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Make Your Business "Green"

By
Real Estate Agent with DocuSign

As companies adopt changes to become more efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly, one often used tool is e-signature technology for document routing and signing online. Real estate companies, such as brokerages, associations and other real estate professionals, are taking advantage of the ten-year-old ESIGN Act that confirms the validity of e-signatures on contracts and documents.

If it has been a while since you have looked at electronic signature technology, it may be worthwhile to take another look. Electronic signature platform providers, like DocuSign, have taken strides to address benefits and concerns related to ease of use and security.

The e-signature platform providers typically offer one or more security measures to authenticate the sender and verify that the document has not changed since it was signed.  With real-time visibility into the e-sign process, DocuSign shows when and by whom documents were sent, viewed and signed providing an electronic audit trail as proof. 

Most electronic signature solutions offer at least the following benefits:

  • Save time and money. Eliminate paper - no more printing, scanning or faxing. No more driving across town to get a signature.
  • Gain access virtually anywhere. Documents are digitally stored online so they can be retrieved from anywhere, anytime. All that the parties typically need is a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection.
  • It's green. Reduce paper and toner usage - With an online solution, there is no need to waste paper printing documents out for signature and they can be stored electronically as well, adding to a reduction in paper consumption. 
  • Control the sales process. Gain complete visibility and control of the signing process.  Know who signed what and when.  Senders can even automate the routing process with signing reminders and document expiration dates.

On July 2, 2010, the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives both passed resolutions at the request of DocuSign, Inc. and other industry leaders designating June 30 as "National ESIGN Day".  The resolutions were the result of an effort spearheaded by DocuSign, industry leader and most trusted eSignature platform, as a means to acknowledge the vital role of eSignatures in the development and continued growth of interstate and foreign e-commerce, and to commemorate the ESIGN Act, which was signed by President Bill Clinton on June 30, 2000.

To learn how DocuSign can accelerate your business and special offer created specifically for REALTORS®, members of the National Association of REALTORS®, visit DocuSign

Salmonsen Group Realtors
Keller Williams Market Pro Realty - Bentonville, AR
CCIM

Great Post, we have an online forms software here in Arkansas that ties in to our print forms software. I use it when I can't get a hard copy to someone, but I admit I don't use it all the time. I guess it is still a method that is not quite accepted by everybody. Give it time.

Oct 21, 2010 08:24 PM
Sharon Lancaster
Sage Executive Group Real Estate - Kelowna, BC
SRES, Realty Executives Okanagan

I have bookmarked the pages, and will begin investigating DocuSign. Thank you!

Oct 22, 2010 12:50 PM
Doug Reynolds
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - Sacramento, CA
Realtor - Sacramento, CA

my company has been using docusign and transaction point for months.  it's great.  just which all REO sellers and lenders would take electronic signature.  come on people, get with the times.

Nov 02, 2010 05:33 AM
Dustin McClure
Mossy Oak Properties Outdoor Realty - Mooresville, NC

The programs works great, especially for the iPad.

Nov 02, 2010 08:06 AM
Andy Brown
Climer School of Real Estate - Arctic Bay, YN
Best Real Estate Training in Florida

Very good posting!

I've been as paperless as I can for about 5 years now.

I love my high speed scanner!

Andy Brown

Nov 02, 2010 09:25 AM
Ed Prestridge
The Prestridge Group - Roseville, MI
Mortg Protection Specialist

I think it is great! More companies are moving in this direction! As an insurance agent I see carriers putting apps online with esignature making the paper trail easier & faster which along with saving on paper & postage saving the enviornment & you money, it also gets you paid faster. Win Win!

 

I Love it. Great post!

Ed Prestridge

 

Nov 08, 2010 02:25 AM
Anonymous
Jacqueline Phan

I am all about going green and Docusign is the best way to do so! Really appreciate the post :)

Nov 08, 2010 07:29 AM
#48
Andy Brown
Climer School of Real Estate - Arctic Bay, YN
Best Real Estate Training in Florida

I am totally about going green and using the high speed scanner

Andy

Nov 08, 2010 08:19 AM
Happy Grasshopper
Happy Grasshopper - Tampa, FL

This is a great service - you should really check it out.

