WO2009018605A1

WO2009018605A1 - Search for a potential co-owner to co-purchase an asset

Info

Publication number: WO2009018605A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Thomas
Original assignee: Neil Thomas
Priority date: 2007-08-03
Filing date: 2008-08-01
Publication date: 2009-02-12

Abstract

A method, server processing system, client processing system, computer program product, and set of instructions for enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset. The method includes, in a server processing system: receiving, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; searching, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transferring, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

Description

SEARCH FOR A POTENTIAL CO-OWNER TO CO-PURCHASE AN ASSET

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to searching for a potential co-owner to co- purchase an asset. In one particular, but non-limiting form, the present invention relates to searching for a potential co-owner to co-purchase a dwelling.

Background Art

[002] Generally people purchase an asset, such as a dwelling, either by themselves or with someone whom they know well, such as a partner, a relative, or the like. However, in some circumstances, this may not be possible as the purchaser concerned may not be financially able to fund the purchase of the asset themselves and may not know of someone whom is able or willing to co-purchase the asset therewith.

[003] Therefore there is a need to be able to search for potential co-owners to co- purchase an asset.

[004] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Disclosure Of Invention

[005] In one broad aspect there is provided a method of enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the method includes, in a server processing system: receiving, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; searching, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transferring, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[006] In one form, each potential co-owner record is indicative of a co-owner profile defining a profile of the potential co-owner, and wherein the user criteria data is indicative of desired co-owner criteria defining a criteria of the one or more relevant potential co- owners which the user desires to co-purchase the asset therewith, wherein the method includes searching, using the user's desired co-owner criteria, the co-owner profile data of at least some of the plurality of records in the database to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[007] In an additional or alternate form, each potential co-owner record is indicative of desired asset criteria defining criteria of the asset that the potential co-owner desires to co- purchase, and wherein the user criteria data is indicative of desired asset criteria of the asset that the user desires to co-purchase, wherein the method includes searching, using the user's desired asset criteria, the desired asset criteria data of at least some of the plurality of records to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[008] In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, user profile data indicative of a profile of the user; determining a first set of co-owners who at least partially satisfy the user criteria data; and comparing the desired co-owner criteria of each co-owner of the first set with the user profile data, wherein upon at least a partial successful comparison between the desired co-owner criteria of the respective co-owner of the first set and the user profile, the respective co-owner of the first set is defined as a relevant potential co-owner of the result data.

[009] In another embodiment, the method includes: storing, in the database, a user record indicative of: the user profile data; and the user criteria data; and retrieving, from the database, at least a portion of the user record upon performing the search of the database for one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[010] Optionally, the asset is a dwelling.

[011] In another optional form, the desired co-owner criteria of the user criteria data is indicative of desired co-inhabitant criteria defining criteria of one or more co-owners which the user desires to co-inhabit the dwelling therewith.

[012] In one form, the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, weight data indicative of weightings defined by the user for one or more of the user's criteria; and weighting the user's criteria according to the weight data when searching the database.

[013] In another form, the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, satisfaction threshold data indicative of a satisfaction threshold for determining the one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the criteria for co-purchasing the asset; and applying the satisfaction threshold to determine the one or more relevant co- owners.

[014] In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, message data indicative of a message for one of the one or more relevant co-owners whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria; and transferring the message to the indicated relevant co-owner whom at least partially satisfied the user's criteria.

[015] In another broad aspect there is provided a server processing system configured to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the server processing system is configured to: receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[016] In another broad aspect there is provided a computer program product having a data recording medium including a computer program recorded therein or thereon, wherein the computer program product configures a server processing system to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein computer program product configures the server processing system to: receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[017] In another broad aspect there is provided a method of enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the method includes, in a client processing system: receiving, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transferring, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receiving, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and presenting, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

[018] In one form, each potential co-owner record is indicative of co-owner profile data defining a profile of the potential co-owner, wherein the method includes: receiving, via the input device, the user's criteria indicative of desired co-owner criteria defining criteria of the one or more relevant potential co-owners which the user desires to co-purchase the asset therewith; and transferring, to the server processing system, the user criteria data indicative of the user's desired co-owner criteria such that the server processing system searches, using the user's desired co-owner criteria, the co-owner profile data of at least some of the plurality of records to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[019] In an additional or alternate form, each potential co-owner record is indicative of desired asset criteria data defining criteria of the asset that the potential co-owner desires to co-purchase, wherein the method includes: receiving, via the input device, the user's criteria indicative of desired asset criteria of the asset that the user desires to co-purchase; and transferring, to the server processing system, the user criteria data further indicative of the user's desired asset criteria such that the server processing system can search, using the user's desired asset criteria, the desired asset criteria data of at least some of the plurality of records in the database to determine the one or more relevant potential co- owners.

