing a personal possession from the property, (vi) the buyer destroying a personal possession at the property, (vii) the buyer tampering with the access device and / or the camera, and (viii) the buyer causing general property damage without intent.

[0023] The service provide may obtain from the buyer, prior to the viewing of the property, a showing fee deposit. In this case, the service provider may deduct at least a portion of the buyer’s showing fee deposit after providing the valid access code to the buyer.

[0024] The service provider may obtain from the seller, prior to the viewing of the property, a security deposit. In this case, the service provider may monitor the camera to detect a violation of the seller occurring during the viewing of the property and penalize the seller for the violation of the seller by deducting at least a portion of the seller’s security deposit.

[0025] The service provider may monitor the camera in response to receiving from the buyer an indication that the violation of the seller has occurred.

[0026] The violation of the seller may include, for example, at least one of (i) the seller being at the property during the viewing of the property, (ii) the seller not securing pets at the property during the viewing of the property, and (iii) the seller tampering with any of the access device and the camera.

[0027] The service provider may obtain from the seller, prior to the viewing of the property, a showing fee deposit. In this case, the service provider may deduct at least a portion of the seller’s showing fee deposit after the viewing of the property.

[0028] The service provider may receive from the buyer an offer of the buyer to purchase the property. In this case, the service provider transfers the offer of the buyer to the seller. The service provider may receive from the seller an acceptance of the seller of the offer of the buyer. In this case, the service provider transfers to the buyer the acceptance of the seller and thereby establishes a contract between the buyer and the seller.

[0029] The service provider may facilitate a closing of the contract between the buyer and the seller. Facilitating the closing of the contract may include the service provider arranging at least one of a transaction coordinator to handle inspector and surveyor functions concerning the property and a notary service for obtaining signed documents. In a more general sense, facilitating the closing of the contract may include the service provider arranging services to successfully transfer a deed of the property to the buyer from the seller.

[0030] The valid access code may only be valid during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property.

[0031] The camera may be configured to record only upon an authorization from the service provider. In this case, the service provider may authorize the camera to record only during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property or longer following the violation of the buyer being detected.

[0032] The real estate property may be a residential property such as a house, a condominium, a townhouse, an apartment, and the like.

[0033] The camera may be a camera located at the property prior to the service provider arranging the camera at the property. The access device may be located at the property prior to the service provider arranging the access device at the property.

[0034] The service provider may administer a background check and / or identity check of the buyer and may receive from the buyer a pre-qualification letter or the like from a lender or banking institution or the like indicative of a proof of funds of the buyer. In this case, the providing by the service provider of the valid access code to the buyer is contingent upon the background check and / or identity check of the buyer and / or the pre-qualification letter from the buyer being acceptable by the service provider.

[0035] The service provider may administer a background check and / or identity check of the seller and may receive from the seller a document indicative of proof of ownership of the property by the seller. In this case, the arranging by the service provider of the access device and the camera at the property is contingent upon the background and / or identity check of the seller and / or the document from the seller being acceptable by the service provider.

[0036] In arranging the camera at the property, the service provider may arrange a plurality of cameras in rooms of the property for recording viewing areas within the rooms of the property. In this case, the service provider monitors at least multiple ones of the camera to detect the violation of the buyer occurring during the viewing of the property by the buyer.

[0037] As further disclosed, a method for enabling a real estate transaction of a property of a first party having (i) a door with an access device and (ii) a camera (or cameras) arranged around or within the property is provided. The method includes establishing a scheduled time for a second party of a viewing of the property. The method further includes enabling receipt of an entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property. The access device enabling during the scheduled time an entry of the second party to the property via the door of the property upon receiving the entry signal from the second party. The method further includes monitoring the camera to view the second party to view the second party at the property.

[0038] The camera may be monitored to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party and penalizing the second party for the violation.

[0039] Monitoring the camera may include monitoring the camera after the scheduled time and not during the scheduled time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart depicting operation in enabling real estate transactions;

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting operation of a service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers;

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart depicting further operation of the service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers; and

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart depicting further operation of the service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0045] As indicated, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a real estate transaction process for the real estate industry. In embodiments, the real estate transaction process removes the buyer agent out of the transaction process or at least reduces the functions of the buyer agent during the transaction process. In other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the real estate transaction process removes the seller agent out of the transaction process or at least reduces the functions of the seller agent during the transaction process.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 1, a flowchart 10 depicting operation in enabling real estate transactions is shown. The operation includes arranging an access device and a camera at a real estate property of a first party in response to a request from the first party to list that the property be made available for a real estate transaction, as indicated in block 12. The access device enables entry of a second party to the property via a door of the property upon receipt of an entry signal.The camera is configured to view or record a viewing area around or within the property. The arranging of the access device and / or the camera may be performed by a service provider.

[0047] The real estate transaction may concern a sale of the property. In this case, the first party is a seller of the property, and the second party is a potential buyer of the property. The real estate transaction may concern a leasing of the property. In this case, the first party is a lessor of the property, and the second party is a potential lessee of the property.

[0048] The operation further includes enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property, as indicated in block 14. The enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party may be performed by the service provider.

