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The pitch
UETA. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Amidst its many sections and esoteric formalities, UETA is what makes electronic signatures legally binding.
It’s also helpful for agents to know that RealtyBackOffice is one of the few real estate office management tools that mentions it. I’m automatically a fan of any software platform that encourages electronic transactions.
Does this mean RealtyBackOffice is the only right solution to streamline your agency’s operations? Well, let’s find out.
The sale
First, a plea: Can we please stop using the term “paperless”? It scares people. It’s like “crossfit” or “skinny jeans.”
Trying to “go paperless” carries a stigma; it sounds burdensome and trite. That shouldn’t be the goal. The goal should be a more efficient use of data, better customer privacy, improved workflows, quicker engagement with existing in-house systems, and overall enterprise efficiency.
When you focus on those, you learn paper has no purpose. Thus, going without it becomes a byproduct of a greater cause.
RealtyBackOffice’s coupling of transaction management with a document library offers brokerages concerned with becoming a more technically proficient business a great platform from which to reach to the more complicated steps in the process. Mobile sophistication aside, the software automates agent oversight of the chores and tasks that typically bind office leaders to their desks.
Its transaction management capabilities are robust. The array of vendors and tasks that fuel the cynical “this deal will never close” attitudes are addressed here with an extra-strength dose of relief through automation. You can add notes, upload documents (inspection reports, copies of checks, agreements, offers, etc.) and quickly search for all of them.
You generate e-sign documents on a tablet at your client’s breakfast bar, have them initial, sign, and then send it right into the enterprise and their inboxes. Let the client choose to print it; it’s their toner.
The documents are streamlined into the transaction, so monthly costs for another electronic document tool can be redirected here. You can also assemble closing disbursement agreements and create a template for future transactions. In fact, all kinds of transaction-oriented communications can be generated, saved and reused.
RealtyBackOffice is complemented by another integration with Zapier, the custom, cross-platform automation tool. (This is now the third instance of a Zapier connection I’ve come across. What’s that tell us?)
The close
Most of what we see in the real estate technology space is focused on selling more listings, reaching more clients and making colorful emails easier to send. All beneficial, sure. However, I’m intrigued by software that reminds agencies, “Hey, we’re running a business here … not just a commission factory.”
I also find it fairly priced right (40 agents for $200 per month) and highly scalable. RealtyBackOffice is certainly worth a look.
Do you use RealtyBackOffice? What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know!
Do you have a product for our tech expert to review? Email Craig Rowe.