[020] In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving user profile data indicative of a profile of the user; and transferring the user profile data to the server processing system, wherein upon determining a first set of one or more potential co-owners who at least partially satisfy the user criteria data, the server processing system compares the desired co-owner criteria of each potential co-owner of the first set with the user profile data, wherein upon at least a partial successful comparison between the desired co-owner criteria of the respective potential co-owner of the first set and the user profile, the respective potential co-owner is defined as a relevant potential co-owner of the result data.

[021 ] In another embodiment, the asset is a dwelling.

[022] Optionally, the desired co-owner criteria of the user criteria data is further indicative of desired co-inhabitant criteria defining criteria of one or more relevant co- owners which the user desires to co-inhabit the dwelling therewith.

[023] In another optional form, the method includes: receiving, via the input device operated by the user, one or more weightings for one or more user criteria; and transferring weight data indicative of one or more weightings to the server processing system, wherein the server processing system weights the user criteria according to the weight data when searching the database. [024] In another optional embodiment, the method includes: receiving, from the user, a satisfaction threshold for determining the one or more potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the criteria for co-purchasing the asset; and transferring satisfaction threshold data indicative of the satisfaction threshold to the server processing system.

[025] In another form, the method includes: receiving, from the user via the input device, a message for one of the one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria; and transferring, message data indicative of the message to the server processing system, wherein the server processing system transfers the message to the indicated potential co-owner whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria data.

[026] In another broad aspect there is provided a client processing system configured to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the client processing system is configured to: receive, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

[027] In another broad aspect there is provided a set of instructions received by a client processing system and transferred from a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, wherein the set of instructions are interpreted by the client processing system to configure the client processing system to: receive, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

Brief Description Of Figures

[028] An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non- limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[029] Figure 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing system that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment;

[030] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram representing an example of a system to enable a search for potential co-owner to co-purchase an asset;

[031] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart representing an example of a method performed by a server processing system to enable a search for a potential co-owner to co-purchase an asset;

[032] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart representing an example of a method performed by a client processing system to enable a search for a potential co-owner to co-purchase an asset;

[033] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart representing an example of a method to enable a search for a potential co-owner to co-purchase an asset; [034] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram representing an example co-owner record stored in the database of the server processing system; and

[035] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram representing an example of result data indicative of a record of a potential co-owner.

Modes for Carrying Out The Invention

[036] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[037] A particular embodiment of the present invention can be realised using a processing system, an example of which is shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the processing system 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110. In certain embodiments, input device 106 and output device 108 could be the same device. An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example interface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided. The memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 100. Input device 106 receives input data 118 and can include, for example, a keyboard, a pointer device such as a pen-like device or a mouse, audio receiving device for voice controlled activation such as a microphone, data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, data acquisition card, etc. Input data 118 could come from different sources, for example keyboard instructions in conjunction with data received via a network. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. Output data 120 could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network. A user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a monitor or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[038] In use, the processing system 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided. It should be appreciated that the processing system 100 may be any form of terminal, server, specialised hardware, or the like.

[039] The processing system 100 may be a part of a networked communications system. Processing system 100 could connect to network, for example the Internet or a WAN. Input data 118 and output data 120 could be communicated to other devices via the network. The transfer of information and/or data over the network can be achieved using wired communications means or wireless communications means. A server can facilitate the transfer of data between the network and one or more databases. A server and one or more databases provide an example of an information source. In one particular form, the server may transfer, to the processing system 100, data indicative of a computer program which when executed in the processing system 100 performs the method described herein.

[040] The data store 30 may be a single storage medium searchable by the server processing system 20. Alternatively, the data store 30 may include a number of distributed or separated storage mediums which store data. In one form, the data store 30 may be provided as a database.

[041] Figure 2 illustrates a system 200 for enabling a search of one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with a user, an asset. In particular, system 300 includes at least one client processing system 210 in data communication with at least one server processing system 220. However, for clarity purposes only a single client processing system 210 and a single server processing system 220 have been illustrated in this example. The client processing system 210 and server processing system 220 are examples of processing system 100. Generally, the client processing system 210 and server processing system 220 are in data communication via a data communications network 230 such as the Internet or the like.

