Inspiring Conversations with Andrea Halsey of Our Properties Investment Group/ Costello Real Estate and Investment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Halsey.

Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Yes, I was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., I received my bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University shortly after, I started working in the mortgage field at Wells Fargo. I thought this was my road to success, but it’s something about having a vision that made comfortability feel uneasy. Not long after working in corporate America, I gave birth to my first-born son, he was born prematurely at 1lb 13oz. With the amount of care that he required, I then made the decision to leave my job and become a full-time stay-at-home mom. Nevertheless, tapping into the real estate industry has always been my main goal. So, I decided it was time to start putting plans into action. One day we found a 1,500 sq ft house on craigslist for $9,000, yes you read it correctly 9K. With attorney fees and purchase price we spent a total of 10k. That home was the start of Our Properties Investment Group and the start to my career as an investor. The original plan was to purchase as many homes as possible cash only. And by the grace of God, we have been able to do so. We all know credit is king, but cash/ownership is power. Some may ask how was it possible? Well, besides having a great partner I would say it takes a lot of sacrifices, there were times when I wanted to take extravagant trips, go on shopping sprees etc. but instead I would take about 75% of my paycheck and invest it into my company. Some call it “Delayed gratification”.

I picked up a full-time job to help fund and push the projects along, I also became a licensed Realtor the winter of 2019. In April 2021, I decided to take the leap of faith and I left corporate America again. The amount of freedom and sanity I’ve gained from leaving my full-time job has been indescribable. I’m now a full-time Realtor and I’m able to dedicate more time to making my clients a top priority.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Success is never a smooth path. So, to answer your question no it hasn’t been smooth, but it was worth it. My journey in real estate has been filled with a lot of sacrifices. I always knew I wanted to be a Realtor but I kept failing the pre-licensing course. The saying is “the third time is the charm” well that was me, it literally took me three times to pass the course. The third time around was truly personal. Before I became a real estate investor in 2016, I went from living in my own dwelling to going from hotel to hotel when I could afford it, to sleeping on my friend couch, not because I wanted to but because I had a vision, and I knew that this was the route I had to take. I literally went from receiving food stamps and SSI to owning properties across the street from the welfare building, it took a lot of prayers, faith, and hard work to get where I am today. The journey may be personal, but the purpose isn’t. When you make the decision to take risks that other won’t, and yield to the sacrifice of living beneath your means, you are fortunate enough to reap rewards that can possibly change your life forever.

We’ve been impressed with Our Properties Investment Group/ Costello Real Estate and Investment, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Properties Investment Group pride ourselves on our integrity, expertise, commitment to quality. We specialize in renovations and long/short term rentals. In this economy where everything is inflated especially the cost of living, we’re able to rent homes at an affordable rate.

I also work at Costello Real Estate & Investments servicing the Raleigh-Durham market and surrounding areas. my team and I cater to buyers and seller providing each client with exceptional service throughout the entire process.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love deep detailed conversations. Sometimes I can become passionate about how others articulate their thoughts. I believe that by listening to someone and gaining their trust you could be possibly saving them.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.AndreaHalsey.Realtor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drea_the_realtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreaTheRealtor1