Why E-Signatures Are the Future of Real Estate Transactions

Crystal 

Walker

Content Writer

Real estate transactions are, unfortunately, paperwork intensive processes. Over the last decade, the use of e-signatures has become more common across many industries. E-signatures are digital signatures that allow you to sign documents electronically, replacing the pen and paper route. Real estate agents use them for a variety of forms, like purchase agreements, disclosure forms, loan documents, and amendments. Digital signatures are legally binding in the United States and recognized in many other countries around the world. With the time savings and efficiency that e-signatures provide, many agents have adopted this method over the traditional paper approach.

The History of E-Signatures in Real Estate

The use of e-Signatures picked up some steam in the 1990s, but didn’t find any mainstream application until the early 2000s. The passage of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act in 2000 made e-signatures legal in all U.S. states and territories, leading to more universal acceptance. Today, the real estate industry has mostly embraced their use, with the rise of platforms like Docusign, Dot Loop, and Adobe Sign. 

Why E-Signatures are Beneficial to Real Estate Agents

Real estate is a time consuming career. You’re juggling multiple clients, leads, and a never ending stream of documents. In the midst of trying to provide the best service you can, as fast as you can, you’re often searching for ways to simplify your tasks and save money. Why have so many real estate agents adopted the use of E-Signatures? Well, for one, it’s a bit of an awkward experience to ask someone to sign and scan something in 2025, but we think we have a more instructive answer for you.

They Are Quick and Convenient

E-signatures allow people to complete important forms from their computer or smartphone from anywhere in the world, at any time. This is a huge time saver, eliminating the need to wait days or even weeks for documents to be mailed, completed, and returned. You can get your contracts over to your clients in just a few clicks and get closer to closing a deal.

Reduce Your Costs and Carbon Footprint

Printing, scanning, mailing, and other paperwork pile up quickly in the midst of buying or selling a home. Paper, envelope, stamp, and ink costs add up quickly and put a serious drain on not only your wallet, but our planet. E-signatures save you from these expenses and make your business more environmentally friendly.

Increase Your Security

Signatures can be forged or lost in the mail, landing in the wrong hands, so the encryption features available with electronic signatures come in clutch in the prevention of fraud. Identity verification and audit trails are common tools used to track the time and location of signatures, providing additional safeguards against scams. All parties can breathe easier knowing a secure digital footprint exists.

They Keep You Organized and Protected

We’ve all experienced the frustration of digging through piles of paperwork, unable to locate important documents. As papers stack up on our desk, many of us struggle with maintaining orderly and neat files. The use of technology and e-signatures makes everything accessible in minutes, organized and easy to locate. Backing these documents up to cloud adds an additional layer of protection in the event of a natural disaster or other unfortunate event.

Embrace Technology to Better Manage Your Clients and Leads 

Electronic signatures significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to complete transactions and close deals. Your clients can feel confident that documents are processed more securely, leading to satisfaction all around. Your buyers and sellers get a smoother and more efficient experience, and you move homes faster. Going paperless is a win-win for all involved.

Digital advances aren’t just beneficial to existing clients, they also help you get those leads in the door. Integrating other technologies into your business, such as AI powered tools like IRIS by Primestreet AI puts you in the position to generate and manage leads, while reaping the time saving and financial benefits that new tech provides. Head over to our blog to learn how IRIS or data tools for real estate can supplement your support needs.