--- canonical: https://www.top10reagents.com/ny/ithaca --- # Top Real Estate Agents in Ithaca, New York > Find top Ithaca NY real estate agents. Explore Finger Lakes home prices and trends near Cornell University. **Agents Ranked:** 10 | **State:** New York --- ## Top 10 Agents ### #1 Claudia Lagalla - **Brokerage:** Howard Hanna Real Estate - **Total Sales:** 583 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 19 - **Listings:** 1 ### #2 Kathleen Seaman - NY Licensed Assoc. R.E. Broker - **Brokerage:** Warren Real Estate of Ithaca NY - **Total Sales:** 1186 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 26 - **Listings:** 17 ### #3 Jolene Rightmyer Macolini - **Brokerage:** Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty - **Total Sales:** 1242 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 24 - **Listings:** 1 ### #4 Karen Hollands - **Brokerage:** Howard Hanna - **Total Sales:** 616 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 7 - **Listings:** 17 ### #5 Jill Burlington - NY Licensed Assoc. R.E. Broker - **Brokerage:** Jill Burlington Associate Broker 607-592-0474 - **Total Sales:** 1368 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 24 - **Listings:** 50 ### #6 Jordan Jacobsen - **Brokerage:** Warren Real Estate - **Total Sales:** 331 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 16 - **Listings:** 5 ### #7 Melissa Shames - **Brokerage:** Howard Hanna - **Total Sales:** 225 - **Avg Rating:** 4.9 - **Years Experience:** 12 - **Listings:** 1 ### #8 Hilda M Moleski - **Brokerage:** Warren Real Estate - **Total Sales:** 277 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 22 - **Listings:** 3 ### #9 Kyle Gebhart - **Brokerage:** Warren Real Estate - **Total Sales:** 267 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 12 - **Listings:** 3 ### #10 Steve Saggese - NY Licensed Assoc. R.E. Broker - **Brokerage:** Warren Real Estate of Ithaca - **Total Sales:** 1014 - **Avg Rating:** 5 - **Years Experience:** 41 - **Listings:** 10 --- ## Frequently Asked Questions — Ithaca Real Estate ### What is the average home price in Ithaca, New York? The median home price in Ithaca is $310,000. Prices vary by neighborhood and property type — a local real estate agent can give you a current comparative market analysis for the specific area and home size you're targeting. ### How long does it take to sell a home in Ithaca? Homes in Ithaca spend an average of 30 days on the market. Well-priced, well-presented homes in desirable neighborhoods often sell faster, while properties that need work or are priced above market may take longer. ### How do I find the best real estate agent in Ithaca, New York? Look for agents with documented sales history, strong local reviews, and direct experience in Ithaca's neighborhoods. Top10REAgents ranks the highest-performing agents in Ithaca based on documented sales volume, client ratings, and market expertise — all agents listed here meet a minimum 4.5-star rating threshold. ### Do I need a buyer's agent to purchase a home in Ithaca? In New York, buyers are not legally required to use an agent, but working with one is strongly recommended. A local buyer's agent in Ithaca will have access to off-market listings, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through inspection, financing, and closing — at no direct cost to you (seller typically covers commissions). ### How much does a real estate agent cost in Ithaca? In New York, total agent commission is typically 4–6% of the sale price, split between the buyer's and seller's agents. Since the NAR settlement in 2024, commission structures have become more flexible — ask any listed agent for a clear breakdown of their fees before signing. ### What questions should I ask a real estate agent in Ithaca? Ask about their recent sales in Ithaca specifically, how many transactions they've closed in the last 12 months, how they'll market your home (or source listings for buyers), their communication style, and whether they work solo or with a team. A strong local agent will have direct answers for all of these. ### How do Cornell University and Ithaca College shape the Ithaca real estate market? Cornell and Ithaca College together enroll roughly 25,000 students and employ thousands of faculty and staff, creating an insatiable rental market and consistent demand for owner-occupied homes from academics, researchers, and administrators. This institutional base insulates Ithaca from economic downturns better than most similarly sized upstate NY cities. ### Why are Ithaca home prices significantly higher than nearby Southern Tier cities? Ithaca commands a substantial premium over Elmira, Binghamton, or Cortland because of its educated, high-income professional workforce, vibrant downtown, natural beauty of the gorges and Cayuga Lake, and progressive community culture that attracts buyers willing to pay for quality of life. The limited supply of housing on the hillsides surrounding the city also restricts new development and supports pricing. ### What are the most desirable neighborhoods in Ithaca for different buyer profiles? Fall Creek and Collegetown are popular with younger buyers and Cornell-affiliated residents for their walkability and character homes. The West Hill and South Hill neighborhoods attract families seeking larger lots and better elementary school assignments, while properties along the Cayuga Lake shore in Lansing and Cayuga Heights command luxury premiums for lakefront and lake-view access. ### How does the student rental market in Ithaca affect owner-occupants and investors? The Cornell student rental market is extremely robust and investors in properties near campus in Collegetown can achieve high gross rents relative to purchase price. Owner-occupants should be aware that some neighborhoods near campus experience seasonal population turnover and party-house noise, factors that are priced into the market and worth investigating by neighborhood before purchasing. ### Is Ithaca accessible enough for buyers who need to commute to Syracuse or other cities? Ithaca is relatively isolated geographically with no interstate highway access, making commutes to Syracuse about 60 miles and to Binghamton about 55 miles on winding two-lane roads. Most Ithaca buyers plan to work locally at the universities or hospital, and buyers who need frequent out-of-town travel should carefully consider the limited Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport options and road access. --- *Source: https://www.top10reagents.com/ny/ithaca*