*UPDATE* Zipforms Signing Program is Changing

Goodbye Ziplogix and Hello Authentisign!

Out with the Old and in with the New!!!

Zipforms/CAR has decided to change the default signing program within Zipforms. Gone are the days of Ziplogix and in comes Authentisign. For the newer agents this is nothing new as Ziplogix is no longer even an option. For the Agents and TCs that have become accustomed to Ziplogix this may be a bit of a surprise. And for those that opt to use DocuSign this will be irrelevant. On December 2nd Zipforms will no longer offer Ziplogix and the default signing program will be Authentisign.

Update: I’ve since had time to use the system a bit more and have updated this article to reflect additional information.

How does this effect you?

At this point if you’ve never used anything other than Ziplogix your probably wondering how this will change things. Below are some of my thoughts and personal experiences after using all 3 options within Zipforms.

Ziplogix

For those of us that used this, it was simple and convenient but had its share of issues. We dealt with it though because it was included and we didn’t have to pay extra or deal with limitations of how many documents/envelopes we could create.

Pros

1. Easy to Use

2. Reliable for self populating signatures and dates on documents generated in Zipforms

3. Attachment in your inbox when completed (some people didn’t like this because it took space in their inbox)

Cons

1. Clients frequently had issues receiving request to sign or being able to sign

2. Font sizing not being the same after signing

3. Disappearing Signatures when saving or uploading

Authentisign

I’ve had a chance to use this and overall like the change. However, it is not free of issues itself, as of the time that I am writing this.

Pros

1. No issues with clients receiving Invites to sign or signing for that matter

2. If you need to send a reminder its only 1 click now

3. More options when adding or changing fields

   • Much easier/faster to add Signers Printed Name

   • Easy to add a check box that is mandatory

   • Easier to add text to the document

4. Once completed signatures are locked and no longer disappear

Cons

1. No more attachments when completed. Now you will get an email notification that your packet has been completed with links to download each document. (Will benefit your inbox space)

   1. Update: But 1 benefit is it will combine all documents into 1 pdf if you are trying to send to the other party and don’t want to deal with individual documents for this process.

2. For longer names the Signatures are quite small and enlarging the size is limited.

3. Frequently misses the date field on generated documents.

   • The date field has a set size and due to the location of the date on the document it does not automatically fit. You can now place it slightly above the date area or resize it to be smaller.

   • If we miss one of these date blocks your compliance person will likely reject the form and require it to be resent for corrections. Ugh…

4. The layout takes some getting used to. I did a google search and found a How To guide here that helped.

5. Update: For some initials is lists them as optional. I’ve noticed this on the PEAD’s primarily. I’ll send for signatures and it come back missing initials. I kept wondering WHY. I finally noticed it has a optional rather than mandatory initial box. Simple to delete and place a mandatory box but you have to remember.

6. Update: After sending a packet my zipforms system freezes. A simple refresh fixes this “Sometimes”, but usually requires me to login in again.

   1. Workaround - click your add forms if it is available and select a random document to add to your file. This unlocks the system. If you have the authority just delete the document you added. If your access is limited by your broker just add the document to the Archive folder or if you’re like me, your Misc. Incomplete folder that you’ve created to put all the random unnecessary documents.

Overall, I think this will be a good change to the system with some modifications. For those that don’t like it, there will still be the option to link a DocuSign account to your Zipforms. As always I hope this information was useful and please share so others are aware and not surprised come Dec 2nd.

New/Updated Coronavirus Forms

The Coronavirus pandemic has caused changes across our country. This is especially prevalent in Real Estate. In an effort to protect all parties involved C.A.R. has introduced many new forms and has been frequently updating them. There have been four new forms introduced for the Sale of Real Estate along with others for rentals and leases.

These forms are all optional and recommended but are NOT Mandatory unless required by your broker. They are meant as another layer of protection for the agent, brokerage, and to hopefully save the Buyers deposit.

What are the 4 Forms?

1. Listing Coronavirus Addendum/Amendment

2. Property Entry Advisory Declaration

3. Coronavirus Addendum/Amendment

4. Notice of Unforeseen Circumstances

Use of each form

Listing Coronavirus Addendum/Amendment (LCVA)

This form sets guidelines for the marketing and showing of a Listing while giving the seller the option to prohibit what activities the broker may perform during this Pandemic.

• States What guidelines must be met by prospective buyers before they can view the property if the Seller agrees to in person showings.

• States what Marketing strategies the Seller is accepting of.

• Explains what other activities person(s) may need to enter the premises for.

• Explains to Seller that if they prohibit activities that they will be limiting the ability of the broker to perform their duties.

Property Entry Advisory and Disclosure (PEAD)

Informs the person entering the property of the risks of coronavirus, the Stay at Home Order, and requirements for entering the property.

• Requirements to enter Property

  • Gloves, Mask, Booties, Wash hands or use Hand Sanitizer before entering the property

  • Affirm that the person entering the property has not had any signs of respiratory infection or come in contact with anyone with a possible infection withing the last 14 days.

  • Due to the last statement this form should be signed each time a person enters the property not just 1 time for the entire transaction.

  • The new updated form also requires selling and listing agents initials and sellers’ initials before it is officially executed.

Notice of Unforeseen Coronavirus Circumstance (NUCC)

This form is used in combination with the CVA to notify the opposite party of Unforeseen Circumstances to the transaction. This can be used to extend time or cancel a contract. Check the appropriate box that applies and send to the other side with the CVA for acceptance.

Coronavirus Addendum or Amendment (CVA)

This form is used to specify what is being requested from one party to the other. Whether it be an Extension of Time for Contingencies or Close of Escrow Or a mutual cancellation of the Contract.

If there is an agreed upon extension of time it is important to note that if the party fails to perform by the new timeline the contract can be cancelled by either party without any notification or notice to perform and even if the Loan Contingency has been removed.

Another important item is that Paragraph 6 allows additional provisions to be added to the contract.

Lastly both parties must agree to the CVA for it to be valid but they are not required to. Therefore, if one party does not agree then it is VOID.

I hope that you find this information useful. Please like and Share so others may also find use of it.

As a Transaction Coordinator (TC) I strive to stay informed of all the latest changes and to be as prepared as possible so that I can assist my agents at any given time. Be sure to check out My Services and Pricing to see how I can help you too even in these current times.