I remember hesitating to proceed with a contract when I first bought a house after seeing the roof condition noted in the inspection report. Thanks to my agent, who pointed out several similar cases and explained what level of issues could be negotiable, I was able to make a decision. In moments like these, I realize that agents do much more than just show homes.

When looking at the agent's tasks in order, there are six main responsibilities. These include searching for listings and compiling recent comparable sales to create a comparative market analysis, negotiating offer prices and terms, reviewing purchase agreements, coordinating inspection and appraisal schedules, managing the closing process, and providing information about the local market and school districts. These six tasks align with the core responsibilities outlined by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is particularly beneficial for first-time buyers who might think that the transaction ends with receiving a listing, but it also comes with the burden of ensuring that no steps are overlooked.

There is one more thing to check before signing a contract. According to the NAR lawsuit settlement effective August 17, 2024, buyers must sign a written buyer agency agreement before viewing properties with an agent. This agreement must specify the amount or method of calculating the commission. While this is advantageous in clarifying the commission structure from the start, first-time buyers may feel burdened by the addition of another unfamiliar document.

As of June 2026, the median sale price in Staten Island has risen to $750,000, a 0.6 percent increase from the previous year, and for the second quarter, it stands at $742,000, up 1.7 percent. The inventory of listings has decreased by 29 percent compared to a year ago, resulting in a seller's market, and homes take an average of 78 days to sell. While this may feel like a limitation for buyers in terms of options, the fact that homes take some time to sell means there is still some leeway to prepare offers.

Working with a Korean agent in this market allows for accurate verification of contract and inspection report details without language barriers, and also helps gather information about preferred school districts, Korean markets, and access to religious communities. An agent who has experience settling in from Korea can also guide clients through unique situations like international remittances for overseas families, ITIN issuance, and FIRPTA for non-resident foreigners. Additionally, the network of lawyers, mortgage brokers, and inspectors built within the Korean community provides a practical safety net for those making their first transaction.

Staten Island has a higher proportion of single-family homes and townhouses compared to other boroughs of New York City. As a result, conditions such as yard space, parking availability, and HOA presence can vary significantly from listing to listing, making it easy for first-time buyers to feel overwhelmed if they haven't organized these differences beforehand. Especially since many families commute to Manhattan by ferry, finding a balance between commute times and home prices is also an important consideration. If costly repairs are discovered during inspections, such as for roofs or boilers, negotiating how to split those repair costs with the seller is also part of the agent's role, and knowing local inspectors and contractors well can make a significant difference in this process.

In Staten Island, neighborhoods near the ferry terminal and those further inland have distinctly different lifestyles. The choice often divides families prioritizing commuting from those preferring single-family homes with yards, and it is the agent's job to narrow down listings that reflect these preferences.

However, market prices may vary depending on sources and reference points, such as DeFalco Realty, so it's important to check the timing of the information, and to verify school district boundaries at the specific address before purchasing. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting with a professional before finalizing any contracts is recommended.