US-20260127650-A1 - SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS USING SECURE AUTOMATED PROCESSES

Abstract

A system and method for facilitating real property transactions directly between buyers and sellers utilizes a platform accessible via a website and/or mobile application. Buyers and sellers create accounts by providing verification of their identities. The system verifies ownership of properties offered for sale, and financial information provided by buyers. Mortgage lenders preapprove buyers based on the verified financial information. Buyers schedule viewings of a property, then provide offers to purchase to sellers. Property sales are negotiated via the platform. Buyers may hire inspectors to view the property and the sales agreement may be further negotiated based on the inspection. Sellers may use the platform to obtain repair or other services for the property. Once a sale is agreed to, the platform prepares the required documentation, obtains signatures and facilitates proper recording of all documents.

Inventors

• Bradford Ashe
• Edward Ashe

Assignees

• Bradford Ashe
• Edward Ashe

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20251103

Claims (3)

1. 1 . A method for facilitating direct selling of any type of real or other property, comprising: a user interface for sellers to list properties for sale; a search module for buyers to locate properties based on predefined criteria; an integrated communication tool allowing direct messaging between sellers and buyers; and, a transaction management system to handle offers, counteroffers, and sales agreements.
2. 2 . The method of claim 1 further comprising a server configured to host a website facilitating the listing and searching of properties; a database storing property listings, user profiles, and transaction records; and an algorithm for matching buyers with sellers based on criteria such as price, location, and property features; wherein the user interface includes interactive maps displaying property locations; virtual tour capabilities allowing buyers to view properties remotely; options for scheduling in-person viewings.
3. 3 . A computer-implemented platform system for facilitating real estate transactions between buyers and sellers, comprising: a user interface accessible via a website or mobile application for account creation, enabling sellers and buyers to create secure profiles with unique identification credentials; an identity verification module configured to verify users' identities using government-issued identification, facial recognition, or real-time biometrics; a document submission module that allows sellers to upload property ownership verification and other legal documents required for listing properties; a property listing feature enabling sellers to list properties with descriptive details, including photos and videos; an automated lockbox system configured to facilitate secure property access for verified buyers at scheduled times, where the lockbox is activated and deactivated via the platform; an offer management module allowing buyers to submit, and sellers to accept, reject, or counter purchase offers in compliance with legal requirements for written offers; a mortgage pre-approval and lender selection module, wherein verified buyers receive and review mortgage quotes from lenders, allowing buyers to select a lender based on loan terms; an inspection coordination module that provides buyers with a list of available home inspectors and schedules inspections as requested by the buyer; a final agreement generation module that automatically prepares a final sales agreement after inspection, terms, and condition acceptance by the parties; wherein the platform integrates service provider recommendations and scheduling, including for plumbing, construction, and moving, to assist in completing real estate transactions efficiently.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable. NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not Applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL Not Applicable. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an online transaction platform. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for secure property transactions via a comprehensive online and mobile application platform that simplifies the process of real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, leasing, exchanging, or trading properties. Description of the Related Art There are currently many websites, computer listings, and multiple listing services which provide listings of real properties for sale, lease, and/or exchange with the assistance or services of a licensed real estate broker. However, these sites do not allow the buyers and sellers to negotiate their fees separately. They do not allow Buyer's to obtain lender approval for a purchase. They generally also do not allow buyers to schedule showings (viewing of property real or other) directly with the sellers or agents. The recent Supreme Court ruling in Sitzer v. National Association of Realtors now requires that buyers of real property must be offered an opportunity to negotiate commissions or fees paid by the buyer. SCOTUS's Ruling has created a void in the market place; there is a need to simplify and facilitate the greater control buyers now enjoy over real estate transactions. The above-described deficiencies of today's systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description. In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide systems and methods to facilitate sales of property directly between a seller and buyer. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed is an online and mobile application platform that simplifies the process of real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, leasing, exchanging, or trading properties. The platform of the invention may include biometric verification, real-time API integration with mortgage lenders, automated lockbox systems, and/or electronic signature capabilities to facilitate direct and secure interactions between buyers, sellers, principals, and other real estate professionals, thereby reducing transaction time and associated costs. The present invention empowers buyers and sellers with the tools, information, knowledge base, answers to frequently asked questions, and access to information necessary to complete a real estate transaction in writing as principals themselves or with minimum help from technical, real estate agency support, and/or legal support. The present invention allows buyers and sellers to avoid paying large commissions by allowing them to negotiate directly, and thus paying no commission, a reduced fee, or merely pay an access fee for the use of the web portal of the invention and its tools, forms, and answers to common questions. The present invention incorporates and simplifies many of the steps of a real estate, and other, transactions directly between buyers and sellers. The present invention gives buyers access to lenders for pre-approval and mortgage loan approval, as well as access to the sellers for scheduling viewing of a property. LendingTree® is an example of a website/web portal where banks and lending or loan companies compete for borrowers' business. In addition to access to lenders, the present invention gives approved buyers access to scheduling features of its website and/or web portal. The present invention allows users to securely list, search, and transact properties. The system leverages digital identification and real-time biometrics verification for user authentication, automated lockbox management, and seamless integration with mortgage lenders and other affiliates. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods to facilitate sales of property directly between the seller and buyer using an automated online or mobile platform that reduces or eliminates the need to incorporate third parties such as real estate agencies into the transaction and sales process. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Th