Professionally Written Contracts Are A Requirement, NOT An Option!
Do what this says.

Learn it. Master it.

All my contracts are done on-line and signed on-line.

Online through e-sign or in person.

In person or e-sign.

Make sure you spend some time studying these, with your brokers supervision.

We use dotloop which works very well whether the client is sitting in front of us or across the world.

      Preferably completed online, and signed online using an e-sign program.

      Avoid unauthorized practice of law!  In Florida, do not write in or create your own clauses and addenda.  Do not strike out or delete lines on the pre-printed contract and addenda.  Use the proper forms provided by Florida Association of Realtors.  If there is no form that will comply with your client or customer's requests, then see a real estate attorney.

    The majority are emailed, but you may encounter buyers or sellers who still do Fax.   If you don't have a dedicated fax line, and don't want to pay for a service, then go to a UPS Store or Office Depot.  You can fax from there.

tips for filling out a real estate contract? do it carefully and know what you're doing or get some guidance.....it's a legal binding agreement.... it's showtime...no dress rehearsals.

we use docusign....

CTME in our area most the time.

Tips for filling out forms? Fill in the blanks and review each clause with your clients.

To your question about signatures, most buyers sign via DocuSign but, sellers typically sign in person following the listing presentation.

I wish you all the best with your studies ... and in your real estate career. 

Get training. Know thy contract! 

I do not fax contracts ... that went out with the dinosaurs! 

I use e-signing. 

Tip #1) fill out every line

The offer to purchase is one form I want to, and insist on, filling out in person. If a spouse is unavailable I will scan to email and talk them through it on the phone. I do not want any misunderstandings.

I second Michael Jacobs response. A

Follow the rules in your state and the policies of your office.

Our contracts are all online and typically, the client signs via Docusign unless they prefer to meet and sign in person.  

Know what the blanks you're filling in mean and double check your math... and that the numbers are on the right lines (I'm guilty of that once).

Typically signed by electronic signature through zipforms.  If that doesn't work, I'll print them out an dmeet with the client.

First step is learning them. Knowing what contract is for what and why. Your managing broker should be working with you on these before you ever present one to a client. 

Talk to your broker when you get licensed.

Know the form and fill in the blanks! Prefer online when I was still active.

We use DotLoop.com

All contracts come through me first. I can assure you they are correct, most of the time we do an esign

Fill in the blanks. Signed either in person or online or fax.

Learn to do this and learn it well. Then, tweak and customize from there

I get them signed thru DotLoop or in person

 Those who do not know how to fill out a contract is also same one who gets audited for tax filing incompletion.

If you can, set up a template which is customary on the terms for your locality.  I use eSigning.

E-sign or in person.

Know what each paragraph means.  Insure all blanks are filled in correctly.  I use DocUSign for -signatures.

Make sure it's completed correctly, signed and date. I use Docusign for almost all transactions unless someone does not have email (rare).

Be sure to take classes on contracts, that will help you.  We have econtracts here in Denver.

Read carefully, double-check all entries and especially numbers and dates. Make sure "time is of the essence" is not sneaked in - it is NOT a legal necessity!

We use Zip forms so all the necessary information is prepopulated and you just need to customize to each contract the purchase price and related terms and conditions.

Your question reflects the reason that you should associate yourself with a broker who provides training and mentorship for new agents.

We use electronic signatures.

Fax is old school.