Understanding the Advantages of eSigning

Old habits are hard to break, so if you're an agent or broker that hasn't been an avid user of digital signing, and still favors paper and ink, then you might have some misconceptions about this modern time-saving technology that has been holding you back. Once you understand the advantages of eSigning – what it can mean to you, your business and especially your customer experience – you'll not only become a user, but also maybe even an advocate.

Benefits for agents and clients

Is there anything that can be more frustrating to an agent than discovering a crucial document is missing a signature? Let's face it: despite advances in technology over the last couple of decades, it seems we have more forms that need signing, more documents that require disclosure to clients, and that means we need more signatures in more places. The risk of missing a signature has probably never been greater, and that's where the number one benefit of eSigning shines:

Benefit #1: eSigning makes sure you never miss a signature again

No more scrambling to get that missing signature, because with a program like Transaction Management from Florida Realtors® with eSign, the document can't be finalized until every client digital signature and initial field is complete. That's the cool thing about computers: they are smarter than humans when it comes to tasks like these and won't let you make a mistake. It walks you through page-by-page to make sure you sign exactly where you need to and would flag any missed signature before it ever lets you save or send a file.

And it's hard enough trying to chase down all the documentation in a transaction to begin with, right? That's another big benefit that eSigning gives agents: less chasing around town and a lot less time and expense sending out documents via mail and FedEx. No more stamps to stick or packages to drop off. That's big benefit number two for eSigning:

Benefit #2: eSigning saves agents and clients time and money

Ever work with clients that have crazy schedules that don't match? Every day? Well, that's another huge benefit to eSigning: not everyone has to be in the same room at the same time, and the convenience of signing remotely scores you brownie points with your clients. Often, they won't have to even leave their office. You can email them documents for their signature to two separate emails because they are in two separate places, right? They can sign at two separate times and you will still have everything you need. That's a huge third benefit:

Benefit #3: Remote eSigning lets your clients sign when they want, where they want

Clients can sign documents on their mobile phones, on a tablet or laptop on the go, or on their desktop computer at home – just about any place with an Internet connection.

Then there is the big fourth benefit for you, and that's what protects you and reduces your liability: the terrific security of eSigning. It is just too easy to forge paper documents and signatures, but with eSigning, the security level is on par with what federal banks use for cyber security. There is a very tightly documented "digital chain of custody" so the documents – and you – are protected. They are protected to reveal if they have been tampered with, and for compliance purposes, they provide a clear audit trail so you and your client can see with every document who did what and when.

Because they are so well encrypted, they are as likely to be hacked as your safety deposit box is likely to be stolen from your bank's vault. The safety and security surrounding eSigning has never been better, and that should give every agent peace of mind knowing that they are not only in full compliance with the law and rules and regulations of their trade, but are doing a superb job of protecting their clients' privacy and financial safety. Buying or selling a home is already one of the most stressful events in a person's life, and by taking the worry out of losing signed documents and reducing the risk of potential nefarious activity, it should also put your client's mind at ease. That's big benefit number four:

Benefit #4: eSigning makes transactions safer and more secure

In the end, eSigning is more than just Earth-friendly: it makes transactions go faster, smoother and even safer. It saves you, the agent or broker, and your clients, time and money. And most importantly, it's just a better way of doing business—and a digital pen will never ruin anyone's shirt.

Tricia Stamper is Director of Technology at Florida Realtors® and manages both Tech Helpline and Form Simplicity.