[0049] The operation further includes the camera to view the second party during a viewing of the property by the second party, as indicated in block 16. The camera may be monitored by the service provider. The camera may be monitored either during the viewing of the property or after the viewing of the property and not during the viewing of the property. The camera may be monitored in response to an indication from the first party that a violation of the second party has occurred during the viewing of the property by the second party. The camera may be monitored to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party. Upon detection of a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property, the operation may further include penalizing the second party for the violation. Monitoring the camera encompasses monitoring the camera itself to view footage viewed by the camera in real time, monitoring a recording of the camera being recorded contemporaneously, monitoring a recording of the camera at a subsequent time after the recording, etc. Further, monitoring the camera entails monitoring the camera to view a first party (e.g., the buyer) and to view a second party (e.g., the seller) regardless of any intent to view a specific party as monitoring the camera necessarily entails viewing any party that is in the viewing area of the camera. Thus, monitoring the camera to view the buyer entails viewing the seller when the seller is in the viewing area of the camera. Likewise, monitoring the camera to view the seller entails viewing the buyer when the buyer is in the viewing area of the camera. Further, the camera may be a Ring™ doorbell camera or the like. The camera may have the ability to for an owner / operator of the camera totemporarily grant another user to view their real-time footage through a mobile phone application (e g., done by adding the other user as a shared user) with the ability for the other user to view stored recordings as permitted by the owner / operator.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, a flowchart 100 depicting operation of a service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers is shown. The service provider is in on-line communication with buyers of properties and with sellers (and / or seller agents) of properties of the sellers.

[0051] In operation, the service provider lists a property of a seller as being for sale in response to receiving a request from the seller requesting that the service provider lists the property as being for sale, as indicated in block 102. In response to the request from the seller to list the property as being for sale, in addition to listing the property as being for sale, the service provider arranges for an access device and one or more cameras to be arranged at the property, as further indicated in block 102. Arranging the access device and cameras at the property involves installing the access device at a door of the property and installing the cameras in various rooms and locations at the property. The service provider arranges for such installation. Arranging the cameras further involves configuring the cameras to be in communication with the service provider such that the service provider may monitor the cameras. Arranging the access device and the cameras may occur at the time the property is being listed and staged for sale

[0052] The access device enables entry to the property via the door of the property upon entry of a valid access code. For instance, the access device (i.e., a corresponding door lock device arranged at the door of the property) is an electronic keypad which unlocks the door upon entry of a valid access code into the electronic keypad (i.e., upon entry of an appropriate door code being submitted to the access device). In the case of an electronic keypad or the like, the valid access code may only be valid during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property.

[0053] The cameras are configured to record viewing areas in the rooms and locations of the property at which the cameras are installed. One or more of the cameras may be cameras (“existing cameras”) already located at the property prior to the property being listed for sale with the service provider. In this case, the service provider arranging the cameras at the property includesconfiguring the existing cameras to be in communication with the service provider such that the service provider may monitor these existing cameras. The cameras may be configured to record only upon an authorization from the service provider. In this case, the service provider authorizes the cameras to record only during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property or longer in instances of buyer violations.

[0054] Once the access device and the cameras are installed at the property, showings of the property to buyers registered with the service provider can take place.

[0055] As typical, the property of the seller is listed for sale so that buyers may be informed that the property is for sale. In this way, a buyer of the property may become interested in buying the property and may want to investigate further by viewing the property. A viewing of a property entails physically visiting and inspecting the premises of the property. The service provider is ready to receive a request from the buyer that the buyer wants to view the property, as indicated in block 104. In response to receiving the request from the buyer that the buyer wants to view the property, the service provider provides the valid access code for the access device to the buyer, as further indicated in block 104.

[0056] As an example, when the buyer schedules a showing of the property with the service provider, the service provider will confirm the showing availability of the property with the seller and if available at the requested time, the service provider sends the buyer a one-time door code for a scheduled time, e.g., 2:00 to 3 :00 pm on next Monday afternoon, to view seller property. The one-time door code is to cause the access device to unlock the door of the property for the buyer to enter the property. The one-time door code is only operable for unlocking the door of the property during the scheduled time.

[0057] The buyer may then visit the property, use the valid access code to unlock the door of the property, and enter the property to conduct the viewing of the property. Notably, the viewing of the property by the buyer occurs alone (i.e., without the use of a buyer’s agent or any other chaperone). The service provider monitors the cameras to detect for any violation of the buyer occurring during the viewing, as indicated in block 106. The service provider monitoring the cameras is one form of vetting conducted by the service provider in appeasing any sellerapprehension in designating the buyers as being authorized to gain entry to and view seller properties without the use of buyer agents or any other chaperones. Likewise, the service provider monitoring the cameras is one form of vetting conducted by the service provider in appeasing any buyer apprehension in viewing seller properties alone.

[0058] The service provider may monitor the cameras during or after the viewing and may monitor the cameras in response to receiving from the seller an indication that the violation of the buyer has occurred. A violation of the buyer can be, for example, the viewing occurring by the buyer outside of a scheduled time for the viewing, the buyer being accompanied by an unauthorized person or an unauthorized pet during the viewing, the buyer not securing the property after the viewing, the buyer vandalizing the property or stealing / breaking a personal possession at the property, etc.

[0059] In response to detecting a violation of the buyer, the service provider penalizes the buyer for the violation, as indicated in block 108. The service provider may penalize the buyer for the violation by deducting an amount from a security deposit of the buyer. In this case, the service provider obtains the security deposit from the buyer prior to the viewing. For example, the security deposit of the buyer may be $1,000 and the penalty fee may be $100. As an example, when the buyer stays much longer at the property than the allotted time or when the buyer habitually stays longer than allotted times at other seller properties, the service provider may ban the buyer from the transaction process provided by the service provider and / or may cause the buyer to forfeit a greater amount or its entire security deposit to the service provider. Requiring security deposits from buyers for viewings by the buyers is another form of vetting conducted by the service provider in appeasing any seller apprehension in designating the buyers as being authorized to gain entry to and view seller properties without the use of buyer agents or any other chaperones.

