Two common traits that are a staple in most successful businesses are efficiency and productivity . With the rampant advancement of technological applications and tools , one tool that many Realtors ® are utilizing is the use of electronic signatures . In recent years , Realtors ® have turned to the internet as a means of virtual communication and engagement which has decreased the need for paper-based forms of documentation . The adoption of electronic signatures started in the state of California in early 2000 when they passed a state law that legalized their use in certain situations . A little later that year , the federal government passed The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-SIGN Act ), which enables businesses to adopt a uniform e-signature process with the assurance that the records cannot be refused in a court of law solely on the basis that they were signed electronically .
In the real estate industry , the term “ time is of the essence ” is in almost every purchase and sale agreement and this term is as important as ever in the overwhelmingly competitive market . This is the reason so many Realtors ® depend on electronic signatures to assure the speed , accuracy , and legality of these important bilateral agreements . Efficiency is not a skill that comes naturally . It takes a lot of time and research to come up with major gains in efficiency and having the tools to put a company on the right track is a huge benefit . Adopting an effective e-signature program is one of those tools . Studies have shown that e-signatures can boost efficiency by up to 80 % on a single transaction . This frees up precious time that can be used on other important elements of the profession .
Sales psychology benefit is another positive element of using e-signature in a real estate transaction . In any sales related business e-signatures can boost customer convenience and ultimately increase close rates . When a customer must print out a document , sign it , scan or fax it back , or even worse - return the document in person , they could begin to secondguess their purchase . The time , effort , and planning that comes along with that process causes them to question how much they really want to make that purchase . Adopting an e-signature program cuts this process down to virtually no time . The Realtor ® prepares the contract , sends it to the client for them to read , goes over it with them via phone , and the signing process itself takes less than one minute . This leaves no additional time for sales psychology to ruin the deal .
ADOBE ECHOSIGN
Automatic logging of signatures Alerts when a client views and / or signs a document Secure document sharing Compatibility with other e-signature vendors such as DocuSign and CIC Notes feature to facilitate auditor / agent communication Branded CDs Integrated email iPad and iPhone support , among other devices
DIGITAL INK
Digital Ink gives you two options – an unlimited annual subscription , or pay-as-you-go . This allows you the chance to try it out first if you choose . The program works directly with your email address book , tracks signatures , includes tablet support , and much more .
DOCUSIGN
DocuSign is the official and exclusive provider of electronic signature services for the National Association of REALTORS ®. The easy-to-use program has the support of technology and security that you can access anytime , from any desktop or mobile device . NAR members get a special discount , and DocuSign also offers both monthly and annual plan options .
DOTLOOP
Dotloop is a transaction management solution that has everything you need in one place . It combines form creation , e-sign , and real estate transaction management to help you streamline your business . They even have a tool specifically for Brokers .
If you are not currently using an e-signature program , now BY ANDY DAVIS , D & V HOME MORTGAGE may be the time to incorporate that into your business . To the right are some e-signature options designed specifically for real estate agents . RPCRA . ORG | SEPT / OCT 2017 11