Non Streeteasy Listings

it depends where in brooklyn you are looking. there are areas where the only way to see listings is by looking at the russian, chinese or hebrew newspapers.

That's true ab for another reason:
In Sheepshead Bay on Emmons Ave. there are just a few buildings that are co-op. The nicest apts. are pocket listings that the Russian brokers suggest when you call.
They are beautiful, large tastefully renoed apts. Great prices. Low maint.
How low? A recently renovated real two bedroom/bath (the master has a bathroom with a stall shower) over 1,100 sq ft. asking 285k. Maint:$830 . Parking spot available at low cost. Right by the water. Terraces,eve. doorman, and in one of the buildings a pool.Shopping and transportation right there.Two of the buildings allow subletting with no time limits.
You can walk to Manhattan Beach.

I saw the 2 bedroom and a beautiful 1 bedroom (amazing reno Italian bath and kitchen asking 250k maint $550.) when I was there to visit a friend who lives there and keeps his boat at the marina a few blocks away. Very nice.

Carol, are you reading this? Much nicer than Brighton Beach, friendly Russian residents most of whom work in Manhattan.
The best deals in N.Y.C. are there and people are missing out on them because they stereotype Russians.
The commute is long but worth it for the great prices and outdoor lifestyle.