BALUEVA DONSTEINNEW YORK REAL ESTATE · SERHANT.
Private-client luxury real estate · New York City

Own New York.
We'll take care
of the rest.

We help families and investors buy, sell, lease and care for New York real estate. One relationship, from the first conversation through every chapter of ownership.

Discuss your plans
Sunlit New York residence
Since 2016New York City market experience
Over $750M Sold Career exclusive new development sales
Top 20 in NYC Ranked Top 20 NYC new dev agent team by TRD
Included Complimentary management with qualifying investment purchases
Vision

We believe New York City real estate is one of the most powerful long-term investments — combining strong appreciation, consistent rental demand, and lasting value in one of the world’s most desirable markets.

Our goal is to make investing seamless by handling every detail, from property selection and negotiations to tenant placement, management, and ongoing support.

— Irina
The long view

Finding the property is only the beginning.

We work with a select number of clients, giving each relationship the attention and care it deserves. From the first property search through negotiation, due diligence and closing, we stay closely involved and keep the details moving.

And when you need help after closing, we’re here. We can help prepare the home, find a tenant or coordinate other property needs; additional services are arranged and invoiced as needed. From a first New York purchase to a growing portfolio, we’re a trusted resource whenever you need us.

What we do

From acquisition to everyday ownership.

01 / ACQUIRE

Buy with perspective

On-market, off-market and pre-market opportunities, property and building analysis, ownership costs, rental potential and strategic negotiation.

02 / IMPROVE

Make it yours

Preparation, renovation and furnishing coordination through our network of contractors, designers and specialized professionals.

03 / LEASE

Find the right tenant

Professional marketing, applicant review, tenant screening, building applications and lease coordination from start to finish.

04 / MANAGE

Stay looked after

Tenant communication, maintenance coordination, issue resolution and ongoing operational oversight.

05 / SELL

Exit with a strategy

Market analysis, pricing, elevated presentation, negotiation and transaction coordination when it is time to sell or reposition.

06 / CONNECT

One trusted network

Access to real estate attorneys, mortgage brokers, tax advisors, insurance consultants and renovation specialists.

Ownership, handled

We remain your point of contact after closing.

Whether you live across town or across the world, we coordinate the everyday details that make owning New York real estate feel simple.

01

Tenant and owner communication

02

Repair and maintenance coordination

03

Lease tracking and renewals

04

Building-management communication

05

Vendor access and supervision

06

Preparation between tenants

07

Owner approval before significant expenses

08

Regular ownership updates

Full-service property management is included at no additional management cost for qualifying investment purchases through our team. Ask us about the scope and terms for your property.

Global client support

New York support, wherever you call home.

For international families and investors, buying in New York often involves more than finding the right property. We coordinate the moving parts and connect you with trusted professionals who can assist with:

  • Immigration and visa matters
  • U.S. and cross-border tax planning
  • Legal entity and ownership structures
  • Banking, financing and insurance
  • Renovation and furnishing
  • School and relocation guidance
  • Translation and local support

One trusted relationship for your family’s New York real estate needs.

Legal, tax, immigration, financial and other specialized services are provided by independent third-party professionals.

Healthy Homes & Holistic Property Evaluation

A home is more than a financial asset.

What makes our approach unique is the integration of holistic real estate principles with deep New York market expertise.

Alongside a property’s financial fundamentals, we consider how its setting, design and materials may shape the experience of living there.

A fuller evaluation

Financially considered. Personally aligned.

Drawing on Environmental Psychology, Neuroarchitecture, Building Biology, Vedic Architecture, Healthy Homes principles and Feng Shui, we look at both the visible details and those that are easy to overlook.

Location, land and surroundings

Nearby major roads, industrial and energy facilities, waste infrastructure and known contaminated sites; noise, odors, green space, trees, waterfront and the relationship between the building and its surroundings.

Position, approach and form

Building shape and position, street pattern, neighboring structures, the approach and entrance, and the balance of shelter, support and openness around the home.

Interior layout, flow and rest

Room proportions and relationships, circulation, sharp corners, clear pathways, and bedroom placement—including how the bed relates to doors, windows, shared walls, elevators and building systems.

Air, moisture and materials

Finishes and potential pollutant sources, ventilation and operable windows, HVAC, plumbing, moisture, past leaks and signs that may point to mold concerns.

Electrical and sensory environment

Nearby high-voltage lines, transformers, electrical panels, cell towers and the placement of routers or other wireless equipment—alongside noise, vibration, odors, privacy and acoustics.

Light and connection to nature

Daylight throughout the home, access to parks and trees, views, waterfront and the way natural surroundings contribute to comfort and a sense of connection.

We look for homes that support financial goals and feel harmonious, nourishing and aligned with the way you want to live.

An energetic home cleansing is included as part of our holistic evaluation. We can also offer guidance on favorable dates for a purchase, move-in, renovation or other important milestones based on astrological principles.

