My First Strides at Going Paperless.

No one in my office is totally paperless, yet. In fact, it almost seems like no one cares if we ever do go paperless.

My goal is to be the first one. I'm not sure it can actually be done, but I'm gonna give it one hell of a try.

Here are a few of the things I'm going to do right off to eliminate some paper.

Flyers for the flyer box.There are still some agents that swear by this. Personally, I think it's a waste of time.

Duplicated Purchase Agreements. My office requires us to turn in a paper copy of our purchase agreements and disclosures and stuff. Okay, If I have to do that, I'm going to scan all of the documents to my email and save them in an email, on my computer and iPad. That way I can access them at any given time and if someone needs something, I can just forward it. Cool?

Closing Packages. Kind of the same thing as with the Purchase and Listing Agreements. I know of a title company that I worked with in the past that asks if you actually want a folder full of paper closing documents, or if it's okay for them to just give them to you on a thumb drive. I thought that was awesome! Maybe I can get my title company to do that?

One thing I don't have an issue with, paper-wise, is my commission check. I kinda like those.

Of course, I still need to get totally on board with buyers and sellers signing electronically the Purchase Agreement and Listing Package on my iPad. I don't think this will take too much "arm twisting," though I'm sure some of the older people would rather sign paper docs.

To each their own. For now.


Eric Michael, Real Estate Professional
Remerica Integrity, Realtors
41000 W. 7 Mile #105
Northville, MI 48167

Cell: 734.564.1519
Fax: 248.912.9996

www.ShortSaleInfoMI.com

www.EricMichaelOnline.com

 
Posted by Eric Michael, Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519 on 09/11/2012 04:10 PM   Comments (17)   ActiveRain Community in the ActiveRain Channel   eric michael, real estate, paperless  
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17 Comments on My First Strides at Going Paperless.

SEP
11
656,982 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We have done well on cutting back on paper.  We have not become paperless.
4:20pm • #1
445,438 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Eric, I had this discussion much like your post with my assistant today. so many others depend on the paperwork.
4:23pm • #2
Outside Blog

Awesome ambition, Eric!  There is so much waste of our natural resources, not to mention our time printing out all that blasted material!  Kudos to you!

 
4:24pm • #3
504,743 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Tim, thanks. Keep trying.

Debbie, I know. I can only do my share.

Janell, thanks! Plus the chemicals of the ink.

4:49pm • #4
1,526,060 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I wish I could be 100% paperless but for the most part during a transaction I can keep paper to a minimum.  But as you say it's the duplicate copies required by 3rd parties that screw things up.
5:11pm • #5
1,117,527 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I do that too... one original and I email the client a copy if they will accept that.  I have the proof I gave them a copy where as if I actually hand them a paper copy, what's the actual proof?  Not that I would like about that, but I prefer the electron trail. 
5:22pm • #6
466,431 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good for you Eric! I am in the process of doing the same thing! I got a note from Yahoo today saying I had surpassed my storage limits. So I am open on figuring out a way to get my yahoo email file folders saved to my computer in a Word document.  Any ideas?
5:24pm • #7
368,108 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have to confess, I like paper. I am older and not a digitlal native.  Yes, I have fully embraced digital, but I still like holding something. It feels real.  I am fully committed to paperless with my real estate document future.  I am wavering on the propest paperless part, but I am working on it. Good for you
5:58pm • #8
498,010 Points 150 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Eric:  There are many reasons to go paperless ... being "green" perhaps the most noble.  But I'm joining you.  In tandem I am going "paperless" with my mortgage business.  Not an easy thing to do for an old paper-shuffler like myself.  But I'm going to try to get good at it ... except for the check thing.  I kinda like those too ... often.  With lots of zeroes ...

Gene
6:09pm • #9
SEP
12
177,946 Points 2 Featured Posts

I haven't made the leap to paperless either. I've heard people are using dropbox to access their documents on multiple devices....haven't gone there yet either. Keep us posted on your success in going paperless
5:32am • #10
652,304 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We are completely paperless now.  My wife went out and got one of those fancy pens for our Ipad, so our clients can sign the paperwork right there.  We just email offers over to the listing agent and there you go.  Our office is paperless too, so when everything is signed and closed, we just email it to our paperless system.  

I'm still nervous that I'm going to drop the Ipad though.  
6:30am • #11
636,965 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good luck, we have a paperless system in my office to cut down on the paper storage that 325 productive agents generate. It involves scanning the douments and loading them to a system that stores in eash persons accout. I can retrieve any of these documents at any time. Of course it's password protected, and because I sent it via gmail, I send myself a copy as a backup.

the system is called paperless pipeline, and it's worked pretty good for a year, but this week it's not happy.
11:45am • #12
504,743 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cindy, yup.

Tammy, what should I take to see these preferred "electron trails?"

Sussie, what's Yahoo? lol Just kidding. I use gmail. Maybe that'll be the Yahoo of the future?

Larry, I like reading actual books. Does that make us kinda alike?

Gene, as long as there are some other numbers mixed in with the zeros. I wouldn't like a check for $000000.00

Brian, I have Dropbox, but haven't really used it. PS. what are you doing up so early?!?

Jared, that's what these are for http://goo.gl/J2SWm

Larry, that sounds like a pretty cool system!
4:02pm • #13
715,635 Points 69 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Eric - I couldn't live without Dropbox.  I can even access documents from my iPhone and e-mail them to agents, such as disclosures when someone wants to make an offer.
8:27pm • #14
SEP
13
504,743 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gail, I bought PDF Expert and I use that just like Dropbox, and I'm pretty sure it has a LOT more storage.
4:46pm • #15
SEP
30
408,602 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Congratulations on your win!! Well done... 
7:26am • #16
504,743 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Melissa, what did I win??
10:57am • #17


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Eric Michael, Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

Livonia, MI

More about me…

Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI

Address: 41000 W. 7 Mile, Suite 105, Northville, MI, 48167

Office Phone: (248) 912-9990

Cell Phone: (734) 564-1519

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