Residential Properties Ltd. expanded into the Newport market Thursday with the acquisition of Libby Kirwin Real Estate and the opening of their new office at 418 Spring Street.
“We’re very excited to be opening in Newport and we already have 7 agents on board and plan to grow,” said Sally Lapides, CEO of Residential Properties. “With the difficulties we’ve all gone through over the last 15 months, it’s about time we all had something to celebrate and we’re excited to be in Newport!”
Libby Kirwin Real Estate (LKRE) has been a leading boutique firm in Newport since 2010. Libby and her dedicated, knowledgeable agents have deep roots on Aquidneck Island as well as a stellar reputation. “Libby built a strong and respected business in Newport and was looking to take her company to the next level,” remarked RPL President and CEO, Sally Lapides. “Residential Properties has been No.1 in Rhode Island residential sales for over a decade, breaking the billion-dollar mark last year. With the addition of Libby Kirwin Real Estate to our over 250 power brokers, RPL will rapidly expand its presence throughout Newport, Portsmouth, Little Compton, and Jamestown.”
“I recognized that my company was at a size and capacity that in order to evolve and stay competitive, it would be important to team up with a larger company that didn’t have a presence on Aquidneck Island,” said Libby Kirwin. “Residential Properties was the perfect fit. I was very impressed with Sally’s reputation and wanted a woman-run company to be the direction for Libby Kirwin Real Estate.”
Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Prior was on hand for the ribbon cutting and remarked that real estate prices are up 18% in Rhode Island over the last 12 months and that Rhode Island has had the third strongest post pandemic recovery, first in the North East.
Residential Properties Ltd. is Rhode Island’s largest and most successful independent real estate company with over 250 agents and eight offices locations -Barrington, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Narragansett, Newport, Providence, the West Side of Providence, and Westport, Massachusetts.
For over a decade straight, RPL has ranked #1 in Rhode Island for overall sales volume.
Meet RPL Newport’s Sales Associates!
Joseph Costa
With a bachelor’s degree in business and sociology from Providence College, Joe hit the ground running and built a successful company by the age of 25, having since served in sales, marketing, and management roles in tech startups and management consulting. He has bought, renovated, and sold 14 luxury homes throughout the East Coast.
Pawler Garrahan
Pawler is an experienced Newport Realtor®, having worked in Narragansett as well. Prior to returning to Rhode Island, she gained invaluable professional experience with the CBS Morning News, with Morgan Stanley in institutional sales, and as an executive recruiter.
Brian Govednik
Brian graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhode Island, where he was a member of the sailing and skiing teams. He is a lifelong resident of Bristol, giving him an extensive knowledge of the East Bay and its real estate processes.
Sarah Kirwin-Brady
Originally from Aquidneck Island, Sarah began working as Office Administrator and Personal Assistant to her cousin Libby in 2010. In 2012, she acquired her license and moved into the role of Realtor® at Libby Kirwin Real Estate.
Samantha Tobin
Sam loves coastal living and calling Aquidneck Island home. It was during the purchase of her first home in Newport that she knew she wanted to pursue a career in real estate. Sam brings her negotiation talents, analytical skills, and understanding of relocation to her clients.
Kathleen Wilson
With a prior 18-year career as a high school counselor, Kathleen decided to embrace challenge and change during the pandemic to become a real estate agent. Her additional 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and long-term residence in Newport brings to RPL important connections within Rhode Island’s communities.
Marisa Ferris
Marisa has been a licensed Realtor® for 10 years and is a top-performing agent at Residential Properties. As a native Rhode Islander with extensive local knowledge, her professionalism and tenacity consistently guide her clients toward success.
Libby Kirwin, Broker Associate
Born and raised in Newport, Libby has successfully navigated the real estate industry for over twenty eight years by staying ahead of the curve. In addition, she is the Lead Design Consultant at Libby Kirwin Renovation & Design Consulting, established in 2012.
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