Scope of Services
Describe precisely which activities are included (listing, buyer representation, property management, leasing, marketing), how tasks will be delivered, and any services that are expressly excluded from the engagement.
A written agreement reduces misunderstandings by documenting service scope, fees, and key deadlines; it creates enforceable expectations and supports compliance with state real estate licensing and disclosure rules.
Real estate brokers, agents, property managers, investors, and individual clients commonly rely on this agreement to set terms for engagements and protect both parties.
Using a clear agreement helps regulatory compliance, supports dispute resolution, and documents permissions for third-party services like escrow, inspections, and advertising.
Describe precisely which activities are included (listing, buyer representation, property management, leasing, marketing), how tasks will be delivered, and any services that are expressly excluded from the engagement.
Specify fees, commission percentages, retainer amounts, payment timing, whether expenses are reimbursable, and rules for splitting commissions with cooperating brokers or teams.
State the effective date, duration, renewal options, and termination rights, including notice periods, grounds for early termination, and obligations that survive termination.
List client responsibilities such as providing accurate property information, access for showings, timely responses, truthful disclosures, and cooperation with required inspections and finance contingencies.
Include state-required disclosure language, licensing statements, anti-discrimination clauses, and any agency relationship notifications mandated by state law or professional boards.
Allocate risk through indemnities, limitations of liability, insurance requirements, confidentiality, governing law selection, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation or arbitration.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel signing options |
| Authentication | Email only, SMS code, or KBA as required |
| Reminders | Automated email reminders and expiry |
| Audit Records | Enable IP, timestamp, and certificate capture |
Choose a platform and formats that preserve the signed record, support required authentication, and meet regulatory needs.
Ensure the chosen configuration retains an audit trail and reproduces the completed agreement exactly when needed for enforcement or escrow.
Date when rights and duties commence per agreement.
When the engagement automatically expires or renews.
Inspection and financing deadlines set in the contract.
Notice period required to end the agreement early.
Recordkeeping windows that begin at termination or closing.
Verify whether the document requires notarization or witnesses.
Choose in-person or remote online notarization where allowed.
Capture government ID and any KBA checks required.
Signer signs in presence or via RON session.
Notary attaches acknowledgment or jurat as required.
Witnesses sign and print names where applicable.
Retain notarization recordings or journals as required.
Follow any state-specific notarization formalities.
A small brokerage used online signing to process listing and management agreements quickly
An investment firm standardized client engagement letters to reduce onboarding time
| 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 | Yes, 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |