In the course representing clients, there will be times when the owner / buyer is a corporation, estate or trust, rather than an individual.  When a corporation is named on a deed, for instance, take care with the execution and signature on documents to properly create binding agreements in Massachusetts.  Because a corporation, LLC, or trust is its own legal entity, a designated and authorized representative must sign the contract on its behalf to ensure the business is bound and properly represented. The official name of the organization (e.g., “ABC Holdings, LLC”) must be listed as the buyer or seller in the contract, not the individual’s name. However, the authorized signer / representative should then sign the contract using the company name, their name, and their title. (example:  Jane Doe, Member/Manager on behalf of ABC Holdings, LLC or ABC Holdings Real Estate Trust, executed by Trustee Jane Doe).

Remember, it’s important you determine that the signer actually has the legal power to bind the company. This is typically dictated by the organization’s operating agreement, corporate bylaws, or a board/member resolution.