When ansley real estate opened its doors in 2015, Atlanta was a city on the verge. A population boom, a skyline reimagining and a cultural renaissance that would redefine the real estate game entirely were just years away from being a reality. With so much on the horizon, it was arguably a perfect time for Bonneau Ansley III, a fifth-generation Atlantan and real estate maven, to bring his vision for a new kind of brokerage to life.
From day one, Ansley Real Estate was created to offer a more personalized, relationship-driven real estate experience to buyers and sellers in Atlanta, utilizing the latest technologies available to support every transaction. In essence, the brokerage did everything it could to break the mold and differentiate itself from standard real estate practices.
Over the last decade, the brokerage has grown significantly, earning its place as one of Georgia’s top-performing luxury brokerages and even expanding its reach into the international market. To enhance its global recognition, Ansley partnered with global luxury networks like LeadingRE and, in 2022, joined the Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate network, enhancing its global reach and prestige. By 2024, Ansley Real Estate was part of a $444 million acquisition by Compass, Inc., further solidifying its position in the national real estate market.
That impressive presence is part of what drew agent Lauren Burgess to the brokerage, but more than that were the ways in which the company culture aligned with Burgess’ personal beliefs. “I am always leading with excellence, authenticity and heart,” says Burgess, who joined Ansley in early 2025. “At Ansley, it’s not just about the sale—it’s about relationships, reputation and raising the standard. I bring that mindset to every client, every showing and every deal. Whether I’m negotiating a luxury lakefront estate or guiding a first-time buyer, I represent the brand with hustle, grace and a deep belief that how we work matters just as much as what we achieve.”
As the wife of a respected local builder at Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, Burgess’ decision to pursue a career in real estate seemed natural. “Real estate and design are part of our everyday life with my husband’s work,” she says. “My career began with a passion for people and places, and I built my foundation by learning every angle of the market, from contracts to curb appeal and quickly realized that luxury isn’t just about price—it’s about service, trust and experience. I joined Ansley because their values matched ours: a commitment to excellence, a focus on relationships and a drive to deliver results at the highest level. Being part of Ansley has elevated everything, from my business to the caliber of clients I serve.”
With each of the clients that Burgess serves, she brings the same drive and dedication to provide them with nothing but the best of herself. “I bring more than just market knowledge; I bring strategy, hustle and heart. I treat every listing like it’s my own and every buyer like family. With deep local insight, a strong network—including my husband’s custom home expertise in the Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair areas—and the backing of Ansley’s powerhouse brand, I’m able to deliver a seamless, elevated experience from start to finish. If you want a Realtor who’s all-in, detail-obsessed and genuinely invested in your outcome, I’m your call,” Burgess says. “My greatest strength as a Realtor is my ability to blend strategic thinking with empathy. I’m a fierce negotiator when it counts, but I lead with honesty and heart in every interaction. My clients trust me because I not only listen, but I also care. I show up for them every step of the way. With deep roots in this area and a builder’s perspective through my husband’s work, I bring both local knowledge and a trained eye for quality. I’m not just in it for the sale—I’m in it for the people.”
Originally from Watkinsville, Georgia, just outside of Athens, Burgess has lifelong ties to Lake Oconee that make her an ideal agent for the area. “My stepdad was born and raised in Greensboro, so I grew up spending weekends and summers on the lake. I’ve watched this area grow and transform over the last 21 years from a quiet getaway to a thriving community. That long-standing connection gives me a deep appreciation for both its roots and its future, and that’s something I carry into every relationship and every real estate transaction,” Burgess says. “One thing about the Lake Oconee area that never makes it into the listing descriptions—but absolutely should—is the sense of community that makes it feel more like a private club than a neighborhood. Listings will naturally mention golf and lake views, but they rarely capture how everyone from retirees to young families gather for dockside concerts, impromptu boat parades or Friday night dinners at The National. It’s not just luxury; it’s a lifestyle.”
Over the next few years at Ansley, Burgess has some very clear goals for herself and her career. “I want to continue growing a business built on trust, results and long-term relationships,” she says. “I also want to deepen my presence in the Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair markets and become the go-to for both buyers and sellers who expect a high level of service and expertise. I see myself expanding alongside my husband’s building business, offering clients a full-circle experience from lot to luxury. Most importantly, I want to keep raising the bar for what it means to be a great agent: consistent, connected and committed to excellence in every detail.” *
Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her at X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
“I bring more than just market knowledge; I bring strategy, hustle and heart. I treat every listing like it’s my own and every buyer like family.”