Why invest in New York City real estate?

A global city. A long view.

Manhattan: The World’s Premier Store of Value.

For generations, New York City real estate has served as a safe haven for global capital. While markets rise and fall, prime New York real estate remains one of the world’s most sought-after assets—valued for their scarcity, stability, and long-term wealth preservation.

Investing in New York is not simply purchasing property. It is acquiring ownership in one of the most economically powerful and culturally influential cities on Earth.

Global Demand

Manhattan remains a premier destination for international capital seeking stability, prestige and long-term value preservation.

Entrepreneurs, executives, students, institutions and investors from around the world are drawn to the city’s leading financial, technology, healthcare, university and cultural institutions. This diverse base supports demand for homes and rentals across sectors and market cycles.

Limited Supply

Manhattan is an island. Geography, landmark protections, zoning and limited development opportunities constrain new supply—a key factor in the long-term value of prime real estate.

You can build more housing. You cannot create more Manhattan.

Economic Power

New York City is home to leading financial institutions, technology companies, universities, healthcare systems and cultural organizations.

Its diverse economic base supports jobs, residents and housing demand across sectors.

Capital Preservation

Sophisticated investors know that real estate is not always about maximizing immediate cash flow. For some, it is part of a longer plan to preserve and grow wealth over decades.

New York has long attracted capital seeking security, stability and long-term appreciation.

Liquidity

New York benefits from a broad pool of local, national and international buyers. That reach can create more options when it is time to sell, though price and timing vary by property and market conditions.

Continuous Growth

New York continually reinvests in itself. Infrastructure improvements, neighborhood transformations, new businesses and cultural innovation can strengthen the city’s appeal and support future demand.

Inflation Protection

Real estate is often considered as part of a long-term inflation strategy. Historically, rents and property values have at times moved alongside the cost of living, though performance varies by asset and market.

A Legacy Asset

Many investors see a New York property as more than an investment. Depending on the property and ownership plan, it may offer rental income, personal use, flexibility and an asset to pass on to the next generation.

Client perspectives

What clients remember most.

Thoughtful guidance, personal attention and steady support—from the first conversation through the details of ownership.

It Feels Like Family Looking After Your Investment

Working with Irina and Seth feels completely different from working with a typical brokerage company. As a husband-and-wife team, they bring a level of care, communication, and trust that feels personal. They treat our investment as if it were their own and make ownership feel effortless.
Adam & Natalie K.

A Unique Holistic Approach to Real Estate

Irina approaches real estate in a way I've never experienced before. She helped us look beyond square footage and finishes to understand how a space would actually feel to live in. Her knowledge of Feng Shui, healthy materials, natural light, and the psychology of space gave us insights we never would have considered on our own. It's incredibly rare to find someone who combines investment expertise with such a holistic perspective.
James E.

Our Eyes and Ears in New York

As overseas owners, trust was everything. Irina and Seth are our eyes and ears in New York, handling everything from virtual tours and negotiations to coordinating attorneys, inspections, tenants, and ongoing management. Their communication is exceptional, and we always feel informed and supported. We trust them completely.
Anna and Robert K.

Exceeded Every Expectation

Working with Irina was an incredible experience. She exceeded all expectations, guiding me through every step of the home-buying process. She has the perfect combination of warmth and professionalism—an absolute pleasure to work with and a true expert in her field.
Hadley B.

They Made the Impossible Possible

Irina and Seth are great specialists. Irina is a real wizard: at first, she found for me an apartment for rent, perfect at all points! Afterwards, I wanted to buy an apartment, and Irina found the apartment of my dreams! It was almost impossible, because there were no apartments meeting my criteria on the market, but Irina did everything in her power and showed all her realtor skills to find The Apartment and persuade sellers to make the deal happen. I’m so grateful to Irina and Seth! They are simply the best!
Victoria Linda

Years of Trust, Exceptional Results

I have been dealing with Irina for several years and was always impressed by her dedication and love for NYC real estate. When she represents you, you do not need to concern yourself with deadlines and pesky details - everything will be taken care of for you! And now, when Irina works alongside Seth, the results of their representation are better than ever.
Irina L.
Meet your team

Irina Balueva
& Seth Donstein

Irina has worked in New York City real estate since 2016, specializing in off-market properties, new development and luxury transactions. Her approach combines market knowledge with studies in Feng Shui, Vedic Architecture and healthy-building principles.

Seth brings a builder’s perspective and entrepreneurial experience. A former hospitality partner and Director of Operations—and a psychology graduate—he brings construction knowledge, business judgment and a people-centered approach to every relationship.

Together, we are backed by the Appell Fernandez Team and SERHANT. while offering the personal care of a husband-and-wife team.

Get in touch
Begin here

Tell us what you want to own in New York.

Buying for yourself, your family or as an investment? We’d be glad to hear what you have in mind.

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