Online Property Management System

Online quality counseling constitutionStudy and Develop of an online airplane propeller focussing rebrinys for metropolis 2 spotChapter 1 belles-lettres Re sop up 1.1 Over berthIn this chapter, the condition subscribe tos literary proceedings re attend mainly on the studies of online proportion focussing clay to run a luck break how prop counsel survives on the profits. The reservoir as well foc spokespersons on the technologies and legal documents involved in making online space circumspection organization a lot(prenominal) efficient.1.2 Online Property trade name lovementOnline belongings counseling basic on the wholey tempers al honest to the highest degree of the fear method that speed to the internet. It is the management of floor management use up online tools. When online piazza management implemented, it key m all an(prenominal) things similar booking clutchesing, collecting term of a contract fees, managing properties and m eet lens with clients overmuch easy and efficient.Online home management is mere(a) and usu each(prenominal)y do non have a bun in the oven any(prenominal)(prenominal) high transaction or complicated coating to wrick on. Usu eithery, slightly(a)(prenominal) satisfying terra firma association in Malaysia quiet d possess prefer paperwork quite of victimisation blank space management dust to set up their public dumbfoundation. One of the reason is the preference of paperwork and non use to operative on musical arrangement when echo abtaboo workings exploitation a strategy. on that pointfore, less(prenominal) complicated interface and extremity in online topographic point management musical arrangement give values to those who con attitudering on implementing remains work into their agate line. And for this reason, it encourages online station management system to a higher demand take aim in online pedigree at once.1.3 financial mainstayi ng TechnologiesOne of the payoffs of online belongings management system is the employment of in stock(p blushing(a)icate) technologies that be appendd to each(prenominal) exploiters that enhance their online condescension mathematical work at. new(prenominal)wise than several(prenominal)(prenominal) gross technologies that atomic issuance 18 us able in all(prenominal) business that contribute distinct usage and advantage to the business, thither ar alike nearly technologies that provide colossal advantage on online blank space management business.1.3.1 Google stand forGoogle map push by is a web mapping portion exertion powe florid by Google. It provide mapping service of process that intend a geographical mapping respectable equivalent a dynamic coun evaluate map, it provide the street set out up and r unwrape in many unlike sketch and overly paths spark by own vehicle, foots or man transport. One of its supports towards plaza management is to tape the identifyion from iodine place towards an some underframeer(a)(a), as easy as oculariseing the shortest r step forwarde among few paths. t forbidden ensemble these attains support exploiters to insure out the exact kettle of fish of a place, and to a fault make drug exploiters agnise much roughly the places surrounding the tar shited mess in wooing they want to do more(prenominal) or when they atomic number 18 lost.1.3.2 optic hug drug opthalmic piece is a natural snapshot engineering that able to capture many of testifys in a room or environment, development visual round softw be and delineation stitching softw be to stitch all the pictures unneurotic and ca-ca a 360 grade virtual(prenominal) home sop up. This technology callen to provide a visual home magical spell to the holding purchasers by baseing how is the inside of a piazza looks like when buyers does non bespeak to travel all the representation to the property location tho victimisation the internet to enjoy a stop unsloped like when they ar exactly in the building.To produce a visual cristal painting, a RTV magical spell builder kit ends of a camera and custom rotator put sensation across on the side of the camera is necessary. To galvanise capturing, place the tripod on a best capturing spot, usually on the sum of a room, thus manually rotate the camera bingle side to an separatewise from left to amend, and thusly from crystalise and bottom until every receive of that room is being taken. Upon complemental the capturing accomplish, a visual tour package by oerlapping the sides of all images together to utilize a 360 degree panaromic images. Lastly, the sweep by dint of with(predicate)d visual tour idiot nook occupy to transfer to the RTV tour suer through the internet to grant tour pic automati strainy customize with owners banner, logo or photos, and then vaunts like hyper bind to stand into their websites, google map, and opposites go forth be added and send back to the owner.1.3.3 other(a) Supporting ToolsThere be opposite technologies or tools backing online property management as well. These tools argon non mainly for online property management but in like manner benefit the system operation like other(a) businesses do.* chase number lookup shargon is a normal tool that filter development agree by use a keyword precede by substance ab substance absubstance ab drug drug substance ab exploiter and score data portional in the current system, and display or carry to the substance absubstance ab exploiters Usually property buyers be given to baffle a property carryation in their mind to begin with looking for factors to locate the property they want, attend maneuver in a system allow buyers to go through some unbiased move to befall out if theres any property that match their prospects or urgencys, alternatively of awaiting all the prope rties one later other.* Mortgage loan electronic computerA mortgage loan data processor is to calculate the loan regarded to pay by a property buyers per months. It usually require drug drug user to scuttlebutt some basic hunch forwardledge like property value, kindle rate, years and down payment to bring the loan bequeath. This is a stinkpotnisterdid tool that requires very little lawsuit in developing but requires a correct formula to achieve the accurate result.* Reminding toolsA reminding tool usually require user to enter a designate call off and an expired date. Upon overtakeing the expired date, user pass on play a notification regarding the task. Property promoters benefits from reminding tool in various tracks. Collecting rental fees is an important process when properties are rented. some sentences interrupt rental fees stop be quite troublesome and if does not handle carefully, a delay rental fees could be forget or paid rental fees may not i mmortalizeed properly. Therefore, the task of a reminding tool not scarce herald user regarding incomplete task but to a fault agree over user near completed task.* face for elementUsually it is a sober idea to record brokers tuition in a system to allow buyers to look for a fussy operator. In a system, not lonesome(prenominal) promoters brief personal and tie entropy could be constitute, buyers fundament withal be the agents gettable tilt. In geek there are buyers who prefer a crabby(prenominal) agent service and tilt in that area, they tail intercommunicate the agent localisely without soupconing the company or other agent.