[042] The user 240 is able to operatively use the client processing system 210 in order to provide input and receive output so as to search for one or more relevant potential co- owners to co-purchase, with the user 240, the asset. The user 240 generally uses a software program 250 which configures the client processing system 210 to communicate, via the network 230, with the server processing system 220 so that a search can be performed. In one form, the software program 250 may data received from the server processing system which is interpreted by an Internet browser located at the client processing system 210. The data can be associated with an Internet document such as a website which may be provided in the form of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) However, other forms of data can additionally or alternatively be used in order to configure the Internet browser to enable a search to be performed.

[043] The server processing system 220 includes one or more databases 260. However, for clarity purposes, the illustrated example shows the server processing system 220 including a single database 260. One or more of the databases 250 can include records relating to a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is associated with one of the potential co-owners. As will be explained in further detail below, the server processing system 220 receives a search query from the user 240, via the client processing system 210, wherein in response the server processing system performs a search of the database 260 to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user 240, an asset.

[044] Referring to Figure 3 there is shown an example of a method of enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset. In particular, at step 310, the method 300 includes receiving, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset. At step 320, the method 300 includes searching, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners. At step 330, the method includes transferring, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[045] The processing system 100 of Figure 1 can be used as a server processing system 220 configured to enable a user 240 to search for one or more potential co-owners to co- purchase, with the user, an asset.

[046] In particular, the server processing system 220 is configured to receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[047] In one form there may be provided a computer program product having a data recording medium including a computer program recorded therein or thereon, wherein the computer program product configures the server processing system to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset. The computer program product configures the server processing system to: receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[048] Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a method of enabling a user 240 to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user 240, an asset. In particular, at step 410, the method 400 includes receiving, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset. At step 420 the method 400 includes transferring, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria. At step 430, the method 400 includes receiving, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co- owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners. At step 440, the method 400 includes presenting, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

[049] The processing system 100 of Figure 1 can be used as a client processing system 210 configured to enable a user 240 to search for one or more potential co-owners to co- purchase, with the user, an asset. [051] In particular, the client processing system 210 is configured to: receive, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

[052] In another form there may be provided a set of instructions received by the client processing system and transferred from the server processing system in data communication with the client processing system. The set of instructions are interpreted by the client processing system to configure the client processing system to: receive, via the user interacting with the input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

[053] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a flowchart representing a more detailed example method of enabling a search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co- purchase, with the user, a dwelling. Although the example method illustrated by Figure 5 is described in relation to co-purchasing a dwelling, it will be appreciated that this is merely for illustrative purposes and that the examples described herein should be interpreted to be more generally applicable to any type of asset which can be co-purchased. [054] In particular, at step 505, the method 500 includes a user 240 registering, using the client processing system 210, with the server processing system 220. This can include the user 240 visiting a website hosted by the server processing system 220, wherein the user receives a username and a password which can be used to login. The user 240 is optionally able to register as a fee paying user wherein payment details such a credit card details are required from the user 240. Registration data regarding the user's 240 registration is received by the server processing system and stored in the database 260. The registration data can indicate whether the user 240 is a paying or non-paying user.

[055] At step 510, the method 500 includes the user 240 logging into the website using the username and password. At step 515, the server processing system 220 authenticates the username and password and if successful, the client processing system 210 receives data indicating the user 240 has been successfully authenticated, such that a search can be performed.

[056] At step 520, the method 500 includes the user 240 being prompted for user profile information and user criteria. At step 525, the method 500 includes the user 240 populating a form by inputting user data 600 indicative user profile information 670 of the user. The user profile information 670 includes data indicative of personal information regarding the user. The form is also populated with the user criteria data 680, 690 indicative of desired asset (dwelling) criteria 680, and/or desired co-owner criteria 690. At step 530, the method 500 includes the server processing system 220 receiving and storing the user profile data 670 and the user criteria data 680, 690 indicative of the desired co-owner criteria and/or the desired asset criteria in the database 260.

