Technology has swiftly changed how we do things and run businesses. The real estate industry is not left behind in this trend. As an industry that naturally features lots of paperwork, several documents continuously need to be signed.

Before the invention of E-signatures, the distance between the client, real estate agent, and other parties that might be involved in a deal was a challenge. And even now that electronic signatures are a thing, many are still skeptical about trying it. Some think it is not a trustworthy method, while others do not yet understand how e-signatures work. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall on, you will get answers by reading through this piece. If you are just getting started, the beginner's best guide will help you with the foundational knowledge you need for real estate.

What is a Real Estate Electronic Signature

Electronic signatures are online tools that help real estate experts to perform better in remote real estate transactions. These electronic signatures aid clients and stakeholders in document preparation, approval, and completion. Furthermore, electronic signatures help speed up and simplify the process of real estate transactions.

The Effectiveness of Electronic Signatures for Real Estate

Several customers avoid electronic signatures because they lack confidence in their effectiveness. Electronic signatures are as good as handwritten signatures. They are even better than handwritten signatures.

Handwritten signatures are prone to fade after a while. Additionally, they could easily get destroyed. On the other hand, electronic signatures are long-lasting. They protect you from alterations and give you a chance to void the signature if the need arises.

Electronic signatures are a credible innovation for real estate because of their numerous benefits. In real estate, there is often a need for several signatories to append multiple documents. Unfortunately, there are often moments when these signatories are miles apart.

Employing the use of electronic signatures bridges the distance gap between signatories. Furthermore, it saves time and improves the seller and buyer's productivity.

The Different Types of Electronic Signatures

There are primarily two types of electronic signatures.

How E-signing for Real Estate Contracts Works

Real estate agents used to drive from one end of town to another end to get documents signed. Right now, they only need to prepare the documents and send them to the recipient's mail in pdf format. As stated earlier, there are different types of software for e-signatures. Due to the differences in manufacturers, some of this software vary slightly in operation.

For some electronic signature software, the initials and signature will be flagged so you can easily see where you are to sign. If you are thinking about the security of your data, there is no need to worry about that. Several of these software require PIN access and additional verification. This procedure is usually incorporated to verify the signatories' identity.

Once the new signatory signs, they can hit the send button and return the document to the real estate agent. Interestingly, several electronic signature software notifies signatories of a property document whenever a new signature has been added. This mechanism could come in handy in tracking spam and mismanagement of signatures.

The electronic signature procedure is straightforward and does not involve any complications. Depending on the parties' agreement, you could store signatories' signatures if you would have subsequent transactions together. However, if you employ this method, ensure you only partner with trustworthy people.

Best Electronic Signatures for Real Estate Agents

Having decided to use electronic signatures, it would be essential for you to choose an electronic signature platform. Like several other software, the different electronic signatures have pros and cons.

1. Panda Doc

PandaDoc is an all-inclusive software that offers you all the functionality for electronic signatures. On the app, you can craft your land documents, sign them and track the improvement progress of the document. To use the app, you must create a free PandaDoc account.

On the free account, you can upload an unlimited number of signatories. It has a simple interface that can be easily navigated by professionals and newbies alike. Furthermore, the application has over 450 templates that can be tweaked to create whatever document you intend to use.

Additionally, PandaDoc allows you to create templates you would love to customize later. If you intend to achieve more with PandaDoc, there is a paid version you can use. The paid version offers a more robust platform that can be used across departments and for various real estate transactions.

2. DocuSign

DocuSign is a very popular software for electronic signatures. It is easy to navigate and contains the critical components for an effective real estate electronic signing. Due to its effectiveness, it is often addressed as one of the best electronic signature software.

It is easy to get started with DocuSign. The software has an option for a free trial which you can use almost immediately. If you are in a hurry to get a document signed, Docusign is one of your best bets.

The organizational structure of Docusign is one of a kind. Its structures make it easier for you to track different documents simultaneously. Additionally, it allows you to classify these documents in the order of the signing stage.

DocuSign has a "manage" dashboard from which you can easily view received envelopes, sent boxes, and a drafts tab. The software also has a quick view option to easily view documents you need to work on. Docusign as well has several templates and powerful features. You could maximize the software by switching from free to paid versions.

3. Dropbox Sign

Dropbox is a competent alternative to Docusign. It offers a 30-day free plan trial and unlimited signature requests per month. To enjoy unlimited signature requests, subscribe to the basic subscription plan.

The simple interface of dropbox could be deceptive. It hides the numerous possibilities of the app, and you might need some guidance to access it. One benefit of Dropbox is its integration with cloud storage platforms. It synchronizes well with Microsoft Word, One drive, Microsoft SharePoint, Evernote, and Google drive.

On the high-end subscription plans of dropbox, you can create custom templates and branding. These subscription plans also allow multiple teams and advanced team management.

4. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Most users are familiar with reading pdf files with Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, the app can do so much more. One of the hidden features of Adobe reader is its ability to sign documents. Interestingly, this function works across platforms and with different types of gadgets.

To use adobe acrobat reader, open the document on the app. Search for the "fill and sign" function and click on it. Click the sign yourself function, then add your signature.

There are different ways you could append your signature via Adobe Acrobat Reader. You could type your name and allow the reader to convert it to something that looks like a signature. Alternatively, you can draw your signature with a trackpad or upload an image of your signature.

Among the three options, drawing your signature is the simplest way to append your signature on Adobe reader. After inserting your signature, you can drag it to where you prefer it to stay on the document. If you need free software for electronic signatures, Adobe reader is definitely your best bet.

5. eSignatures.io

Several paid electronic signature platforms limit the number of monthly documents you can work on. Unfortunately, not only do these platforms want you to subscribe, but they prefer you subscribe to their more expensive platforms. This will be a disadvantage if you are a new, upcoming real estate company that doesn't work on many documents.

Furthermore, such subscriptions could be wasted if your workflow is unpredictable. Esignatures.io offers a more affordable option for startups. On the platform, you only pay as you go. This saves you the stress of over payment.

However, unlike several platforms, eSignatures.io works best when dealing with repetitive clients. The software is built to aid you in automating your contracts and batch-signing documents. When you sign up for eSignatures.io, the company advises you to send a sample document to yourself. Amazingly, the website has an on-boarding wizard that would help you through the process.

Conclusion

Real estate is a fast-evolving field. Sometimes, getting started could be scary. At other times, evolving with the new trends could be difficult. One of the recent developments in real estate is electronic signatures. Electronic signatures offer so many benefits you should take advantage of. It eliminates the stress of avoidable travels and aids you in completing your real estate documents quickly. For starters, in the fields, it might be essential for you to catch up with how real estate works. Better still, our best real estate investment strategies would be a suitable companion.