Providence, RI (December 7, 2009) - Residential Properties Ltd. has announced the addition of Jim DeRentis to the Providence office as a full time agent. He joins the company after a distinguished career in banking, and most recently as the chief business officer of Bank Rhode Island, a full-service, FDIC-insured, state-chartered financial institution headquartered in Providence.

Jim is actively involved in the greater Providence community. He is on the Board of Trustees of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Repertory Company, the Mayor’s Arts Advisory Board and a member of the Providence Redevelopment Authority. For 20 years, DeRentis has been involved with a variety of Providence community organizations including the Arts and Business Council of RI, SWAP, WBNA, AIDS Care Ocean State, Providence Preservation Society, and the Perishable Theater Advisory Board.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University and a Masters of Business Administration from Providence College.

When asked why he made the switch to real estate, Jim noted “After buying, selling and developing residential and mixed use properties for the last 25 years, I’ve decided to pursue a dream and enter the real estate business full time.  I firmly believe that real estate is a sound investment whether in an up or down cycle.  I am pleased to be associated with Rhode Island’s premier real estate company and believe that my combined banking and real estate experience will serve both clients and the firm well.”

Ed Hardie, Manager of the Providence office, added “I am pleased that Jim decided to start his career in real estate sales with Residential Properties.  Jim brings a wealth of knowledge of the banking business and real estate development to this office.  He also is totally involved in the community with his service activities, which is something we look for when recruiting agents. I am sure Jim will have a long and successful career helping his clients and customers reach their real estate goals.”