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mediaservicesclient benefitscontact- Representing & Protecting Your Real Estate Interests - or a seller in a transition, but never both parties. We will never ask permission to practice dual agency. Because of our unique service guarantee and pledge of client allegiance, no other company matches our level of care, loyalty and fidelity.The mission of Benson Stanley Realty is to provide elite representation without conflict of interest. Highlights Tips for Becoming a Powerful ClientBenson Stanley is the only real estate company in Chicago that fully adheres to the legal principle of when representing buyers and sellers of real estate. Ignoring this legal principle, virtually all other traditional real estate offices instead, practice "dual agency" by "representing" both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. New to Chicago?Drop Us a Line"fiduciary"

New Feature Consumers May Soon See Relief From Faulty Appraisals Dual agency has the potential to create conflicts of interest. Further, even though dual agencies attempt to treat opposing sides of a transaction "fairly and honestly," they cannot serve equally two masters. By operating in a dual agent position, these agencies owe full fiduciary duties to neither buyer nor seller.Benson Stanley Realty is a true fiduciary agency. We represent either a purchaserActivate Your Real Estate Potential with Knowledge from OurJournal1500 Lake Shore Drive © Benson Stanley Realty 2010 Office: 312.337.4600 Fax: 312.337.4646 E-mail: bensonstanleyrealty_gmail.comABOUT

Award-Winning ExperienceBenson Stanley Realty's origins date to 1946 when Realtor® and builder Beatrice Spearman Stanley, Sara Benson's maternal grandmother launched a Columbia, South Carolina based home-building company specializing in custom-designed residences for veterans returning from World War II. Today, Sara is broker-in-charge of Benson Stanley Realty in Chicago. During Sara's 28 years in the industry, she has garnered numerous professional designations and awards: • Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) The CRB designation is the highest award real estate brokerage managers can receive and is awarded to those brokers who have met stringent management experience and educational course work prerequisites. This designation is awarded by the Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council of the Realtors National Marketing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. • Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) The ABR designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyers Agents Council, of the National Association of Realtors to agents that have met extensive training and experience requirements. The ABR designation is the only recognized designation for buyers brokers and agents. Featured: Beatrice Spearman Stanley & Sara BensonPublished Author, National SpeakerSara's articles have been published in the Chicago Law Journal, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Real Estate Metro Magazine. Her work in consumer representation has been noted by the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business. Sara's work also has been recognized by consumer advocate Ralph Nader and the Consumer Federation of America.A speaker at the National Conference on Buyer Representation sponsored by the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC), Sara has been awarded a lifetime Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation by that organizations founder. She has presented seminars with the Illinois Commissioner of Real Estate and has worked with the New York State's Attorney on real estate agency issues. Her educational real estate seminars to industry peers and leaders consistently sell out in record time.Affiliations and Licenses •State of Illinois Real Estate Agent (1983-1987)•State of Illinois Real Estate Broker (1987-current)•State of South Carolina Real Estate Broker (1989-current)•State of Illinois Certified Real Estate Appraiser (1994-2000)•Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (1993-current)•Accredited Buyers Agent Designation (1995-current)•North Side Real Estate Board (1983-1992)•Chicago Association of Realtors (1984-current)•North Shore Barrington Association of Realtors (1984-current)•Illinois Association of Realtors (1983-current)•National Association of Realtors (1983-current)•Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois (1983-current)•Department of Housing and Urban Development (1983-current)•FHA Approved Appraiser and Compliance Inspector (1983-2000)•FHA Registered Real Estate Broker (1983-current)•Employee Relocation Council, Washington, DC (1992-current)•Homeowners Marketing Services, Hollywood, FLA (1992-current)•Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council (1993-current)•Qualified as an Expert Witness on Real Estate in the Circuit Courts of Cook and Lake Counties.© Benson Stanley Realty 2010MEDIA

