Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Form Simplicity’s eSign

It often feels like different brands are providing identical services while simply changing their names. However, as both marketing and advertisements find their way into multiple channels of our lives, we forget that many of those brands do in fact possess specialties that set them apart.

With our real estate transaction management software, REALTORS® have access to eSign, an electronic signature service that not only speeds up the process of writing contracts but also executes deals and gets agents one step closer to receiving their commissions. But what is it REALLY that makes Form Simplicity’s Ultimate Edition a product different from the rest? It provides its users with Knowledge Based Authentication, Tamper Proof documents, Mark-Ups, SMS Authentication, and In-Person Signing.

Knowledge-Based Authentication

Form Simplicity’s eSign includes a Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) option for users who want an interactive and secure method for proving signers’ identities. This advanced identity validation method confirms a signer’s identity by asking random questions. A sample question would be: “What color was your 1996 Honda Accord?” The KBA option, in combination with eSign’s password validation, gives Form Simplicity users the tools to meet the strict electronic signature requirements set in place by both banks and lenders for short sale, deed in lieu, and real estate-owned properties transactions.

Third-Party Verification and Tamper Proof

Upon the completion of the signing session, the signed document is validated by a third-party Certificate Authority and becomes tamper-proof. The third-party validation proves independent verification, meaning, you don’t have to contact the electronic signature’s vendor to prove the document’s validity. The pdf document, itself, shows the validation in the signature panel. It’s built into the pdf and can be viewed using a PDF viewer. Additionally, since it is tamper-proof, the document will detect tampering efforts and invalidate the signatures if they are altered in any way.

Tricia Stamper, Director of Technology Products for Form Simplicity states, “Real estate transactions are high-value transactions. I always recommend that anyone using a digital signature service for a real estate transaction ensures the signatures are verified by a third party Certificate Authority.”

A Certificate Authority greatly reduces your risk and your clients’ risk of facing future problems with the signatures, such as signature tampering or proof of validation.

Mark-Ups

In the Ultimate Edition of Form Simplicity, users have the ability to mark up frequently used contracts with a simple drag-and-drop function.  Users can strike-through, underline and highlight text, and add check marks or text boxes to any location within the contract.

SMS Authentication

As another step to provide safety and security for users, SMS Authentication is provided as an option when inviting signers to participate in an eSign session. To prove their identity, and to further validate their signatures, signers will enter the code sent to their mobile phone as a text message before signing the document.

In-Person Signing

The In-Person Signing feature allows someone who does not have access to a computer or tablet to still participate electronically by designating someone as the “signer.” The designated signer will walk through the process with the client who needs help to complete the process. This is a great option for those buyers who decide, right then and there, you have found just the perfect home for them.

If you don’t have the Ultimate Edition, which includes unlimited eSign and document storage, simply log into Form Simplicity and select the “upgrade” link to sign up.