The Paperless Real Estate Transaction is Possible!

In my constant quest to be eco-friendly both personally and professionally, I’ve been implementing a few environmentally friendly business practices.

Currently, I’m in the process of reducing the number of direct marketing pieces to a quarterly schedule, instead staying in touch monthly with friends and clients via electronic newsletters.

I’ve also successfully been working with electronic systems since 2007, creating a paperless transaction for clients who are buying or selling real estate. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from clients who appreciate being able to review documents online as well as securely sign the dozens of disclosures and reports electronically through Docusign.

Gone are the days of having to kill a forest to buy or sell a home. It is technology which hopefully more of the real estate industry will embrace, especially considering that a typical transaction consumes 250-300 sheets of paper and can top 600 sheets with condo transactions. Additionally, the quality of electronic files is far superior to hard copies which lose print detail with each printing and faxing.

Clients, at their leisure, can go online to review & sign reports and disclosures after we’ve reviewed them together. With their busy schedules of juggling work & family, they appreciate the convenience & efficiency of an electronic system. Clients receive all their transaction paperwork on a CD rather than a hard copy; a format which is more convenient to store rather then a two to three inch paper file as well as it being easier to locate specific documents on disk. Clients also appreciate being able to contribute to being eco-friendly.

Title companies and lenders are also slowly moving towards the paperless transaction.

At the conclusion of a transaction, I also purchase carbon credits to further offset my carbon footprint.