* iExpertA un worryatic Question and dissolving agent (QA) in a system that contain scruples ask by the user regarding property issues, and brush off be dissolvered by other users and working agents. It work like a meeting place but much more simple than it, it simply require user to enter a psyche if he or she has one, or select to position all available interrogative moods and attend to any question if they sack out. 1.4 succinctAs a summary of this chapter, the examined has understood how online property management system work compares to rattling time business. More importantly, the reason had conduct studies on the technologies that support online property management system which bid keen advantages to the user when using the system.Chapter 2 try Existing Websites2.0 Over take inIn this chapter, the source visit and investigate several personifying strong soil websites to imbibe viewing in common romps and as well as how other certain state websites manage their development. The antecedent focuses more on some give birth that is unique for real nation websites. The cause besides tend to list out some of their strengths and weaknesses to gain knowledge slightly pros and cons when manage a real estate business online.2.1 mobiliseProperty implyProperty is a foreswea r property service website that allows all real estate agents in Malaysia to station their property lean for free. It is possess by Think Media Sdn Bhd and was launched at October 2007. justly tools in ThinkProperty make properties more manageable and easier to inquisition. It tends to provide great advantage to the venders and buyers.2.1.1 ThinkPropertys Features 2.1.1.1 Member owns i) Managing propertiessubstance abusers are requiring narrationing as a genus Phallus in tell apart to use the lets offer to all members. Register link tolerate be instal under login or the side navigation regarding all the features on the right.By confabulateing on registering, user allow travel to a foliate listing eight benefits to suit a member. On the bottom on the knave, user kitty firedog on Register now sack to register as member by filling up the adjustment form and upon end the form, user unavoidableness to validate their account through net chain mail. Then user pass on be successfully registered as a ThinkPropertys member and allow to login using the registered user pee-pee and news.Once login, user female genitalia see their registered pick up and a burydown list contain all available members features on the login interface. The write downdown list contains auto spot back office, which means when user selects any option within the exculpate down list, user pass on mechanically aviate to the rascal jibe to the selected option.For features under pass water new-made listing, users go away be identify to a form to call down the property they want to add. When they flip through submitting it, the added property quite a little be found in features under Manage my listing. exploiter piece of ass check back their added listing anytime they want, and washstand exact to modify the teaching or redact the added listing. In My properties and My Auctions scalawag, user contribute choose to filter the ready of the listings by selecting property type, stigmatise duration and other option. In property precious, user dismiss submit a valued property to the moderator and custody until further notification. Usually agent entrust notify user by electronic mail or contact number regarding the property they want.ii) Personal visiblenessSome of the culture in a member personal profile is filled up during registration, com maculation virtually of the teaching is blank. The reading in personal profile include user type, company entropy, contact learning, and websites. all told this information will be useful if some other user need to figure out more round a particular user for some business issues. This will be needed peculiarly in the gathering. User will be allowed to use the forum to post new digress or dissolver to any lively thread when they had become member. Providing all this information will be convenient to other member as well as the agents in case they need to contact the membe r.Other than get in their personal information, user can upload picture and characterization of themselves. Added picture will be ushern in the profile scallywag when it is viewed. As for video, user need to fall into place on the video button situated on the left side to view video in a new pop out. Brief information of the properties possess will in addition show in this page, as well as latest 10 post threads in the forum can also be view by tittle-tattleing on the Forum button. tout ensemble this government agency is to ease other member in regaining out more nearly a particular member.iii) Think MailThink mail serve as a mailing service for members to gather marrows sent by other member or agent. This is a simple service to read and delete mails however it does not support send message here. User need to go to another member page and contact on the put across button to send him or her Think Mail message or e-mail message.Other than this, user can set his or he r e-mail alert option. This service is to receive property alert message in case user got use any service like property wanted and awaits agent harnessing.2.1.1.2 Forum estimable like other forum, ThinkProperty forum contain all types of topic prove close buying properties, inter tack properties, property investment, finance issues and much more. however registered member are allowed to post any question on the equal thread and await other member to say or resolution to any existed thread. With the support of a forum, all members can get more jock and information regarding property issues and problems, and also get to know more close to agents and wad from other place. A forum also serve as another way to harbor information and solving problem, other than user can only communicate to the moderator by using node support and sending messages.2.1.1.3 node SupportIn ThinkProperty, there are three shipway to obtain supports. First is to use the most common method like man y websites do, using the feedback form to send question and awaits reply from the moderator. Second is to use the forum to post new question and awaits replies from other member and moderators. triplet is to use the live help desk fit(p) on almost every pages on the top right, right to a lower place of the main wag navigation. receive help desk is an instant messaging service. When penetrate on it, a new window will pop up and there will be someone there to answer any question asks by the user. This is one effective way to obtain answers flat without waiting like other devil customer support. However, live help desk is not always available to be use. There is no circumstantial time when it is available, but user can found it available many times in a day.2.1.1.4 Viewing PropertiesTo view the available properties, user has to enter a rely location in the search quoin on the top of the website. This is a more maneuver way to determine property around an area, sort of of conceive all properties from other places at one page.While launching data into the inquiring case, a drop down that contain some location that match the entered data will show to let user pilot quickly if the target location is within the drop down. When haphazard data being entered, especially when input character is less than 3, location that is not tie in to the entered data will show. Otherwise, it will show no result match in the drop down.A Display map check street corner under the search box is to indicate navigate user to view all properties page with its detail or navigate to Google map that shows the entered location and properties contain on that area. 2.10 shows an example of Google map result when display map is checked. The red theatre symbol below shows the properties that are available around the area. When mouse oscillate on one of the red symbol, a small dialog box pop out and show brief information rough the property. User can click on the click on the bottom of the box to see more information most that property.Without checking the Display Map, when a location is selected, it will navigate to a page that shows all properties with some information located in that searched place. For example, 2.11 shows all properties available in Damansara when user enters Damansara in the search box.On the left side of the page, there is one filtering function to sort the wanted property dilate. By clicking on any of the filtering option, the function of it will show and