ABOUT US
BIO MEET THE TEAM
PRICING THE HOME SHOW MARKETING KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL SALE
PREPARING TO LIST YOUR HOME
PRICING STAGING PHOTOGRAPHY MARKETING WHERE BUYERS FIND HOMES
LISTING YOUR HOME
NETWORKING SIGNAGE EMAIL MARKETING FLYERS SECURITY OPEN HOUSES ONLINE MARKETING
SHOWINGS OFFERS NEGOTIATIONS AFTER LISTING YOUR HOME
CONTRACT TO CLOSING
INSPECTIONS APPRAISALS CLOSING
FINAL STEPS
Lee Arnold, a seasoned real estate broker, brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record to Benchmark Properties. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Lee has become a trusted name in real estate, known for his dedication, integrity, and exceptional results.
Top Producer: Lee consistently ranks as a top producer at Benchmark Properties, achieving impressive sales figures year after year.
Industry Recognition: He has received numerous awards for excellence in real estate.
Successful Closings: Lee has successfully closed hundreds of transactions, helping countless families find their dream homes and investors secure profitable properties.
Community Leader: An active member of the local community, Lee frequently participates in real estate seminars, workshops, and community events, sharing his knowledge and expertise.
John D.: "Lee Arnold made the process of selling our home seamless and stress-free. His market knowledge and negotiation skills are top-notch. We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor!"
Mary S.: "From start to finish, Lee was there every step of the way. His dedi cation and personalized approach made us feel like we were his only clients. Highly recommend!"
Alex R.: "Lee’s expertise and professionalism were evident from our first meeting. He sold our home quickly and for a great price. We are incredibly grateful for his hard work."
Expert Negotiator: Lee’s negotiation skills ensure that his clients get the best possible deal, whether they are buying or selling.
Market Savvy: With a deep understanding of the local real estate market, Lee provides valuable insights and strategic advice to his clients.
Personalized Service: Lee takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs and tailors his approach to meet their specific goals.
Reliable and Trustworthy: Known for his integrity and reliability, Lee builds lasting relationships with his clients based on trust and mutual respect.
Choosing Lee Arnold as your realtor means partnering with a dedicated professional who will go above and beyond to achieve your real estate
experience, coupled with his client-first approach, makes him the ideal choice for anyone looking to buy or sell property. Trust Lee Arnold and Benchmark Properties to deliver exceptional results with a personal touch.
At Benchmark Properties, we are committed to providing homeowners with exceptional real estate services. We understand that selling a home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why we offer a higher-quality Realtor experience. Our team at Benchmark Properties employs a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure that your home receives maximum exposure in the market. We also relentlessly negotiate on behalf of our clients and thoroughly screen all potential buyers to exceed
When you work with us, you'll have the support of a team of experts, including a marketing manager, and transaction coordinator. Our in-house agents will also ensure that your home gets the exposure it deserves. With a proven track record of selling hundreds of homes each year, we're confident in our ability to help you sell your home quickly and efficiently.
At Benchmark Properties, we value building lasting relationships with our clients. We look forward to not only assisting you in the sale of your home but also providing you with ongoing support and guidance. Contact us today to learn more about our real estate services and how we can help you achieve your
With my expertise and market analysis tools, I’ll recommend the optimal listing price to attract buyers while maximizing your profit. Homes I list sell above market average because I price them correctly from the start. As a local expert, I understand pricing strategies that
It's essential to have your home market-ready from day one, as the initial weekend can significantly influence success. I'll help you prepare your home for showings and online
Identifying necessary repairs or improvements
Decluttering and removing personal items
Ensuring your home is thoroughly clean and fresh-smelling
Neutralizing decor and wall colors
Enhancing landscaping and exterior appearance
Professional staging involves decorating and arranging your home strategically to attract the most potential buyers, helping it sell faster and for a higher price. Our staging service highlights your home's best features and creates an inviting, appealing atmosphere both
We invest in professional real estate photography to showcase your home’s best attributes, making it stand out and attracting serious buyers. High-quality imagery significantly boosts your home’s appeal in a competitive real estate market.
