Thursday, October 1, 2026
Ask three homeowners about their experiences buying, selling or improving a home, and you'll likely hear three very different stories. Ask three Long Island homeowners about working with realtor and designer Joseph DeVito and a few common themes begin to emerge.
Although each came to him for a different reason, they all describe an experience defined by communication, thoughtful guidance and a personal approach that helped make important decisions feel a little less overwhelming.
After working in luxury retail with Gucci, Tom Ford and Barneys New York, DeVito said the common thread has always been helping people feel confident in their decisions through attentive, personal service.
"It's always extremely satisfying helping clients enhance their enjoyment of their surroundings through design," DeVito said. "In real estate, when it comes to working with sellers and buyers, the process can sometimes be daunting. There's a great sense of accomplishment for me when the end result culminates in success with happy clients."
Three Long Island homeowners recently shared what that experience looked like from their perspective.
For Jessica and Matthew Biggin of Malverne, working with DeVito has become less about individual projects and more about having someone they trust whenever a decision about their home comes along.
Between their families, they've bought and sold three properties with DeVito while also relying on him for design and renovation projects.
"From staging to closing, he handles every aspect of the transaction with a level of professionalism, grace and expertise that's truly rare," Matthew said. "Beyond being an outstanding realtor, he's been a trusted advisor, offering reassurance, guidance and a steady hand throughout the emotional ups and downs that naturally come with buying or selling a home."
The relationship didn't end once the transactions were complete. When it came time to renovate, they once again turned to DeVito, who helped guide everything from selecting finishes to recommending contractors.
"As my husband, Matt, always says, 'Joe skates to where the puck is going,'" Jessica said. "He instinctively knows what your future self will want. Whether it's selecting finishes or recommending the right vendors, he consistently aligns every decision with our style, goals and budget."
Today he's become their first phone call whenever something new comes up around the house.
"Before making any decision about our home, we say, 'Let's see what Joe thinks,'" Matthew said. "He has never steered us wrong."
Janice Ray wasn't buying or selling a home. Instead, she wanted to transform the first floor of the Malverne home she already loved.
She said DeVito approached the project as a collaborator, listening carefully to her ideas while helping bring them to life.
"Joe DeVito is an expert in his field," Ray said. "He is creative, professional and attentive to every detail. He is respectful of his clients' ideas and is with his clients every step of the way throughout the process."
She also appreciated that he incorporated many local businesses into the renovation, something she said added another meaningful connection to the project.
For Joseph LoSchiavo of Malverne, the biggest takeaway working with DeVito wasn't simply buying or selling a home. It was how manageable the experience felt from beginning to end.
"My situation was a little involved and he was able to make things calm, clear and took care of so many details," LoSchiavo said. "His professionalism and knowledge of the current market is priceless."
He said the consistent communication made it easy to trust the process.
"The thing that surprised me most about working with Joseph DeVito was his ability to make me feel comfortable, like I was in good hands," LoSchiavo said. "I believe he has a gift for seeing intuitively what people need. He's got a real talent for this business and I'm so glad I got to know him and work with him."
Although their experiences were different, each homeowner described something remarkably similar. One family found someone they trusted through multiple real estate transactions and home renovations. Another found a design partner who respected her vision while helping bring it to life. A third found reassurance during what could have been a stressful real estate process.
For DeVito, those stories reflect the approach he says has guided him throughout his career.
"For me, it's important to focus on how people feel about the interaction they have with me," he said. "I strive for comfort and a high level of hands-on service."
Herald Content Studio articles are produced by the Herald’s marketing division and independent of the newsroom. The Herald may be compensated by featured companies or purchases made through these articles, which does not constitute the Herald’s endorsement.