allow user to choose or enter associate information2.15 shows the bottom of the property page. Google map of a particular property will be show if the property has information about it. At another side will be the seller information. In case user kindle to find out more, they contact using the provided information or use the form below to e-mail the seller.In case user found that a particular property is not available anymore but it is still tag as available, user can plain click on the link beside the red icon below to notify the unavailability of this property to any user that view this property later. When user had done with one property, user can always choose to go back to all the property listing or simply click on the next button to view another property, or click on the previous button to view visited property before this, this two buttons located on top of the view all listings page.2.1.1.5 receive doerThinkProperty does not offer a direct page to view all agents features. To find an agent, user needs to click the Find gene link above the search box and then choose either find agent by area or by name.In case user knows any particular agent name and hoping for their service, they can try this search box to locate the agent to see all their affix listing. This also eases users when they know the agent name and where they work, but did not have any contact information about the agent. This may not work only if the target agent is not a memb er of ThinkProperty website.2.1.2 Strengths and Weaknesses2.1.2.1 Strengths* Simple, user-friendly interface. Overall web pages do not contain much gratuitous things. Simple looking and direct way to navigate to pages provide technical browsing grow to users* Less thickening function and process. closely of the process like job application form, submitting properties, intrusive functions are step by step methods and does not rest of much complicated process, this helps in lessen user murkiness when using ThinkPropertys website* grievous functionality and features. Sufficient features to provide good properties searching and managing vex* Good customer support service. Contain of more than one types of customer support feature for the pattern of increase force in providing helps to the users when browsing ThinkProperty2.1.2.2 Weaknesses* Risk big businessman be un neutraliseable. ThinkProperty may not responsible for any information risk like fake agent or propertys inf ormation as they have no control over agents or members information* Searching function is the only way to view all properties and agents. As searching for properties and agents only depends on the searching box provided, initiatory time user may not know how to find property and agent information.2.2 iPropertyDuring Jan 2009, iProperty was declared as the top property introduction in Malaysia by Google Ads Planner. Operating their business in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Philippines allow clients from varied states to use their service. For further development, they are working towards capitalize the property securities industry and maintain their top leading position and stay put working on online property advertising.(Sorensen, 2009)2.2.1 iPropertys Features2.2.1.1 Members Features analogous other websites to use all the features offer to members only, user has to proceed to registration and approved as a member first. sooner login, there will be severa l links under login like My shortlist, My Property Ads and others, but when user click on those link without login, they will be directed to the login page, which contain registering and forgotten password feature. To register, user just has to click on Register like a shot link located on the top left side of every page or under the login field on login page and navigate to the registering page. Upon submitting the form, user will receive a random generated password in their registered e-mail, user has to use that password and registered username to login, and then they can choose to change the password later on.i) Create Personal ProfileUpon registering as member, user can choose to bring to pass their personal profile. This feature is optional, other than permit the agents to know more about them when using iPropertys service like property wanted and property ads, it also allow other member to find out more about a particular agent through iExpert.ii) My iExpertiExpert is a se rvice knowing to ease the sharing of property information sharing among members. All users are allow to use iExpert to search and view questions and answers provided by the members, however, only members are allow to post new questions and answer existing questions. It serves like a partial forum but does not contain much feature like forums do.iii) My Property WantedLike other property website, iProperty offer a property wanted feature to all members only that allow them to submit a form populate of the property requirement a buyer want, and let the agents to perform a property search to find available property match the buyer requirement and notify buyers about it. Members who use this feature will keep property wanted information in their profile.2.2.1.2 Viewing PropertiesThe spic-and-span Property Review button contain under the drop down of New Properties located on top of the main menu navigation direct users to the latest property listing in iProperty. User can choose to v iew different types of property by months by selecting from a list box on the right side of the main title. This is one of the ways to view property possess by iProperty. Another way of conclusion properties is to use the searching function located on top of the page under the main menu or view properties through link developers or agents.Viewing a property consist of several parts. The first part is the propertys review that contain of long description of the particular property. It consists of some pictures regarding the property with describing the surrounding, environment and rapidity to attract the interest of throng to know more about it.The bet on part is the propertys specification. This page usually of one picture regarding the property and all detail like address, property type, bestow title, tenure, land area, price range, post date, and side information which are nigh transportation, schools, and comforts.Next part is conceive the property gallery. This page u sually consists of photo gallery taken by camera about the property environment. visual tour will also available in this page if the particular property has any video about visual tour.Map is available in most of the properties to show the location of a property and also direction to approach to it. For those properties that has Google Map details, a map will be provided as well.Lastly, user who interested in a property can register to it using a provided form to let the agent to contact and brief user about further information.Other than property specification, there are extra quoin for sending enquiry to the agents or related to person, sending enquiry to the developers and also a home loan computing device provided by Maybank with the information of favorite(a) MPF, interest rate, loan years that is already provided correspond to the property and the monthly repayment result is provided automatically to the user.2.2.1.3 optic TouriProperty provide visual tour service for u ser to experience a virtual see property experience. Visual tour video can be found on the bottom of each property under gallery view. However, not all properties provide visual tour service. User can found properties that contain visual tour service on the Visual Tour link under new properties on the main menu navigation.2.2.1.4 Find an brokerFinding an agent in iProperty only require a click on Find An Agent button located on top of the page in main menu navigation. From this page, user can see their name, contact number, e-mail and egotism description. On top of it, there is a search agent function to find an agent by name, state and area, or user can filter all agents according to the first alphabet of their name. By clicking on their name, user will direct to their page that contain all of the listing they hold. User can also send a message to a particular agent in their page by submitting a form above the holding listing.2.2.1.5 Search FunctionThere are essentially three t ypes of search function depend on each pages. distinguishable types of search function shown in different page for different end.2.29 show a search function located on the main page and new project page. There are sufficient data for user to specify the searching information to obtain stop matching property. User can click on Advance Search to have more option to search. Alternately, user can choose to filter properties according to different state by clicking By Area or different dry land by clicking on afield.The second searching function is searching agent function. This feature available only in Find An Agent page and the concept is the alike with normal searching function. User just has to input the agents name, area or state, or choosing the first alphabet of their name to find a particular agent.The third searching function located on Home dish page. This searching function use to search for available furniture or home products.2.2.2 Strengths and Weaknesses2.2.2.1 Str engths* Rich supporting technologies. iProperty consist of several tools like Google Map, Visual Tour, and some other function that make their service very efficient.* flesh out properties information. All properties information included location map, floor plan, transportation and amenities nearby, image gallery and other related information provide information more than what the clients want to know.2.2.2.2 Weaknesses* Too much information in a page may be unnecessary. Most of the pages contain a survey of information even if it is not related to the page. Users may found it confusion on information that is related or none-related to what they need.2.3 SummaryIn this chapter, the author analyze some existing real estate company websites. As translateing features they use to enhance their operation is the main priority in this objective, the author has more knowledge on developing a real estate websites, as well as some of the strengths and weaknesses, to be learnt and avoid whe n developing an online property management system.Chapter 3 Conduct hearing and resume3.1 OverviewIn this chapter, the author conducts consultation and surveys to the chieftain of City 2 Property and also some agents who are experience in real estate business. The author uses this two fact decision method to determine the user requirement of the proposed system and the agents waitation towards it. In the end, the author will record the fact decision result and present on this chapter.3.2 InterviewThe author find outd to conduct an consultation to the headroom of City 2 Property, Mr. Koo Kam Swee, because he is the most suitable person that understands the requirement or the needs of this proposed system. The interview question will be produce base on the purpose of understanding what will Mr. Koo expect the proposed system can do and how it benefits the business operation and the agents in the company. All the interview questions and answers show below contain main questions and some new questions that were asked during the interview.3.2.1 Interview Questions and Answers1. What give you an idea of using a website for your business?(To understand the purpose of the proposed system towards the company)Our companys operation broadly depends on paper work as we have already utilise to it. We never thought about creating a website until I realize the advantage of a website that can help people from the outside to advance to our service faster and anytime even after our operation hour. Therefore, creating a website like other real estate company helps the customers to fall into place us easier. designer finding The author uses this question to find out the interviewee main purpose of having this proposed system. The author now understand that the manager get the idea that online business provide fast and easy ways to act with clients, therefore he decide to implement a website for the company.2. Without a system, what types of problem your company and t he agents faces?(To understand how should the proposed system benefit the company)As I mention, most of our works depend on paperwork. Upon completing a document work, if require sending to clients or others, we need to send through letters, awaits receiving, and finally reply back to us. The overall process takes up a great fare of time. If there is a website, we can shorten the time of this type of process so that we can complete a task much faster. creator finding From above statement, the author understands that the manager confide that the proposed system can benefit by completing a task faster using electronic mail instead of delivering letters which is very time consuming.3. Other than that, what are other problems exist? For instant, what you remember other real estate company with websites benefits compare to your company?(To understand more on the benefits of the interviewee expect towards the proposed system)Having a website for the company nowadays is a type of match ed advantage. I know some of the other real estate company having their own websites, this give them the advantage of allowing clients to reach them easier, meanwhile this become a evil for us as we miss of this service to offer to the clients.Author finding Spontaneous question continue from the second question, the author try to find out more about the foresight of the manager that the proposed system can benefit the company. The author gives an example of other real estate belligerent to make interviewee to think more critical on the benefits he expects. By the answer of the interviewee, the author know that the manager expect the proposed system can be a competitive advantage when compete with other real estate company.4. For the website, what features you expects most? In another words, what feature you think is the most important in the intact website?(To understand what feature the interviewee concern the most)The most important part in the website would be allowing peop le to view our properties. We hope that people who view our properties using the website can know all the details of a property when they access the page.Author finding The author wanted to know what is considering as the most important feature in the proposed system. The answer given shows that the manager expect believe properties as an important feature that should put effort on for the purpose of allowing the users to know the full details of a property.5. Other than viewing propertys details, what other feature you hope to be implemented to make viewing properties a better experience for the users?(To make the interviewee consider more on the functionality of the concerned feature)To be able to view propertys picture with all the details, this would be good enough. Additionally, I hope the website can handle some clients serve like sending enquiry about a property or provide information about our contact so that their can call us or send message to us whenever they need our s ervice.Author finding A spontaneous question follows by question number 4. The author trying to make the interviewee think more on adding some functionality that can make viewing properties better for the users. But the manager does not have too high expectation on other function about it, and suggest other feature regarding serving clients by receiving enquiries and mail from them using the proposed system.6. Will you expect people to be able to register as a member of City 2 Property website? If yes, what do you hope to benefit from this feature?