Herman & Co offers electronic signing of documents.

Digital signing on an iPad

Herman & Co offers electronic document signing for all agreements, contracts, and disclosures.  “The benefits of using electronic signatures is tremendous.  Clients, attorneys, co-brokers, all have access to signed documents immediately upon signing a document, any where in the world.” says Herman Herrera, broker/owner of Herman & Co.

With simple to use software, an iPad, and a stylus, clients now enjoy zero lag time between signing a document.  “I recently closed a deal on a property in Manhattan and the seller lives in California.  We were able to get all documents signed within a few minutes by both the buyer and seller.  It is an amazing technology and truly benefits everyone involved.”

What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is (1) an electronic sound, symbol or process (2) attached or associated with a contract or other document and (3) adopted by a person with the intent to sign.  There are different types of electronic signatures.

What is a digital signature?
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature.  There is a digital code attached or embedded in the electronic document.  Not only does it uniquely identify the signer, but it ensures the original content of the document and uses encryption technology to prevent alteration.  Digital signatures permanently secure the identity of signers and the document’s contents.  The signer’s digital identity is referenced within the digital signature at the time of signing.  Once it has been signed, the document’s integrity is protected. An alteration of the original document will invalidate all digital signatures on the document and bring into question the integrity of the document’s contents.  Digital signatures provide a higher level of security than other types of electronic signatures.

The Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA) provides that “signatures” made via electronic means will be legally binding just as hand-written signatures now are. The law also enhances and clarifies the authority of government to create and retain records in computer produced electronic form. There is now no doubt that electronic records have the same legal force as those produced in other formats such as paper and microfilm.

You can read more about it here – http://www.its.ny.gov/policy/esra/esra.htm