I practiced as a Chicago real estate attorney from 2003 to 2007 and was a party to thousands of real estate transactions during this time.  I learned from a vast spectrum of real estate transactions - from complex multi-million dollar commercial transactions to first-time homebuyer residential purchases, my legal training helped me develop an advanced knowledge of the local market, and truly learn the anatomy of the Chicago real estate transaction.  The experience is versatile and the education is fundamentally sound, however I never felt that the legal side of real estate was where my passion was, and felt drawn to pursue my interest of becoming an agent in the greatest city in the world.  I always loved the art of negotiation, and was compelled to help the client on the critical and essential level of deciding what real estate to buy and how much to be willing to pay for it.  I saw that these are very complex issues and that some agents do a much better job of it than others, and what an invaluable asset they were to their clients. 

When I was working as an attorney, the housing market was in a roaring boom and I was struck by how important the use of good judgment, sophistication, and prudence are when buying and selling real estate.  I was shocked at the overwhelming amount of purchases involving inadequately represented buyers by agents who were simply inexperienced, lazy, and/or unscrupulous.  And in direct contrast were deals involving a more refined class of agents with savvy, ethics, and a desire to deliver an invaluable service to their clients - who are likely making one of the biggest purchases of their lives. While fewer in number, this second class of agents inspired me when I decided to leave the law and they gave me a great business model to follow, which is anchored to an unwavering focus on my clients' welfare and best interests.

So in the fall of 2007, I joined the largest and most productive Coldwell Banker office in the nation and was truly honored to accept the Rookie of the Year Award for 2008.  I'm very proud of that award because of the outstanding history of agents who won it before me, they are the class of agents I admire and emulate.  I moved to @ Properties in the Spring of 2009, as I simply feel that @ is in the best position to move forward in this new age of real estate, and allows me to offer my clients the highest level of expertise, marketing and service.

If we've learned one thing about real estate in the past few years it's that every property owner and prospective buyer needs to make sound, confident decisions.  I see it as the duty of the real estate agent to advise the client properly, wisely, and with the sole focus of the client's well being.  If you are buying or selling real estate within the Chicagoland area and are interested in talking with me about your upcoming transaction or anything else I can help with, please either call me at 312-810-2147 or email me at benclark@atproperties.com.