[0060] As set forth, the operation of the service provider shown in flowchart 100 provides for the service provider handling customary buyer agent functions concerning scheduling showings and opening doors of seller properties. In this way, transactions between buyers and sellers of residential properties occurs with at least reduced use of buyer agents.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3, with continual reference to FIG. 2, a flowchart 200 depicting further operation of the service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers is shown. In operation, the service provider monitors the cameras to detect for any violation of the seller occurring during the viewing, as indicated in block 202. As indicated, the service provider monitoring the cameras is one form of vetting conducted by the service provider in appeasing any buyer apprehension in viewing seller properties alone.

[0062] The service provider may monitor the cameras in response to receiving from the buyer an indication that the violation of the seller has occurred. A violation of the seller can be, for example, the seller being at the property during the viewing, the seller not securing pets at the property during the viewing, and the seller tampering with any of the access device and the cameras. Other violations of the seller may include the seller denying showings, unauthorized use of the keypad and / or the cameras, etc.

[0063] In response to detecting a violation of the seller, the service provider penalizes the seller for the violation, as indicated in block 204. The service provider may penalize the seller for the violation by deducting an amount from a security deposit of the seller. In this case, the service provider obtains the security deposit from the seller prior to the viewing. Requiring security deposits from sellers for viewings by buyers is another form of vetting conducted by the service provider in appeasing any buyer apprehension concerning the viewing of the property being impeded or diminished by actions of the seller.

[0064] Further, the service provider may obtain from the buyer prior to the viewing a showing fee deposit and deduct at least a portion of the showing fee deposit of the buyer after providing the valid access code to the buyer. For example, the showing fee deposit is $1,000. Each time the buyer views a property, the service provider deducts a showing fee from the buyer’s showing fee deposit. The buyer’s agreement to forego a portion of the showing fee deposit of the buyer is indicative of the buyer being a serious buyer. In this way, the service provider conducts further forms of vetting in appeasing seller apprehension in being inconvenienced by viewings of buyers and / or missed / cancelled viewings by buyers and by buyers being authorized to gain entry to and view seller properties alone.

[0065] Likewise, the service provider may obtain from the seller prior to the viewing of the property a showing fee deposit and deduct at least a portion of the showing fee deposit of the seller after the viewing of the property. The seller’s agreement to forego a portion of the showing fee deposit of the seller is indicative of the seller being a serious seller. In this way, the service provider conducts other forms of vetting in appeasing buyer apprehension in being inconvenienced by the sellers cancelling the viewings and / or the sellers otherwise impeding or diminishing the viewings.

[0066] The service provider may conduct other forms of vetting in appeasing seller apprehension in buyers being authorized to gain entry to and view seller properties alone. In this regard, prior to providing the valid access code to the buyer, the service provider requires the buyer to go through a registration process with the service provider. The registration process entails the service provider administering a background check and / or identity check of the buyer and the service provider requiring from the buyer a pre-qualifi cation letter / proof of funds or the like from a lender or banking institution indicative of a proof of funds of the buyer. The background check may include background check processes like those of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck. Upon the background check and / or identity check of the buyer and the pre-qualifi cation letter / proof of funds from the buyer being accepted by the service provider, the service provider designates the buyer as being authorized to view seller properties. The seller properties available to the buyer may be restricted based on the available funds of the buyer for purchasing properties.

[0067] In this way, the service provider providing the valid access code for a property to the buyer and thereby enabling the buyer to view the property without a buyer’s agent or chaperone of the buyer, is contingent upon the background check and / or identity check of the buyer and the pre-qualification letter / proof of funds from the buyer being acceptable by the service provider. That is, upon the background check and / or identity check and the pre-qualification letter / proof of funds being deemed satisfactory to the service provider, the service provider considers the buyer to be eligible to let themselves (i.e., without a buyer agent being present) into seller properties that are priced within the buyer’s purchasing ability.

[0068] In summary, the elements provided by the service provider to obtain a pool of qualified buyers authorized to view properties without an agent or other chaperone include: the buyer identity and / or background check; the buyer pre-qualification by lender and / or proof of funds allowing for a specified maximum list price to view; the buyer paying a security deposit for any damages / penalties that may occur during showings (the security deposit will be returned once buyer cancels their subscription to the service provider or closes on a property, minus buyer damages / penalties which have occurred); the buyer pays a fee for each showing; and the buyer schedules showings through the service provider platform once approved, buyer is given access information to the property.

[0069] Likewise, the service provider may conduct other forms of vetting in appeasing buyer apprehension in viewing seller properties without a buyer’s agent or chaperone. In this regard, prior to listing the property of the seller as being for sale, the service provider requires the seller to go through a registration process with the service provider. The registration process entails the service provider administering a background check and / or identity check of the seller and the service provider requiring documentation from the seller indicative of a proof of ownership of the property by the seller. Upon the background check and / or identity check of the seller and the documentation from the seller being accepted by the service provider, the service provider designates the seller property as being authorized to be listed by the service provider as being for sale. In this way, the service provider arranging for the access device and the camera at the property is contingent upon the background check and / or identity check of the seller and the documentation from the seller being acceptable by the service provider.

[0070] In summary, the elements provided by the service provider to provide for agentless showings by the seller include: seller identity and / or background check to confirm the seller is the legal owner of the property; seller pays a security deposit for any damages / penalties that may occur during showings (the security deposit will be returned once seller cancels their subscription to the service provider or closes on the sale of the property, minus seller damages / penalties which have occurred); the seller and / or an agent of the service provider installs the access device and cameras supplied by service provider (the access device and / or the cameras may be theseller’s own access device and / or cameras); and the seller submits their listing to the service provider platform to allow for scheduling showings.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart 300 depicting further operation of the service provider in enabling real estate transactions between buyers and sellers is shown. The operation depicted in flowchart 300 concerns the operation of the service provider when the buyer is ready to make an offer to the seller for the property of the seller.

