6 Best Electronic Signature Software for Real Estate 2023
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
Electronic signatures have developed into a crucial tool for simplifying transactions in the real estate industry. The best electronic signature software for real estate enables brokers, clients, and agents to remotely sign contracts and other paperwork, saving time and resources. This article examines the six best real estate signature software programs in 2023, evaluating their features, pricing, customer reviews, and ease of use.
- Best for its in-person and offline signing features: SignEasy
- Best for its ease of use: DocuSign
- Best for legally binding documents and tamper-proof feature: Dropbox Sign
- Best for mobile apps: SignNow
- Best for bulk sending: CocoSign
- Best for its extensive business document templates: PandaDoc
Best Electronic Signature Software for Real Estate at a Glance
Software | Starting Monthly Price* | Free Trial | Mobile App | Customer Support |
---|---|---|---|---|
$10 per user | ✓ (14 days) | ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat | |
$10 per user | ✓ (30 days) | ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat | |
$15 for one user | ✓ (30 days) | ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat | |
$8 per user | ✓ (7 days) | ✓ | Email and live chat | |
Free; paid plans start at $8 | ✓ (14 days) | ✕ | Email and live chat | |
Free; paid plans start at $19 per seat | ✓ (14 days) | ✓ | Email and live chat | |
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
There are many electronic signature software available to help you sign, send, and manage your business documents. Take our quiz to see what the best fit is for you:
Which electronic signature software is right for you?
What to Look for in Real Estate Signature Software
In addition to the factors we evaluated, you should also consider the following items when choosing signature software for your real estate business:
- Frequency of use: How often will you use the software? Will the frequency offset the price?
- Cost and value: How much does it cost? Does it provide excellent value for money?
- Customer support and ease of use: Does the software require technical skills to set up and operate? Will you need assistance with implementation?
- Customizability: Is the system customizable enough to meet your needs?
- Security: What kind of security does the software provide?
SignEasy: Best for In-person & Offline Signing Features
Pros
- Mobile app
- Sign via QR (Quick Response) code
- Third-party integrations, including Salesforce and Zapier
Cons
- Only supports a limited number of file types
- Lacks the option to load a date stamp
- Limited features for the basic plan
SignEasy Monthly Pricing per User*
- Essential: $10
- Team: $20
- Business: $30
- Business Plus: $50
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on SignEasy
SignEasy ranks first as the best electronic signature software for real estate for its unique ability to collect in-person signatures electronically. Its user-friendly mobile apps for iOS and Android allow you to forego carrying paperwork for in-person meetings and signing documents on the go. Furthermore, SignEasy’s offline-signing capabilities enable you to sign and save a copy of your documents on the mobile app when an internet connection is unavailable.
This platform provides QR codes for high-volume use cases, enabling businesses to collect customer and visitor signatures. SignEasy also offers an intuitive dashboard that makes it simple to browse and keep track of documents. This software could improve by providing an automatic date stamp functionality to confirm legal documents received and recorded.
SignEasy’s reusable template example (Source: SignEasy)
- Third-party integrations: SignEasy integrates with 16 apps, including Microsoft SharePoint, Outlook, Google Workspace, and Zapier.
- Upload multiple file formats: Upload documents in over 25 formats on SignEasy, including PDF, Excel, Word, PNG, JPG, and HTML.
- Automatic reminders: Send automated reminders to signers. However, you can’t customize the reminder timeline, but you can send manual reminders.
- Custom branding: Customize your documents with your business logo to maintain consistency and help you improve your credibility.
- Audit trail: All documents processed within SignEasy have digital trails to be admissible in court.
SignEasy obtained an excellent customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many users are pleased with its easy-to-use and mobile-friendly interface. Its security features were also commended by users saying that SignEasy is committed to ensuring all signatures and documents executed on the platform are legally valid in a court of law and have the highest standards of security and compliance to its customers.
However, one user remarked that he is unhappy with SignEasy as it requires him to convert the documents before signing them because SignEasy only supports a limited number of file types. The lack of an option to load a date stamp also stalled some users for more efficient record documentation. Consider DocuSign for its wide range of supported file formats and automated date stamp functionality.