Nov 08, 2010 08:45 AM
Erica Jolles
Round Table Realty - St Johns, FL
Specializing in St. Johns Cty and surrounding area

We just signed up to use DocuSign and think it is great!!  Unfortunately when the contract was sent to the sellers (who are in another state) their attorney would not accept the digital signature.  It was very frustrating because we were so excited to go green...and now it seems we are using half a tree!!

Nov 21, 2010 02:03 PM
Carmen Isais
Barrett-Leber Realty - Davis, CA

Green is how to go! Keller Williams in Davis, Ca has been very progressive, educating and providing tools for their agents that not only save tress and the environment-- but sames the agent time and money too. 

Keep up the good PR.

Nov 21, 2010 03:04 PM
Lore Lingner
Monterey Coast Realty - Carmel, CA
Personal Care And High-Tech Tools

I started using DocuSign about a month ago - still going thru the learning curve.  It is basically easy.  What I am trying to learn is how to send documents to the other agent, allow the other agent to forward to his/her clients when I don't have their e-mail address.  Has anyone figured out?

NAR is making it a free benefit as of January, 2011.  I've been in touch with DocuSign staff.  There may be some limitations of what you can do under the NAR "free" version.  The staff person said they will know on Jan. 3, 2011.

Anyone interested, you can "test drive" for 30 days free.  Then $20/mo. for 40 envelopes.  If you get a group together within your office, you can get a group rate.  Don't quote me but I vaguely recall if you have 11 in the group, the rate drops to $11/mo.  So worth it!

My first client to sign docs was 79 yrs. old - had no problem, loved it!  Love it - no loss of clarity, docs can be signed in minutes, no worry about a printer, paper, ink cartridges, faxes that run out of paper - ah, all that is history.  The only snag - client #2 was traveling and forgot her laptop.  Have to learn the BB approach next.

 

Nov 27, 2010 11:36 AM
Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

I have been putting this off too long.  I'm signing up.

Nov 30, 2010 11:41 PM
Heather Littrell
Keller Williams - North Concord, NC
ABR,GRI,SRES Cabarrus County NC

I used Docusign for a while, but until more people are using it, there are problems with getting the document to the other client, not your client and we are not able to convince older people that it is legit.  Awesome product for the rest though!!!

Dec 01, 2010 12:52 AM
Suzanne Alberti
DocuSign - Seattle, WA

Heather and Lore  - DocuSign has a new feature that was launched in June 2010 called "Send to Manage" which allows you to enter in the contact information for your clients and the agent on the other side of the transaction.  After you and your clients have signed the documents will go to the other agent. After they have reviewed the documents, they will then input their client's contact information for the their client's to sign, keeping the contact information confidential.  We have other great tools that DocuSign created specifically for real estate agents and we are creating more all the time.  You should check out DocuSign again!

Jaime- there are resources for you to share with the attorney.  There is no reason that electronic signatures cannot be accepted. DocuSign was created to the letter of the Federal ESIGN Act and UETA, which provide an outline for the use and validity of electronic signatures.  You can fight this battle.

Dec 01, 2010 05:12 AM
Rick Schuster
Lang Realty - Boca Raton, FL
List with Rick, Sell it Quick!

Just used DocuSign for the first time 3 weeks ago.  Have thought about using it in the past but wasn't comfortable with the security.  The ease of use was great but I don't understand how the service is secure.  I'd love to use it if I could just get comfortable with it.

Also, do you happen to know if short sale lenders are "generally" accepting ESign Documents?  The lenders are so crazy with their rules I'd be curious to find out other's experiences.

Dec 01, 2010 08:20 AM
Betsy Schuman Dodek
Washington Fine Properties - Washington DC Area Real Estate - Potomac, MD
SearchPotomacHomes.com

I am fascinated by docusign. One of my goals is to integrate it into my business in 2011. I just need to understand it better.

Dec 24, 2010 11:00 PM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Good Morning Suzanne, and a vary MERRY CHRISTmas. I don't use DOCUsign in the inspection business. But I have been sending all inspection reports online. This way we can cut down the paper work for us.

Dec 25, 2010 12:21 AM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Good Morning Suzanne, and a vary MERRY CHRISTmas. I don't use DOCUsign in the inspection business. But I have been sending all inspection reports online. This way we can cut down the paper work for us.

Dec 25, 2010 12:21 AM
Gregory Kiep
Boston Brokerage Group - Boston, MA

Many agents in my office are "ecobrokers" which has been great for SEO, etc.! Thanks for sharing

Dec 25, 2010 04:29 AM