[0072] In operation, the service provider receives from the buyer an offer of the buyer to purchase the property, as indicated by block 302, and the service provider transfers the offer to the seller, as indicated by block 304. Assuming the offer is acceptable to the seller, the service provider receives from the seller an acceptance of the offer, as indicated by block 306, and transfers the acceptance to the buyer, as indicated by block 308. A contract between the buyer and the seller for transacting the property to the buyer from the seller is thereby established. Of course, the transacting process between the buyer and the seller may be more involved and include counteroffers and the like. In such case of a counteroffer from one party, such as for example a counteroffer from the seller following the offer of the buyer, the service provider receives the counteroffer from the one party and transfers the counteroffer to the other party. Further, in the case of leasing a property between one party (e.g., renter) and another party (e.g., landlord), the operation involving the service provider is analogous to the operation concerning a sale of a property. For instance, the service provider receives from the renter a rental application and then the service provider transfers the rental application to the landlord. Assuming the rental application is acceptable to the landlord, the service provider receives from landlord an acceptance of the rental application and transfers the acceptance to the renter. A rental agreement between the renter and the landlord for leasing the property to the renter from the landlord is thereby established.

[0073] The service provider then facilitates the closing of the contract (i.e., facilitates the completion of the purchase transaction), as indicated by block 310. For instance, the service provider arranges for a transaction coordinator to handle inspector and surveyor functions concerning the property and for a notary service for obtaining signed documents.

[0074] As indicated above, customary buyer agent functions include closing of the contract. The service provider handles certain or all buyer agent functions in the closing of the contract as the service provider enables the buyer and the seller to communicate with one another via the service provider to coordinate and complete the transaction. In this regard, for example, the service provider provides standardized real estate transaction forms for the buyer and seller to complete and arranges for special services, such as transaction coordinator, notary service, real estate attorneys, inspectors, surveyors, etc. to assist in completion of the transaction.

[0075] For instance, the service provider provides the buyer with a standard offer form for the purchase of the property of the seller. The standard form includes blanks to be filled in by the buyer to complete the offer form. The buyer fills in the blanks by being asked by the service provider specific questions, like in the same manner as is done by personal income tax service providers. Should the buyer want an attorney to review the offer form, the service provider may arrange for such an attorney and levy an extra charge to the buyer. Likewise, should the buyer want to consult a real estate agent, the service provider may arrange for such a real estate agent and levy an extra charge to the buyer. As described, when the buyer submits its offer for seller property, the offer goes directly to the seller via the service provider. The seller can counter directly via the service provider.

[0076] During the completion of the transaction, the buyer and seller may hire their own inspectors, surveyors, and the like. Alternatively, the service provider arranges for the transaction coordinator to handle the inspector and surveyor functions. For closing, the buyer and the seller may split the closing service fee and the service provider arranges for a notary service for signing the transaction paperwork. All funds would be electronically wired, and the buyer and seller would never have to meet in person as everything takes place online via the service provider.

[0077] As set forth, the operation of the service provider shown in flowchart 300 provides for the service provider handling customary buyer agent functions concerning the completion of the purchase transaction. In this way, transactions between buyers and sellers of residential properties occurs with at least reduced use of buyer agents.

[0078] The seller side process mirrors the buyer side process. The seller fills out its listing contract for listing the property for sale with the service provider by being asked specific questions by the service provider. The seller may be charged a flat fee for listing the property with the service provider. The seller can also choose ala carte options such as yard signs, brochures, agent accompanied showings, open house marketing, etc. In turn, the service provider arranges for the chosen ala carte options to be provided to the seller. In this way, transactions between buyers and sellers of residential properties occurs with at least reduced use of seller agents.

[0079] Further details of the buyer side operations and seller side operations according to the real estate transaction process will now be discussed.

[0080] Buyer Side Operations

[0081] The buyer creates an account with the service provider, submits to a background check arranged by the service provider, and provides a proof of funds or pre-qualification letter from a lender to the service provider. The service provider permits the buyer to view properties (e.g., homes) listed with the service provider that are within the verified price range of the buyer. The service provider may allow the buyer to view a home when accompanied by an agent arranged by the service provider upon payment of a fee to the service provider for the agent or may allow the buyer to view the home unaccompanied by an agent upon payment of a premium fee to the service provider.

[0082] The buyer submits a security deposit and showing fee deposit with the service provider. The service provider deducts the security deposit anytime the buyer violates terms of agreement. Depending on severity of buyer infractions, the buyer may be deemed to forfeit its security deposit to the service provider and / or may be permanently or temporarily banned (e.g., for one year) from the inventive real estate transaction service provided by the service provider. The service provider deducts a showing fee amount from the buyer’s showing fee deposit for each showing of a seller property scheduled by the buyer. The service provider refunds to the buyer any remaining showing fee amount at time of closing along with the security deposit. Showing fee must be a lump sum to be deducted from and once exhausted, the same amount of lump sum deposited again. The onlyway for a buyer to get their showing fee amount is either through successful closing or viewing seller homes until the amount is exhausted.

[0083] Security deposit increases with price range of seller properties and showing fee prices increase with square footage of seller properties. If deduction is made from the security deposit, then the service provider does not allow showings to be scheduled again until the security deposit is made whole again.

[0084] Showings of seller properties are scheduled online by picking their date and time. One- hour windows may be typical. The buyer receives from the service provider an email or login into their account to receive a one-time, unique door access code for a seller property. The access code becomes only visible to the buyer at the beginning of the scheduled showing time of the property. As noted, cameras are installed throughout the property.

