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Benson Stanley Realty Established 1955
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- 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 Client
Benson 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.
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"fiduciary"
Since January 13, 2010 Realtors®
have provided more than $1,200,000 in
Haitian relief funding. Join the effort.
Dual agency has the potential to create
conflicts of interest. Further, even though
dual agencies attempt to treat opposing
sides of a transition "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 purchaser
Activate Your Real Estate Potential with
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1500 Lake Shore Drive
© Benson Stanley Realty 2010 Office: 312.337.4600 Fax: 312.337.4646 E-mail: bensonstanleyrealty_gmail.com
Award-Winning Experience
Benson 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.
Beatrice Spearman Stanley & Sara Benson
Sara'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 Crains 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 2010
In the Media
"Sara Benson, owner of an
exclusive buyer's brokerage
firm in Chicago, protests that
conflicts between a seller's and a
buyer'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 JOURNAL
Client Testimonials
(click image to enlarge)
Services/Specialization
"
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 Newberry
Sara 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 Marketing
Location, Location, Location...
Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood,
Benson Stanley Realty specializes in exclusive
client representation throughout the City of
Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
We exclusively represent our client's best interests
above all others; 100% loyalty, 100% of the time.
Clientele:
•Attorneys
•Financial Institutions
•Third party Management and
Relocation companies
•Private Individuals
•Various Fortune 500 Companies
•References Available Upon Request
•Arbitration Panelist
•Construction Dispute Resolution
"Excellence through integrity and commitment."
Benson 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
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 transactionand 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.
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 builders 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.
Client Benefits
Benson Stanley Realty provides elite representation without
Fiduciary 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 whichthe 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 Representation
Most 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 insures the highest level of
premium client care.
Identity Protection
Exclusive 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 Together
With 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.
Links of Interest
We've compiled a quick list of useful and trusted sources
to accompany your needs in the Windy City.
Real Estate
Utilities
Education
Finance
Entertainment
We strive to educate and inform.
Please leave a secured message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Office: 312.337.4600
Fax: 312.337.4646
E-mail: bensonstanleyrealty_gmail.com
Webmaster: LankfordID_gmail.com
- Sara Benson CRB, ABR
Testimonials
"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 Consulting
