A Paper-less Challenge - I'm On It!
Though I know a totally Paper-less Challenge is not realistic, I'm on it at least to do my part for cutting back and being as green as possible. Each of my client files is at least an inch thick by the time the escrow closes and it is time to file it away. This doesn't even count the paper used in getting the required signatures on each document within that folder. I have a hard time with the waste being I am such of a recycle fanatic! I think with technology, we are making great strides in eliminating much of this waste but we have a long way to go.
Here are 3 things that I have seen available for us as Realtors and plan on implementing in my business as much as possible to help offset my waste:
Winforms - Our California Association of Realtors has our standard real estate forms online for us to auto-populate for each transaction. From there instead of printing the form and then faxing it to our clients or to other Realtors, we can email it directly to them. This is a great alternative unless our client is sitting right there in front of us of course! Regardless this system is far superior to using the carbon forms of old, especially since if we fax or scan them, other than the top copy the rest are a waste.
Electronic Signatures: When we create those documents I just mentioned, if the seller will allow, we can have the recipient sign with an electronic signature. There are still many lenders who would prefer what we call a wet signature where they will have to print our document and actually sign it with a pen. I am sure in time, these electronic signatures will be more accepted and the amount of paper required will cut down tremendously.
zipVault - Another new feature that CAR has for us as members is a storage program that allows us to store other forms, flyers, photos, communication, etc. that are related to the transaction for up to five years. With this we can scan and upload all of our documents and reports instead of making copies to keep in a paper file. Imagine how much paper that saves on things such as CC&R's, inspections, and Preliminary Title reports! Should our clients need any of the information we have it right at our fingertips!
I may not win a Paper-less Challenge but when it comes to cutting down on paper waste - I'm on it!
"This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain & Kodak Paper-less Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the high speed KODAK SCANMATE i1120 Scanner, great for helping real estate professionals reduce their stacks of paper by scanning contracts, photos and business cards in seconds."
I am a REALTOR® in El Dorado Hills with Lyon Real Estate.Though living in El Dorado Hills is my passion, I am happy to help you with your real estate needs throughout the Sacramento Valley. For more information on me or our wonderful area visit my website at www.DeeDeeRiley.comor email me at driley@golyon.com.
Please keep in mind -the views expressed herein are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
By DeeDee Riley 2011 *All Rights Reserved*A Paper-less Challenge - I'm On It!
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