Questions, answered

Lexington Residential is our New York City real estate team at Platinum Forbes Global Properties. We represent buyers, sellers, renters, landlords and investors across Brooklyn, Lower and Midtown Manhattan, and Queens.

Two equal partners: me, Russell Pollack, and Aliona Slipenskaya. I founded the team, and Aliona and I share the work, the clients and the decisions equally.

We wanted a name that felt rooted in classic New York — the kind of residential real estate that's about homes, blocks and neighborhoods, not just transactions.

Our brokerage office is at 100 Wall Street, Suite 202, in the Financial District. I live in Brooklyn, and between the two of us we're out in Brooklyn and Manhattan every day.

Our core neighborhoods are Park Slope, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights and the Financial District. We also work regularly in DUMBO, Williamsburg, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Bed-Stuy, Tribeca, Battery Park City, the East Village, the Lower East Side, Murray Hill and Midtown.

Buyer representation, seller representation and listing marketing, rental search, landlord leasing, and investment analysis — including renovation and repositioning strategy.

All the time. Many of our five-star reviews come from first-time buyers. We walk you through every step: pre-approval, offers, board packages, inspections and closing.

Yes. I represented the buyer in the $5.7 million penthouse sale at The Huron in Greenpoint, reported at the time as the highest-priced condo sale in the neighborhood. We bring the same care to a $3,000-a-month rental.

We hold 5.0-star ratings on Zillow and RentHop — over 45 reviews between us. Clients mention responsiveness, honesty, neighborhood knowledge and negotiation most often. You can read them on our About page.

Call or text me at (929) 396-5341, call Aliona at (929) 877-2077, email the team at [email protected], or use the contact form on this site. We usually respond the same day.

Seven days a week, within reason. Real estate in New York doesn't keep office hours, and our clients routinely mention how quickly we respond — evenings and weekends included.

You get two experienced partners for the price of one agent. One of us can be at a showing while the other is negotiating, and you always have a second set of eyes on pricing, contracts and building financials.

I'm a New York State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (license #10401358201) at Platinum Forbes Global Properties and the founding partner of Lexington Residential. I was a Top 10 agent at the firm in 2024 and 2025.

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and came to New York by way of South Florida. My grandfather was a developer and my mother is an interior designer. Before real estate I spent seven years producing music for film and television, including work for HBO.

Producing teaches you deadlines, detail and how to keep a lot of people moving toward one result. That's exactly what a New York closing requires: buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, boards and managing agents all on one timeline.

Aliona is a New York State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (license #10401398438) at Platinum Forbes Global Properties and an equal partner in Lexington Residential.

Aliona holds an MBA and has executive leadership experience. She managed operations for a luxury bath and kitchen company, collaborated with a luxury developer, and completed residential renovations — including repositioning properties for investment.

English, and Aliona also speaks Russian and Spanish fluently, and is conversant in Romanian and several other languages.

Usually both. One of us will typically lead day-to-day, but we review strategy, pricing and negotiations together on every deal.

I'm a Brooklyn resident, and Aliona has lived in New York for nearly two decades. We know these neighborhoods as residents, not just as agents.

Yes. We are both New York State Licensed Real Estate Salespersons supervised by Platinum Forbes Global Properties, a licensed New York real estate broker. Our license numbers appear on every page of this site.

I was recognized as a Top 10 agent at Platinum Forbes Global Properties in both 2024 and 2025, and our Huron penthouse deal was covered by The Real Deal.

I've closed more than 27 sales and over 80 rentals across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and Aliona has helped many first-time buyers and renters find homes in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our track record is on the Listings page.

It's our brokerage — a licensed New York real estate broker headquartered at 100 Wall Street in the Financial District, and a member of the Forbes Global Properties network of luxury brokerages.

Forbes Global Properties is an invitation-only network of independent luxury real estate brokerages affiliated with the Forbes brand. Membership gives our listings international exposure on the Forbes Global Properties platform.

Your property can be marketed to a global audience of high-net-worth buyers through the Forbes Global Properties network, in addition to StreetEasy, Zillow and the REBNY RLS.

Access to a deep network of agents across New York, early word on new and off-market listings, and in-house relationships with attorneys, lenders and inspectors we trust.

100 Wall Street, Suite 202, New York, NY 10005. The main office line is (212) 825-0050.

No. Lexington Residential is a team within Platinum Forbes Global Properties. All of our work is done under the brokerage's license and supervision.

Yes. Through the Forbes Global Properties network we regularly coordinate with agents abroad, and we're used to remote tours, international financing questions and closings handled by power of attorney.

Yes, the firm works on new development sales and resales. We'll help you compare sponsor units against resales and explain how offering plans and sponsor closing costs work.

The right time is when the numbers work for your life — your timeline, job stability and how long you'll stay. I'll show you current comparable sales so you can judge value block by block rather than by headlines.

Condo lenders commonly allow 10–20% down. Co-op boards usually want 20% or more, plus post-closing liquidity — often a year or two of carrying costs in the bank after closing.

