Adriana Velez is fostering a growing luxury real estate presence in Lake Country by establishing a local business center under the Ansley Real Estate - Christie’s International banners, signaling both personal momentum and broader market demand.
Velez, who launched her realty career just three years ago, said the decision to rebrand her existing building at 939 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton, into a dedicated real estate space was driven by both strategy and opportunity.
“We were talking about creating more awareness of our brand here at the lake because it’s really such a luxury market,” Velez said. “I do a lot of business in this area, and having this building here, I said, ‘Well, let’s just rebrand it for the Ansley Real Estate office.’”
The site operates as what the company calls a “business center,” essentially an extension of Ansley's primary brokerage office in Athens. The space allows agents to meet clients, receive marketing materials, and even host closings, which Velez said is critical in a region spread across multiple communities.
“We’re so varied,” she said. “It serves Madison, Greensboro, Eatonton, and we’re not going to drive to Athens every day. So, we have our little business centers.” The concept mirrors another Ansley-affiliated location in Madison, but Velez emphasized her Lake Country office fills a distinct need. With a significant percentage of buyers relocating from metro Atlanta, brand recognition also plays a major role.
“Over 45 percent of the people who move here to the lake are from Atlanta,” she said. “So when they see that name, it resonates with them. And that’s what we want.”
Though relatively new to real estate, Velez brings decades of business experience to the field. She previously built and led an international medical device company for more than 25 years before pivoting into real estate as acquisition opportunities emerged.
“I’ve always loved real estate,” she said. “I’ve invested in real estate in the community, and it was just a natural transition for me.”
That transition has been swift. In her first year, Velez reported about $6 million in sales by her company, followed by approximately $19 million last year.
“That’s not a bad trajectory,” she said with a smile. "Hopefully, it keeps going, too."
Her newly branded office reflects the polished aesthetic associated with the Christie’s International name, focusing on clean, modern design.
“We had to rebrand and get the colors right,” Velez said. “It’s black and white and gray; very clean, modern, very sophisticated. We really follow their look.”
The launch event drew a mix of clients, local business leaders, and members of the company’s Atlanta-based executive team. Velez described the turnout as “perfect.”
“I couldn’t be happier,” she said. “It’s just a warm, welcoming community, and I look forward to continuing to serve them.”
The Lake Country crew is part of a larger network of approximately 29 agents within Ansley's Athens-based brokerage, with about 10 serving the lake area directly. Velez praised her colleagues as being key to her operation’s success.
“They’re just a great group of people,” she said. “I’m honored to be able to work with them.”
As the Lake Country real estate market continues to attract buyers seeking high-end properties and lifestyle-driven moves, Velez believes the nearby presence of a recognizable luxury brand will only strengthen connections.
“People make it what it is,” she said of both the event and the business itself. “It’s all the people that come here. I'm really looking forward to what comes next.”