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eSignatures: Your most asked questions - Answered!

By
Real Estate Agent with DocuSign

As a representative for DocuSign I get a lot of questions about electronic signatures and how they can help improve the bottom line for real estate professional.  I've re-posted this blog post by An Bui, DocuSign's Social Media Manager, which addresses the most asked questions that will help you to understand the advantages of using a service like DocuSign for your business. 

1. What does DocuSign Electronic Signature do for me?

DocuSign enables you to electronically send, sign, and manage your real estate and broker forms with confidence. You can use your current form creation process and with DocuSign's ability to mark up the document with yellow stick-e-tabs, you'll never miss another signature or initial again.

DocuSign also notifies your clients via email that they have documents to sign and will walk them step-by-step through the process of adopting an electronic signature and signing the document. You can also set up DocuSign to copy the other agent in the transaction so that once your clients have all signed, the other agent will receive a completed signed form(s)  automatically! And you'll also receive an email notification when your signers have all signed.

Using DocuSign's electronic signature process with your real estate forms makes it easy and convenient for both you and your customers, giving you the competitive advantage buyers are talking about.

Try DocuSign FREE for 30-Days! 

2. How does the e-signature get into the DocuSign system?

First, the sender creates an envelope and uploads the documents for signature. The sender addresses the envelope with the signer's name and email address.

Then DocuSign sends the signer an email notifying them they have documents to be signed.  The signer clicks on the "Review" button and a secure link will take them into DocuSign to start the signing process. 

The process includes adopting an electronic signature and agreeing to sign electronically.  DocuSign will automatically take your client's to the first document and prompt the signer to hit the "Start" button.  That's it!  It is really very fast and easy.

Try DocuSign FREE for 30-Days

3. Won't using electronic signature hurt my ability to develop relationships with my clients?

We understand that as real estate professionals, relationships and relationship building are important to your bottom line.

For example, if you and your client are in the offer process, you may also end up counter-offering as well. What if your client doesn't have time to meet you every time new documents need to be signed? What if they're out of town on business?

With DocuSign, the signing process can happen remotely if that's what the client needs. DocuSign also offers in-person signing capabilities that enable you to leverage the power of electronic signature, an electronic audit trail, and provide the in-person interaction as well.

Try DocuSign FREE for 30-Days

 

4. Do I need any special equipment?

No. DocuSign is a web-based application which means you only need a computer with high-speed internet access and an email address. This means you can access the DocuSign system from your home, office, or local coffee shop with wifi.  Anywhere that you can get an internet connection.

You can DocuSign from your desktop PC, Mac, Windows laptop, tablet - whatever computer you currently have, as long as you can get email, internet and browse the web!

This fall, DocuSign also launched ‘Designed for Mobile" which provides the ability to sign documents from your data phone, such as Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or Google Android device to make it faster and easier for customers to complete transactions while on the go.

Try DocuSign FREE for 30-Days

5. Can I get more information about the legality of electronic signatures?
Absolutely - take a look at the legal section of the DocuSign blog, where Ken Moyle, DocuSign's Chief Legal Officer and the Public Policy Chair of ESRA, shares his thoughts and writings about electronic signatures, electronic signature acceptance, authentication and evidentiary considerations.

So are you ready to give DocuSign Electronic Signature Service a try?  You can try it FREE for 30-Days with our 30-day money back guarantee.  Just try DocuSign free for 30-days if you don't like it, just cancel and you will not be billed.  What are you waiting for?

Robert Foust
Foust Team Real Estate Sales, Master Certified Negotiation Expert - Fullerton, CA
North Orange County | Fullerton Real Estate | Brea

We have been using it for 6 months now - best decision we have ever made.  You can not believe how much time we save, and our cutomers love it.  Many cutomers have told us that they want agents that are on top of things, just like this technology.  Now even our MLS is pushing this technology.

Great job docusign!!!!! Now, when do we get "notorized signatures????"

Dec 02, 2009 08:34 AM
Wayne L. Brown
Franklin Advantage Inc. - Alpine, CA

Suzanne

Great information.  Are Lenders able to use your services?  With the new changing regulations, it would be helpful.

Thanks for the post.

Dec 02, 2009 08:43 AM
Lexie Longstreet
Savvy + Co. Real Estate - Charlotte, NC

I have used Docusign for over 4 years and love, love, love it!  I have 80 year old clients that love it.  When faced with trying to print out a fax, and drive to a Kinko's where they paid up to $24 to fax a contract back to me....  They couldn't believe the ease in using Docusign.  I have also had attorney clients tell me they think I'm a genius, "at the top of the game", just because I used Docusign.  

Every Broker should have Docusign in their tool box. 

Dec 02, 2009 10:40 AM
Barb Fischer
Big Block Realty - La Mesa, CA
San Diego and La Mesa Real Estate

I love Docusign and so do my clients. When will the banks be joining us ...in this century????

Dec 02, 2009 11:27 AM
Ben Schern
Scottsdale, AZ

My self and a few other inspectors I know use electronic signatures on our Pre-Inspection Agreements. Paper is a thing of the past!

