Welcome to the Benchmark Properties family. We are your premier real estate team specializing in making your home purchase seamless and successful! Based in the heart of Southern California, we bring a wealth of experience and local knowledge to guide you through the exciting journey of finding your perfect home. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant city life or relaxing coastal shores, our team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and helping you navigate the real estate market with confidence. We’re ready to earn your trust us to be your allies in this adventure!
HIGHLIGHTS
Ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS® nationwide
Hundreds of 5 Star Online Reviews
Over 25 years of experience
A team of community leads
We have helped over thousands families make their move
ASSISTANT TO LEE ARNOLD
BLADIMIR HURTADO
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We promise to always be truthful (even if it's not pleasant) so that you are set you up for success
We promise to respect your confidentiality
We promise to always give you solid advice
We promise you will understand the terms you are agreeing to when writing an offer
We promise to always put your best interest first
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We promise that you will enjoy the home buying process so much that you will want to refer your friends, family and co-workers to get the same experience
We promise to offer personalized solutions custom to YOU
We promise to provide dedicated support before, during and after the sale
We promise continuous improvement towards making this a great experience for you
We promise a long-term commitment. After the sale, we will continue to be a trusted source to you
WORKING WITH A REALTOR®
DO NOT VISIT NEW CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT US!
It will be very tempting to just "stop in" and go look at new construction. Trust us, we know how tempting it is to just "go look." What you have to remember is that the new construction offices are manned by sales agents that work for the builder. Their job is to solely represent the builder. Additionally, most builders have a "first time visitor" policy that is strictly enforced. This means that if we are not with you on your first visit to register you as our client, we will not be able to work with you should you decide to purchase at that community. As always, you want to ensure that you have an advocate representing you every step of the way!
DO NOT VISIT AN OPEN HOUSE WITHOUT YOUR VIP PASS
Open houses are a great way to see properties on your terms and at your leisure. It is important however to remember that the agent hosting the open house is traditionally the agent hired by the seller to represent them. This means that they have a fiduciary responsibility to get the most amount of money from the buyer. So when you go to an open house, make sure to present the VIP PASS to the agent or representative hosting the open house and let them know that you are already working with your Benchmark agent.
YOUR REALTOR® CAN SHOW YOU ANY HOME, REGARDLESS OF WHICH BROKER HAS IT LISTED
Your agent is able to show you homes that are either new home construction, resale, off markets or even FSBO’s. Due to our extensive network and tenure, we have access to homes that are off market or not yet on the MLS. Be sure to ask your agent about these homes!
REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.
COSTS TO EXPECT WHILE BUYING A HOME
REPRESENTATION
The cost of representation is, and always has been, negotiable. We can request the seller cover this on a buyers behalf, however that is not a guarantee. Your agent will discuss this with you in further detail.
EARNEST MONEY
A good faith deposit is paid to the escrow company once escrow is open. This amount is typically 1-3% of the purchase price.
DOWN PAYMENT
Typically 3.5% of the purchase price
Example: $400,000 price x 3.5% = $14,000 down-payment earnest money.
HOME INSPECTION
The home inspection cost is dependent on many different factors, but is most commonly based on the size of the home being inspected. Typically, general home inspections can range from $400-$1000 based on services requested. Besides a general home inspection, a buyer is able to bring any trade professional to inspect the home. Make sure to discuss this option with your Benchmark REALTOR.
HOME APPRAISAL
The home appraisal is ordered by the lender and is typically around $700. Your lender will be able to give you a more accurate cost.
CLOSING COSTS
Estimated closing cost, title & lender fees estimated at 3% of purchase price.
Example: $400,000 price x 3% = $12,000
THE PROCESS
Getting pre-approved for financing is the first step. Along with securing your down payment, you'll want to do this before viewing homes so that you can act quickly.
Once we know your wants and needs, we can view homes and find THE ONE. Making a comprehensive list is a great way to narrow your focus.`
We'll discuss strategies and will write an offer on your behalf. We’ll make sure you're comfortable with the process before the offer is presented.
One or several counter-offers may be made; which will be negotiated by your agent. We will work together to make sure you get the best terms.
Once the inspection, financing and closing process is completed, it's time to get your keys and move in!
FINANCING CHECKLIST
Complete the mortgage application.
Provide all income documents to the lender with urgency.
Take a good look at your income, debts, and savings.
Speak with your lender to review your home goals.
Understand your closing costs.
Decide how much you can afford to spend on a house.
Depending on your loan type, your lender will help you determine how much you'll need for a down payment.
Learn about the different types of mortgage loans available to you.
Pre-approval letter sent to your REALTOR®.
Let's start your home search!
NEW HOME FINDING YOUR
THE SEARCH
Your agent will put a list of homes together, based on your needs.
You will go out and view the homes in person or via video tours if out of area.
Make an offer on the home you love.
THE OFFER PROCESS
Your agent will review comparable sales in the area to determine a competetive offer price.
Your agent will prepare and submit the offer on your behalf.
Your agent will ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and on time.
Your agent will provide expert guidance and keep you informed throughout the negotiation process.
Your agent will negotiate terms on your behalf, including price, contingencies, and closing timelines.
POST-OFFER ACCEPTANCE
Earnest money delivered to Escrow company within 24 hours.
