Is an electronic signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is typically required for deeds and some conveyance documents; requirements vary by state. Confirm with the title company or state recording office before relying on an unsigned acknowledgement.

Can I use remote notarization (RON)?

Many states permit RON with identity-proofing and recorded A/V sessions; check state notary rules and ensure the vendor supports required RON record retention and technology.

How do I revoke an authority?

Revoke in writing, deliver notice to agents and third parties, and, where recorded, file a revocation with the same county recorder or title service used for the original instrument.

Who can sign for an entity?

Corporate or LLC signatories should follow internal authorization (corporate resolution or operating agreement) and include printed name and title; attach proof of authority when requested.

What if a lender or title company rejects the form?

Request specific deficiencies in writing, correct the identified items (name mismatches, missing notarization, unclear scope), and provide updated executed copies with an audit trail.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Real Estate Authority Form

Real Estate Authority Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REAL ESTATE AUTHORITY FORM

Parties

Principal (Owner/Seller):
Name Mailing Address

Phone

Email

Broker/Brokerage Authorized to Act:
Brokerage Name Broker / Agent Name and License No.

Brokerage Address

Phone / Email

Property Identification

Property Address:
Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

Appointment & Term

Principal hereby appoints Broker as the Principal's exclusive agent to use reasonable efforts to market and sell the Property on the terms set forth below. This Authority commences on and terminates on .

Authority Type & Listing Terms

Type of Listing (select one or more as applicable):
Exclusive Right to Sell Exclusive Agency Open Listing

Listing Price: Target Closing Date:

Compensation & Earnest Money

Commission to Broker: of the gross sale price, payable at closing unless otherwise agreed in writing. Commission is earned if the Property is sold to a buyer procured by Broker or procured through Broker's efforts during the Term or within any post-termination protection period agreed in writing.

Earnest Money Deposit: to be delivered to within days after mutual acceptance of a Purchase Agreement.

Broker Powers and Duties

Broker is authorized to: market the Property; list the Property in multiple listing services and brokerage networks; place signage; arrange showings; receive offers and earnest money; negotiate terms; and, with explicit written instruction from Principal, execute routine transaction documents on Principal's behalf. Broker may not execute conveyance documents at closing without separate limited power of attorney signed by Principal.

Marketing authorizations (check all that apply):
MLS Listing For Sale Sign Photography / Virtual Tour Lockbox Access

Contingencies & Inspections

Financing contingency permitted: Yes No

Inspection period: Buyer to complete inspections within days after acceptance, unless otherwise stipulated in the Purchase Agreement.

Disclosures

Principal certifies the following known conditions as of the date of this Authority (check the applicable box for each):

Lead-based paint present: Yes No
Mold or water intrusion: Yes No
Structural damage or repairs: Yes No
Environmental hazards (asbestos, chemical, soil): Yes No

If any "Yes" boxes are checked above, Principal shall attach a written description of each condition and any material facts in the space below and deliver the description to Broker prior to marketing the Property.

Representations, Indemnity & Remedies

Principal represents that Principal is the lawful owner of the Property, that there are no outstanding contracts for sale except as disclosed in writing, and that Principal has full authority to enter into this Authority. Principal shall indemnify and hold Broker harmless from claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising from Principal's misrepresentations or failure to disclose material facts. In the event of Principal's breach of this Authority, Broker shall be entitled to recover actual damages, including the commission specified herein, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Access & Keys

Principal authorizes Broker and cooperating brokers to access the Property for showings. Principal agrees to provide keys or authorize lockbox placement as indicated above. Broker will exercise reasonable care in securing the Property. Principal agrees to notify Broker promptly of any change to keys or security codes.

Default; Post-Termination Protection

If Principal terminates this Authority without cause before expiration, or if Principal sells the Property to a buyer procured by Broker during the Term or within days after termination, Broker shall be entitled to the commission stated above. Remedies are cumulative.

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Authority shall be governed by the laws of the state where the Property is located. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and may be amended only by a signed writing executed by both parties.

Acknowledgment

Principal acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Real Estate Authority Form and certifies that the undersigned is authorized to execute this Authority on behalf of Principal.

Seller (Principal) - Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

Title / Capacity:

Brokerage - Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

Broker License No.:

What the Real Estate Authority Form Is and When it Applies

The Real Estate Authority Form is a written document that grants a named person or entity the legal authority to act on behalf of an owner or principal for real property matters. Typical uses include granting authority to show, negotiate, accept offers, sign closing documents, or manage rental property. The form can be narrow (one transaction) or broad (ongoing management) and should clearly state the scope, effective date, and any limitations. When executed correctly it creates a binding delegation of specified real estate powers under state law and applicable electronic signature rules.

Why a Clear Authority Form Matters for Real Estate Transactions

A precise Real Estate Authority Form reduces ambiguity about who may act for the owner, speeds transactions, and documents consent for third parties and settlement agents. Clear scope and dates prevent disputes over authority during listing, escrow, or closing.

Who Typically Completes or Signs This Form

The Real Estate Authority Form is used by principals, agents, brokers, and legal representatives in residential and commercial matters.

Property owners and sellers who delegate limited closing authority to an agent for a single transaction.
Real estate brokers or licensed agents executing duties under a client’s written delegation.
Attorneys or fiduciaries signing on behalf of an estate, trust, or corporate owner.

Parties should confirm signatory authority and any state notarization or witness requirements before relying on the completed form.

Essential Elements of a Professional Real Estate Authority Form

A complete form combines identification, scope, effective dates, signature blocks, authentication, and record-retention language so third parties can rely on authority with minimal friction.

Principal ID

Full legal name and government ID or business entity registration to verify who grants authority and avoid name-mismatch disputes.

Agent Details

Agent name, license number if applicable, mailing and email address, and contact phone for third-party verification during negotiations or closing.

Scope of Authority

Clear description of powers granted (e.g., market property, accept offers, sign closing documents) and any expressly excluded acts.

Effective Dates

Explicit start and end dates or a statement that authority continues until revoked; ties to a specific closing or listing are common.

Authentication

Signatures, witness blocks, and notarization or RON provisions as required by state law to create external reliance.

Retention & Revocation

Instructions on how to revoke authority and a record-retention statement indicating where executed copies are kept for verification.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Form Correctly

Follow these steps in order to produce a reliable, third-party-acceptable Real Estate Authority Form.

01

1. Identify parties: Enter all legal names and contact details.
02

2. Define the property: Provide full address and legal description.
03

3. Specify scope: List permitted acts and exclusions.
04

4. Sign and authenticate: Apply signatures, notary, or RON procedures.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Configure fields, authentication, and routing to match the form’s legal needs and reduce signer friction.

Field	Configuration
Signature Fields	Place final signature and date fields for each principal.
Notary Field	Add acknowledgment or jurat fields if notarization required.
Authentication Method	Choose email, SMS code, or knowledge-based verification.
Routing Order	Set signing order so principals sign before agents or notarizations occur.

Typical Signing and Submission Flow

A standard online flow ensures identity verification, sequential signing, notarization, and distribution to stakeholders.

Upload Document: Sender uploads the completed form.
Apply Fields: Signature, date, and optional notary fields added.
Signers Authenticate: Signers verify via email or stronger methods.
Finalize & Store: Signed copies and audit trail are saved.

Delivery Channels and Technical Requirements

Choose distribution methods that preserve an audit trail and meet state authentication norms.

Email Links: Simple, widely compatible.
Remote Notarization: Rely on compliant RON providers where allowed.
Integrated Systems: Use CRM or MLS integrations where available.

Ensure the platform supports PDF/Word uploads, audit trails, and the level of signer authentication you require for enforceability.

Practical Tips to Reduce Errors and Speed Acceptance

Apply consistent controls and verification steps to prevent common rejections during escrow and closing.

Use full legal names and IDs

Always match the principal’s name to government ID or business registration and include entity formation numbers for companies to avoid acceptance delays.

Limit and clarify scope

Define specific actions the agent may take; avoid open-ended language that causes escrow agents or title companies to request clarifications.

Choose appropriate authentication

Use SMS or knowledge-based verification for higher-risk transactions and require notarization or RON where state rules recommend additional proof.

Keep a signed original

Store an executed PDF with an audit trail and, where required, a notarized original in the company or attorney records.

Legal Risks and Consequences of a Deficient Form

Invalid Authority: May void transactions

Title Rejection: Escrow may refuse to close

Fraud Exposure: Unauthorized conveyances risk civil claims

Tax Withholding: Incorrect payee info triggers backup withholding

Penalty Fees: Late filings may incur state fees

Professional Liability: Agents or lawyers face malpractice claims

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Using informal or partial names that do not match IDs, which prompts identity verification requests and slows closing.
Vague scope language such as 'handle all matters' that causes title companies or lenders to demand clarification.
Skipping notarization or witness steps in states that require them for deeds or conveyances, leading to record rejection.
Failing to include effective or expiration dates, which creates uncertainty about whether authority remains in force at closing.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Real Estate Authority Forms

Pricing, authentication options, and compliance support vary by vendor; signNow is listed first per comparison convention and pricing is shown on an annual-billing basis where applicable.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Real Estate Authority Form

Answers to common legal, signing, and submission questions when preparing or relying on a Real Estate Authority Form.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is typically required for deeds and some conveyance documents; requirements vary by state. Confirm with the title company or state recording office before relying on an unsigned acknowledgement.
Can I use remote notarization (RON)?
Many states permit RON with identity-proofing and recorded A/V sessions; check state notary rules and ensure the vendor supports required RON record retention and technology.
How do I revoke an authority?
Revoke in writing, deliver notice to agents and third parties, and, where recorded, file a revocation with the same county recorder or title service used for the original instrument.
Who can sign for an entity?
Corporate or LLC signatories should follow internal authorization (corporate resolution or operating agreement) and include printed name and title; attach proof of authority when requested.
What if a lender or title company rejects the form?
Request specific deficiencies in writing, correct the identified items (name mismatches, missing notarization, unclear scope), and provide updated executed copies with an audit trail.

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