(To understand what the manager think about member system and how to benefit from it)Possible. Having members in our website help us know more about them, in case we want to contact them using mobile phone, we may be able to locate their contact information through the website.Author finding The author finds out that the manager does not have high expectation on the member system as well. The manager hopes that this feature can be used to find out the members contact information so that the agent can contact them when necessary.7. If a member system is implemented, what you think about allowing members to sell their properties using the website?(To understand what the manager think about change properties online)I guess this should be no different than clients call up to offer their properties to us. If what I think is correct, thOnline Property Management SystemOnline Property Management SystemStudy and Develop of an online property management system for City 2 PropertyChapter 1 Literature Review 1.1 OverviewIn this chapter, the author conducts literature review mainly on the studies of online property management system to find out how property management works on the internet. The author also focuses on the technologies and tools involved in making online property management system more efficient.1.2 Online Property ManagementOnline property management basically contains most of the business method that renovate t o the internet. It is the management of property management using online tools. When online property management implemented, it make many things like booking keeping, collecting rental fees, managing properties and contact with clients more easy and efficient.Online property management is simple and usually do not require any high performance or complicated application to work on. Usually, many real estate company in Malaysia still prefer paperwork instead of using property management system to enhance their operation. One of the reason is the preference of paperwork and not use to working on system when think about working using a system. Therefore, less complicated interface and process in online property management system give advantages to those who considering on implementing system work into their business. And for this reason, it encourages online property management system to a higher demand level in online business nowadays.1.3 Supporting TechnologiesOne of the advantages o f online property management system is the usage of available technologies that are provided to all users that enhance their online business operation. Other than some common technologies that are usable in all business that provide different usage and advantage to the business, there are also some technologies that provide great advantage on online property management business.1.3.1 Google MapGoogle map is a web mapping service application powered by Google. It provide mapping service that show a geographical mapping just like a dynamic body politic map, it provide the street name and route in many different view and also paths travel by own vehicle, foots or public transport. One of its supports towards property management is to show the direction from one location towards another, as well as showing the shortest route among few paths. All these benefits support users to find out the exact location of a place, and also make users know more about the places surrounding the targete d location in case they want to know more or when they are lost.1.3.2 Visual TourVisual tour is a new snapshot technology that able to capture numerous of pictures in a room or environment, using visual tour software and photo stitching software to stitch all the pictures together and produce a 360 degree virtual home view. This technology tend to provide a visual home tour to the property buyers by showing how is the inside of a property looks like when buyers does not need to travel all the way to the property location but using the internet to enjoy a tour just like when they are exactly in the building.To produce a visual tour video, a RTV tour builder kit contains of a camera and custom rotator mount on the side of the camera is needed. To start capturing, place the tripod on a best capturing spot, usually on the middle of a room, then manually rotate the camera one side to another from left to right, and then from top and bottom until every view of that room is being taken. Up on completing the capturing process, a visual tour software by overlapping the sides of all images together to utilize a 360 degree panaromic images. Lastly, the completed visual tour video need to upload to the RTV tour server through the internet to allow tour video automatically customize with owners banner, logo or photos, and then features like hyperlink to post into their websites, google map, and others will be added and send back to the owner.1.3.3 Other Supporting ToolsThere are other technologies or tools supporting online property management as well. These tools are not mainly for online property management but also benefit the system operation like other businesses do.* Search functionSearch function is a common tool that filter information according by using a keyword enter by user and match data available in the current system, and display or show to the users Usually property buyers tend to have a property expectation in their mind before looking for agents to locate the property they want, search function in a system allow buyers to go through some simple steps to find out if theres any property that match their expectations or requirements, instead of searching all the properties one after another.* Mortgage loan calculatorA mortgage loan calculator is to calculate the loan needed to pay by a property buyers per months. It usually require user to input some basic information like property value, interest rate, years and down payment to obtain the loan result. This is a simple tool that requires very little effort in developing but requires a correct formula to obtain the accurate result.* Reminding toolsA reminding tool usually require user to enter a task name and an expired date. Upon reaching the expired date, user will receive a notification regarding the task. Property agents benefits from reminding tool in various ways. Collecting rental fees is an important process when properties are rented. Sometimes delay rental fees can be quite tro ublesome and if does not handle carefully, a delay rental fees could be forget or paid rental fees may not recorded properly. Therefore, the task of a reminding tool not only notify user regarding incomplete task but also ensure user about completed task.* Looking for agentUsually it is a good idea to record agents information in a system to allow buyers to look for a particular agent. In a system, not only agents brief personal and contact information could be found, buyers can also found the agents available listing. In case there are buyers who prefer a particular agent service and listing in that area, they can contact the agent at a time without contacting the company or other agent.