Plan on roughly 2–5% of the price: attorney fees, bank fees, title insurance and mortgage recording tax for condos and houses, board and lien-search fees for co-ops, and the mansion tax on purchases of $1 million or more. Our Journal has a full breakdown.

It's a New York State tax paid by the buyer on residential purchases of $1 million or more. It starts at 1% of the price and steps up in higher brackets in New York City.

Typically 60–90 days from accepted offer to closing for a condo, and 90–120 days for a co-op because of the board review. New development can take longer if the building isn't finished.

Get pre-approved, define your must-haves, tour, make an offer, negotiate, sign the contract with a deposit (usually 10%), complete financing and any board package, then close. We manage every step with you.

Yes. In New York, attorneys negotiate and draft the contract and handle closing. We'll introduce you to experienced residential attorneys if you don't have one.

A brownstone gives you space, outdoor area and potential rental income, but comes with maintenance and renovation decisions. An apartment is simpler to own. We'll walk through the true cost of each, including taxes, insurance and repairs.

The foundation, roof, facade, plumbing and electrical, whether it's a legal one-, two- or three-family, the certificate of occupancy, and landmark district rules. Aliona's renovation experience is especially useful here.

Yes, and many buyers do. Two- to four-family homes can qualify for residential financing, and rental income can help with the mortgage. We'll check existing leases and any rent-stabilized units before you commit.

When several offers come in, the listing agent may call for best and final. We help you decide when to compete, how to strengthen terms beyond price, and when to walk away.

Often, yes. It depends on how long a home has been on the market, comparable sales and the seller's situation. We base every offer on data, not guesswork.

A buyer's agent represents your interests, not the seller's. Compensation is negotiated and disclosed in writing up front — we'll explain exactly how it works for your purchase before you commit.

Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and Prospect Heights are popular for parks, schools and a neighborhood feel. We can't steer you by demographics, but we'll gladly share facts about schools, parks and commutes.

Prospect Park West and the blocks nearby carry a premium for park access and light. Small details — the side of the street, the floor and the views — make a measurable difference to value.

Through relationships. We hear about homes before they list through our brokerage network and past clients, and we'll reach out to owners on your behalf when it makes sense.

FiDi offers full-service buildings, strong amenities and often better value per square foot than nearby Tribeca or the West Village, with outstanding subway and ferry access.

Many are excellent, but check the conversion quality, window and HVAC systems, common charges and the building's reserves. We review the financials and offering plan with you before you offer.

Tribeca is loft-centric, with converted warehouses and boutique condos. Battery Park City is a planned waterfront neighborhood with newer towers, parks and a quieter feel.

Murray Hill and Midtown East offer doorman co-ops near Grand Central at accessible prices. They're popular with buyers who value an easy commute and building services.

Much of Manhattan's older housing stock is co-op. Co-ops are often priced below comparable condos, but they come with board approval and stricter financial requirements.

Condos usually allow it. Many co-ops restrict or prohibit pied-à-terre use, or charge a fee. We'll confirm each building's policy before you fall in love.

Condo owners pay common charges plus their own property taxes. Co-op owners pay monthly maintenance, which typically includes their share of the building's taxes and underlying mortgage.

A fee some co-ops (and a few condos) charge when an apartment sells, usually paid by the seller. It's often 1–3% of the price. We'll factor it into your resale math.

With a condo, you own real property. With a co-op, you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, and a board approves buyers. Condos are more flexible; co-ops are often less expensive.

A detailed application with tax returns, bank statements, reference letters and more. We prepare and review it with you so it's complete and board-ready.

Typically a debt-to-income ratio in the 25–30% range, enough liquid assets after closing, stable employment and a clean, well-organized package. Each building sets its own standards.

Yes, and in New York they don't have to explain why — though they can't discriminate illegally. A strong, well-prepared package and a building matched to your finances are the best protection.

Most condo boards have the right to buy a unit on the same terms as your contract. They almost always waive it, but it adds a short step to the timeline.

New development gives you new systems and finishes, but you'll typically pay transfer taxes and sponsor costs, and the building has no track record. We'll compare the full cost against resale options.

The sponsor's legal disclosure for a condo or co-op — the building's details, budget and rules. We review it with your attorney so you know what you're buying.

Reserve funds, upcoming assessments, underlying mortgage (for co-ops), recent capital projects, and any litigation. These tell you whether your monthly costs will stay stable.

Condos are usually flexible. Co-ops often limit subletting to a certain number of years or require board approval. Always check before you buy if renting it out matters to you.

Yes, but you'll need building approval through an alteration agreement, and sometimes city permits. Aliona and I can help you estimate renovation scope and value before you buy.

We'll prepare a free pricing opinion based on recent comparable sales in your building and on your block, current competition and buyer demand — not an automated estimate.

We look at closed sales, active and in-contract listings, condition, layout, light and views, then set a price that attracts multiple buyers rather than chasing an aspirational number.

Spring and early fall are traditionally the most active seasons, but well-priced homes sell year-round. The right time depends on your next move and the current competition.

Professional photography, floor plans and video, a strong listing on StreetEasy, Zillow and the REBNY RLS, exposure through the Forbes Global Properties network, and direct outreach to buyers and agents.

Usually, yes. Even light staging and decluttering help buyers picture themselves in the space. Our design background means we'll tell you exactly what's worth doing — and what isn't.

Sometimes. Paint, lighting and small repairs almost always pay off. Bigger projects rarely do unless the home is far behind its competition. We'll give you an honest cost-versus-return view.

Typically brokerage commission, attorney fees, NYC and NYS transfer taxes, and, for co-ops, a possible flip tax and managing agent fees. Expect roughly 6–10% all in, depending on the property.

Sellers usually pay NYC real property transfer tax (1% up to $500,000 and 1.425% above for residential) and New York State transfer tax (0.4%, or 0.65% on residential sales of $3 million or more). Your attorney will confirm exact figures.

A well-priced home in our core neighborhoods often goes into contract within a few weeks. Closing usually follows 60–120 days later depending on condo or co-op.

Commission is negotiable and set out in a written listing agreement. We're happy to walk through our marketing plan and fee structure in a no-pressure conversation.

Yes. A quiet or pocket sale can make sense for privacy. We'll explain the trade-off between privacy and maximum exposure so you can choose.

Of course. We'll schedule showings around your life and help you keep the home show-ready with minimal disruption.

Attorneys draft and negotiate the contract, the buyer signs with a deposit, then financing, appraisal and any board process follow before closing. We keep everyone on schedule.

Yes, but tenant protections affect value and timing. We'll review leases and rent rolls and help you position the property for the right investor.

New York City's FARE Act took effect on June 11, 2025. It means whoever hires the broker pays the broker. If a landlord hires us to list an apartment, the renter doesn't pay our fee.

Only if you hire us directly to search on your behalf, and we'll put any fee in writing before we start. If we're the landlord's listing agent, you won't pay us a fee.

Most landlords want an annual income of about 40 times the monthly rent. Guarantors usually need about 80 times the rent.

Photo ID, recent pay stubs or an employment letter, bank statements, recent tax returns and credit authorization. Having them ready lets you move fast.

First month's rent and a security deposit, which New York limits to one month's rent. Application fees are capped at $20 for credit and background checks.

About 30–45 days before your move. Most NYC apartments hit the market a month or so before they're available and rent quickly.

Many landlords accept institutional guarantor companies, or you can offer additional deposit where allowed by law. We'll help you find buildings that fit your situation.

An apartment where annual rent increases are regulated by the city's Rent Guidelines Board and tenants have renewal rights. They're less common in newer buildings but do exist.

Yes. We price, market, show and screen for owners and condo investors, handle applications and coordinate the lease. I've leased more than 80 apartments.

Yes — from studios in FiDi doorman towers to large Brooklyn homes. We know which buildings deliver on their amenities and which landlords are easy to work with.

Good apartments in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan can rent within days, especially in summer. Being pre-qualified with documents ready is your biggest advantage.

Sometimes — usually in slower seasons or when an apartment has been listed for a while. We'll tell you honestly when there's room to negotiate and when there isn't.

Brownstone blocks, Prospect Park, and the shops and restaurants of Fifth and Seventh Avenues. It's one of Brooklyn's most established neighborhoods, with a mix of townhouses, co-ops and condos.

A waterfront neighborhood with a strong Polish heritage, new luxury towers along the East River, the G train and NYC Ferry. It's where we closed the record-setting penthouse at The Huron.

It was New York City's first historic district, with landmark rowhouses, quiet tree-lined streets, the Promenade's skyline views and quick subway access to Manhattan.

Historic streets, full-service buildings, waterfront parks and nearly every subway line. It's quieter at night and on weekends than many people expect, and it keeps getting more residential.

DUMBO has converted warehouse lofts, new condos, Brooklyn Bridge Park and incredible views, with a premium price to match.

Williamsburg offers waterfront towers, new development, nightlife and a fast L-train commute. East Williamsburg and South Williamsburg each have their own character and price points.

A compact neighborhood near the Brooklyn Museum, Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, with brownstones, new condos and great restaurants along Vanderbilt Avenue.

Grand brownstones, Fort Greene Park, Pratt Institute and a strong arts culture, with easy access to Downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Quiet, villagey neighborhoods with brownstones and front gardens, Court and Smith Street shopping, and the F and G trains.

Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn are just one or two subway stops from the Financial District. The NYC Ferry from Greenpoint and Williamsburg is another great option.

Energetic and walkable, with walk-ups, co-ops and newer condos, plus some of the city's best restaurants and bars.

Our Neighborhoods section has in-depth guides to Park Slope, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights, the Financial District, Midtown and more — housing stock, transit, parks and what to watch for.