How do you review and explain real estate forms to your clients?

Electronic signatures are great for convenience, efficiency, and handling transactions from a distance or when a signature is needed quickly to seal the deal. However, they've also allowed many of us to get by without understanding or knowing what the client is actually signing. And if we dont know, how are they supposed to know? Review the forms regularly, practice, ask questions, and make it a point to explain to the customer what they are signing, before they sign it.

Too many agents do not understand the forms. You need to know these inside and out. Take the forms paragraph by paragraph, read them line by line and make sure you understand them completely. Sit with your broker or manager and ask for help if you need clarity on something. Don't just "wing it." Check with your local real estate education provider to see if they have a contracts class that is specific to your state forms. Even agents who have been licensed for years could benefit from taking a contracts class.

It is imperative to understand the range of documents that are a part of a potential transaction, from those that are required and or customary , to those that may be utilized. To be able to distill in non industry jargon to your client what things mean, and in many cases when further discussion with a relevant professional on the team is needed. I find that having example forms filled out helps (or going through the how during the initial consultation , with followup discussions.

In many states these forms change annually and even after attending the classes you may need to review and ask questions before you use them.

Knowledge of documents makes practitioners money. Disclose of agency/representation as well as state and local requirements. Obligations of parties, dates for performance. In general…agents must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the contract… but never, never give legal advice!

I use words that my clients understand and I don't make statements like ..... protects you from buying a lemon. I use the facts that are in the document, read through the document with them and then ask questions to make sure they understand. I let them know that it is ok to ask me questions over and over until they understand.

Not only is using non industry jargon important, explaining through using story telling or giving a “for example” can be a useful technique - whether it’s a hypothetical or even better “in my experience” / “from my experience” / “my clients experiences have ranged” - which allows to showcase your breadth of knowledge and experience

In my experience as a former Escrow Officer, and returning to the real estate industry as a Real Estate Agent, time is always of an essence. However, time should not prevent us in the industry to avoid learning; understanding; and developing knowledge regarding a form/document which must be signed by our clients. 1. Read the document. 2. Understand the documents purpose 3. Have the companies telephone number handy if questions arise. 4. Electronic signature should only be obtained if your client is out of the country, on an airplane, etc. and should be the last alternative. 5. Obtaining live original signatures to avoid fraud is the best and will enable the client and realtor to develop a better relationship.

Forms such as the Seller's Disclosure have great information that is very helpful for both the seller and the buyer. These forms will help you explain to your clients what they are and what they do.

Highlighting key points (or key impact) and reminding clients that they can ask questions about any aspect of the documents reviewed at any time. Whether you are doing this in person or some virtual/remote format- a recap is a great way to provide a reference point clients can go back to after a conversation - and it can help narrow/direct future questions and conversations.

Give them plenty of time to review the form before signing by meeting with them and going over it section by section. You can even do this via screen sharing on a zoom or google meet.

They say that "face-to-face" contact with a client in a "buying or selling situation" is the definition of productive time. Reviewing forms with clients fits very neatly into that description. Although it may be tedious and time consuming, it's educational for agent and client alike. More importantly, it's a great opportunity to build rapport and trust. Bring a little patience and levity to the task and stay relaxed. It'll do so much to help your clients act decisively and quickly when -- later -- the pressure is ON.

In my previous experience is very crucial to let them know the importance (if is a buyer) to provide with diligence all stipulation from there lender for the deal to go trough, cause if not provide the docs. by the time matter and there’s 2nd contract on the line, could loose all earnest money from the contract and as the agent we should be part of the process, be the runner for your buyer and be alert and have a good basis comment with the MLO, that way no contact will fall through and you be blame for it, contingencies are crucial in a contract to protect your buyer .. ??♂?