• YOU control 3 of the 6
• The Market controlls 2 of the 6
• The Realtor® controls 1 of the 6

YOU, the seller, control:

1. Price - The seller determines the list price for his home. A list price above the market for homes similar to yours will impact negatively on buyer interest in making an offer. We will review the price history of recently sold homes in your area with you to assist you in making a list price determination.

2. Terms - You have your requirements, but the buyer has requirements, too. Your willingness to respect them and your willingness to negotiate which of the terms will be accepted by you can have a very positive impact on the deal. Price and Terms are closely intertwined and will usually be negotiated at the same time.

3. Condition - Yes, the condition of the home is and will always be an issue. How well you have maintained your home will influence not only the price but also the length of time on the market. The pool of buyers willing to make substantial repairs is a lot smaller than the pool of buyers who want a home move - in ready. Unless you are dealing with investors who don't care because they are looking for bargains anyway, the average home buyer is always afraid about the potential cost of the repairs. 

The MARKET Controls

4. Timing - Economic conditions have an impact on price, terms and property condition. Similarly, season and even weather factors can affect the time it takes to sell a home. In Florida, the winter season (September - Mai) is the busier time - in northern States the summer months are the busy months. However, the internet has changed the rules slightly. If people fall in love with a property shown on the web, they will most likely come down and make an offer.

5. Competition - The number of comparable homes on the market are an important factor as well. They may affect  your ability to sell your home on a timely basis. 

The REALTOR® controls

6. Promotion - From entry into the Multiple Listing System (MLS), to internet marketing and any other programs your agent will have an impact on your home sale. Without a proper and aggressive promotion nobody will know that your home for sale even exists. 

Conclusion

None of the six factors alone controls the timely sale of your home, and some of the factors are a moving target. Therefore it is extremly important to be aware of changes in market condition. Also, the feedback from prospects or other agents who have visited or showed your home can be very helpful. 

The most important factor, however, is your willingness or ability to make adjustments in price, terms or condition based on the information provided.