Blank-Signed Offer Forms - A Risky Move?

**Grant** · 09-09-2009, 08:17 PM

This is my first post and I hope I have the correct area of the forum. My question is just this:

What dangers are there in giving my Real Estate agent a complete set of signed and initialed offer forms? In other words I am contemplating sending my agent a set consisting of RPA, REO, Pest Advisory, etc. in order to save time when I come across a good bank owned property. These forms would be in electronic form (PDF) bearing my signature and intials so that they are complete and ready for him to fill in my offer price and terms. This would save him having to fax me the offer and me having to sign all docs and then fax back. As far as trusting my agent I do completely but what possible liabilities would having a complete set of signed documents possibly floating around place me in? For instance if these files fell into the hands of someone less ethical than my agent. To me I get the uneasy feeling of having a blank check out there but I am unsure if my feelings are misplaced. Any advice/warnings would be appreciated. Thanks.
Grant

**Glennet** · 09-10-2009, 06:02 AM

Hello Grant-

We all try and squeeze a few more minutes out of every day. Even Abraham Lincoln once said "its not the years in the life, but the life in the years."
But you my friend - are taking it to an extreme. Even with REO properties - these will be large financial transactions that YOU will be legally bound to.
I strongly suggest you take the time to carefully read - then sign every individual contract. The few minutes you may save by doing this as opposed to your proposal are insignificant. Look someplace else to shave some time and increase efficiency.

Good Luck-
Glenn

**Grant** · 09-10-2009, 06:27 AM

Thanks much Glenn. Just my feelings exactly. I do trust my agent but I was concerned with a scenario of someone else making use of my signed offer documents to commit myself to a transaction I had no knowledge of whatsoever. I kept trying to think of where in the process of purchasing a home that proof of my identity was required. But, as far as I could see, right up through Escrow there is no requirement to prove who you say you are. No ID presented, etc. Anyway thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

**Greg** · 09-10-2009, 07:48 AM

If the forms are in pdf format then they can be emailed which is faster,cleaner and more reliable than faxes plus if you set it up right they can be accessed from anywhere with a computer and scanner.

**Grant** · 09-10-2009, 03:05 PM

the fact that these documents would be in file form (PDF) allows them to be copied easily. Something that bears my signature and initials in this form makes me uneasy. Perhaps someone can show me where it would be impossible for someone to make use of this type of document for fraudulant purposes.

Grant

**Greg** · 09-11-2009, 06:37 AM

There is no way. When you find a property have the agent email you an offer, sign it and email it back. No shortcuts. Back in the day before email we did what you propose but now it is not necessary.