[0085] The buyer can utilize market data provided through the service provider platform to guide the buyer on an appropriate price to pay for a property (like a CMA for a seller) but more general as to avoid claims of price fixing (with regards to the seller CMA).

[0086] When the buyer is ready to make an offer for a property, the buyer accesses their account with the service provider and starts the contract process. Like personal income tax software, the service provider asks the buyer a series of questions. The buyer will enter in the state / county / city where the property is located, which will prompt questions specific to that state / county / city statutes, rules, and regulations. With the county of the property being determined, questions become more specific to characteristics of transactions unique to that area. The questions will “fill-in the blanks” and essentially write the offer. Clauses regarding unique things such as furnishings included, professional cleaning, etc., are selectable from a list. Like personal income tax software, information markers next to each item may explain in further detail what the clause is used for and why a buyer may want to use it. Once the buyer is finished reviewing the contract that the buyer has written, the buyer can either choose to have an attorney or agent review / consultation for an extra fee. The buyer then submits their offer directly to the seller through the service provider.

[0087] In certain instances, a standard contract with statutes specific to each state instead of real estate commission approved forms may be used. This would be like new build sales contracts in which the developer has their own standard contract and does not need to be completed by a licensed real estate broker.

[0088] If the offer is accepted by the seller via the service provider, then the buyer will have a period (e g., one business day) to deposit an earnest money amount into their account with the service provider. The earnest money deposit process is like the security deposit and showing fee deposit processes. The earnest money remains with the service provider until closing at which time the service provider will give the earnest money, security deposit, and remaining showing fee deposit to the closing company to credit to the buyer. In embodiments, the security deposit and showing fee deposit cannot be used towards the earnest money.

[0089] Preferably, the contract has minimal deadlines: acceptance deadline, inspection objection deadline, termination deadline, and closing date. The buyer does their due diligence such as inspections, appraisals, surveys, etc., and upon the inspection objection deadline, the buyer can submit to the seller via the service provider an inspection objection form (available through the buyer’s account with the service provider) to request items to be repaired or waive their right to object. The seller and buyer can negotiate the repairs, or the seller can refuse to make repairs. The buyer is then able to use the termination deadline via the service provider if the buyer is unsatisfied with the condition of the property or any other reason that the buyer does not want to go through with the sale.

[0090] However, there may be a stipulation in the contract that the buyer will forfeit an amount that was agreed upon in the offer if the buyer chooses to terminate on or before the termination deadline. The termination amount pays the seller for the time the property was off the market. A termination notice form would be available in the buyers account with the service provider and would be submitted to the seller via the service provider. The buyer will receive its earnest money minus the termination amount once the contract is terminated. The seller will receive the termination amount from the service provider.

[0091] When both parties do not agree to sign the notice to terminate because of a dispute, no money will be disbursed until the parties go through mediation with an attorney or mediator through the service provider platform. If mediation is unable to resolve the matter, then the parties will need to seek further legal remedies and the money will be disbursed by the serviced provider upon court order. If the buyer does not close after the termination deadline has passed, then the seller will receive the full amount of buyer’s earnest money deposit from the service provider.

[0092] During the transaction process the buyer and seller hire their own contractors to perform their obligations in the contract. The buyer and the seller can select from the service provider platform a list of contractors and schedule online through their account with the service provider. When scheduling, the buyer and the seller will pay the contractor for their service through the service provider platform as well. A transaction coordinator would also be available via the service provider platform for hire for those buyers or sellers who want to have someone manage the transaction on their behalf instead of handling it on their own.

[0093] The title company handling the closing (of seller’s or buyer’s choosing according to contract terms) will communicate with the parties through the service provider platform. Notary services arranged by the service provider facilitate signing required documents. Notaries may meet with each party as needed for the required documents to be signed. Funds will be transferred to the title company, including the buyer’s and seller’s security deposits and other monies to be returned at closing.

[0094] All communication during the transaction will take place exclusively through the service provider platform so that in the event of disputes, all evidence of any matter is recorded, saved in the cloud of the service provider, easily available to the parties, and easily provided upon subpoena.

[0095] Buyers can be penalized by the service provider, and their security deposit deducted or forfeited for violating rules and terms of service. Some of these would include staying longer than their showing window, allowing someone else other than the buyer to enter the seller property, cancelling a showing within a window (e.g., two hours) of the scheduled showing time, bringing pets, not securing the seller property after a viewing (i.e., not locking any doors or windows the buyer opened), etc.

[0096] Seller Side Operations

[0097] The seller creates an account with the service provider and fills out a listing contract by being asked specific questions based on their state and county. The seller answers questions about their property (e.g., the seller’s home) to create a CMA (comparative market analysis) arranged by the service provider to determine an appropriate price range to list the property at. The seller can list their property for more or less than the CMA determines but it will be a valued guidance to the seller because currently sellers seek agent’s opinion of price, and the accuracy of that price opinion is based solely on that one agent’s market expertise. Computer models accessible by the service provider are much more accurate and would be an added value to sellers. The seller can have an attorney or agent review the listing agreement for an extra fee.

[0098] The seller pays to the service provider a flat fee for the listing and can choose a la carte options such as: yard signs, brochures, agent accompanied showings, agent staging (turning on lights, etc.) and securing of the seller property (making sure doors are locked, etc.), agent hosted open houses, booties for shows, showing feedback re-quests from buyers, etc. The seller can also pre-pay showing fees to get more showings from potential buyers. For example, the seller pays for ten showing fees. Until those ten showings are scheduled, buyers will see on the listing that the seller property is free for them to view. Once the ten showings have been exhausted, buyers will then see the showing fee for viewing the seller property. A la carte services could be grouped into packages of items and can be purchased at any time after listing but discounted when purchasing at time of listing.

[0099] Once the listing is executed, the seller schedules with the service provider a time for the access device and the video cameras to be installed. Alternatively, the service provider arranges for the seller to install the access device and the video cameras themselves. Once installed, showings can take place. The seller may be charged by the service provider periodically (e.g., monthly) for the lease of the equipment (access device and / or cameras). If there is no Wi-fi or the like available at the seller property, then seller will be charged by the service provider for cell service for the cameras and access device. The quantity of cameras will be up to the seller but willbe advised by the service provider of the best practice. There can be no claim of damage for any room or entry of the seller property in which the seller denies the installation of a camera.

[0100] The seller may be responsible for monitoring the cameras to make sure buyers have left the property prior to their return, no unauthorized persons, nothing stolen or damage to personal property, no doors or windows left unlocked, etc. If a seller has a claim for any wrongdoing, then the seller may submit the claim with the service provider through their account and a representative of the service provider would investigate the matter through reviewing camera footage.

[0101] The seller may choose a photographer in the service provider platform and schedule photographs to be taken. The photographs will be uploaded into the seller’ s account and once they are available, the seller can remove any photos the seller does not want and / or customize their listing details and remarks before making their listing public on the site. The seller can choose to have virtual tours, Matterport (3D floorplan), videos, and / or social media videos arranged by the service provider for an additional fee.

[0102] The service provider charges the seller a security deposit refundable at closing or expiration of the listing agreement. The seller security deposit can be deducted from or forfeited depending on the severity of the infraction. Violations of the rules or terms of service include damage to keypad and / or cameras, being at the seller property during a showing, not securing pets at the seller property, tampering with showing access (locking deadbolt) or cameras, etc. The seller will lose its security deposit if the seller breaches the listing agreement, including but not limited to, failing to close on an executed purchase contract, in addition to any remedies the buyer procures. The security deposit amount may increase with the price of the seller property. If any amount is deducted from the security deposit, then showings will not be allowed until the security deposit is made whole again.

[0103] The service provider charges the seller a showing fee deposit refundable at closing or expiration of listing contact. Through the seller’s account, the seller will be able to manage times and days the seller property is available to be shown to prospective buyers. The more restrictive the seller property is to be shown, the larger the fee the seller will have to pay. If the seller wants to approve or deny showings as requests come in, then the showing fee will be deducted for eachshowing denied. Once the showing fee deposit is exhausted, no showings will take place until the lump sum deposit is once again deposited.

[0104] Service Provider Operations

[0105] To encourage the service provider to provide the real estate transaction process, the service provider may charge the following fees to the buyer and / or the seller as appropriate: listing flat fee, a la carte purchases / packages, fees for each showing, fees for each seller denying showing and / or restrictive showing availability, penalties for violating rules and terms of service, and monthly lease of access devices and cameras. Other revenue streams for the service provider would be interest on security deposits, earnest money deposits, and showing fee deposits.

[0106] The service provider may charge fees for monthly contractor subscriptions (like current agent subscriptions except there is no limit on number of contractors within an area). Contractors who pay a monthly subscription fee will be listed as contractors available to be scheduled and paid for through the service provider platform. Contractors will see benefit in this service because payment is secured at time of scheduling and the system does their client procurement, scheduling, and payment for them. No need for contractors to use a separate service to track their scheduling or invoicing and payments. Contractors could be any type of contractor a buyer / seller / homeowner would need, not necessarily transaction specific. For example, the contractors may be inspectors, surveyors, appraisers, movers, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, appliance repair, roofers, remodelers, builders, etc.

[0107] The service provider may also charge fees for monthly homeowner subscriptions to contractors list. For example, the service provider provides buyers with one-year free subscription after closing as a promotion. Again, contractors are scheduled and paid through the service provider platform.

[0108] The service provider may sell advertisements to local businesses that run when someone is searching or is transacting in their account. For example, the local businesses may be restaurants, recreation centers, banks, furniture stores, clothing stores, etc.

[0109] The service provider may charge fees for monthly subscriptions for attorneys, real estate agents, and mediators to be listed to provide their consultation services and mediation services in the service provider platform.

[0110] The service provider may charge fees for monthly subscriptions for real estate agents to be listed to provide services such as staging and securing homes and / or accompanied showings that sellers pay extra for. They could also be used for showing properties to buyers in the service provider platform that want to look at a property outside their approved price range for an extra fee.

[0111] Agent Side Operations

[0112] Agents may have their own accounts with the service provider to show properties to their clients that are willing to pay them a buyer’s agent fee. This would allow these buyer agents to show properties listed in the service provider platform to their clients. Agents may write information “guide” articles for site content of the service provider to promote themselves as an expert to give consultation services, etc.

[0113] The elements provided by the seller agents to submit their listings to the service provider to provide for showings of their listings include: the agent providing to the service provider a copy of a signed listing agreement authorizing the use of the service; the agent is wholly liable for seller’s identity and legal authority to sell the property; the agent pays a security deposit for any damages / penalties that may occur during showings (the security deposit will be returned once the agent cancels their subscription to the service provider minus agent damages / penalties which have occurred); the agent can have multiple properties under one security deposit; and the agent submits their listing to the service provider to allow for scheduling showings; and the agent and / or the service provider installs the access device and cameras supplied by service provider.

