METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF ADVANCED REAL ESTATE SEARCHING

• US 20100094548A1
• Filed: 07/09/2009
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MLSListings, Inc.
• Original Assignee: MLSListings, Inc.
• Inventors: Horng, Evelyn, Tadman, Frank P.
• Granted Patent: US 9,141,640 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/209
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/16 Real estate

Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods for advanced features for online mapping, searching, and planning driving tours. A multiple listing service (MLS) system may include a map search feature. A user interface for a real property listing may include a geographic map, which may enable a user to define a destination search area. The destination search area may be displayed on the geographic map. The MLS system may enable a user to conduct a search utilizing spatial and/or non-spatial filters. A search entry interface may be provided on a user interface in conjunction with the geographic map. The geographic map and map search features may also be able to include additional geographic information.

Claims

1. A graphical user interface showing real estate search results on a display device, the graphical user interface comprising:

a destination list with at least two real property listing destinations; and

a geographic map displaying a destination search area, including at least one destination indicator within the destination search area corresponding to the location of at least one real property listing destination on the destination list.

2. The graphical user interface of claim 1 wherein the destination search area is defined by at least one of the following search boundaries:

a circle, a polygon, or a custom shape.

3. The graphical user interface of claim 2 wherein the destination search area is formed of a continuous shape or a plurality of discontinuous shapes, and wherein the destination search area is defined to be inside or outside the search boundaries.

4. The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising additional geographic information that is integrated into the geographic map.

5. The graphical user interface of claim 4 wherein the additional geographic information includes at least one of the following:

school district boundaries, demographic information, heat maps, parcel boundaries, tax information.

6. The graphical user interface of claim 4 wherein the additional geographic information is displayed as data layers.

7. The graphical user interface of claim 1 wherein selecting a destination indicator causes additional information about the real property listing denoted by the destination indicator.

8. A multiple listing system graphical user interface comprising:

a search entry interface with a plurality of real property search criteria to be determined by a user; and

a geographic map adjacent to the search entry interface, displaying a user-defined spatial search filter.

9. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 8 wherein the geographic map displays at least one destination marker, wherein the destination marker corresponds to a real property listing that meets the search criteria made by the user, and further wherein destination marker is displayed within the user-defined spatial search filter.

10. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 8 wherein the geographic map is integrated with a pre-existing map feature, and optionally with a pre-existing toolbar.

11. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 8 wherein the geographic map includes viewing options for at least one of the following:

2D view, 3D view, road view, aerial view, or hybrid view.

12. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 9 wherein the destination marker includes a status flag that indicates the status of the real property listing corresponding to the destination marker.

13. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 8 wherein the geographic map further includes a travel route for a driving tour indicating a selected start point and visiting each destination marker.

14. The multiple listing system graphical user interface of claim 13 wherein the geographic map further includes a tour summary showing driving directions for the travel route.

15. A method for searching multiple listings comprising:

displaying a geographic map on an interactive display device;

receiving, from a user, an input for determining a destination search area;

displaying, on the geographic map, the destination search area;

receiving, from the user, one or more search criteria; and

displaying, on the geographic map, at least one destination indicator that meets the one or more search criteria and is displayed within the destination search area.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the input for determining a destination search area includes at least one of the following:

destination search area coordinates, destination search area radius, destination search area shape, click and dragging the geographic map.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising saving the destination search area.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising modifying a saved destination search area.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the one or more search criteria relates to a real property listing attribute.

20. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for searching real estate listings within a specified geographic filter comprising:

computer code that displays a geographic map on an interactive display device;

computer code that receives, from a user, an input for determining the specified geographic filter;

computer code that receives, from the user, one or more search criteria; and

computer code that displays, on the geographic map, at least one destination indicator that meets the one or more search criteria and is located within an area defined by the specified geographic filter, and that displays a destination list comprising at least one real property listing corresponding to the at least one destination indicator.

21. The computer readable medium of claim 20 wherein the user is at least one of the following:

a real estate agent, a real property appraiser, a property seller, or a prospective customer.

22. The computer readable medium of claim 20 wherein the order that objects are displayed or downloaded depends on a user connection speed.