In the Media"Sara Benson, owner of an exclusive buyer's brokerage firm in Chicago, protests that conflicts between a seller's and abuyer's interests mean buyers still may be hurt by working with a traditional real-estate firm. She takes pains to inform consumers that her company represents only buyers-and offers a money-back gurantee that it won't represent other parties.One client, employment supervisor Deanna Routh, says she initially contacted a traditional broker, who pressured her to consider condominium listings above her price range. She says she switched to Ms. Benson after the buyer's broker explained that she would be acting solely in Ms. Routh's interest...."I've referred two friends to Ms. Benson, who just love her."- THE WALL STREET JOURNALClient Testimonials(click image to enlarge)

© Benson Stanley Realty 2010SERVICES" My heartfelt thanks for a job well done in arranging the ground breaking ceremony for the Park Newberry. John Thomas of Pontarelli Builders informed me it was the finest ground breaking he has been involved in."- Joel Carlins, The Megellan Group Co-Developer of the Park NewberrySara Benson with Don DeBat and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.Areas of specialization include:•Exclusive Buyer Agency •Exclusive Seller Agency•Residential, Commercial and Income-Producing Real Estate•Luxury Marketing •Sales and Brokerage •Real Estate Appraisal•Expert Witness Work •Marketability and Feasibility Analyses•General Market Trends Analyses •REO Consulting and MarketingOne Mag Mile:Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, Benson Stanley Realty specializes in exclusive client representation throughout the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Clientele:•Attorneys•Financial Institutions•Third party Management and Relocation companies•Private Individuals•Various Fortune 500 Companies•References Available Upon RequestWe exclusively represent our client's best interests above all others; 100% loyalty, 100% of the time.•Arbitration Panelist•Construction Dispute Resolution"Excellence through integrity and commitment."