[0114] Elements to the Agentless Transaction Platform of the Service Provider

[0115] The elements to the agentless transaction platform provided by the service provider include the following. Contracts - form templates so users can fill in blanks and legally sign electronically / digitally; fields which users fill in with text which create a document for use in thetransaction (a document being any necessary paperwork to facilitate the transaction) or contracts created using artificial intelligence. Access device - for users to access properties (the access device may be manual, electronic, digital, keypad, key, mobile app, lockbox, bio-metric, etc.; the access device may have associated access device instructions for providing access, for example, such access device instructions as “manual lockbox located at the front door, the code is 1234” or as step by step instructions on how to use a mobile application to unlock a door). Cameras - seller and / or service provider installs inside / outside of property to ensure buyer and seller compliance during showings (the cameras may be battery operated, plug-in, hard-wired, solar powered). Identity verification for both buyers and sellers (the identity verification may involve facial recognition, driver license, social security number, two factor authentication, PIN verification mailed to property tax record mailing address, email verification, phone verification, background check, and / or credit history).

[0116] Other elements to the agentless transaction platform provided by the service provider include the following. Title closing company service / real estate lawyers to complete documents necessary for deed transfer (person and / or company who has authority to process property transfers. Notary service to facilitate signing of necessary documents (person and / or online service that provides notary services). Pre-qualification letter from lender / proof of funds - buyer to upload to service provider platform (an official document proving buyer’s financial ability to purchase) or sent directly to the service provider from the financial institution.

[0117] Other elements to the agentless transaction platform provided by the service provider include the following. User (buyer, seller, etc.) accounts on platform to facilitate all user activities within the service provider platform (user accounts / portals where user activities within the platform are initiated and tracked; user accounts contain all user information and allow user to access platform functions, communicate with service provider and other users, upload and download information and documents, and track activity). Transaction coordinator accounts on the service provider platform (user accounts / portals for transaction coordinators that allow them to access information in other user accounts on behalf of user parties to a transaction while performing their duties to coordinate the transaction). Contractor database / accounts- user portals (user accounts / portals for contractors that allow them to have auser profile to advertise their services, communicate with other users and the service provider, allow contractor to manage their schedule so that users can book their services directly through the platform, allow contractor to invoice and collect payment within the platform; contractors are any service provider performing services necessary for a property transaction, property repair and maintenance, property improvements, property inspections, property consulting, and property promotion). Title company / property transfer company accounts (user accounts / portals for people and / or companies who perform property transfer services to facilitate a successful closing of a transaction between buyers and sellers; the user account will allow them to access information in other user accounts on behalf of user parties to a transaction while performing their duties in the transaction).

[0118] Other elements to the agentless transaction platform provided by the service provider include the following. Photographer accounts (allows photographer to utilize the service provider platform to deliver photographs directly into seller user’s account when listing a property for sale). Real estate agent accounts (allows real estate agents to create property listing profiles on the service provider platform for sellers who have hired them as their agent; the account allows them to create and manage many listings within one account). Showing scheduling platform to automate showing scheduling (property viewing / showing scheduling and providing access instructions to user; and contractor services scheduling). Escrow accounts for security deposits (bank accounts in which user security deposits are held on their behalf). Pictures (pictures uploaded by seller and / or professional photographer and / or agent; pictures could be taken and uploaded directly by use of the service provider platform’s mobile app). Brochure, social media, and other types of marketing and advertising material templates (service provider platform generates marketing material from the property listing information and pictures entered to the service provider platform; marketing material the user can print, save, share, and post on other sites and platforms). Listing input (questionnaire with fields for user to select options or directly input and / or upload information about their property to be conveyed to the public for the purpose of marketing their property to buyers).[01.1.9] Other elements to the agentless transaction platform provided by the service provider include the following. Transaction coordinator may be assigned to transactions whether a personor automated or both (a person or automated system or artificial intelligence for progressing the transaction by communicating with the parties involved in a transaction; transaction coordinator is liaison between all involved parties to facilitate a successful closing; all communication between buyer / seller / transaction coordinator is logged within the service provider platform). Comparative market analysis (CMA) data (market data available to both buyer and seller to help determine property value; current and historical market data on comparable properties compiled and presented in user-friendly, easy to understand formats for a layperson). Contractor database (user can search for contractors, choose a contractor, schedule the service, and pay all through the service provider platform). Bank-encrypted technology for sensitive and confidential information / transactions within the service provider platform (to secure confidential information such as escrow accounts, loan information, personal information, banking information, etc.).

[0120] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

SPCO OlOl PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for enabling real estate transactions, the method comprising: arranging an access device and a camera at a real estate property of a first party in response to a request from the first party to list that the property be made available for a real estate transaction, the access device enabling entry of a second party to the property via a door of the property upon receipt of an entry signal, the camera being configured to view or record a viewing area around or within the property; enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property; and monitoring the camera to view the second party during a viewing of the property by the second party.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein: the real estate transaction concerns a sale of the property; and the first party is a seller of the property, and the second party is a potential buyer of the property.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein: the real estate transaction concerns a leasing of the property; and the first party is a lessor of the property, and the second party is a potential lessee of the property.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein: monitoring the camera is responsive to receiving from the first party an indication that a violation of the second party has occurred during the viewing of the property by the second party.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein:monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party, wherein a violation of the second party occurs during the viewing of the property.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein: monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera during the viewing of the property.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein: monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera after the viewing of the property and not during the viewing of the property.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein: arranging the access device and the camera at the property and enabling receipt of the entry signal to the second party are performed by a service provider.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein: monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera by the service provider to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party, wherein a violation of the second party occurs during the viewing of the property; and the method further comprising penalizing the second party for the violation.

