Finding His Calling
David’s journey started in Easton, Massachusetts, where he received his degree in health care administration from Stonehill College. His goal was to have a degree in a field that would provide employment opportunities in Boston, a city known for its many hospitals. He kicked off his career as a supervisor in an insurance billing department for a local hospital system in the city, a position that, in hindsight, fills him with dread and discontent.

In 2008, David celebrated his wife’s success in obtaining her Master of Special Education. The couple soon realized that she was limited in finding a job she loved in Boston that would allow her to use her new knowledge. They decided to chalk the dilemma up to fate and relocated to Hampton Roads, where she found a job at a local elementary school. While Liz found happiness in her new career, David wasn’t getting a single call back for a new job. Thinking back to his freshman year of college, he remembered his economics professor mentioning real estate, a field that had stuck in his mind all these years. While waiting for a “real job” offer, he studied for his real estate license. Only a few months later, David obtained his license and dove into a career he was meant for.

When he moved to Hampton Roads, David only knew three people — his wife and an uncle and a cousin, neither of whom he’d seen in 20 years. Laughing, he says, “turns out knowing people is a big advantage in real estate! Who knew?” David believes the turning point of building his network was when he started playing CLUBWAKA kickball. “I don’t know what my career would look like if it weren’t for all the amazing friendships I’ve made over the years through the organization.”

David began his real estate career at Rose & Womble Realty, a brokerage that he credits for
helping form the foundation of his knowledge of the real estate industry. David expresses how grateful he was to have his first broker, Valerie Smoot, who guided him through the beginning of his new life as a REALTOR®. From there, he spent five years at Keller Williams, learning and growing. As his career flourished, David knew he needed to make a change, whether joining a new brokerage or opening his own. A friend mentioned eXp to him, though it wasn’t the first time he had heard of the brokerage. After learning about the benefits of eXp, David took the next big step in his career and made the switch.

Through eXp, David experienced a plethora of open doors for his business, and the company changed his outlook on relationships with his fellow agents. Without worrying about who’s on top, he feels he can focus on what truly matters — his clients and family and supporting his fellow agents in any way possible.

After teaching for 15 years, Liz joined David in real estate in an administrative role, an opportunity that David says was possible through joining eXp. Together, the couple looks forward to continuing to serve the local community to the best of their ability and growing together as a family. They have a 5-year-old daughter named Elena, who is already planning to be a future REALTOR® and continue her parents' legacy. The family enjoys spending quality time together, whether walking their two labs on the Noland Trail or around Colonial Williamsburg. You can often find them enjoying the local craft beer at Precarious Beer Project with a tray full of tacos and an order of nachos.

David chuckles as he shares that people are surprised to find out he’s a bit of a nerd. “I
love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Battlestar Galactica, Harry Potter and just about anything
with a superhero," he shares. "A pair of clients, both engineers and experts in all things nerd culture, even call me The Daywalker, which is just about the best compliment I’ve ever received.”

Whether he’s driving, working out or walking his dogs, David listens to multiple podcasts and audiobooks. Some of his favorites are The Tim Ferriss Show, Freakonomics Radio and The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone. He recently joined the CLUBWAKA bowling league, which has re-sparked his bowling hobby from his younger years. 

Success has evolved for David over the years, from selling enough to make a living to now believing success is not staying stagnant in his career and helping others grow with him. David is grateful for so much — a career he loves; the relationships he’s built; Liz, who has stood by his side for more than 16 years; and eXp, a brokerage that offers infinite possibilities.

“Dave exudes enthusiasm in everything he does, and he is one of the most knowledgeable and resourceful agents I know. He not only goes above and beyond for his clients, but he is also always willing to selflessly take the time to help out other agents with whatever they need. I am so grateful to be in business with him.” —David Caggiano, REALTOR® I Team Leader, eXp Realty