Our First Nest Realty uses DocuSign to accelerate the signing process for real estate documents. DocuSign has expedited the average turnaround of real estate documents from days to minutes. Houston-based Our First Nest Realty also leverages DocuSign as a green technology differentiator and as part of the company’s commitment to environmentally-friendly business processes.

Paul Silverman, Owner, Our First Nest Realty

Our First Nest Realty owner Paul Silverman first discovered DocuSign when working with a buyer for a hot property with multiple bidders. The need for an alternative to ink signatures became paramount when the buyer had to sign papers while out of state. Silverman registered for a free trial of the DocuSign eSignature service and within minutes was able to electronically send the documents for e-signature. His client received a DocuSign email notification, quickly adopted a signature and signed the documents online. Silverman presented the offer and it was accepted immediately. Later, Silverman’s client used DocuSign’s service from her Apple iPhone to electronically sign additional paperwork.

DocuSign came to the rescue. It helped streamline the process, provided my client an added service and reduced my company’s carbon footprint in just one service. Being able to sign from a mobile phone was a huge advantage. Clients always tell me how easy it is to DocuSign—it’s convenient, safe and legal. This is clearly the best tool I have ever used. – Paul Silverman, owner, Our First Nest Realty, and strong advocate of green technology

DocuSign has reduced or eliminated the need for Our First Nest Realty to print, fax or waste paper, ink and energy. He is pleased that he is helping clients with a hassle-free transaction and also upholding his pledge to the environment. Silverman holds a number of green designations and certificates including the National Association of REALTORS® Green designation and is a National Association of Homebuilders Certified Green Professional (CPG).

The DocuSign Advantage

After reviewing other e-signature solutions providers, Our First Nest Realty has continued using DocuSign based on the following key criteria:

• Ease of Use—DocuSign makes it easy for Silverman to send documents for client e-signature, and just as simple for clients to sign electronically. This intuitive service closely replicates the traditional signing experience, creating a positive client experience. DocuSign’s Designed for Mobile functionality provides Silverman’s clientele with anywhere, anytime electronic signing capabilities from an Apple iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, Google Android, Windows Mobile or any other Internet-enabled mobile device.
• Compliance—With DocuSign, Our First Nest Realty is assured of security as documents are an encrypted PDF. Signers are authenticated and contracts can only be returned only if fully completed, ensuring 100 percent compliance.
• Real-Time Visibility—DocuSign reveals the signing status of every agreement in real-time: when it was opened, when it was signed, the time the transaction has taken, and which contracts remain to be signed. Our First Nest Realty knows immediately when a real estate document is completed so deals can be transacted faster in a highly competitive market.
• Workflow Management—DocuSign automates Our First Nest Realty’s workflow processes. DocuSigned documents are returned only when complete, thereby reducing turnaround time from days to minutes.
• Cost-Effective—DocuSign reduces administrative costs associated with the traditional signing process, eliminating the need to print, fax or drive to meet clients for in-person signings
• Going Green—Environmentally-friendly, DocuSign aligns with Silverman’s green initiatives and further differentiates Our First Nest Realty from competitors using older, resource-wasting business processes.

For more information about the business benefits DocuSign provides Our First Nest Realty, read the detailed eSignature case study.

REThink Real Estate implemented DocuSign’s eSignature solutions to accelerate its real estate document signing process. This leading San Francisco Bay Area-based real estate firm employs DocuSign’s electronic signature services as the primary vehicle to complete real estate transactions.  DocuSign expedites the average turnaround time of real estate documents from days to minutes. DocuSign helped REThink Real Estate successfully expand and leverage DocuSign’s green technology as a market differentiator and competitive advantage.

Tara-Nicholle Nelson, MA, Esq. REALTOR®, Owner, REThink Real Estate

Owner of REThink Real Estate, Tara-Nicholle Nelson, MA, Esq. is a successful real estate broker, attorney, author and accredited buyer’s representative. Nelson recently represented a buyer in a competitive real estate transaction where the seller’s agent wanted to collect as many offers as possible to present to her client. To stall Nelson and her buyers, the seller’s agent sent a 150-page disclosure agreement that typically takes hours to fax to clients and hours for clients to sign and fax back. Instead, Nelson scanned the disclosure agreement and sent it via DocuSign to her clients. Her clients received an email notification, adopted an e-signature and returned the completed disclosure within the hour. The selling agent was obligated to present the offer to her client and it was accepted.

