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Certified Proof of Funds is software for non-biased third-party verification of a buyer’s financial position.
Platform(s): Browser-based; mobile-optimized
Ideal for: All real estate agents (especially luxury and investment property agents) cash buyers
Top selling points
- Connects directly with a user’s bank accounts
- Integrates with zipForms for purchase contracts
- Eliminates bank bias
Top concerns
- Earning its trust from clients and other transaction buyers
What you should know
A real estate buyer’s financial viability is crucial to a smooth transaction.
However, bank letters are weak, can be easily faked — and they’re also biased.
Plus, luxury homebuyers and investors aren’t fans of having to prove themselves to access a listing or receive financial reports.
Certified Proof of Funds is a secure, simple way for a client to demonstrate economic prowess without sacrificing privacy or providing an array of hardcopy personal reports and statements.
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Users create an account and in minutes can connect any number of bank relationships. The software is capable of working with up to 750 banks, including all major institutions.
When the user has linked the appropriate accounts demonstrating that enough money is indeed available to handle the transaction, a digitally-encrypted certificate is generated.
The legal document looks like an ordinary certificate, which is what may cause some to question its validity.
However, the document contains binding language, unique identifiers and authentication features not found anywhere on an emailed letter or boilerplate bank letter.
The “certified proof” is then emailed to each agent party to the transaction.
Certificates get saved in the buyer’s account for re-use if needed, and they can be customized for the exact amount pertinent to the sale.
Privacy, partners and convenience
The process allows buyers to refrain from sharing which bank they work with and avoid the tedious process of printing or sending bank statements that share unrelated personal expenses.
The risk of handling multitudes of financial information on clients should rattle agents.
For users of zipForms, Certified Proof of Funds will automatically create a request for proof based on the dollar figures in the offer, streamlining the process. That proof of funds is then linked to the buyer and that transaction.
Members of the California Association of Realtors can access the software via the resources page as well.
A long time coming
The risk of handling multitudes of financial information about clients should rattle agents, as well as banking institutions.
I’ve seen agents with physical copies of their buyer’s financials resting on the front seat of their car. Emailing is equally insecure.
Certified Proof of Funds creates a legal document that shares no unnecessary financial data, account numbers or banking relationships.
This is a tool best recommended by agents to buyers who pay in cash or pursue seven-figure buyers.
Privacy is growing ever more critical today, and the “old way” of proving funds can’t keep pace.
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe
