Modern times call for modern methods of doing business. And in real estate, it’s no different. The fact that Realtors are moving toward a paperless way of doing business should be applauded.

As reported in Banker & Tradesman, the arrival of smartphones and tablets like the iPad and its competitors are allowing many agents to transform to an entirely paperless way of working. Going paperless results in less waste and the potential for more organization and communication with clients.

It makes sense that Realtors are leaving the world of paper to join the digital masses. If you can book an airline ticket and check in to your flight using your smartphone, then why can’t you deal with bigger purchases on your device?

Forrester Research, based in Cambridge, calculated that almost 20 percent of American adults owned a tablet by the end of 2012 – double 2011’s total. Forrester also reported that in 2016 alone, 375 million will be sold.

Even so, there are challenges in the transition. One broker, Sam Schneiderman, told a reporter that some of the programs are too bulky and said that “there are too many options and no standardization yet.” Another big stumbling block is the fact that the closing itself still requires paper.

Many banks and attorneys still want a signature on paper. But a signature is a signature, whether it’s on paper or created on a screen with your finger.

Nevertheless, it’s easy to see the technology and other players involved in deals quickly catching up.