Buying a home
Find the right Staten Island home, with someone in your corner.
Patient guidance from the first showing to closing day, and no pressure to buy anything that isn’t right.
Your search
Tell Daniel what you’re looking for
He’ll send you matching homes as they hit the market, plus his honest take on each one.
How it works
Buying in New York, step by step
- Get pre-approved
Know your real budget, including taxes and common charges. I can connect you with local lenders.
- Tell me your must-haves
Neighborhoods, commute, parking, schools, budget. I’ll send matching homes, including some before they hit the big sites.
- Tour and compare
I’ll point out what the photos don’t show and pull sale history so you know what a home is really worth.
- Offer and negotiate
A strategy based on comparable sales and the seller’s situation, not guesswork.
- Attorney, inspection and mortgage
I coordinate the attorneys, inspector, appraiser and lender so deadlines don’t slip.
- Closing day
Final walk-through, then the keys.
What will it cost each month?
An estimate only. Your lender will give you exact figures with your pre-approval.
Buyer guides
Read before you start touring
Step by step, from pre-approval to keys, including NYC’s HomeFirst down payment help.
Read the guide →Condo, townhouse or co-op: which is right for you?Common charges, HOAs, board packages and flood zones, explained in plain language.
Read the guide →What are closing costs on Staten Island?NYC and NYS transfer taxes, mortgage recording tax and the mansion tax, with a calculator.
Read the guide →Buyer questions
What buyers ask Daniel most
Do I have to pay you as a buyer?
Since 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It spells out how the agent is paid. Often the seller still covers it, but it’s negotiable, and I’ll explain your options clearly before you sign anything.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan. Some programs allow as little as 3–3.5% down, while co-ops often require 10–20% or more. NYC’s HomeFirst program can help qualified first-time buyers. See the first-time buyer guide.
How does buying work in New York?
After your offer is accepted, both sides’ attorneys negotiate the contract. You’ll usually do the home inspection before signing, then put down a deposit (often 10%) when you sign. Then come the appraisal, the mortgage commitment and closing.
Do I need flood insurance?
If the home is in a high-risk FEMA flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require it. I check every address before you make an offer.
Ready to start looking?
Text Daniel what you’re looking for. You’ll get a real answer the same day.