First question I'm often asked: "How much do you charge?"

Costs are a significiant issue when seling a house and especially recently, with the several big national lawsuits going on, they're a more of a discussion item than ever before.

It's the seller, right? They pay the costs?

Surprise: they don't. It's the buyer that pays them.

The accounting on the final closing statement shows the costs and commissions as a debit to he seller's account, but remember this: it's the buyer that gives them the money to pay those costs.

Like any other retail sale - a tie at Nordstrom or a car at the dealership - the commission and costs are built into the price of the product. A home is exactly the same way.

When you look at the seller's net sheet breakdown, you see the sales price, the costs, and the net proceeds. Which is the most important? It's the net proceeds. That number, the one that represents the money that will be wired to a bank account when everything is done and finished, is the most important number of all. The bigger that number, regardless of sales price and/or costs, the better!

The best question to ask a potential listing agent: What specifically are you going to do to get me a bigger net proceed amount than any other agent?

If you'd like to learn more about my system and 9-part selling strategy -- the VERY best way to get the highest net proceeds possible, in the timing that's right for you -- please contact me!

Michael Hausam is a licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE Agent #1319560) and Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS # 1577195). He's been a resident of Orange County, CA since 1990, he funded his first mortgage loan in 1991, has had a B-1 general contractors license since 2005, and he has had his real estate license for over 21 years.

Thank you,Michael Hausam