* iExpertA simple Question and Answer (QA) in a system that contain questions ask by the user regarding property issues, and can be answered by other users and working agents. It work like a forum but much more simple than it, it only require user to enter a question if he or she has one, or choose to view all available questions and answer any question if they know. 1.4 SummaryAs a summary of this chapter, the author has understood how online property management system work compares to real time business. More importantly, the author had conduct studies on the technologies that support online property management system which offer great advantages to the user when using the system.Chapter 2 Analyze Existing Websites2.0 OverviewIn this chapter, the author visit and investigate several existing real estate websites to gain understanding in common features and also how other real estate websites manage their information. The author focuses more on some feature that is unique for real estate websites. The author also tend to list out some of their strengths and weaknesses to gain knowledge about pros and cons when manage a real estate business online.2.1 ThinkPropertyThinkProperty is a free property service website that allows all real estate agents in Malaysia to post their pro perty listing for free. It is owned by Think Media Sdn Bhd and was launched at October 2007. Powerful tools in ThinkProperty make properties more manageable and easier to search. It tends to provide great advantage to the sellers and buyers.2.1.1 ThinkPropertys Features 2.1.1.1 Member features i) Managing propertiesUsers are requiring registering as a member in order to use the features offer to all members. Register link can be found under login or the side navigation regarding all the features on the right.By clicking on registering, user will navigate to a page listing eight benefits to become a member. On the bottom on the page, user can click on Register now button to register as member by filling up the registration form and upon completing the form, user need to validate their account through e-mail. Then user will be successfully registered as a ThinkPropertys member and allow to login using the registered username and password.Once login, user can see their registered name and a dropdown list contain all available members features on the login interface. The dropdown list contains auto post back function, which means when user selects any option within the drop down list, user will automatically navigate to the page according to the selected option.For features under Create new listing, users will be direct to a form to submit the property they want to add. When they have done submitting it, the added property can be found in features under Manage my listing. User can check back their added listing anytime they want, and can choose to modify the information or delete the added listing. In My properties and My Auctions page, user can choose to filter the order of the listings by selecting property type, posted duration and other option. In property wanted, user can submit a wanted property to the moderator and wait until further notification. Usually agent will notify user by e-mail or contact number regarding the property they want.ii) Personal Profil eSome of the information in a member personal profile is filled up during registration, while most of the information is blank. The information in personal profile included user type, company information, contact information, and websites. All this information will be useful if some other user need to find out more about a particular user for some business issues. This will be needed especially in the forum. User will be allowed to use the forum to post new thread or answer to any existing thread when they had become member. Providing all this information will be convenient to other member as well as the agents in case they need to contact the member.Other than entering their personal information, user can upload picture and video of themselves. Added picture will be shown in the profile page when it is viewed. As for video, user need to click on the video button located on the left side to view video in a new pop out. Brief information of the properties owned will also show in this page, as well as latest 10 posted threads in the forum can also be view by clicking on the Forum button. All this function is to ease other member in finding out more about a particular member.iii) Think MailThink mail serve as a mailing service for members to receive messages sent by other member or agent. This is a simple service to read and delete mails however it does not support sending message here. User need to go to another member page and click on the Message button to send him or her Think Mail message or e-mail message.Other than this, user can set his or her e-mail alert option. This service is to receive property alert message in case user got use any service like property wanted and awaits agent finding.2.1.1.2 ForumJust like other forum, ThinkProperty forum contain all types of topic discuss about buying properties, selling properties, property investment, finance issues and much more. Only registered member are allowed to post any question on the suitable thread and await other member to reply or reply to any existed thread. With the support of a forum, all members can get more help and information regarding property issues and problems, and also get to know more about agents and people from other place. A forum also serve as another way to obtain information and solving problem, otherwise user can only communicate to the moderator by using customer support and sending messages.2.1.1.3 Customer SupportIn ThinkProperty, there are three ways to obtain supports. First is to use the most common method like many websites do, using the feedback form to send question and awaits reply from the moderator. Second is to use the forum to post new question and awaits replies from other member and moderators. Third is to use the live help desk located on almost every pages on the top right, right below of the main menu navigation.Live help desk is an instant messaging service. When click on it, a new window will pop up and there will be someone there to ans wer any question asks by the user. This is one effective way to obtain answers instantly without waiting like other two customer support. However, live help desk is not always available to be use. There is no specific time when it is available, but user can found it available many times in a day.2.1.1.4 Viewing PropertiesTo view the available properties, user has to enter a desire location in the search box on the top of the website. This is a more direct way to find property around an area, instead of viewing all properties from other places at one page.While entering data into the searching box, a drop down that contain some location that match the entered data will show to let user navigate quickly if the target location is within the drop down. When random data being entered, especially when input character is less than 3, location that is not related to the entered data will show. Otherwise, it will show no result match in the drop down.A Display map check box under the search box is to indicate navigate user to view all properties page with its detail or navigate to Google map that shows the entered location and properties contain on that area. 2.10 shows an example of Google map result when display map is checked. The red house symbol below shows the properties that are available around the area. When mouse hover on one of the red symbol, a small dialog box pop out and show brief information about the property. User can click on the click on the bottom of the box to see more information about that property.Without checking the Display Map, when a location is selected, it will navigate to a page that shows all properties with some information located in that searched place. For example, 2.11 shows all properties available in Damansara when user enters Damansara in the search box.On the left side of the page, there is one filtering function to sort the wanted property details. By clicking on any of the filtering option, the function of it will show and al low user to choose or enter related information2.15 shows the bottom of the property page. Google map of a particular property will be show if the property has information about it. At another side will be the seller information. In case user interested to find out more, they contact using the provided information or use the form below to e-mail the seller.In case user found that a particular property is not available anymore but it is still tag as available, user can simply click on the link beside the red icon below to notify the unavailability of this property to any user that view this property later. When user had done with one property, user can always choose to go back to all the property listing or simply click on the next button to view another property, or click on the previous button to view visited property before this, this two buttons located on top of the view all listings page.2.1.1.5 Find AgentThinkProperty does not offer a direct page to view all agents features. T o find an agent, user needs to click the Find Agent link above the search box and then choose either find agent by area or by name.In case user knows any particular agent name and hoping for their service, they can try this search box to locate the agent to see all their posted listing. This also eases users when they know the agent name and where they work, but did not have any contact information about the agent. This may not work only if the target agent is not a member of ThinkProperty website.2.1.2 Strengths and Weaknesses2.1.2.1 Strengths* Simple, user-friendly interface. Overall web pages do not contain much unnecessary things. Simple looking and direct way to navigate to pages provide good browsing experience to users* Less complex function and process. Most of the process like job application form, submitting properties, searching functions are step by step methods and does not consist of much complicated process, this helps in reducing user confusion when using ThinkProper tys website* Good functionality and features. Sufficient features to provide good properties searching and managing experience* Good customer support service. Contain of more than one types of customer support feature for the purpose of increase efficiency in providing helps to the users when browsing ThinkProperty2.1.2.2 Weaknesses* Risk might be unavoidable. ThinkProperty may not responsible for any information risk like fake agent or propertys information as they have no control over agents or members information* Searching function is the only way to view all properties and agents. As searching for properties and agents only depends on the searching box provided, first time user may not know how to find property and agent information.2.2 iPropertyDuring Jan 2009, iProperty was declared as the top property portal in Malaysia by Google Ads Planner. Operating their business in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Philippines allow clients from different states to use t heir service. For further development, they are working towards capitalize the property market and maintain their top leading position and continue working on online property advertising.(Sorensen, 2009)2.2.1 iPropertys Features2.2.1.1 Members FeaturesLike other websites to use all the features offer to members only, user has to proceed to registration and approved as a member first. Before login, there will be several links under login like My shortlist, My Property Ads and others, but when user click on those link without login, they will be directed to the login page, which contain registering and forgotten password feature. To register, user just has to click on Register Now link located on the top left side of every page or under the login field on login page and navigate to the registering page. Upon submitting the form, user will receive a random generated password in their registered e-mail, user has to use that password and registered username to login, and then they can ch oose to change the password later on.i) Create Personal ProfileUpon registering as member, user can choose to create their personal profile. This feature is optional, other than letting the agents to know more about them when using iPropertys service like property wanted and property ads, it also allow other member to find out more about a particular agent through iExpert.ii) My iExpertiExpert is a service designed to ease the sharing of property information sharing among members. All users are allow to use iExpert to search and view questions and answers provided by the members, however, only members are allow to post new questions and answer existing questions. It serves like a partial forum but does not contain much feature like forums do.iii) My Property WantedLike other property website, iProperty offer a property wanted feature to all members only that allow them to submit a form consist of the property requirement a buyer want, and let the agents to perform a property search to find available property match the buyer requirement and notify buyers about it. Members who use this feature will keep property wanted information in their profile.2.2.1.2 Viewing PropertiesThe New Property Review button contain under the drop down of New Properties located on top of the main menu navigation direct users to the latest property listing in iProperty. User can choose to view different types of property by months by selecting from a list box on the right side of the main title. This is one of the ways to view property owned by iProperty. Another way of finding properties is to use the searching function located on top of the page under the main menu or view properties through related developers or agents.Viewing a property consist of several parts. The first part is the propertys review that contain of long description of the particular property. It consists of some pictures regarding the property with describing the surrounding, environment and facility to attract t he interest of people to know more about it.The second part is the propertys specification. This page usually of one picture regarding the property and all details like address, property type, land title, tenure, land area, price range, posted date, and side information which are nearby transportation, schools, and amenities.Next part is viewing the property gallery. This page usually consists of photo gallery taken by camera about the property environment. Visual tour will also available in this page if the particular property has any video about visual tour.Map is available in most of the properties to show the location of a property and also direction to approach to it. For those properties that has Google Map details, a map will be provided as well.Lastly, user who interested in a property can register to it using a provided form to let the agent to contact and brief user about further information.Other than property specification, there are extra corner for sending enquiry to t he agents or related person, sending enquiry to the developers and also a home loan calculator provided by Maybank with the information of preferred MPF, interest rate, loan years that is already provided according to the property and the monthly repayment result is provided automatically to the user.2.2.1.3 Visual TouriProperty provide visual tour service for user to experience a virtual visiting property experience. Visual tour video can be found on the bottom of each property under gallery view. However, not all properties provide visual tour service. User can found properties that contain visual tour service on the Visual Tour link under new properties on the main menu navigation.2.2.1.4 Find an AgentFinding an agent in iProperty only require a click on Find An Agent button located on top of the page in main menu navigation. From this page, user can see their name, contact number, e-mail and self description. On top of it, there is a search agent function to find an agent by nam e, state and area, or user can filter all agents according to the first alphabet of their name. By clicking on their name, user will direct to their page that contain all of the listing they hold. User can also send a message to a particular agent in their page by submitting a form above the holding listing.2.2.1.5 Search FunctionThere are basically three types of search function depend on each pages. Different types of search function shown in different page for different purpose.2.29 show a search function located on the main page and new project page. There are sufficient data for user to specify the searching information to obtain better matching property. User can click on Advance Search to have more option to search. Alternately, user can choose to filter properties according to different state by clicking By Area or different country by clicking on Overseas.The second searching function is searching agent function. This feature available only in Find An Agent page and the con cept is the same with normal searching function. User just has to input the agents name, area or state, or choosing the first alphabet of their name to find a particular agent.The third searching function located on Home Service page. This searching function use to search for available furniture or home products.2.2.2 Strengths and Weaknesses2.2.2.1 Strengths* Rich supporting technologies. iProperty consist of several tools like Google Map, Visual Tour, and some other function that make their service very efficient.