DocuSign has changed my life. I can’t imagine doing business without it. My clients love the convenience. Sometimes a buyer can make more than 20 offers before one is accepted. That means signing hundreds of pages at least 20 times! With DocuSign, it’s click, click, click and you’re done. – Tara-Nicholle Nelson

Nelson credits DocuSign with giving her more freedom—from paper, faxing and wasting time. By leveraging the Internet, Nelson notes that she and her clients can write, sign and submit an offer without being in the same state. With DocuSign, clients are rarely aware that Nelson is out of town for a speaking engagement or training. DocuSign also provides a much more polished and professional offer to agents, making Nelson’s offers appear more persuasive than the handwritten, scanned and faxed documents typically presented to sellers.

The DocuSign Advantage

After reviewing other e-signature solutions providers, Nelson chose DocuSign based on the following key criteria:

• Ease of Use—DocuSign makes it easy for Nelson to send documents for client e-signature, and just as simple for the client to sign electronically. This intuitive service closely replicates the traditional signing experience, creating a positive client experience. Plus, DocuSign’s Designed for Mobile functionality provides Nelson’s clientele with anywhere, anytime electronic signing capabilities from an Apple iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, Google Android, Windows Mobile or any other mobile device.
• Compliance—With DocuSign, RETHink Real Estate is assured of security as documents are an encrypted PDF. Signers are authenticated and contracts can only be returned only if fully completed, ensuring 100 percent compliance. Aged, confidential documents are archived and purged automatically, thereby safeguarding personal client information.
• Real-Time Visibility—DocuSign reveals the signing status of every agreement in real-time: when it was opened, when it was signed, the time the transaction has taken, and which contracts remain to be signed. REThink Real Estate knows immediately when a real estate document is completed so deals can be transacted faster in a highly competitive market.
• Workflow Management—DocuSign automates Nelson’s workflow processes. DocuSigned documents are returned only when complete, thereby reducing the turnaround time from days to minutes.
• Cost-Effective— DocuSign reduces administrative costs associated with the traditional signing process, eliminating the need to print, fax or drive to meet clients for in-person signings.
• Going Green— Environmentally friendly DocuSign aligns with Nelson’s green initiatives and further differentiates REThink Real Estate from competitors using older, resource-wasting business processes.

For more information about the business benefits DocuSign provides ReThink Real Estate, read the detailed eSignature case study on the DocuSign Web site!

Next week, we’ll be in Austin, Texas, home of the Texas Longhorns, and Texas BBQ! DocuSign will be on hand in booth #630 to discuss eSignature with those attending the Prudential Real Estate Sales Convention from Sunday, March 7th to Tuesday March 9th!

We can’t wait to connect with many of our current DocuSign customers and meeting with others who want to learn how they can use electronic signature to:

Save Time: On average, DocuSign users save more than six hours a week – that’s time they can spend building their business, working with more clients, or spending time with their families.

Add convenience: DocuSign Electronic Signature Service eliminates the hassle of fax, overnight mail, or personal delivery of documents. Not only do real estate professionals find DocuSign easy to use, so do their customers!

Increase Customer Satisfaction: Real estate professionals who use DocuSign provide an extra level of service to their clients. These days, everyone’s so busy! DocuSign’s “Designed for Mobile” functionality means that they can e-sign from the convenience of their Apple iPhones, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, or Google Android phones and no longer have to wait to get in front of a computer before they can eSign documents.

DocuSign saves time, adds additional convenience and increases your customers’ satisfaction because it’s literally as easy as opening an email, clicking a link, reading disclosures and adding the necessary clicks of a mouse.

We’ll have information about the newest release of DocuSign Version 10.1, so be sure to stop by Booth #630 to learn about electronic signature and how it can help you stop chasing paper and get your life back!

Want to hear about a new, special product we’ve created as a proud partner and the exclusive and official provider of ESIGN services in the NAR Member Benefits® Program? Stop by booth #630 to learn more!

We look forward to seeing you at the Prudential Real Estate Sales Convention and answering any questions you have about DocuSign and electronic signature!

New Orleans – What a happening place! Last weekend, The Saints won the Super Bowl. This weekend is Mardi Gras. Next week, DocuSign will be on hand in booth #456 to discuss eSignature with those attending the Keller Williams Family Reunion! We look forward to connecting with many of our current DocuSign customers and meeting with others who want to learn more about how they can use electronic signature to:

Save Time: On average, DocuSign users save more than six hours a week – that’s time they can spend building their business, working with more clients, or spending time with their families.

Add convenience: DocuSign Electronic Signature Service eliminates the hassle of fax, overnight mail, or personal delivery of documents. Not only do real estate professionals find DocuSign easy to use, so do their customers!

Increase Customer Satisfaction: Real estate professionals who use DocuSign provide an extra level of service to their clients. These days, everyone’s so busy! DocuSign’s “Designed for Mobile” functionality means that they can e-sign from the convenience of their Apple iPhones, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, or Google Android phones and no longer have to wait to get in front of a computer before they can eSign documents.

DocuSign saves time, adds additional convenience and increases your customers’ satisfaction because it’s literally as easy as opening an email, clicking a link, reading disclosures and adding the needed clicks of a mouse.

We’ll have information about the new Keller Williams Preferred Vendor Plans to provide all Keller Williams agents, teams and brokers with a 10% discount over the standard web pricing. We’re also participating in the Keller Williams Scavenger Hunt, so be sure to stop by Booth #456 to learn about electronic signature and get your board scanned to enter a drawing for big prizes!

Want to hear about a new, special product we’ve created as a proud partner and the exclusive and official provider of ESIGN services in the NAR Member Benefits®  Program? Stop by booth #456 to learn more!

We look forward to seeing you at the Keller Williams Family Reunion and answering any questions you have about DocuSign and electronic signature! As they say in New Orleans: laissez les bon temps rouler!*

*Let the good times roll!

We “connected” with many of our current DocuSign customers and met with others who were interested in learning more about how they can use esignature to:

Save Time: On average, DocuSign users save more than six hours a week – that’s time they can spend building their business, working with more clients, or spending time with their families.

Add convenience: DocuSign Electronic Signature Service eliminates the hassle of fax, overnight mail, or personal delivery of documents. Not only did real estate professionals find DocuSign easy to use, so did their customers!

Increase Customer Satisfaction: Real estate professionals who use DocuSign provide an extra level of service to their clients. These days, everyone’s so busy! DocuSign’s “Designed for Mobile” functionality means that they can e-sign from the convenience of their data phones and no longer have to wait to get in front of a computer before they can esign documents.

DocuSign saves time, adds additional convenience and increases your customers’ satisfaction because it’s literally as easy as opening an email, clicking a link, reading disclosures and adding the needed clicks of a mouse.

Take a look at the video below to see how easy it is to use electronic signature with DocuSign:

In the words of Ken Baris, a broker with Jordan Baris Realtors who stopped by the booth: “At Inman and we have a winner. DocuSign is a must have for brokers!”

Today, we announced advanced signing capabilities with mobile devices employing the Google® Android and Microsoft® Mobile operating systems as part of our industry leading electronic signature solutions.

With the recent release of DocuSign v9 and the newly deployed ‘Designed for Mobile’ functionality, DocuSign users can now view and e-sign documents on Android-based handhelds, such as Google Nexus One, T-Mobile® G1, and more than two dozen devices with access to a new status console optimized for mobile browsers. With no applications to download, any DocuSign user can use this expanded functionality right now, ensuring business transactions are completed faster and easier—from anywhere, anytime.

Today, busy professionals need and want services that offer the convenience to conduct business while on the move. These services must be cost effective and flexible, with the ability to adapt to any environment, including quickly evolving mobile platforms.

Analysts predict that Android will become the world’s most popular smartphone platform by 2012, with estimates of more than 31.8 million Android phones and 126 million Android-based portable products to ship in 2013. DocuSign’s interoperability with Android technology offers users the ultimate in global on-the-go signing flexibility.