DocuSign: Best for Ease of Use
Pros
- 400+ connected integrations
- Supports 44 languages
- Mobile app
Cons
- No 24/7 customer support
- No website builders
- No lead generation tools
DocuSign eSignature Monthly Pricing*
- Personal: $10 per user
- Standard: $25 per user
- Business Pro: $40 per user
Real estate plans and pricing (per user, per month):
- Real Estate Starter: $10
- DocuSign for Realtors (NAR Member Exclusive): $20 for up to 5 users online
- Real Estate: $25 for up to 5 users online
- Enhanced Real Estate Brokerage Plans: Custom pricing
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on DocuSign
DocuSign offers straightforward and user-friendly e-signature solutions to help real estate agents accelerate deals, reduce errors, and spend more time growing their businesses. It provides agents access to the latest state and local association forms with pre-placed data fields and auto-fill capabilities to quickly prepare and organize documents by transaction—all within a single digital workspace.
With DocuSign Rooms for Real Estate, a cloud-based real estate software solution, brokers and agents can centralize and consolidate document libraries, form editing, and e-signatures into one easy-to-use tool. Plus, it gives access to the latest association, multiple listing service (MLS), or brokerage-specific forms directly—prefilled with transaction data and ready to send for signatures. DocuSign may enhance its services by providing 24/7 customer support.
DocuSign standards-based signature feature (Source: DocuSign)
- DocuSign Gen for Salesforce: Automatically generate customized agreements from Salesforce.
- DocuSign Insight: Uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and rules-based logic, to help you find, filter, and accelerate review agreements across your enterprise.
- Standards-based signatures: Easy-to-use solutions that support all levels of digital signatures, including electronic signatures, Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES), and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).
- DocuSign Notary: Send, sign, and notarize remotely, saving you time and reducing costs.
With a customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5, users are happy with its ease of use and extensive DocuSign’s eSignature functionalities. DocuSign Identify is also available, which improves security and compliance by allowing teams to securely confirm clients’ identities prior to receiving their signatures on contracts.
However, a few users criticized the pricing, claiming that it is a bit costly, particularly if you deal with hundreds of documents. Another user commented that DocuSign occasionally experiences glitches, especially when adding new document templates for mailing. In addition, at times, it can be difficult to contact customer assistance. If you want an affordable solution with extensive customer support and features, we recommend SignEasy.
Dropbox Sign: Best for Legally Binding Documents & Tamper-proof Feature
Pros
- Supports 22 languages
- Reminders and notifications
- Signer fields with data validation
Cons
- No 24/7 customer support
- Limited features for the basic plans
- Performance dashboard is only available to the Premium plan
Dropbox Sign Monthly Pricing*
- Essentials: $15
- Dropbox One with eSign: $24.99
- Standard: $25 per user
- Premium: Custom pricing
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on Dropbox Sign
Dropbox Sign, formerly known as HelloSign, is one of the best online contract signing software because its e-signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act of 2000 and have the same legal status as written signatures. A non-editable audit trail is tied to each Dropbox Sign signature request to ensure that every step is carefully recorded and time-stamped. All signed documents are also tamper-proofed to protect them from alterations that could invalidate a signature.
This platform integrates with 25 apps and tools, so you can simplify your agreement workflow and stop switching between applications. This includes HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Salesforce, Coda, Evernote, Google Workspace, and Zapier. However, Dropbox Sign should give all users, regardless of their subscription plans, access to a performance dashboard. This will give users real-time insight and can be updated about the status of their documents.
Reusable templates feature (Source: Dropbox Sign)
- Reusable templates: Simplify the signing process by creating templates for your most commonly used documents. Once you’ve saved the format and field selections, you can quickly reuse that document multiple times.
- Mobile-friendly forms: Use no-code mobile forms to quickly collect data. Enable new hires and contractors to complete complex documentation directly from their phones to increase completion rates.
- Cloud storage integrations: Send documents straight for signature from your content management system, avoiding the need to halt your workflow.
- Masked fields: Easily mask or hide fields to obtain crucial data without jeopardizing privacy.
Dropbox Sign has an excellent customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5. Most users provided positive feedback, noting their appreciation for the software’s intuitive interface, seamless collaboration, advanced security, mobile signing option, and document storage. Another user commented that the streamlined document management and secure digital signatures in Dropbox Sign made their experience effortless and productive.
On the other hand, some users reported contacting Dropbox Sign customer service can be difficult. Another user complained about the limited customization options for document templates, which often hindered the flexibility and personalization of the signing process. If you’d prefer cheaper e-sign software that provides plenty of customization options, consider CocoSign.
SignNow: Best for Mobile Apps
Pros
- Workflow automation
- Collect payments
- Online surveys
Cons
- No phone customer support
- No self-service web forms
- No signer identity verification
SignNow Monthly Pricing per User*
- Business: $8
- Business Premium: $15
- Enterprise: $30
- Business Cloud: $50
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on SignNow
SignNow is one of the best electronic signature software for real estate because of its robust mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to sign documents and collect signatures anytime, from anywhere—in-person or remotely, even offline. It also features a Kiosk Mode on iPad and iPhone, where you can turn your devices into an electronic kiosk to collect in-person signatures.
Another noteworthy feature is that multiple recipients can receive the same documents simultaneously, and it’s also possible to specify a signing order. When exporting, the platform supports 14 formats altogether, including DOC, PDF, PPT, XLS, and various image types like JPEG and GIF. However, SignNow could improve by offering 24/7 and phone customer support so users can easily connect with the support team and resolve their issues.
SignNow’s workflow automation feature (Source: SignNow)
- Accept payments: Payment collection can be integrated into contract negotiation, quote creation, invoicing, and accounting procedures. This allows your clients to pay immediately, avoiding delays and the possibility of nonpayment.
- Workflow automation: With a single, no-code business automation platform, you can assign roles, create workflows, and automate them.
- Online survey: Create quizzes, polls, and other web forms with its online survey maker to collect feedback and evaluations and launch online registrations.
- Process analytics: Track any company process and create customized reports to highlight opportunities, spot potential problems, and forecast outcomes.
SignNow has a customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5, with most reviewers speaking positively about its ease of use, templates, security, and compatibility with mobile devices. Other users note that SignNow is an ideal real estate electronic signature for signing documents anywhere, anytime, using any device with or without an internet connection.
Nevertheless, a few unhappy reviewers pointed out that the third-party validation process sometimes requires more than just a validated PDF for specific recipients of their signed documents. SignNow should consider incorporating a verification link or a QR code to enhance the validation process. Try SignEasy for its capability to sign using QR codes.
CocoSign: Best for Bulk Sending
Pros
- Audit trail and history
- Signing link
- Customize branding
Cons
- No mobile app
- No 24/7 and phone customer support
- Limited features for the free plan
CocoSign Monthly Pricing*
- Free: $0
- Essential: $8
- Professional: Starting at $15 per user (1-20 users)
- Business: Starting at $25 per user (1-50 users)
- Advanced Solutions: customized
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on CocoSign
CocoSign is the best electronic signature for real estate that allows you to send documents to multiple recipients at one time, eliminating the hassle of getting hundreds of signees to append their signatures on your document copies. On top of that, you can view the details of each bulk-sent document, including the signing status of every signee. Regular reminders can also be sent to your signers at an interval you’ve scheduled, ensuring they finalize your documents punctually.
This platform has designed two types of signing links—document signing and template links—to meet customers’ needs on different occasions. Aside from these, it features customized branding, allowing you to append your company logo and tagline and tailor your brand color, email subject line, and header to reflect your brand across the signing process. Nonetheless, CocoSign could be improved by offering the platform in a mobile app so users could sign documents on the go.
CocoSign’s instant notifications and reminders (Source: CocoSign)
- Dashboard: Displays how many of your documents are complete or still require signing, giving you a fast overview of their status.
- Instant notifications: You’ll receive an email notification once the document is signed. For signers who haven’t signed your documents yet, CocoSign will automatically send reminders for signing, or you may set up customized reminders yourself.
- Document storage: All paperwork is digitally stored and accessible anytime using the CocoSign cloud system.
- Upload from multiple platforms: Users can import files from various cloud storage platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box cloud storage.
With a customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5, CocoSign users say that the software is simple and easy to use. Users also mention that the best thing they like about CocoSign is the intuitive dashboard, no credit card requirement policy, and the ease of sending documents and obtaining signatures without delay.
However, every best electronic signature software for real estate has areas for improvement. Some users noted CocoSign must provide enhanced security for the safety of the documents, and some features are only available on premium plans. Also, it doesn’t have a mobile app, which hinders users from signing documents anywhere. Consider SignNow for its mobile app for iOS and Android.
