SoHo has a way of holding memories, and for Danielle Nazinitsky, owner of Decode Real Estate, it is where the early chapters of her New York story began. We met her on a late afternoon when the sky carried a soft gray, hinting at rain but offering the kind of light photographers quietly hope for. Danielle arrived with a calm confidence, moving through the streets as if the city itself recognized her.
A quick exchange of laughter set the tone. She talked briefly about how she chose her outfit for the day, with every piece intentional and every detail reflecting her personality and brand. By the time our team settled in with cameras and notes, the energy shifted into something more structured that mirrored the clarity she brings to her work.
Building a Career From Scratch in the World’s Toughest Market
Every strong real estate career has a turning point, and for Danielle, the early years were anything but easy.
“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 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.”
It is a reminder that even in a booming market, success does not come from chance. It comes from choosing a path and walking it with discipline.
For First-Time NYC Buyers: Start With Curiosity, Not Pressure
Buying in New York is famously intimidating, and Danielle understands why. Her advice is refreshingly simple. Start by looking.
“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 is out there and understand what different price points really look like. As you see more, you will 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 will feel when you are ready to move forward.”
Curiosity becomes clarity, and clarity becomes confidence.
Balancing Luxury Real Estate, Brownstones, Toddlers, and a Blog
A luxury agent with toddlers, investment properties, and a growing brand does not sound like someone who has balance. Danielle does, because she has built it intentionally.
“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 have 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 is not always easy, but it keeps me grounded in my “why”: giving my children a great life and showing them what is possible when you build something you believe in.”
Her life, much like her work, is driven by purpose.
The Rewarding Buyers Who Become Lifelong Friends
Real estate is not just square footage and contracts for Danielle. It is trust.
“The most rewarding buyers are the ones who come back for multiple transactions. There is 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.”
Longevity, not volume, is what defines her success.
A Rare Quiet Friday: A Glimpse Into Her Routine
Even on a no-showings and no-email Friday, Danielle’s world does not slow down. It simply shifts.
“On a Friday, you will 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 am likely focused on making sure my open houses and showings are set up for success.”
As we walked with her through SoHo, she paused often to point out the history of a block or a building. It was an effortless reminder of how deeply she is woven into the fabric of the city she works in.
Decode Real Estate
To learn more about Danielle’s work and team: Decode Real Estate