We’re answering the needs of our customers who are requesting advanced signing features and even greater flexibility in the types of documents they can manage with DocuSign. With ‘Designed for Mobile’ functionality, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone and Microsoft Mobile users can access a broad spectrum of new DocuSign signing capabilities to increase workflow efficiency, accelerate sales cycles and increase revenue. – Tom Gonser, founder and vice president of product strategy

We’re continuing our market leadership by further extending interoperability with a broad variety of handheld devices. DocuSign eSign services ensure every professional can conduct business regardless of geography or time zone.

Whether your document is a simple NDA or a complex global sales agreement requiring multi-party signatures, we help you and your organization operate greener, faster and more profitably by removing the hurdles associated with the signing process and offering more ways for users to access and complete their transactions online. With more than 7.1 million Microsoft Mobile, 14.9 million Research in Motion BlackBerry®, and 8.9 million Apple® iPhone® users, DocuSign provides a means for busy professionals to transact business while on-the-go.

Designed for Mobile™: DocuSign’s Designed for Mobile signing process enables smartphone users with data plans and internet access to view and e-sign documents from their Apple iPhone, Windows Mobile, Google Android, and Blackberry phones. With no app to download, DocuSign users simply navigate to DocuSign and sign in by clicking the “I am on a mobile device” link to see their status console optimized for mobile browsers.

Fax Support: Signers can now elect to print and sign on paper, returning the documents by faxing them back into the DocuSign envelope. For example, notarized documents can be executed on paper and returned securely to the sender through the DocuSign transaction, and stored electronically.

Signer Attachments: DocuSign users can now request additional documentation from their signers such as a copy of a driver’s license, W-2 or other required documents right from the DocuSign envelope. Signers can upload or fax any of the required documents and complete the transaction online, creating a secure transaction with all necessary documentation inside the DocuSign envelope.

Signature Sizing: DocuSign users can now easily re-size their electronic signature and initials to fit into smaller forms. The resulting signed documents are neater and easier to read – no more information covered by an electronic signature.

DocuSign Lite: DocuSign Lite allows anyone to send a document to be signed electronically with an e-signature — completely free. Available directly from the DocuSign home page, DocuSign Lite is fast, easy-to-use, and does not require a user to register for an account, provide credentials or enter credit card information. Anyone who needs a document signed can simply come to the DocuSign Web site and send a document for e-signature absolutely free — no paper, no account and no cost. Why did we create DocuSign Lite?

As the industry leader, we are actively educating the market on the tremendous benefits of e-signing. Once people are educated through the free use of DocuSign Lite, experience tells us they subscribe to one of our paid service plans that include such powerful features as tracking document status, sending to multiple recipients, sending multiple documents, secure long term storage and instant retrieval of documents. However, if you really only need to get a simple document signed every once in a while, this is a great resource to help save time, money and the environment. – Tom Gonser, Founder and VP of Product Strategy

With so many great features released in 2009, we’re looking forward to creating even more powerful features in 2010, to save you even more time when you securely send, sign and manage your documents with confidence using DocuSign’s electronic signature services.
For 2010, we have several releases scheduled including features such as…

… did you think we’d let the cat out of the bag this soon? Check back with us and we PROMISE to let you know about exciting innovations in electronic signature!

Save Time With Electronic Signature

One reason so many DocuSign subscribers love DocuSign electronic signature is the time it saves them. Previously, their document creation and signing process looked something like this:

1. Create the documents using Word, Adobe, or other forms creation software
2. Print the documents
3. Ship via overnight service, personally drive the documents over, or fax the documents
4. Wet sign with ink
5. Make a copy for one’s records
6. Scan the documents
7. Return via email or fax

This traditionally slow “print-ship-sign-copy-return-scan-fax” cycle takes significant time. With electronic signature from DocuSign, you can:

1. Create the documents using Word, Adobe, or other forms creation software
2. Upload the documents to DocuSign
3. Designate your recipients / signers; real estate professionals can include the other party on the transaction as a “CC”
4. Tag the documents for signature and initials
5. The recipients sign and you get a certificate of completion

The video below shows you how easy it is to send a document for electronic signature with DocuSign:

Not only do you save time with electronic signature from DocuSign, you’ll also…

Save Money With Electronic Signature From DocuSign

By implementing paperless processes to help you manage your business, you’ll no longer have to spend money on:

• Paper
• Toner / Ink
• Overnight shipping costs
• Gas driving back and forth between your office and clients

All of which can really add up! REALTORS® can take advantage of DocuSign’s “ESIGN Advantage Promotion for REALTORS®” promotion.

