We can’t think of a better way to start Season 3 of the Impact Real Estate Podcast then by welcome Buwa Binitie - Managing Principal at Dantes Partners out of Washington D.C. On this episode, Buwa tells us how to lead with the power of positivity, what is at the ethos of Dantes Partners, and the steps he's taken as a 17-year-old Nigerian immigrant to become the head of his own real estate company that prioritizes affordable housing. 

EPISODE NOTES:

02:30 - The power of positivity 

06:35 - Going head-to-head

07:50 - The beauty contest 

09:08 - Private-public partnerships 

10:46 - Getting creative: Fire station site 

13:40 - Company ethos 

16:55 - The Ritz-Carlton pushing back 

21:10 - From Nigeria to the U.S. 

23:25 - A family of entrepreneurs 

30:56 - Immersing into affordable housing 

36:38 - Anatomy of the first deal 

40:56 - Higher barrier of entry 

42:54 - The vision and goal for the company 

47:16 - The Hot Seat presented by KK Reset 

Buwa has over eight years of experience in financing complex real estate transactions.

Buwa has an extensive tax credit financing experience (LIHTC, NMTC and HTC) and has closed on financing from nearly every public capital source available including HOME, HPTF, NSP, CDBG and NIF. Buwa maintains a narrow focus on creatively structuring deals that strive to address the need of his clients, community stakeholders as well as various government agency partners. By narrowly focusing on efficiently financing community development transactions, Buwa has been successful in adding value beyond the numbers.

To date Buwa and his team are currently managing over $200 million in assets.

As Managing Principal of Dantes Partners, Buwa directs the acquisition, development, management and financial activities of the firm.

Buwa career is underscored by a commitment to creating and preserving affordable and workforce housing. To this end, Since founding Dantes Partners, Buwa and his team have closed over $219 million of unconventional real estate transactions that utilize low-income tax credits, new market tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and a various other forms of alternative financing. These efforts have lead to the creation of over 700 units of workforce and affordable housing.

Buwa speaks regularly at industry focused events. Recent engagements include sessions with The Minority Resource, African-American Real Estate Professionals, Biz Now, DC Building Industry Association, Georgetown University, University of Maryland – Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development and the Howard University Real Estate Club.

Buwa received a B.S. from New York University and an M.S. in Real Estate Development from Johns Hopkins University and is also an alumnus of the Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Apprenticeship Program.