The places we live change over time. Sometimes, these areas are given a face-lift to enhance the charm and appeal for would-be purchasers. Other times, they fall into disrepair and remain that way because nobody sees the benefits of rehabilitation. What someone sees as an eyesore could become someone else’s canvas. Through the years, styles and tastes give way to the newer and (usually) better, more affordable ways of doing projects.
One area real estate developer doesn’t see properties without hope. Instead, he and his team look at rundown areas and see vision, hope and opportunity.
That is how Jonathan DePina, President and founder of Maximiliano Group, transforms properties in disarray and turns them into luxury homes for those looking to move either from across the state to across the country. His current project, located on 613 Angell street in Providence, is one of those.
Jonathan DePina views Rhode Island as a preferred destination to live.
“There are many people on the West Coast, particularly the ‘Tech Corridor’ between Silicon Valley and Seattle, who want or need a change of scenery and consider coming to the East Coast, I’ve worked with a few people already who moved from the west coast to RI,” he said. “Rhode Island has a lot to offer between its history, beaches, dining, entertainment, and other amenities. There is a charm here that isn’t available elsewhere. The proximity to Boston is so appealing, the best of both worlds. There is a growing need for additional luxury homes in this area because there is a high demand for them.”
DePina backed up his words by featuring one of the buyers he’s been working with: Vanessa Alvarez is a native Rhode Islander who’s making her way back after over a decade in Silicon Valley and Seattle, working in big tech companies and startups. After her startup was acquired, she decided to return to Rhode Island and help grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She reached out to Jonathan to show her one-of-a- kind properties, the homes that she knew were unique to Rhode Island, but with a modern touch.
She believes the goal for them is simple.
“Providence is a beautiful city,” said Vanessa, signifying her desire to return east as proof. “I am aligned with the goal of beautifying the city, particularly on the East Side, and love the idea of developers building one-of-a-kind, single-family homes to encourage people to settle here.”
What sets Jonathan apart from other such developers is his passion for his projects. He said while other people in his industry are looking to put up homes quickly, he bides his time. For DePina, it’s more about the quality of the work over the quantity of properties they can build and sell.
He would rather take time to find the types of finishes that will bring out the charm, craftsmanship, and décor, than just use supplies at national chain stores and be done. That is not how he works, Jonathan noted.
“Many developers average between two and three months to complete their project. That doesn’t often provide the time to find the right theme for the home. They may be thinking about their next project somewhere else.
“It can often take more than a year to finish a home,” Jonathan continued. “I want to find that special lighting, such as a chandelier, or a molding that will enhance the home’s beauty. It may be just a project for some developers. For me however, it represents something more. I want to return to the homes and see how it breathes and evolves over time and know that we had a hand in making all of that happen.”
One big misconception DePina faces is being thought of as a “house flipper.” He said that notation does not sit well with him because his work stands for the long-term buyers, families looking for their forever homes. While there are people who buy properties just to fix them up with a gloss-over job and resell them for profit, Jonathan said that is not his plan—now or ever.
DePina is not confined to the city. Besides the East Side, he noted other projects happening throughout the state, including Charlestown, several other up and coming neighborhoods in Providence, a 24-unit development in Brockton, MA, all throughout New England, Florida and North Carolina.
Jonathan has spent years in the mortgages and real estate industries and was instrumental in expanding the region for a real estate tech startup based in Seattle. He’s now venturing into another mortgage startup, still in stealth, but tying his expertise in mortgages and real estate together to create a more seamless real estate experience for buyers. He understands the power of using technology to build a better real estate experience.
His ideal clients are potential buyers in the luxury market, investors looking to make long-term, rewarding bets on luxury real estate, and real estate agents looking to be a part of something amazing. They can both be of service to him on locating possible building sites and places that could benefit from a transformation.
Jonathan takes pride in turning eyesore properties into eye-popping ones. He says by being someone who can potentially change the look and feel of a neighborhood, he is making a difference in Rhode Island communities as well.
For more details about Jonathan DePina and his services, please contact him at 401-692-7564 or by email at jdepina@maximilianogroup.com.