Increase Customer Satisfaction With Electronic Signature

Imagine how excited your clients will be if they don’t have to wait for the fax machine to print out each document, page by page. Imagine how happy they’ll be if they can get documents for signature that they can sign right from their smart phone or PDA while they’re checking their email or standing in line at the grocery store.

With electronic signature, this could be your clients’ reality. DocuSign’s “Designed for Mobile” functionality optimizes the mobile signing experience on Blackberry, Apple iPhone, Google Android and Windows Mobile smart phones. Your clients can eSign from anywhere – they no longer need to wait to get home in front of their computers!

These three ideas show you how you can WIN in 2010 – what other strategies do you plan to use to grow your business?

If you fly:

• Air Canada
• AirTran
• American Airlines
• Delta
• United
• Virgin America

You can access WiFi while flying with your Mac or PC – some airlines even provide outlets on their planes so you can plug in and recharge. Otherwise, consider bringing an extra battery. There is a fee associated with using in-flight WiFi, unless you’re flying Virgin America. Google and Virgin America have partnered to offer free WiFi on all Virgin America flights from November 10, 2009 through January 15, 2010.

Having WiFi on your flights means that you can continue to be productive AND connected as you travel this holiday season. Your signing opportunities extend beyond in-flight – with DocuSign “Designed for Mobile,” your clients can sign from their Apple iPhones, RIM Blackberry, Windows Mobile, or Google Android phones while at a restaurant, shopping, or waiting in line for the next tourist attraction.

To eSign documents with DocuSign, you need a browser, internet connection (WiFi, mobile broadband, or 3G / EDGE network), and access to your email.

How Signers Can Access DocuSign and eSign:

1. Log into email
2. Open the email from DocuSign
3. Click the link to eSign the documents
4. Adopt their electronic signature
5. Apply their electronic signature and initials where you’ve indicated
6. Fill out the information you’ve requested

DocuSign will notify you once the documents are complete!

With in-flight WiFi, you can send your documents for signature and your signers can sign, even from 30,000 feet!

Take a quick look at this two minute video about the DocuSign signing experience:

With six scheduled demos, many more impromptu one-on-one demos, questions about “Designed for Mobile”, and forms compatibility, I’ve pulled together some thoughts to share:

1. How do I get DocuSign on my mobile phone?

DocuSign “Designed for Mobile” comes with your subscription to DocuSign – there are no apps to download! It works for Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Google Android. With electronic signature “Designed for Mobile,” eSign is faster and easier for customers to complete transactions while on the go.

You and your clients can now view and e-sign documents on your handheld device and see a new status console optimized for mobile browsers.

2. Will DocuSign work with my forms?

We’ve partnered with many of the real estate forms providers, including zipLogix (zipForm® and WINForms®), Realfast (Realfast2Go™), IRES, Reveal Systems (TrueForms), LPS Real Estate Group which includes TransactionPoint and DocCentral – click here to learn more about our partners.

You can also DocuSign documents created in Adobe (PDF’s), MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint as well.

3. How do I get started with DocuSign and electronic signature?

You can sign up on the DocuSign web site. Once you’ve signed up, take a look at our subscriber resources:

• Sign up for a Live Interactive Training webinar for eSignature
• Browse our DocuSign Electronic Signature forums, which are online discussions of DocuSign features, how-to’s, product announcements and more.
• Watch our How-To videos, including “Sending and signing a Lead-Based Pain Disclosure using DocuSign”, “Sending from zipForm 6 and DocuSign”, “How to add another real estate agent as a carbon copy recipient” and more. Take a look to see if there’s a video that addresses your question!
• Read our blog and suggest post ideas in the comments

With a 30-Day Free Trial, you can experience the power of securely sending, signing and storing documents with DocuSign.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at NAR – keep an eye on the blog for an exciting post-NAR announcement for those of you who stopped by!