This week's contributor profile is Sam Benson. Check out his work on his Inman profile. I had a little q-and-a session with him, and here is what he had to say: SAM'S INMAN BIO Sam Benson's expertise as a real estate broker, mortgage banking executive, residential developer and investor gives him a unique and comprehensive understanding of the entire process. He is a member of SRES@ and has helped numerous seniors in the greater Walnut Creek, CA area find the"rightsize" home to meet their lifestyle and financial needs. Sam will be the 2016 Director at Large for CCAR (Contra Costa Association of Realtors). SamBensonRealty.com WalnutCreekSeniors.com | How long have you been a contributor? About 60 days What made you want to contribute? Inman is the Gold Standard for real estate information and communication. What has been your favorite article to write so far? "How to help seniors downsize" What has been your favorite piece of feedback so far? I have several real estate professionals comment on the article both on Inman and by phone and email. What do you do in your spare time? My wife and I own a 34-foot motor yacht. We go all over San Francisco Bay and down to Half Moon Bay or up to Point Reyes. During the summer we try to spend a few weeks in the Sacramento Delta too. What is your passion? Non-profits. One of the most rewarding things I’ve done is help write a grant for the local Human Society. We got $50,000 toward dog and cat food to help that tremendous amount of pets that were homeless during the housing crisis. I’ve served on the board of directors for at-risk children too. What advice would you give to other aspiring real estate professionals? Become a good mechanic. Learn your forms and the way business is done and get involved with your local Association—serve on a committee. What advice would you give to new contributors? Enjoy it. It’s a great venue |