10. A method for enabling real estate property transactions between buyers and sellers, the method comprising: arranging, by a service provider, an access device and at least one camera at a real estate property of a seller in response to a request from the seller that the service provider list the property as being for sale, the access device enabling entry to the property via a door of the property upon entry of a valid access code, the at least one camera being arranged in at least one room of the property and being configured to record viewing areas within the at least one room of the property;providing, by the service provider, the valid access code to a buyer in response to a request from the buyer to view the property; monitoring, by the service provider, the at least one camera to detect a violation of the buyer occurring during a viewing of the property by the buyer, wherein a violation of the buyer occurs during the viewing of the property; and penalizing, by the service provider, the buyer for the violation.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein: monitoring the at least one camera includes monitoring, by the service provider, the at least one camera during the viewing of the property for the service provider to detect the violation of the buyer.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein: monitoring the at least one camera includes monitoring, by the service provider, after the viewing of the property and not during the viewing of the property, a recording recorded by the at least camera during the viewing of the property for the service provider to detect the violation of the buyer.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein: monitoring the at least one camera is responsive to receiving from the seller, by the service provider, an indication that the violation of the buyer has occurred.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising: obtaining from the buyer, by the service provider, prior to the viewing of the property, a security deposit; and wherein penalizing the buyer for the violation of the buyer includes deducting, by the service provider, at least a portion of the security deposit.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein:the violation of the buyer includes at least one of (i) at least a portion of the viewing of the property occurring by the buyer outside of a scheduled time for the viewing of the property, (ii) the buyer being accompanied by an unauthorized person or an unauthorized pet during the viewing of the property, (iii) the buyer not securing the property after the viewing of the property, (iv) the buyer vandalizing the property, (v) the buyer stealing a personal possession from the property, (vi) the buyer destroying a personal possession at the property, (vi) the buyer destroying a personal possession at the property, (vii) the buyer tampering with the access device and / or the camera, and (viii) the buyer causing general property damage without intent.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising: obtaining from the buyer, by the service provider, prior to the viewing of the property, a showing fee deposit; and deducting, by the service provider, at least a portion of the showing fee deposit after providing the valid access code to the buyer.

17. The method of claim 10 further comprising: obtaining from the seller, by the service provider, prior to the viewing of the property, a security deposit; wherein monitoring the at least one camera further includes monitoring, by the service provider, the at least one camera to detect a violation of the seller occurring during the viewing of the property, wherein a violation of the seller occurs during the viewing of the property; and penalizing, by the service provider, the seller for the violation of the seller by deducting, by the service provider, at least a portion of the security deposit.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein: monitoring the at least one camera is responsive to receiving from the buyer, by the service provider, an indication that the violation of the seller has occurred.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein:the violation of the seller includes at least one of (i) the seller being at the property during the viewing of the property, (ii) the seller not securing pets at the property during the viewing of the property, and (iii) the seller tampering with any of the access device and the at least one camera.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising: obtaining from the seller, by the service provider, prior to the viewing of the property, a showing fee deposit; and deducting, by the service provider, at least a portion of the showing fee deposit after the viewing of the property.

21. The method of claim 10 further comprising: receiving from the buyer, by the service provider, an offer of the buyer to purchase the property; transferring to the seller, by the service provider, the offer of the buyer; receiving from the seller, by the service provider, an acceptance of the seller of the offer of the buyer; and transferring to the buyer, by the service provider, the acceptance of the seller and thereby establishing a contract between the buyer and the seller.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising: facilitating, by the service provider, a closing of the contract between the buyer and the seller, wherein facilitating the closing of the contract includes arranging, by the service provider, services to transfer a deed of the property to the buyer from the seller.

23. The method of claim 10 wherein: the valid access code is only valid during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property.

24. The method of claim 10 wherein:the at least one camera is configured to record only upon an authorization from the service provider; and the method further comprising authorizing, by the service provider, the at least one camera to record only during a scheduled time for the viewing of the property or longer following the violation of the buyer being detected.

25. The method of claim 10 wherein: a camera of the at least one camera is a camera located at the property prior to the service provider arranging the at least one camera at the property.

26. The method of claim 10 wherein: the access device is located at the property prior to the service provider arranging the access device at the property.

27. The method of claim 10 further comprising: administering, by the service provider, a check of the buyer including a background check of the buyer and / or an identity check of the buyer; receiving, by the service provider, from the buyer a pre-qualification letter from a lender or banking institution indicative of a proof of funds of the buyer; and wherein providing, by the service provider, the valid access code to the buyer is contingent upon the check of the buyer and the pre-qualification letter from the buyer being acceptable by the service provider.

28. The method of claim 10 further comprising: administering, by the service provider, a check of the seller including a background check of the seller and / or an identity check of the seller; receiving, by the service provider, from the seller a document indicative of proof of ownership of the property by the seller; andwherein arranging, by the service provider, the access device and the least one camera at the property is contingent upon the check of the seller and the document from the seller being acceptable by the service provider.

29. The method of claim 10 wherein: the at least one camera includes a plurality of cameras, the cameras being arranged in rooms of the property and being configured to record viewing areas within the rooms of the property.

30. A method for enabling a real estate transaction of a property of a first party, the property having a door with an access device, the property further having a camera arranged around or within the property, the method comprising: establishing a scheduled time for a second party of a viewing of the property; enabling receipt of an entry signal to the second party in response to a request from the second party to view the property, the access device enabling during the scheduled time an entry of the second party to the property via the door of the property upon receiving the entry signal from the second party; and monitoring the camera to view the second party to view the second party at the property.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein: monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera to detect a violation of the second party occurring during the viewing of the property by the second party, wherein a violation of the second party occurs during the viewing of the property; and the method further comprising penalizing the second party for the violation.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein: monitoring the camera includes monitoring the camera after the scheduled time and not during the scheduled time.

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