The Appell-Fernandez Team, led by Andrew Appell and David Fernandez, is recognized as one of New York City’s most effective new development and sales collectives. Known for structured strategy, calm execution, and outcomes that consistently outperform the market, the team has built a reputation for delivering clarity and precision in every stage of the sales cycle.

With roots in Brooklyn and a prolific portfolio that now spans Manhattan and beyond, the Appell-Fernandez Team has become a trusted partner for developers, buyers, and sellers across New York City. Their multidisciplinary backgrounds in design, construction, and business leadership have fueled more than $600 million in closed sales, multiple industry honors, and recognition among the Top 20 New Development Teams in NYC (The Real Deal) and Top 50 Nationwide (WSJ Real Trends).

 
 

What sets them apart is not just their record, but their process. Every launch is architected with intention. Every decision is grounded in clarity. Clients describe them as calm in the chaos, sharp without ego, and relentlessly prepared. This ethos has enabled the team to drive record-breaking sellouts, set new pricing standards, and earn lasting loyalty across diverse neighborhoods and market conditions.

For the Appell-Fernandez Team, real estate is not just about transactions—it’s about transitions. Their work goes beyond bringing buyers; they bring structure and strategy to projects of every scale, ensuring that results are measurable, sustainable, and aligned with the vision of the people they serve.

 
 

Andrew Appell
@andrew_appell

Andrew Appell is a knowledgeable property expert who merges a prolific background in architectural design with a passion for real estate and marketing. He provides attentive service and comprehensive advice during each step of the buying and selling process, and his sincerity, track record, and down-to-earth professionalism help make clients feel comfortable and looked after. A seasoned veteran in the Brooklyn and Manhattan markets, he is a new development specialist particularly adept in the branding, marketing, and sales of luxury properties. Andrew has also carved out a niche in the townhouse arena, spearheading the design and carrying out the sales of multiple high-end spec homes.

Andrew graduated from the esteemed Pratt Institute with a Master of Architecture. He spent the next several years immersing himself in the field, practicing at renowned New York City-based firms as a designer-project manager. As he gained more exposure to the marketing and trading aspects of real estate, his interest in brokerage sales and individual client service began to grow. Eventually, he decided to transition from preparing assessments and drafting blueprints to creating cohesive brand identities for buildings and guiding buyers through home searches and contract negotiations. What’s more, Andrew specializes in transacting on the very same types of ground-up new development properties that he was once in charge of designing and managing.

For the better part of the last decade, Andrew has exclusively represented distinguished new development projects and individual standout listings, striving to give his clients memorable real estate experiences that integrate his credible design insights with deep market knowledge. He is an exceptional communicator, and his sophisticated approach is grounded in his straightforward, no-nonsense sensibilities. At SERHANT, he is excited to further explore his creativity and branding expertise at the convergence of real estate and media. 

Andrew is an NYC native whose family has lived in Brooklyn for multiple generations. He was born and raised in Ditmas Park and has lived in a variety of areas in and around the city, namely Clinton Hill, Long Island City, Jersey City, and Sheepshead Bay. Now in Mill Basin with his wife and their two children, he enjoys exploring new parts of the city and spending time with his family. As a proud home cook who fell in love with food at an early age, he is always ready to don his chef hat and prepare elevated comfort food that looks as good as it tastes.

David Fernandez
@originalfernandez

 
 

As the original founder of the team, David has spanned over two decades in real estate acquiring experience in multiple facets of the business, allowing him to masterfully balance the art of sale with providing exceptional managerial services. A true real estate entrepreneur at heart, David's resume exemplifies a natural progression of accomplishment in the trade. His earliest experience was with hands-on construction as a foreman, eventually progressing to the role of superintendent, and soon after taking on the broad responsibilities as project manager. Following this, David worked beside a well-respected major Brooklyn developer as the owner’s representative, handling everything from land acquisitions to funding, development planning, marketing, and other project-specific tasks. With this foundation, David took his next venture, becoming an esteemed licensed real estate salesperson. Within his first two years in the business, he became the unrivaled top producer at his previous company. David then chose to raise the bar by joining a more established brokerage, where he would undoubtedly be able to offer clients the very best access, data, resources, and marketing strategies in the industry.

Known for his unrivaled networking and fundraising capabilities, David was able to couple his experiences with his talents to quickly grow from a successful independent agent to a reputable team lead on multiple new developments throughout NYC. David is a firm believer in progressive expansion, where the quality of his team's brand, and the level of services that can be offered are ever improving. With his collective industry knowledge and customized approach, David and his team have continuously reinvented themselves to custom tailor their abilities to fit each client’s unique preferences and needs.

On the off chance you can catch David not busy racing around the city attending to business, he will most likely be enjoying spending quality time with his beautiful family of five in his custom home in New Jersey; but you may also catch him at an exclusive cigar bar or enjoying exotic hookah, rare spirits and fine dining throughout the city that never sleeps!

Seth Donstein
@sethdonstein

 
 

Seth first cultivated his affinity for architecture and real estate through his work with Greenland Building, Inc., a modern design residential construction firm, developing projects influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. An experienced builder, carpenter, and designer, Seth has directly helped his developers bring their visions to life, managing everything from interior finishes and exterior landscaping to the choice of what materials are best suited to deliver the desired form, function, and beauty.

Harnessing his years of construction experience, Seth brings a fresh perspective to the real estate process. He can reliably assess the inherent value of a property and utilizes his craftsmen’s eye to ensure that his clients possess a sound understanding of all of the critical elements of its structure and design. A careful study of people, Seth also appreciates how intimidating selling, buying, or investing in NYC can be; he takes real time connecting with his clients and is always available to answer questions, discuss decisions, or share thoughts.

Prior to joining SERHANT., Seth ran a bi-coastal, world renown hospitality group where he became a specialist at meticulously managing elaborate budgets and deftly handling complex negotiations. An honors graduate of Brooklyn College with a degree in psychology, Seth combines his craftsman's knowledge and business expertise with a people-centered, empathic approach to carefully guide clients to their real estate goals.

Born in Brooklyn, Seth has spent much of his life in NYC, having lived in Sheepshead Bay, Midwood and Park Slope. As a Manhattan resident, he lived on the Upper West Side and worked downtown, spending countless hours exploring the city and studying its evolution. Currently, Seth resides on Roosevelt Island with his wife, Irina, and their son, Aksel. He is an accomplished bassist with a multitude of album credits and has toured extensively. In his downtime, Seth enjoys family adventures, traveling the globe, riding his motorcycle, and flying helicopters.

Irina Balueva
@irinabaluev

 
 

Combining her vivacious personality and infectious energy with a keen intellect, deep curiosity, and unwavering drive, Irina Balueva carefully curates targeted, positive, and productive real estate experiences for her diverse clientele. Since 2017, sellers, buyers, and investors of all stripes have come to rely on Irina’s timely insights, unparalleled integrity, and absolute discretion to guide them through one of the most unique and challenging markets in the world.

Focused on building relationships that go beyond any individual transaction, Irina leverages an extensive network of contacts and connections to cultivate quality leads, source the most current information, and harness comprehensive resources. A consummate professional, clients trust her to intuit their goals, appreciate their values, and anticipate their needs – providing a level of personalized service that breeds confidence, prioritizes comfort, and produces results.

A graduate of the Saint Petersburg University of Economics and Finance, Irina holds a bachelors of business administration degree in Statistics and Econometrics and a master’s degree in Risk Management. Her thesis concentrated on the impact of financial cycles on real estate markets and developed the analytical lens through which she studies industry trends and identifies prime opportunities. A fierce advocate, Irina has cut her teeth in high-end negotiations and is experienced with everything from resales and relocations to foreign investments and new developments. Always a trendsetter, Irina also brings fresh creativity to marketing and displays a real flair for design.

In her downtime, Irina loves to explore the city and delve into its history with her husband Seth and their son Aksel.

TF PRESS

 
 

AF Team at SERHANT. l Licensed NY Real Estate Sales Team l 372 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012

917-968-4394 | 917-309-3398 l afteam@serhant.com