[057] Similarly, each potential co-owner record in the database can be indicative of a co- owner profile defining a profile of the potential co-owner. Additionally or alternatively, each potential co-owner record can be indicative of desired asset criteria defining criteria of the asset that the potential co-owner desires to co-purchase. Receipt of user profile data and user criteria enables a search to be conducted, using the user's desired co-owner criteria, of the co-owner profile data of at least some of the plurality of records in the database to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners. Additionally or alternatively, the receipt of the user criteria enables a search to be performed, using the user's desired asset criteria, of the desired asset criteria data of at least some of the plurality of records to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[058] When the user inputs the user profile information and the user criteria, the server processing system may store, in the database, a user record indicative of the user profile data indicative of the user profile information, and the user criteria data indicative of the user criteria. Upon the user logging into the system, the server processing system may retrieve, from the database, at least a portion of the user record upon performing the search of the database for one or more relevant potential co-owners.

[059] In the instance that the asset is a dwelling, the desired co-owner criteria of the user criteria data and/or the potential co-owner's criteria of desired co-owner criteria is indicative of desired co-inhabitant criteria defining criteria of one or more co-owners which the user and/or potential co-owner desires to co-inhabit the dwelling therewith.

[060] As illustrated in Figure 6, the user data 600 can include at least one of the user's name, gender, nationality, ethnic group, address, drivers licence, email address, age, marital status, employment, occupation, number of children, the ages of each child, children whom live at home, and pets. The desired dwelling data can include deposit ability, mortgaging servicing ability, area to purchase property, maximum purchase price, type of property sort, number of bedrooms required. The desired co-owner criteria can include at least one of the co-owner's age, gender, marital status, employment, occupation, number of children, number of children that live at home, pets, deposit ability, mortgage servicing ability, total value of desired dwelling. Additionally, the user can define whether more than one co-owner is desired. Of course it will be appreciated that all of the above information does not necessarily need to be provided by the user, however the more information provided by the user enables more accurate searching to be performed.

[061] The user 240 is also able to define a heading and an introductory paragraph regarding the user 240, which is recorded in the database 260 by the server processing system.

[062] By recording the user's profile information 670 and user criteria, 680, 690, other potential co-owners can perform a search for the user 240. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, the search can also be performed based upon the searching user's desired co-owner profile and a potential co-owner respective desired co-owner profile in order to determine a matching set of co-owners which can be reported to the searching user 240.

[063] At step 535, the method 500 includes the user 240 submitting a search request indicating search criteria based upon one or more of the desired co-owner fields specified above. The search criteria may include one or more of the user criteria data indicated above. The user may select which fields are to be considered and ignored for conducting the search. Alternatively, the user may input a different set of user criteria which the user would like to search thereby which is received by the server processing system via the client processing system.

[064] At step 540, the method 500 includes the server processing system 220 performing the search of the database 260 using the user criteria to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom satisfy the search criteria. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a first set of co-owners who at least partially satisfy the user criteria data. Then the method includes, comparing the desired co-owner criteria of each co-owner of the first set with the user profile data. Upon at least a partial successful comparison between the desired co-owner criteria of the respective co-owner of the first set and the user profile, the respective co-owner of the first set is defined as a relevant potential co- owner of the result data. In this embodiment, not only would the potential co-owner's profile at least partially need to satisfy the searching user's search criteria, but the potential co-owner's desired co-owner profile may also need to be at least partially satisfy the searching user's profile. In this manner, a cross-match of potential co-owners is determined. [065] At step 545, the method 500 includes the server processing system 220 generating results data 700 indicative of the respective record for at least some of the potential co- owners whom satisfy the search criteria. Each record includes data indicative of personal information 770 regarding the potential co-owner, desired dwelling information 780 of the co-owner, and desired co-owner profile 690 of the co-owner. Obviously, not all the potential co-owner information needs to be included in the results data, but at least a portion. As will be appreciated from Figures 6 and 7, only a portion of the personal information is displayed to the searching user in order to maintain at least some privacy. Furthermore, the server processing system 220 can provide a contact link for each relevant potential co-owner if the searching user is a fee paying user, wherein the server processing system queries the registration data stored in the database 260 regarding the respective user 240 and in the event that the user 240 is a fee paying user, the contact link is provided.

[066] At step 550, the client processing system receives and presents the result data 700 to the user 240, wherein the result data 700 is indicative of the one or more potential co- owners whom at least partially satisfy the search criteria of desired co-owner's for the searching user.

