Danielle Nazinitsky—Real estate, ambition, and the life she’s building in New York

Back where it started: Danielle Nazinitsky in SoHo

We met Danielle Nazinitsky, owner of Decode Real Estate, in SoHo in the late afternoon, as the light began to soften and a slight threat of rain lingered in the air. She arrived polished and self-possessed, moving through the city with an ease that felt entirely natural. There was an easy moment of laughter between us, followed by a brief conversation about how she chose the pieces she was wearing—each detail considered, each element intentional. As our team gathered—cameras ready, notes in hand—the conversation that followed unfolded with the same clarity and deliberateness that define her work.

You built a powerhouse real estate career from scratch. What was the moment or mindset shift that really ignited your hustle here in NYC?

My first two and a half years in real estate were really tough, even though the market was busy from 2014 to 2016. I threw myself into open houses and volunteered to help colleagues, but still wondered if I belonged in the industry. The real turning point came after I attended a coaching seminar in Brooklyn that focused on cold calling for-sale-by-owners and expired listings. I committed to this approach, and, about six months later, I started to see results. That was the moment I realized persistence and strategy, not luck, were what would build a career here.

For someone dreaming about buying in NYC but feeling intimidated, what’s the smartest first step they can take today?

Buying in NYC can feel intimidating, but the smartest first step is simply to start exploring. Go to Sunday open houses, not with the pressure to buy, but to see what’s out there and understand what different price points really look like. As you see more, you’ll start to figure out what resonates with  your lifestyle and budget. Just remember: in New York, the down payment requirements and post-closing liquidity are higher than most places in the U.S., so the sooner you learn those financial benchmarks, the more confident you’ll feel when you’re ready to move forward.

As a luxury agent balancing everything - from Brownstone investment property ownership to raising toddlers and running a blog - what’s your secret to staying inspired and rooted?

My secret to staying inspired and rooted is two-fold. First, I genuinely love how much our industry evolves. When I started 11 years ago, social media barely existed in real estate, and personal branding for agents was rare. Being part of that shift—building Decode, bringing my own brand to life—has been incredibly energizing.

Second, my inspiration is deeply personal. I always dreamed of raising a family in New York City, and every decision I’ve made—investing in brownstones, growing my business, writing my blog— stems from wanting to create both stability and possibility for my kids. Balancing toddlers, clients, and content isn’t always easy, but it keeps me grounded in my “why”: giving my children a great life and showing them what’s possible when you build something you believe in.

When you think back to your most rewarding buyer, what made that deal so special?

The most rewarding buyers are the ones who come back for multiple transactions. There’s nothing more meaningful than when a client trusts me not just once, but again and again with their biggest investment and with their future. Many of those clients have become lifelong friends, and that ongoing trust is what makes the work so special.

It’s Friday ... no showings, no emails. Where do we find you, and what’s in your hand?

On a Friday, you’ll usually find me starting the day with a personal training session, then coffee in hand as I prepare for the weekend. In real estate, my Mondays feel like most people’s Fridays, so by the time the weekend arrives, I’m likely focused on making sure my open houses and showings are set up for success.

(As we walked through SoHo during the interview, Danielle Nazinitsky would occasionally stop to share the history behind a building or a block—an effortless reminder of how deeply she’s plugged into the city.)

Decode Real Estate: https://decodenyc.com/

Credits:

Photography: Sal Alibeck; Styling Support: Elizabeth Smith; Videography: Wonsik Choi; Set: Anahita Bahronova;

PR: Agency Esta