Parties
Use full legal names for individuals and entities including suffixes (Jr., Sr., LLC, Inc.). For entities, include state of formation and an authorized signer reference to avoid ambiguity at recording or title review.
Clear, correctly executed real estate documents protect parties' rights, enable recording with county clerks, and reduce title defects that can delay or block closings.
Primary users include sellers, buyers, brokers, title agents, lenders, and closing attorneys who handle drafting, review, and execution.
Each role has different information needs and signature authority; confirm roles and signatory competency before final execution.
An individual or entity with legal title may sign conveyance documents. If signing for an entity, the signer should have documented authority (officer resolution or member manager certificate) to avoid title defects and recording rejections.
Licensed agents, attorneys, or title company officers often sign closing paperwork on behalf of escrow or to acknowledge funding. Their role is administrative; substantive conveyance requires an owner or authorized representative to execute the deed and related instruments.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature placement | Required; attach date and printed name |
| Notary block | Include state-specific acknowledgement text |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or ID verification |
| Routing order | Sequential for lender, seller, buyer |
Choose a platform that supports notarization, robust audit trails, and common file formats used by title companies.
Confirm receiving parties (title company, county recorder) accept the chosen eSignature and notarization method to prevent re-signing or delays.
Use full legal names for individuals and entities including suffixes (Jr., Sr., LLC, Inc.). For entities, include state of formation and an authorized signer reference to avoid ambiguity at recording or title review.
Insert the exact recorded description from the current deed or plat book reference. Avoid street addresses as sole descriptors; use lot, block, subdivision, or metes and bounds language required by county recording offices.
State the precise sale price or declaration of consideration. For nominal transfers, indicate nominal amount expressly to clarify intent and tax reporting obligations to title and taxing authorities.
Attach or reference any conveyances, easements, or exceptions affecting title. Clear disclosures reduce underwriting exceptions and speed issuance of insurance commitments.
Use the state-prescribed acknowledgement language and include notary seal. If using RON, ensure the platform captures required audio-video and retention as mandated by state law.
Provide explicit county recording instructions, return address, and any transfer tax or stamp requirements to prevent misfiling or return to incorrect parties.
Finalize legal description and party names before circulating.
Title and escrow verify outstanding liens and payoff figures.
Signer presents ID to notary or complies with RON proofing.
Notary completes state-required acknowledgement and seal.
Witnesses sign in presence of signer and notary as applicable.
Executed documents returned to title/escrow for closing.
Submit to county recorder with fees and transfer forms.
Recorder returns or forwards recorded instruments to designated party.
Set in contract; determines funding and possession obligations
Record deeds promptly after closing to protect priority
Used to calculate seller/buyer tax adjustments at closing
No fixed deadline—supply immediately to avoid backup withholding
Seller reporting obligations may apply after closing
Managing remote signings improved turnaround for closings.
Streamlined document flow for investors and tenants.
| Criteria | Deed | Purchase Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | conveys title | records sale terms |
| Recording | recorded | often retained by parties |
| Notary required | no (signature pages may be notarized) | |
| Effect on title | immediate upon recording | creates contract rights |
| 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 | Varied | Varied | Varied | Varied |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |