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.
Recommended e-Signature Software for Real Estate Agents in 2023
SIGN.PLUS
Furthermore, when dealing with clients, it’s possible to send numerous signature requests. When doing so, documents can be forwarded to multiple recipients along with reminders and signing orders.
Although the company doesn’t offer pre-made forms, frequently used papers taken from other sources can be saved as templates. On top of this, SIGN.PLUS is a secure and legally binding e-signature solution with fair prices and offers.
SIGN.PLUS Draw Signature
SIGN.PLUS Send Document
SIGN.PLUS Sign Document
jSign
jSign is easy to use, but its most significant selling point is its security. Specifically, it uses blockchain technology to track and timestamp documents, with the audit trails logging who accessed the paper and their IP, browser, and location. It’s also possible to restrict or specify signing locations.
As expected, jSign provides a tool to get is legally binding signatures, and it offers its services for reasonable prices. Plus, it’s possible to try the software for yourself for 30 days at zero cost.
jSign Draw Signature
jSign Placeholders
jSign Blockchain Technology
signNow
Kiosk mode, for example, allows multiple people to sign using one device. Signing in this way keeps everything straightforward, as the documents don’t even need to be sent online. Saving files for later is also simple, as signNow lets users store 1,000 of their own templates or choose from a range of samples.
Most importantly, signatures are legally binding and the software scans documents for viruses and phishing links once uploaded. It’s also reassuring that signNow supports an array of integrations, including Microsoft and Google’s office suites. The service is easy on the wallet too, and customers can try it for free for seven days.
signNow Draw Signature
signNow Security Settings
signNow Samples
Why Use Electronic Signature Software for Real Estate
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.
How To Choose an e-Signature Provider for a Real Estate Company
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.
Additional Legal Tips for Real Estate Agents
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.