Setting up your Word templates for eSigning

You can either amend your existing word templates that you have within Expert Agent to include the eSignature merge codes, which will then allow you to send them for eSigining. Or you can create new templates for eSigning so that you have one template for eSign and one for wet sign. 

If you wish to create new templates, the easiest thing to do will be to clone the template you wish to use and re-name the cloned version so it refers to this being an eSigning version of the template. You will then be able to use the instructions below to set this new template up for eSigining. 

Either from Tools - configuration - Output Configuration - Templates OR from a relevant record (tenancy, landlord, property) Right click - Outputs - Create Letter you need to first locate the template you are wanting to set-up and click the Edit button.

 This will open the Edit Word Template Screen.

1: Open the merge codes and scroll down to the eSignitures section at the bottom and expand the codes,

As with Inserting any Expert Agent Text Merge Fields, click on the relevant merge code and copy it. You will need to ensure you use the correct merge code depending on which are relevant to your template:

{applicant_esignature_block} - Used for Applicants or Tenants

{associated_party_esignature_block} - Used for Guarantors, Contacts, Solicitors or Occupier of property 

{landlord_esignature_block} - Used for Landlords or if you as the agent are going to be signing on behalf of the Landlord*.

{negotiator_esignature_block} - Used for you as the agent to sign the document

{vendor_esignature_block} -Used for the Vendor

2: Click the Open Template button so that the template downloads for you and you can open it in word. Scroll down the document to find where you would like for the eSignature to appear and paste in the merge code**.

3: Save the amended template to your computer and them upload the amended document back into Expert Agent. 

4: Under eSigning Document Type, ensure you set the document type*** that is relevant to your template.

5: Save once complete.

* Only users with the relevant permission for "sign on behlaf of landlord" set in their staff profile will become available to chose as the negotiator to sign the document.

**  If you have multiple tenants/vendors/landlords that you need to sign the agreement, you only need to ensure that you have the parties set up correctly on the property/tenancy and that you enter the merge code olny once. Please see our FAQ for more information.

*** If you are including the Associated Party eSignature Block, you MUST set the eSigning document type to Unspecified for it to work.