Each traditional transaction in real estate uses about 300 sheets of paper from start to finish. With an expected volume of 6 million transactions for 2007 and this is the worst market in years….well you do the math. Our industry has many new ways to help reduce this obscene volume but is slow to adopt. For the foreseeable future we will still need to generate some papers but I have put together a list of 3 of suggestions that would not only bring the paper usage down but can save money in the long run.

1) Use electronic signatures for paperwork.

This will eliminate the need for you or your clients to print out in order to sign

2) Use a transaction coordination web site

This will allow all parties to see paperwork and email back and forth without generating unnecessary copies.

3) Give your clients a close out disk instead of binder

It is much easier for the clients to keep than the reams of paper and easier to find appropriate files.

These are just a few simple and easy ways that our industry could make an impact on our environment very quickly.

There are also personal choices individual Realtors can make that will help make an impact. See my post from last month entitled "Can you promote growth and help the environment".

Vicki Brannock is a Realtor in Prescott Arizona

Vicki@Prescott-re.com

www.Prescott-re.com