As a San Diego native with over a decade of experience, my proven marketing approach helps sell homes quicker and for more money. Key elements include:
Daily outreach to potential buyers, neighbors, cooperating
"Coming Soon" campaigns, digital marketing, social media outreach, and print advertising to maximize buyer exposure.
Regular updates, immediate feedback from showings, weekly calls, and a Seller’s Update each Monday throughout the process.
My targeted digital marketing strategy—Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram promotions—ensures your property is prominently seen online, reaching motivated buyers.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Captivating images, detailed property descriptions, virtual tours, and neighborhood insights increase online interest and attract more qualified buyers.
Ideally, the best period to sell a home is from Spring through Summer. However, factors like local market trends, tax incentives, and your readiness to sell also impact timing. I'll help you craft an effective sales plan tailored to your circumstances.
ASKING PRICE compared to market value
*MV = Market Value in the market % OF BUYERS
High-quality, professional photography is critical since most buyers begin their search online. Exceptional photos ensure your home stands out from the competition, attracting greater interest and higher offers.
I leverage extensive local, national, and global agent networks—connecting your property directly with qualified buyers. Approximately 88% of residential sales involve real estate agents, highlighting the importance of this targeted outreach.
NETWORKING:
Prominent placement across extensive agent networks.
Professional signs strategically placed for optimal visibility.
Syndication to hundreds of listing sites and prominent real estate portals.
Targeted campaigns to our extensive database of active buyers and agents.
Informative and attractive materials for buyers visiting your home.
Ensures secure, convenient showings by background-checked agents.
Immediate notifications and proactive feedback follow-ups after showings.
Scheduled based on data-driven insights for maximum attendance.
Regular promotion across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Issuu.
I will feature your home on the top home search sites, on social media and syndicate it to over 400+ other sites.
Homes that receive the top 10% of page views sell an average 30 days faster!
Your property will be seen on:
Accommodate buyer schedules to avoid missed opportunities.
Ensure household members maintain clean, organized spaces.
Regularly wipe down kitchens and bathrooms.
Avoid strong-smelling foods; keep your home neutral and fresh.
Maintain cleanliness, hide pet-related items, and regularly clean pet areas.
Open blinds, curtains, and leave lights on.
TRASH MAINTENANCE:
Empty bins daily to keep your home fresh.
Store valuables and prescriptions safely out of sight.
VACATE DURING SHOWINGS:
Give buyers privacy and comfort to explore freely.
Accept the offer: Agree to the terms presented.
Decline the offer: Reject the offer if it does not meet your expectations and further negotiation is unnecessary. Make a Counter offer: Propose new terms to the buyer that better align with your needs.
Accept the Counteroffer Decline the Counteroffer Counter Again
Negotiations can continue until both parties reach an agreement or decide to end discussions. Effective negotiation involves transparency, clear communication, and willingness to compromise.
OFFER ACCEPETED:
Upon agreement, you'll sign the purchase agreement, officially entering into a contract. This initiates the contingency period, during which inspections, appraisals, and other agreed-upon conditions will be completed.
Roof & Components
Exterior & Siding
Basement
Foundation
Crawlspace
Structure
Heating & Cooling
Plumbing
Electrical
Attic & Insulation
Doors
Windows & Lighting
Appliances (limited)
Attached Garages
Garage Doors
Grading & Drainage
All Stairs
Inspections typically occur within 10 to 14 days after signing the purchase agreement. Following the inspection, negotiations regarding necessary repairs generally happen within 5 days.
There is no cost to you as the seller. Buyers select, schedule, and pay for the inspection themselves, choosing an inspector of their preference.
Inspections and related repair negotiations often influence whether a home sale proceeds smoothly. Common inspection findings include:
Foundation issues
Electrical concerns
Plumbing problems
Pest infestations
Structural deficiencies
Mold contamination
Radon detection
An appraisal verifies the property's value matches or exceeds the sales price. I employ proactive strategies to help achieve favorable appraisals. Depending on appraisal outcomes, options include renegotiation or alternative strategies.
You are in the clear, and closing can begin!