Order the home inspection and your agent will negotiate any requested repairs.
The appraisal will be ordered by your lender and your agent will negotiate any discrepancies.
Order your homeowners insurance.
Do not make any financial changes during the purchase of your home!
LET’S GET
MOVING
THE CLOSING PROCESS
Review all documents from Escrow
Order all utilities to be turned on
The Escrow company will contact you to schedule your signing of documents with a notary
Make sure to have your government-issued ID ready to go
This is also the moment to deposit all necessary final funds, either through a wire transfer or cashier's check
Compete at final walk through with your agent. If repairs were requested, we do recommend you have your home inspector come back in at this time
Loan funding is completed
Deed is recorded with the county
Let's get your keys!
Congrats! When the deal is sealed and it's time to celebrate, your agent will likely capture your big moment – so get ready for your close-up!
FAQ’S
WHEN IS MY FIRST PAYMENT DUE?
After buying a home, remember that the first mortgage payment isn't due right away. Typically, there's a one-month grace period. If you close on April 15th, your first payment would be due on June 1st.
Typically, you'll get the keys on the day of closing, once all necessary paperwork is completed, funds are transferred and everything is recorded with the county. WHEN WILL I GET KEYS?
HOW LONG WILL BUYING A HOME USUALLY TAKE?
It can take 1-2 weeks for a cash buyer and to 30-45 days for a buyer that is financing a home. Sometimes everything comes together quickly, other times finding the perfect home can take time.
IS RIGHT NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY?
Markets go up, markets go down and even the most informed experts can’t accurately predict the future. Focus on picking a home that meets you and your family’s needs, is a payment that you can afford comfortably and you will be protected from any short-term changes in the market.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT WE CAN AFFORD?
Your lender will check your financial standing to determine how much you can borrow and how much you can afford. This will help you comfortably search for a home and feel confident in your decisions.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Lee was always knowledgeable, responsive, and professional throughout the process of selling our home. From first conversation to closing escrow only took two months! It was obvious Lee always had our best interest in mind, and the outcome was exactly how we dreamed it. We look forward to the process of buying our new house with Lee as our agent when we are ready.
BLAKE MCGINNESS
I knew if we ever moved our of town, that Lee Arnold would be our agent. Lee told us what we needed to do to get our house ready for the market. When it was ready, Lee and his team made our house look more beautiful than I could imagine! He sold our home after only one open house with 4 offered way over asking price! He is always up on the current trend of the market and helped us every step of the way. I highly recommend Lee Arnold to be your agent.
Best RE broker in Southern California. Not only did he guide me through my property search, he made the entire acquisition process painless and worry free. Next thing I knew, I had the keys to my first home!!
GABRIEL-ALBERTO ARCE
Lee from Benchmark is very knowledgeable and he knows his stuff. He walks you through the process for example he sold our house. He meet with us first gave us an example of what our net would be of selling. He also is very detailed when getting home ready to sell. The staging of home for house pictures is amazing. Not to mention also the Videography/YouTube promotion is awesome!!
Lee is fantastic, professional and very helpful in selling our home. He was able to implement a thoughtful and exciting marketing plan that drove multiple offers and A higher price than asking. Really appreciate the help!
MATT M.
VANESSA QUINTERO
MIKE MURPHY
HOW WE DID IT
PROBLEM: NOT EVEN SAVED FOR A DOWN PAYMENT
Solution: We had a strategy session with the buyers to talk about their options. After a little digging we found out they were a disabled Veteran. Which meant they could qualify for 100% financing and instead of needing $20K, they got into their home for less then $700.
PROBLEM: FIRST TIME BUYER COMPETING IN A SELLERS MARKET
Solution: After getting beat out multiple times for a home, our buyer with a limited budget, needed closing cost assistance. We were able to find the buyer a grant and he purchased a home with less than $100.
PROBLEM: BUYER WANTED THE SELLER TO DO SOME RENOVATIONS BEFORE BUYING
Solution: That’s why you hire problem solvers. Not only were we able to negotiate the desired repair, BUT we also secured the home for $84,000 below the appraised value!
PROBLEM: BUYER WAS HAVING A ROUGH TIME WITH THEIR NATIONAL LENDER AND THE SELLER WANTED TO CANCEL
Solution: Due to our strong relationships with local lenders, we were able to switch out their lender who was able to save the day. The buyer bought their dream home, the seller closed on time. A win/win for all!
Thank you!
At Benchmark Properties, We Understand That Buying a Home is More Than Just a Transaction—It’s a Life-Changing Experience.
That’s why I, along with my team of highly-experienced real estate professionals, am dedicated to delivering exceptional, personalized service to every client. We take immense pride in building strong, lasting relationships and working relentlessly on behalf of our clients to help them achieve their real estate dreams.
Our team represents the best and brightest in the industry, consistently striving to lead the way in research, innovation, and client education.
In today’s complex real estate market, buyers need a trusted resource who can navigate the challenges and provide clear, insightful guidance. With my extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment to delivering the most accurate and timely information, Benchmark Properties is your go-to source for all things real estate.
Now, let’s chat about how I can help you make your real estate goals a reality.
LEE ARNOLD
"Your home is the living space that reflects your dreams, your passions, and the life you cherish."
