Sometimes, you need to step back in order to see the full picture. It was only when we took a break from our routine that we dared to dream big and saw the potential of a new adventure ahead.
In 2017, we decided it was time for a change. Life had become a whirlwind, with Jay working over 80 hours a week in the auto industry, and with two young kids, James and Kimber, at home, our family life was taking a backseat. Before the auto industry, Jay had been a police officer and served in the Marine Corps, and Amber had spent time working in the hotel industry before focusing on raising our kids. We were both feeling the strain of long hours that kept us away from family time, and we knew we needed to hit the pause button.
So, we did something that felt both exciting and a little daunting—we took nine months off to travel. We packed up our family and hit the road in our 4Runner, visiting family and friends across the country. We spent weeks at a time with people we hadn’t seen in years, from Florida to Arizona. It was a chance to reconnect, slow down, and reset.
During that time on the road, we started reflecting on what we really wanted for our future. The break gave us clarity. We knew we needed a career that would give us the flexibility to spend more time with our kids while still allowing us to help others—something that had always been important to both of us. We had always been interested in real estate and decided this was the best time to take the plunge together. By the end of 2017, we earned our real estate licenses and began building something greater than we ever could have imagined.
That first year in real estate wasn’t easy. We set a goal to get our first closing, and after months of hard work, we finally did in early 2018. It was a huge relief breaking through that initial barrier. We had moments where we thought about going back to our old jobs, especially when we went months without an income. But once that first deal closed, everything started to click. We closed 12 homes that first year, which we thought was a huge achievement. But now we are helping nearly 100 individuals and families with their homes each year!
Our journey in real estate has evolved in ways we never imagined. In 2019, we started Countryside Real Estate Group with our business partner Tim Ryan. Over the last 5 years we have grown our team to 13 agents. We have started new businesses to include: Spearpoint Investment Group w/ Tim Ryan, opened Hamtown Mercantile, Keyrenter Coastal Virginia Property Management w/ my dad Jim Hassell and even ventured into commercial real estate. We’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and real estate has opened doors we didn’t even know existed.
Working together has been incredible. Jay is the visionary, always dreaming big and making connections, while Amber is the implementer, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. We complement each other to ensure our clients receive a seamless, full-service experience, supported by our combined efforts and our dedicated team.
Outside of work, we’re all about family time. We are now a family of six, with two additions to our crew, Kelsey and Cara. We love spending time outdoors, whether it’s fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying life on our small farm with our goats, chickens, and a garden. Life is busy, but it’s filled with purpose, and we’re grateful for the path we’ve chosen.
Looking back, that decision to take time off and travel was one of the best things we’ve ever done. Guided by our faith, we have been blessed with the courage to take a risk on something new, knowing God had a plan for us. Now, real estate isn’t just our career—it’s become a way for us to build the life we’ve always dreamed of, with the flexibility to focus on what matters most: our family, our faith, and helping others.
Service to others is a core part of who we are. We’ve made it a priority to give back to our community in meaningful ways as active members of our local Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Jay’s military background has made supporting veterans a personal mission, and we frequently volunteer at events for veterans. We also enjoy coaching small businesses and fostering connections to help others find resources to succeed.
We are just as passionate about serving our clients in real estate! We are focused on building lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and personalized attention. We understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions people make, and we’re there every step of the way, offering guidance and support. Whether it’s negotiating the best deal, handling unexpected challenges, or simply being available for questions, we make sure our clients know they are our top priority. Our success is built on their satisfaction, and we take great pride in helping them achieve their real estate goals!
Sincerely,
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Supervising Broker/Owner (757) 745-9569 team@weSELLva.com |
 Amber Hassell |