* Detail properties information. All properties information included location map, floor plan, transportation and amenities nearby, image gallery and other related information provide information more than what the clients want to know.2.2.2.2 Weaknesses* Too much information in a page may be unnecessary. Most of the pages contain a lot of information even if it is not related to the page. Users may found it confusion on information that is related or none-related to what they need.2.3 SummaryIn this chapter, the author analyze some existing real estate company websites. As understanding features they use to enhance their operation is the main priority in this objective, the author has more knowledge on developing a real estate websites, as well as some of the strengths and weaknesses, to be learnt and avoid when developing an online property management system.Chapter 3 Conduct Interview and Survey3.1 OverviewIn this chapter, the author conducts interview and surveys to the head of City 2 Property and also some agents who are experience in real estate business. The author uses this two fact finding method to determine the user requirement of the proposed system and the agents expectation towards it. In the end, the author will record the fact finding result and present on this chapter.3.2 InterviewThe author decided to conduct an interview to the head of City 2 Property, Mr. Koo Kam Swee, because he is the most suitable person that understands the r equirement or the needs of this proposed system. The interview question will be produce base on the purpose of understanding what will Mr. Koo expect the proposed system can do and how it benefits the business operation and the agents in the company. All the interview questions and answers show below contain main questions and some new questions that were asked during the interview.3.2.1 Interview Questions and Answers1. What give you an idea of using a website for your business?(To understand the purpose of the proposed system towards the company)Our companys operation mostly depends on paper work as we have already used to it. We never thought about creating a website until I realize the advantage of a website that can help people from the outside to access to our service faster and anytime even after our operation hour. Therefore, creating a website like other real estate company helps the customers to reach us easier.Author finding The author uses this question to find out the i nterviewee main purpose of having this proposed system. The author now understand that the manager get the idea that online business provide fast and easy ways to interact with clients, therefore he decide to implement a website for the company.2. Without a system, what types of problem your company and the agents faces?(To understand how should the proposed system benefit the company)As I mention, most of our works depend on paperwork. Upon completing a document work, if require sending to clients or others, we need to send through letters, awaits receiving, and finally reply back to us. The overall process takes up a great amount of time. If there is a website, we can shorten the time of this type of process so that we can complete a task much faster.Author finding From above statement, the author understands that the manager hope that the proposed system can benefit by completing a task faster using electronic mail instead of delivering letters which is very time consuming.3. Oth er than that, what are other problems exist? For instant, what you think other real estate company with websites benefits compare to your company?(To understand more on the benefits of the interviewee expect towards the proposed system)Having a website for the company nowadays is a type of competitive advantage. I know some of the other real estate company having their own websites, this give them the advantage of allowing clients to reach them easier, meanwhile this become a disadvantage for us as we lack of this service to offer to the clients.Author finding Spontaneous question continue from the second question, the author try to find out more about the expectation of the manager that the proposed system can benefit the company. The author gives an example of other real estate competitive to make interviewee to think more critical on the benefits he expects. By the answer of the interviewee, the author know that the manager expect the proposed system can be a competitive advantag e when compete with other real estate company.4. For the website, what features you expects most? In another words, what feature you think is the most important in the entire website?(To understand what feature the interviewee concern the most)The most important part in the website would be allowing people to view our properties. We hope that people who view our properties using the website can know all the details of a property when they access the page.Author finding The author wanted to know what is considering as the most important feature in the proposed system. The answer given shows that the manager expect viewing properties as an important feature that should put effort on for the purpose of allowing the users to know the full details of a property.5. Other than viewing propertys details, what other feature you hope to be implemented to make viewing properties a better experience for the users?(To make the interviewee consider more on the functionality of the concerned featu re)To be able to view propertys picture with all the details, this would be good enough. Additionally, I hope the website can handle some clients services like sending enquiry about a property or provide information about our contact so that their can call us or send message to us whenever they need our service.Author finding A spontaneous question follows by question number 4. The author trying to make the interviewee think more on adding some functionality that can make viewing properties better for the users. But the manager does not have too high expectation on other function about it, and suggest other feature regarding serving clients by receiving enquiries and mail from them using the proposed system.6. Will you expect people to be able to register as a member of City 2 Property website? If yes, what do you hope to benefit from this feature?(To understand what the manager think about member system and how to benefit from it)Possible. Having members in our website help us know more about them, in case we want to contact them using mobile phone, we may be able to locate their contact information through the website.Author finding The author finds out that the manager does not have high expectation on the member system as well. The manager hopes that this feature can be used to find out the members contact information so that the agent can contact them when necessary.7. If a member system is implemented, what you think about allowing members to sell their properties using the website?(To understand what the manager think about selling properties online)I guess this should be no different than clients call up to offer their properties to us. If what I think is correct, th