Renegotiate the sale price with the buyer
Renegotiate with the buyer to cover the difference
Cancel and re-list
Consider an alternative all-cash offer
Typical selling expenses usually range between 7% and 8% of your home’s sale price, including escrow fees, commissions, and transfer taxes. Here are some key expenses to anticipate:
If your home belongs to a Homeowners Association, escrow will order the necessary HOA documents to provide to the buyer. Each HOA board charges an upfront fee for these documents. Be prepared to supply a check or credit card to escrow promptly to ensure timely delivery.
These documents typically take 72 hours to 10 days to arrive. Providing payment information quickly is important because these documents must be disclosed to the buyer within 7 days of escrow opening.
Almost every home sale includes some request for repairs from the buyer. Repair requests usually range from $500 to $5,000, depending on what's identified in the inspection. We’ll assist you throughout these negotiations.
Additionally, certain safety-related repairs might be necessary to demonstrate good faith and maintain buyer confidence. We can connect you with trustworthy vendors to complete these repairs promptly and efficiently.
Termite-related expenses are handled directly through escrow and deducted from your sale proceeds. Typically, the termite inspection report is available within 48 hours of inspection. Once the buyer removes all contingencies, necessary termite repairs will be scheduled and completed before escrow closes.
Termite repair costs vary widely—from $200 to $20,000—depending on the condition of your property and the extent of termite damage or wood rot.
Closing is the final step where funds, documents, and ownership of the property are officially transferred to the buyer. The escrow officer manages this process, ensuring all required payments are accounted for, paperwork is prepared and signed, and that the property ownership is legally transferred.
During closing, funds will be disbursed to cover:
Payoff of your existing mortgage and any liens against the property
Payment of any outstanding property taxes owed to local government
Fees to third-party service providers involved in the transaction
Commissions to real estate agents
Remaining proceeds to you, the seller, after all expenses have been covered
Signed deed, officially transferring ownership (recorded by a third-party at the county court house)
Post-closing agreements, if applicable (such as renting back the home for a short period after closing)
At closing, you'll provide the buyer with:
All keys to the property, including house keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, and security codes
Appliance manuals and warranty documents
Any additional items outlined in your purchase agreement
Legal ownership officially transfers once the signed deed is recorded at the local county courthouse, marking the formal conclusion of your home sale.
Common expenses sellers pay at closing include:
Remaining mortgage balance and any applicable penalties
Outstanding claims or liens against your property
Unpaid property taxes or assessments
Real estate agent commissions
Title insurance policy
Home warranty (if agreed upon)
Ensure you bring the following essential items:
Valid government-issued photo ID
All house keys, including spare keys
Garage door openers
Mailbox keys
Gate keys, security codes, or other relevant access devices
After the closing is finalized, make sure you've transferred to the buyer:
All keys (house, mailbox, spare keys, etc.)
Garage door openers
Any community access devices or keys
Keep your ID and important documents handy, as you'll need them for future reference or to finalize moving details
Once the property title has transferred, contact your insurance agent to cancel your homeowner's policy. You may be eligible for a refund on prepaid premiums.
Cancel your utility and entertainment service accounts. Keep a record of each company's contact information in case follow-up is needed.
Inform relevant parties of your new address. Submit a change-of-address form to your local post office to ensure your mail is forwarded.
TURN EVERYTHING OFF
Ensure the following are turned off before leaving your home:
Valves for sinks, toilets, appliances, and water heater
All light switches and ceiling fans
Finally, contact the electric company to disconnect service
Gather all important documents, including the contract, closing paperwork, and related documents. Store them securely for future reference.
Make sure all your personal items are removed. Thoroughly inspect drawers, cabinets, closets, and storage areas.
Leave your home spotless for the new owners. Specifically: Clean cabinets, appliances (inside and out), and countertops
Thoroughly clean out the garage
Schedule trash pickup before the closing day
Leave your home in the condition you'd appreciate as the buyer
Place all house keys, gate keys, mailbox keys, garage door openers, and community access devices neatly in a kitchen drawer.
Close and secure all blinds, windows, and doors. Leave any remaining keys or access devices clearly organized and accessible in the kitchen.
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.
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
