Expeditrix(tm) Corporation, headquartered in Austin, Texas, says that their SmartClose(sm) service has been endorsed by the San Antonio Board of Realtors(R) (SABoR) to automate and simplify the closing process for more than 3,500 Realtor(R) and 200 affiliate members in the greater San Antonio area. After evaluating several transaction management services, the San Antonio Board of Realtors(R) signed a non-exclusive alliance agreement with Expeditrix for SABoR's 25,000 annual transactions.

According to the company, the existing closing process, which is currently tracked and managed through volumes of paper documents, often requires upwards of 400 phone calls and 70 signatures, resulting in a frustrating and time-consuming ordeal for all parties involved. SABoR is committed to providing technology tools that empower its members and affiliates to improve the quality of customer service delivered to local consumers. Virtually eliminated are those last-minute phone calls on closing day asking 'Where is this or that document?' All of the paperwork will be in the system, available to all parties, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

   "We chose SmartClose after reviewing online transaction management platforms because its notification features and collaborative functions map to the traditional business roles in closing transactions," said Larry Nuese, chairman of the board of SABoR. "Plus, SmartClose is a tested, proven product that enables our members and their customers to see immediate benefits."

   Expeditrix says that SmartClose is the only service of its kind with proactive notification for multiple devices, connects all the participants in a residential real estate closing -- Realtors(R), title and mortgage companies, and the buyers and sellers. San Antonio area Realtors(R) and affiliates will utilize SmartClose as a virtual workspace that integrates with existing technology -- mobile phone, e-mail, fax, pager and personal digital assistant (PDA) -- to increase the rate of successful closings through proactive communication, improved document flow and business reporting.  

  Expeditrix and SABoR will collaborate on joint print, online and event marketing as well as training courses to promote the SmartClose service to South Texas Realtors(R). Once adopted by the Realtor(R), the system will coordinate the communication between the participants and the documentation of each transaction. Participants in the transaction may log-on to SmartClose 24/7 to check on the status of the transaction and order, view or print relevant documents. All information is secure and only available to the appropriate closing parties involved in the transaction.  

Published: February 21, 2001

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