Derek Caffe is the Managing Broker of CAFFE Realty LLC, a subsidiary of Code Black Properties, LLC. Derek first got started in real estate in April 2015 when he purchased his first home, a duplex in historic Clarkdale, GA where he used the house hacking strategy. In 2016, he quit his job as a mailman with USPS and went full-time into real estate. A year later in April 2017, Derek obtained his license as a real estate agent in Georgia and started Code Black Real Estate, LLC which was later renamed to CAFFE Realty LLC. In October 2022, Derek gained his real estate broker's license.
Derek specializes in investment sales for residential, and commercial properties in addition to land sales. Derek is originally from Youngstown, OH, having relocated to metro Atlanta on New Year's Eve of 2010. Derek resides in the Unity Square neighborhood of downtown Austell, GA with his lovely wife.
Derek has actively been involved in the City of Austell's future growth and development having been a private stakeholder for Austell's 2017 and 2022 Comprehensive Plan, 2021 Austell LCI Study, and 2023 Austell Powder Springs Road Trail, along with being a real estate developer actively building housing units in downtown Austell's Unity Square neighborhood. There is no other real estate broker who knows the ins and outs of the City of Austell better than Derek.
Prior to starting CAFFE Realty, Derek served with the US Army. Derek is currently a medically retired veteran. After leaving service he obtained his bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University with a concentration in finance. Derek briefly attended Clark Atlanta University for his MBA but decided to postpone its completion to focus on the growth his companies.
In his free time, Derek enjoys working out, cycling, discussing urban planning, and community building. Derek currently serves as a founding board member for two local non-profits. There is the recently formed Austell Police Foundation where he is on the Board of Directors and Create Austell, a civic organization where he serves as Chairman and Founder. Derek is a member of Black Nonbelievers and is a secular humanist.