PandaDoc: Best for Extensive Business Document Templates
Pros
- 1,500+ integrations
- API access
- Automated tracking
Cons
- No phone customer support
- No form URL customization
- Paid plans are quite pricey
PandaDoc Monthly Pricing*
- Free eSign: $0
- Essentials: $19 per seat (up to two users)
- Business: $49 per seat
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Our Expert Opinion on PandaDoc
To help you streamline your document workflow, PandaDoc offers more than 750 templates in its library, including real estate, tax forms, receipts, and sales purchase agreements. Each document can be customized to meet your needs. When you use PandaDoc to send a document, you can keep track of its progress at every stage, from its creation to sending process and even after it has been sent to the client.
Additionally, PandaDoc integrates with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, and over 1,500 other online tools. Besides, its legally binding e-signature software is ESIGN and UETA compliant, providing an electronic certificate with every signed document. PandaDoc is also HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant and SOC 2 Type II certified. However, PandaDoc could improve by providing phone customer support for more accessible and convenient customer service.
PandaDoc’s audit trail (Source: PandaDoc)
- Notifications: PandaDoc offers detailed notifications that let you know when a client views, comments on, or signs your document.
- API solution: It’s an all-in-one API solution that connects seamlessly with your existing software, allowing you to gather e-signatures and e-sign files from practically any tool.
- Automated e-signature tracking: The embedded audit trail provides evidence of when and who signed the document, adding an extra degree of e-signature security.
- Mobile app: Use the PandaDoc mobile app to sign and manage your papers from anywhere. Throughout the signing process, you can view real-time metrics and stay informed.
With over 2,100 reviews, PandaDoc has a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5. The extensive content library of content blocks, automation capabilities with Zapier integration, and connection to Slack for progress tracking were commended by users. Many users also reported that PandaDoc creates a seamless experience and is highly customizable, allowing them to create various documents and insert a wide range of images or videos.
Some PandaDoc dissatisfied reviewers claim that their docs sent straight through the PandaDoc interface frequently ended up in spam. Several users also hoped the layout editing tool and template editing would be a little easier. If you desire intuitive and user-friendly software, we suggest DocuSign.
How We Evaluated the Best Electronic Signature Software for Real Estate
The days of signing documents with pen and paper are long gone. E-sign programs are faster, more convenient, and much more environmentally friendly. In addition, e-signature for real estate is legally binding. The highest quality electronic signature software keeps track of each step of the signing process and creates an audit trail automatically.
After researching a dozen options, SignEasy emerged as the top signature software for real estate. SignEasy is a cloud-based platform enabling users to access and manage documents from anywhere, anytime. It also supports various file formats, including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and image files, making it highly versatile for different types of contracts. It offers a free trial for 14 days, and paid plans start at $10 per user, per month (if billed yearly).
The other criteria we used to evaluate electronic signature software include:
35% of Overall Score
The primary features we looked for were audit trail, custom branding, bulk sending, in-person signing, document templates, analytics, and security. Additional features like storage, third-party integrations, auto-reminders, and mobile apps were also noted.
30% of Overall Score
Real estate electronic signature software is either priced on a subscription model or downloaded onto a computer for a set price. We included both pricing formats and evaluated each software’s value instead of its price tag alone. We also considered whether providers offered a free trial or a free version.
10% of Overall Score
Real estate electronic signature software and applications range from easy-to-use to complex. For consideration in our review, each solution had to be simple enough for a novice to learn. Some offer more complex features, but these don’t hamper the ease of basic use.
5% of Overall Score
Customer service for the real estate electronic signature software on our list is available through phone, email, or chat during regular business hours to help users with technical and operational issues.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each software, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the software meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use of real estate electronic signature software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, DocuSign can be used for real estate transactions. It provides brokers and agents with DocuSign Rooms for Real Estate, a cloud-based real estate software solution that combines e-signatures, form editing, and document libraries into one simple-to-use platform. Aside from that, you can get direct access to the most recent association, MLS, or brokerage-specific documents with transaction data prefilled and ready for signatures.
Yes, there are many electronic signature software that provides free plans, with CocoSign being one of them. This innovative software streamlines paperwork and offers safe, binding transactions for all participants. You can manage documents whenever and wherever you are by using the CocoSign mobile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices.
Electronic signature software is a tool that allows users to sign documents electronically. It offers a safe and convenient way to sign documents online, utilizing encryption technology to ensure confidentiality and legitimacy. Users may also track documents and customize their signatures. The software also includes capabilities like document storage, workflow automation, and legally binding audit trails, allowing users to streamline their document signing process while ensuring accuracy and security.