Dec 07, 2009 02:49 AM
Richard Green
U.S. Cybertek, Inc. - Houston, MO

We have been using electronic signatures for over a year now and love them. I agree with Ben, paper is a thing of the past. Electronic documents attached to client accounts makes for a great paper trail. Congratulations on the approval of NAR. Here's the NAR discount link: http://bit.ly/5WtcdN and here's the official Press Release that went out late last month: http://bit.ly/82NFlo

Dec 07, 2009 03:50 AM
Kerry Lucasse
eXp Realty - Urban Nest Real Estate Group - Atlanta, GA
Your Urban Nest Atlanta Real Estate Consultant

I STILL haven't had a moment to research and hop on the bandwagon, but it is one of my many goals for 2010.  :-)

Dec 07, 2009 03:54 AM
Kerry Lucasse
eXp Realty - Urban Nest Real Estate Group - Atlanta, GA
Your Urban Nest Atlanta Real Estate Consultant

@ Brian -- thanks so much for posting the link to the NAR discount.  That's the motivation I need!

Dec 07, 2009 03:55 AM
Wendy Rich-Soto, Realtor/Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, LA Harbor - San Pedro, CA
Getting you to your next with a zero failure rate!

Fantastic!  Thanks so much for the post! I will check it out!

Dec 07, 2009 04:57 AM
Rob Kelly
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville, CO
Louisville Colorado Realtor

I love Docusign!  I've used it almost exclusively for the past 18 months, it really is a great time saver.  Wells Fargo just got on board and will accept Docusign signatures, now if the rest of the world would get on board,

 

www.RobKellyColorado

"Thinking of Real Estate? Think of Rob!"

Dec 07, 2009 06:20 AM
Cassie Davis
Prudential Texas Properties - Colleyville, TX

I love love love DocuSign. My clients are raving fans too.  I am thrilled to have such a great tool that provides a no-fuss method for obtaining e-signatures from anywhere in the world.

Dec 07, 2009 06:43 AM
Stephanie Arnett
Mississippi Magnolia - Starkville, MS
Forbes | Inman | BossBabe | Newsweek | Tom Ferry

Off to try it now!!

Dec 07, 2009 08:13 AM
Jim O'Donnell
Raleigh Cary Realty - Fuquay Varina, NC

I use it and love it, but yo need to work on getting it more widely accepted, especially the feds

Dec 07, 2009 09:03 AM
Greg Nino
RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX
Houston, Texas

Hello Author of this blog! can you respond to the comments about it not being accepted and what you are trying to do as a company to help us??

Dec 07, 2009 10:08 AM
Suzanne Alberti
DocuSign - Seattle, WA

Hi Greg, I would be happy to.  As for Fannie and Freddie, they accept e-signatures, so I'm assuming we're talkin' the FHA.  DocuSign is actively working with both ESRA (ESIGN Records.org) and the FHA to regarding the use of e-signatures in FHA backed loans. You can find information on the DocuSign blog as wall as at esignrecords.org.  I will be sure to send out a huge announcement as soon as the FHA has formalized their policy.  This is the only barrier we are seeing in the government agencies.

Thank you Brian for selling DocuSign and posting the link to the NAR discount.  So the word is out DocuSign is now the exclusive and official ESIG provider for the NAR Member Benefits program.  Check us out on the NAR benefits page and get your NAR discounted rate here. www.docusign.com/NAR

For the rest of you who love DocuSign, thank you all for pitching in your two cents.  Your words are priceless.

 

Dec 07, 2009 11:43 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Suzanne -- Is  the least expensive option 16 per month?

Dec 07, 2009 12:01 PM
Dan Haggerty
RE/MAX RESULTS - Orlando, FL

Interesting info I will check it out!

Dec 07, 2009 12:26 PM
Randy Mitchelson,APR
Marketing Advisor & Squeeze Mortgage - Bonita Springs, FL
First Impressions are made at First Click

The lenders that we sell loan applications to all use e-signature technology to complete the online application process.  We do thousands per day. 

Dec 07, 2009 01:22 PM
Anonymous
Debbie McKnight

I have been using doc  u  sign for a few moths..I LOVE it...I still want to develop relationship, and stewardship over the documents that my clients are signing...BUT, we have done all that, and bingo....they're there, I'm here...but guess what!!  Everyone has access to a computer when they want and need that! 

I've been teaching my sister how to use doc u sign...my best suggestion to her and YOU is...sign up at least for the trial...and practice by emailing the contract to yourself...you know, set yourself up as the selling agent, your other email as the buyer...you get it, just practice.  Don't over think it...it's another great tool...and  drum roll....you can attach other docs, you can attach another document (besides someting from zipforms) and put an eSignature on that also!!!  Oh yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about....

Dec 07, 2009 02:37 PM
#35
Suzanne Alberti
DocuSign - Seattle, WA

Chris - If you are looking for a lower cost per seat because you want to offer it to your office, then yes, there is lower pricing for bulk sales and you would need to call us so your needs can be assessed.  The individual price is correct.

Dec 10, 2009 08:03 AM