Staten Island has the most owner-occupied, single-family housing of any NYC borough — most homes sell well on the open market when they're move-in ready. The question changes when the home isn't.
Inherited properties, homes from owners who moved upstate or out of state, and houses needing significant work often net more from a cash sale than from a listing once you account for repairs, agent commission, and three to six months of taxes and utilities.
Closings on Staten Island tend to be straightforward — most properties are single-family, fewer co-op or HOA complications, and title work moves quickly. That makes the as-is path even cleaner here than in other boroughs.
If the house needs work or the situation is complicated, knowing the cash number is a useful starting point before you commit to a long listing process.