© Benson Stanley Realty 2010THE QABenson Stanley Realty provides elite representation without conflict of interest. We will never act as dual agents. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, make certain that your agent represents your best interests, and not those of others. The following are real life examples of what can happen in the absence of exclusive representation. Know Your Agent's Allegiance On a whim, a buyer stopped in an open house, fell in love with both the home and the agent's vivacious personality. After about an hour, he disclosed all of his financial information to the real estate agent, including that he would pay the asking price, even though he wanted to start bidding at 80% of the list price. After he left, the agent immediately phoned the seller and told him that she had a buyer willing to pay the list price. If the purchaser had used a buyers broker, the information would have been kept entirely confidential. In this case the seller was cash strapped and would have taken an offer at 75% of the asking price! By not having his own representation, the buyer ended up paying an additional $125,000 for the property. The Q&A Tips for Becoming a Powerful Client Q: What is a buyers broker? A: A broker with whom the buyer contracts to represent him/her in a real estate purchase. Q: What is a sellers broker? A: A broker with whom the seller contracts to represent him/her in the sale of their real estate. Q: What is a dual agent? A: A broker that "represents" both buyer and seller in the same transaction, cannot fully represent either party. It is illegal not to disclose the dual agency relationship. There is an inherent conflict of interest because the seller wants the highest price and the buyer wants the lowest price. Dual agency benefits the agent at a high cost to the consumer. Q: What is a fiduciary relationship? A: A relationship of trust and fidelity. Real estate brokers owe a duty of undivided loyalty to their clients. The real estate broker must exercise utmost good faith, care, confidentiality and full and fair disclosure at all times---unless they are acting as a Dual Agent.Beware Double Agents One well known top producer signed a contract with a widow to sell her residence. The agent then received two contracts: a lower offer from her own buyer, and a higher offer from an agent with a different firm. The top producer then refused to show her seller the higher offer and submitted only the lower offer. Why? Because she stood to make twice her commission as a dual agent and did not have to share her compensation. She effectively cheated the seller out of $40,000 while getting paid double to do so. This is illegal, but can and has happened when an agent's self interest comes before that of the client. Instead of making $12,000 on the deal, the agent took home $24,000. If the seller had simply refused to allow dual agency, she would have profited an additional $40,000. In Illinois, dual agency is illegal unless all parties have consented in writing.The Builder Open House Trap By casually stopping in an open house or going to a builder's new construction sales center, a buyer is often unwittingly waiving their rights to representation -- unless their buyers broker accompanies them. The phrase used within the real estate business is "first to show". If the buyer later wants to retain their own agent to negotiate on their behalf, (Can we include a free $40,000 parking space? What about a deck? What is my allowance for lighting? Is $500 enough? What is the developer's reputation?) then their agent cannot represent them. There are few exceptions to this generally accepted practice of stripping the buyer of their rights to independent representation.The Internet Thanks to the Internet, shopping for real estate has never been easier, but keep in mind that the person you contact for more specific information will typically be representing the seller. If you are seriously thinking of buying, and want to retain your rights to representation, beware of registering your name and contact information--especially on new construction websites.© Benson Stanley Realty 2010CLIENT BENEFITSBLACKS LAWClient BenefitsFiduciary Relationships Are Our Relationships Black's Law Dictionary describes a fiduciary relationship as "one founded on trust or confidence reposed by one person in the integrity and fidelity of another." A fiduciary has a duty to act primarily for the client's benefit in matters connected with the undertaking and not for the fiduciary's own personal interest. Scrupulous good faith and candor are always required.Understanding the distinction between a full fiduciary and a dual agent is crucial. A real estate agent, under common law and by all statutes, is a fiduciary. An exclusive agent must always provide services and advice in the best interests of their client. Whereas a dual agent may have conflicting interests including their own motives and gain at heart, and while treating opposing sides of a transaction "fairly and honestly," owe full fiduciary duties to neither buyer nor seller. It is generally believed that fiduciaries perform their trades for reasons other than money and feel a sense of responsibility that goes beyond simply making a living. To paraphrase Supreme Court Justice Brandeis: "It is an occupation which is pursued largely for others and not merely for oneself. It is an occupation in which the amount of financial return is not the accepted measure of success." Fiduciaries must always act in complete fairness and may not ever exert any influence or pressure, take selfish advantage, or deal with the client in such a way that it benefits themselves or prejudices the client. The utmost good faith is required in all their dealings. Simply put, fiduciaries must exhibit the highest form of trust, fidelity and confidence, and are expected to act in the best interest of their clients at all times.Exclusive RepresentationMost Realtors will represent both the buyer and the seller. This conflict of interest gets in the way of securing the best property at the best price. Sara Benson focuses only on your goals, your needs, and what is in your best interest. This dedicated focus is what ensures the highest level ofpremium client care. Identity ProtectionExclusive brokers are the only real estate service providers that can fully protect their client's identities and financial information. We do not share client information with any parties without express permission. Many high-profile purchasers and sellers of real estate rely on our exclusive representation to maintain and ensure their privacy.Unique Sensitivity For most people, buying or selling real estate is a huge decision that can create a tremendous amount of anxiety and stress. Another part of the unparalleled client care, provided by Sara Benson's 28 years in the industry, is her unique sensitivity to help walk her clients through the process of buying or selling from beginning to end.Coming TogetherWith the clients list of wants and needs in the forefront, Sara is relentless in finding the finest properties for the best price. She is meticulous in presenting the preeminent options of price, location and features with no hidden agendas. Her goal is to provide unsurpassed value to the clients who want the gold standard in service and outcome.Benson Stanley Realty provides elite representation without conflict of interest.© Benson Stanley Realty 2010 LINKSBLACKS LAWLinks of InterestWe've compiled a quick list of useful and trusted sources to accompany your needs in the Windy City. Real Estate

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© Benson Stanley Realty 2010CONTACTWe strive to educate and inform. Please leave a secured message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.Office: 312.337.4600Fax: 312.337.4646 E-mail: bensonstanleyrealty_gmail.com Yellow EnvelopeWebmaster: LankfordID_gmail.com© Benson Stanley Realty 2010- Sara Benson CRB, ABRTestimonials "Sara has a reputation throughout the industry of bringing integrity, honesty and trust to every transaction and every client relationship. Sara has a passion for delighting her clients and goes far beyond the typical real estate agent in ensuring the best customer experience with the best possible results."- M.A., Vice President, AT&T"Sara is the best realtor I have ever met particularly her knowledge, care and integrity. Not only have I purchased three homes and sold two with Sara, but also recommended her to business colleagues who became repeat customers."- D.R. Director of Corporate Relocation, Chicago Tribune"Sara has my highest recommendation."-T.O. Manager, Hitachi ConsultingTitle