Closing a deal can be a pain in the neck for real estate agents. An offer being made on a house is certainly not the finish line, and there are many bumps in the road along the way. To make matters worse, almost all these obstacles are out of the agent’s control, like when a house is proven to be overvalued during an appraisal, or when a contingency clause in the contract isn’t met and either party backs out.
Although agents can’t stop inevitable disruptions, they can speed up and iron out the selling process with the help of electronic signature software. Without it, agents can find themselves chasing down physical documents, losing track of who’s signed which forms, and in the dark about how the process is progressing. Fortunately, these platforms let every party modify the document, and edits can be checked through audit trails.
Signing documents electronically saves both time and paper, so it’s not surprising that wet signatures are fading into the background. Developed by the same Swiss team behind FAX.PLUS, one of the most reliable online fax services, Sign.Plus is a relative newcomer in the world of e-signature software. Every aspect of the platform speaks of Swiss precision, especially how documents are edited and signed. Users can create their own reusable templates, eliminating the hassle of recreating the same documents over and over again. The software is also secure, as signatures created are legally binding, and it’s compliant with numerous regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. Moreover, Sign.Plus integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, letting you sign documents directly from Gmail. Most importantly, it’s possible to use the software for free if it’s mainly you signing documents.
Creating official forms and tracking down the required signatures is one of those time-consuming activities that businesses could do without. However, if you ditch wet signatures and start using e-signature software, this doesn’t have to be the case. This technology is fast and secure, and most companies provide free forms and templates, removing the task of creating them from scratch.
PandaDoc is a popular choice among e-signers, as it provides document editing tools alongside electronic signature options. Moreover, contact management is a piece of cake with the platform, as it’s possible to request signatures from multiple signers and save recipients’ contact details.
The software provides the means to get legally binding e-signatures and secures documents with various methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). What’s appealing for newcomers is that PandaDoc can be used free of charge, letting users experience the platform with no strings attached. If that’s not enough, all paid subscriptions can be tried out for free for 14 days.
To sign or not to sign? That’s the question that runs through everyone’s mind when presented with a contract. This is usually because there’s not enough time to read it through.
Moreover, traditional wet signatures can be easily forged. Thankfully, this is impossible with electronic signature software like signNow, as all of the software’s customizable signatures are legally binding, where a number of compliances protect documents from signature forgeries.
Furthermore, the company provides robust malware security for any uploaded document and lets users define the authentication methods for signers. The multiple integrations signNow supports elevate the experience to the next level.
All this is offered for reasonable prices, starting at $8 a month per user, and subscriptions always kick off with a 7-day free trial.
Too much paperwork can become impossible to manage without a clear system in place. Using electronic signature software removes this issue entirely since it organizes documents for you. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to do this yourself, it’s possible to categorize them into folders within this type of platform.
The switch to modern technology has many advantages besides enhanced organization. With the cost of printing minimized to nothing and reasonable prices offered by e-signature platforms, users can significantly decrease their expenses. As such, whether you’re a freelance agent or an agency owner, your business can save money and time by streamlining the day-to-day work.
Electronic signature platforms are also intuitive. For instance, some programs let you add specified fields for payment collection, alongside the standard signature and stamp fields. It’s also a breeze to track documents, as modifications can be checked through audit trails. Finally, most services either offer real estate forms for you to use, such as lease agreements, or allow you to upload your own.
In terms of accessibility, it’s important to make sure the platform is user-friendly. Furthermore, the software should provide either a mobile app or a mobile-optimized website, as not all signing will take place in the office. By using electronic signature software on a cell phone, you hit two birds with one stone: you don’t have to print the contract, and you can sign on the go with ease.
Going beyond these must-have features, there are other boxes that need to be ticked. For example, the process of sending documents should be logical and straightforward, and users must be able to set up signing orders for multiple recipients. Moreover, it’s handy you’re your clients don’t need an e-signature account, as this saves time and unnecessary administration work.
Naturally, the cost of the software is important as well. While there aren’t significant differences price-wise, companies have a range of subscriptions, which are suited to different types of customers. Therefore, it’s important to weigh up how many users each platform supports under one account in relation to the size of the agency.
A freelancer won’t require unlimited users support, but larger establishments with multiple agents should regard this as a necessity. Figuring out which solution suits you best can be challenging, but reading reviews and comparisons can speed up the process. Additionally, trying the solution for free before committing is always worth considering.
When it comes to closing a deal, the devil’s in the details. Documents should be well-organized, so you must have a dedicated space for financial agreements, non-disclosure forms, lease agreements, and more. It’s also handy to have a virtual folder with templates of necessary documents.
As for clients, it could be worthwhile running a background check on both sellers and buyers. This way, you’ll quickly discover if there are any unpaid mortgages lurking or anything similar that would prevent closing the deal.
When it comes to keeping them in the loop, it’s imperative to communicate clearly. This means you should never give false expectations or refrain from delivering bad news. It’s a no-brainer that a client’s interest comes before yours, but it’s also essential not to favor one client over another.
Finally, it’s best to avoid filing fee disputes against any client because they may answer by filing a lawsuit. Defending yourself not only costs more than it’s worth but may also damage your reputation regardless of the result.
The Best Reviews team researches and tests all products first-hand. We've been reviewing products and services since 2012 and are proud to only publish human-created content.
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other users. Your feedback helps our community make better decisions.
©2012-2025 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