[067] Optionally, at step 555, if the user 240 is a fee-paying user, the user is able to select and contact one or more of the returned potential co-owners using the contact link. Message data indicative of a message from the searching user to one of the relevant potential co-owners may be sent by the user and received by the server processing system, wherein the server processing system forwards the message data to the relevant potential co-owner. Again, the server processing system determines if the user 240 is a fee-paying user via use of the registration data stored in the database 260. If the user is not a fee- paying user, the non-paying user may only select to display the potential co-owner's record, but may not be displayed the contact link.

[068] In one form, the contact link allows a fee-paying user to select the contact link and send the message to the potential co-owner, wherein the message is stored by the database 260. Upon login by the selected one or more relevant potential co-owners, the message can be retrieved and displayed to the selected relevant potential co-owner indicating that the searching user 240 of a particular username would like to discuss co-purchasing a dwelling. The selected relevant potential co-owner or co-owners may be able to respond by sending a message using a contact link, if they are a fee-paying user. Once a searching user 240 has completed a search, the method 500 includes the searching user 240 logging off the system at step 560. Alternatively, the message could be emailed to the relevant potential co-owner.

[069] It will be appreciated that in the instance of co-purchasing a dwelling, the co- owners may co-inhabit the dwelling.

[070] It will be appreciated that once at least two potential co-owners agree to purchase an asset, the co-owners should seek advice from a lawyer in order to draft a contract regarding co-ownership of the asset, wherein the contract is signed by the co-owners.

[071] In one variation, the searching user 240 may be able to set a satisfaction threshold which allows potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the search criteria to be presented to the searching user. The satisfaction threshold defines the level of relevance of a potential co-owner to be presented in the result data. For example, the satisfaction threshold may be expressed as a percentage, wherein a searching user sets the satisfaction threshold to be 70%. Therefore, all potential co-owners whom satisfy the search criteria by a value of 70% or more are displayed to the searching user. In one form, the method includes the server processing system receiving, from the client processing system, satisfaction threshold data indicative of a satisfaction threshold for determining the one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the criteria for co- purchasing the asset. Then, applying the satisfaction threshold to determine the one or more relevant co-owners.

[072] In an additional or alternate form, if the results data 700 is indicative of more than one potential co-owner, the records of the results data 700 is ordered according to the level of satisfaction of the respective record according to the search criteria. In this manner, more highly satisfying records are displayed prior to less satisfying records.

[073] In an additional or alternate form, the searching user 240 may weight particular criteria as being more important than other criteria such that more accurate result data 700 is presented to the searching user 240. In particular, the server processing system may receive, from the client processing system, weight data indicative of weightings defined by the user for one or more of the user's criteria. The server processing system then weights the user's criteria according to the weight data when searching the database.

[074] In an additional or alternate form, the searching user 240 may set a scheduled search to be performed at a particular period of time, wherein the user 240 is contacted indicating that the scheduled search has been performed. In one form, the user 240 may receive an email indicating at least a portion of the results 700 of the search when at least one potential co-owner has been found to at least partially satisfy the search criteria for the searching user.

[075] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[076] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the method includes, in a server processing system: receiving, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; searching, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transferring, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each potential co-owner record is indicative of a co-owner profile defining a profile of the potential co-owner, and wherein the user criteria data is indicative of desired co-owner criteria defining a criteria of the one or more relevant potential co-owners which the user desires to co-purchase the asset therewith, wherein the method includes searching, using the user's desired co-owner criteria, the co-owner profile data of at least some of the plurality of records in the database to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each potential co-owner record is indicative of desired asset criteria defining criteria of the asset that the potential co-owner desires to co-purchase, and wherein the user criteria data is indicative of desired asset criteria of the asset that the user desires to co-purchase, wherein the method includes searching, using the user's desired asset criteria, the desired asset criteria data of at least some of the plurality of records to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, user profile data indicative of a profile of the user; determining a first set of co-owners who at least partially satisfy the user criteria data; and comparing the desired co-owner criteria of each co-owner of the first set with the user profile data, wherein upon at least a partial successful comparison between the desired co-owner criteria of the respective co-owner of the first set and the user profile, the respective co-owner of the first set is defined as a relevant potential co-owner of the result data.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the method includes: storing, in the database, a user record indicative of: the user profile data; and the user criteria data; and retrieving, from the database, at least a portion of the user record upon performing the search of the database for one or more relevant potential co-owners.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the asset is a dwelling.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the desired co-owner criteria of the user criteria data is indicative of desired co-inhabitant criteria defining criteria of one or more co-owners which the user desires to co-inhabit the dwelling therewith.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, weight data indicative of weightings defined by the user for one or more of the user's criteria; and weighting the user's criteria according to the weight data when searching the database.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, satisfaction threshold data indicative of a satisfaction threshold for determining the one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the criteria for co-purchasing the asset; and applying the satisfaction threshold to determine the one or more relevant co- owners.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the client processing system, message data indicative of a message for one of the one or more relevant co-owners whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria; and transferring the message to the indicated relevant co-owner whom at least partially satisfied the user's criteria.

11. A server processing system configured to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the server processing system is configured to: receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

12. The server processing system according to claim 11, wherein the server processing system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer program product having a data recording medium including a computer program recorded therein or thereon, wherein the computer program product configures a server processing system to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein computer program product configures the server processing system to: receive, from a client processing system in data communication with the server processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria for co-purchasing an asset; search, using the user criteria data, at least a portion of a database to determine one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria for co-purchasing the asset, wherein the database includes a plurality of records indicative of plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and transfer, to the client processing system, the result data indicative of the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

14. The computer program product according to claim 14, wherein the computer program product configures the server processing system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A method of enabling a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the method includes, in a client processing system: receiving, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transferring, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receiving, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and presenting, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein each potential co-owner record is indicative of co-owner profile data defining a profile of the potential co-owner, wherein the method includes: receiving, via the input device, the user's criteria indicative of desired co-owner criteria defining criteria of the one or more relevant potential co-owners which the user desires to co-purchase the asset therewith; and transferring, to the server processing system, the user criteria data indicative of the user's desired co-owner criteria such that the server processing system searches, using the user's desired co-owner criteria, the co-owner profile data of at least some of the plurality of records to determine the one or more relevant potential co-owners.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein each potential co- owner record is indicative of desired asset criteria data defining criteria of the asset that the potential co-owner desires to co-purchase, wherein the method includes: receiving, via the input device, the user's criteria indicative of desired asset criteria of the asset that the user desires to co-purchase; and transferring, to the server processing system, the user criteria data further indicative of the user's desired asset criteria such that the server processing system can search, using the user's desired asset criteria, the desired asset criteria data of at least some of the plurality of records in the database to determine the one or more relevant potential co- owners.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method includes: receiving user profile data indicative of a profile of the user; and transferring the user profile data to the server processing system, wherein upon determining a first set of one or more potential co-owners who at least partially satisfy the user criteria data, the server processing system compares the desired co-owner criteria of each potential co-owner of the first set with the user profile data, wherein upon at least a partial successful comparison between the desired co-owner criteria of the respective potential co-owner of the first set and the user profile, the respective potential co-owner is defined as a relevant potential co-owner of the result data.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the asset is a dwelling.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the desired co-owner criteria of the user criteria data is further indicative of desired co-inhabitant criteria defining criteria of one or more relevant co-owners which the user desires to co-inhabit the dwelling therewith.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the method includes: receiving, via the input device operated by the user, one or more weightings for one or more user criteria; and transferring weight data indicative of one or more weightings to the server processing system, wherein the server processing system weights the user criteria according to the weight data when searching the database.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the user, a satisfaction threshold for determining the one or more potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the criteria for co-purchasing the asset; and transferring satisfaction threshold data indicative of the satisfaction threshold to the server processing system.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the method includes: receiving, from the user via the input device, a message for one of the one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria; and transferring, message data indicative of the message to the server processing system, wherein the server processing system transfers the message to the indicated potential co-owner whom at least partially satisfied the user criteria data.

24. A client processing system configured to enable a user to search for one or more relevant potential co-owners to co-purchase, with the user, an asset, wherein the client processing system is configured to: receive, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

25. The client processing system of claim 24, wherein the client processing system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 23.

26. A set of instructions received by a client processing system and transferred from a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, wherein the set of instructions are interpreted by the client processing system to configure the client processing system to: receive, via the user interacting with an input device of the client processing system, user criteria indicative of criteria of the user for co-purchasing an asset; transfer, to a server processing system in data communication with the client processing system, user criteria data indicative of the user's criteria; receive, from the server processing system, result data indicative of one or more relevant potential co-owners whom at least partially satisfy the user's criteria upon searching a database including a plurality of records indicative of a plurality of potential co-owners, wherein each record is indicative of one of the potential co-owners; and present, using an output device of the client processing system, the result data.

27. The set of instructions according to claim 26, wherein the set of instructions configure the client processing system to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to

23.