How We Help You Buy

Buying a Home

For home buyers, Vesta provides expert guidance tailored to your goals. We begin with an In-Depth Strategy Session to understand your needs (family size, budget, timing). We then educate you on Atlanta’s neighborhoods – from schools and commutes to lifestyle amenities.
Throughout the search and negotiation, we provide market analysis and contract support so you find the right home at the right price.

Buying Strategies

Upsizing

Looking for more space? Moving into a larger home to fit a growing family or new needs like extra bedrooms, a home office, or more storage.

Downsizing

If your current home feels too large, downsizing can save on mortgage, taxes and upkeep, freeing up equity and reducing monthly bills.

Divorce

We work discreetly with each party to navigate selling or buying during separation, coordinating with attorneys and lenders.

Relocating

Moving to Atlanta? We offer virtual tours and neighborhood guidance to help you find the right home and settle in with confidence.

Our Buying Process

Goal Setting & Financing

We review your wish list and connect you with trusted lenders for pre-approval, helping you stay prepared and move quickly when the right home appears.

Home Search

We curate a list of homes that match your criteria, including MLS and off-market options, and tour them together while refining your preferences.

Making an Offer

When you find the right home, we build a strong offer strategy using market insights and negotiation to help you secure the property at a fair price.

Due Diligence & Closing

We guide you through inspections, appraisal, and contract steps while coordinating with lenders and title teams to ensure a smooth closing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer FAQs

How do I know if I should upsize or downsize?
Evaluate your current needs. If your family is growing or you need extra rooms, upsizing makes sense. If you have excess space and want to cut costs, downsizing can save money.
We educate you on each intown and suburban neighborhood’s culture, schools and lifestyle . We match your priorities (like walkability, school quality, commute time) to the right areas. For relocators, we emphasize neighborhoods that fit your criteria and offer virtual viewings if you’re still out of town.
Your down payment depends on the loan type: most conventional loans require 3–5% minimum, with many buyers putting down 10–20% . A larger down payment lowers your monthly mortgage and may avoid PMI. We can connect you with mortgage specialists to find programs that work for you. For reference, Zillow notes the typical down payment ranges between 3%–20% of the purchase price .
In competitive markets, we prepare to move quickly. This means having your financing pre-approved and paperwork ready. We’ll advise on an offer strategy – such as an escalation clause or best-and-final bid – to increase your chances. If cash offers arise, we’ll discuss the pros and cons with you (cash offers can be more attractive to sellers due to speed and certainty ).
The timeline varies. Once you’re ready, finding a home can take weeks to months depending on availability. After your offer is accepted, closing typically takes 30–45 days. Nationwide, the total from search to closing often spans 2–3 months. We’ll provide a realistic schedule tailored to your situation once we understand your needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re selling or buying, Vesta Consulting Group is here to guide you end-to-end. Schedule a complimentary strategy session today.

Smart Buyer’s Guide to Atlanta Real Estate

Learn how to spot opportunities, avoid common pitfalls, and secure the right property for your lifestyle and budget.

Get the Smart Seller’s Guide

Learn how to market your property, reach qualified buyers, and achieve maximum value in Atlanta’s luxury real estate market.
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Your Edge in the Market

From price trends to investment outlooks, our in-depth reports give you the knowledge advantage—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.

Ariella Faitelson

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Strategic Operations Leader | Brand Architect | Investment Property Expert

Operational Excellence Behind Atlanta’s #1 Real Estate Team

Ariella Faitelson co-founded Vesta Consulting Group alongside her wife, Valerie Gonzalez, bringing strategic operational expertise that has been instrumental in building Atlanta’s premier real estate consulting firm. As Chief Operating Officer since 2019, Ariella oversees all marketing and brand strategy, finance, client experience systems, and operational infrastructure that enables Vesta’s exceptional service delivery and market-leading performance.

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

Ariella’s operational vision has transformed Vesta Consulting Group from a high-performing real estate practice into a comprehensive consulting firm. Her strategic initiatives include:

  • Brand Architecture: Developed Vesta’s distinctive positioning as strategic real estate advisors rather than transactional agents

  • Marketing Strategy: Created comprehensive content marketing systems and brand presence across 30+ platforms

  • Operational Systems: Implemented scalable processes that support 50+ annual transactions while maintaining white-glove client service

  • Financial Management: Strategic oversight of business operations, growth planning, and investment allocation

  • Client Experience Design: Engineered end-to-end client journey systems that ensure seamless transactions and long-term relationships

Lumicent Homes: Investment Property Innovation

Recognizing the growing demand for turnkey investment properties in Metro Atlanta, Ariella launched Lumicent Home, Vesta’s investment branch specializing in property renovation and portfolio development. This division serves investors seeking strategic real estate wealth-building through expertly renovated properties, combining Ariella’s operational excellence with deep market knowledge.

Educational Foundation & Professional Background

Ariella brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to real estate, grounded in rigorous academic training:

  • Emory University: Double Major in Women’s Studies and Sociology (Summa Cum Laude)

  • University of Pennsylvania: Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

This educational foundation informs her client-centered approach, enabling deep understanding of client motivations, effective communication strategies, and relationship-building that transcends typical real estate interactions

 

Before entering real estate, Ariella owned and operated a successful fitness studio for eight years, developing the attention to detail, client relationship management, and operational systems expertise that now drives Vesta’s success. Her experience as a personal trainer and business owner cultivated the discipline, accountability, and results-oriented mindset that defines her operational leadership.

 

Licensed Real Estate Expertise

As a licensed REALTOR® since 2019, Ariella maintains hands-on involvement in client services, specializing in listing preparation and property positioning. Her operational perspective ensures every property is strategically marketed for maximum value and optimal market exposure. While primarily focused on business operations, her direct real estate experience keeps her connected to market realities and client needs.

 

The Perfect Partnership

Ariella’s operational excellence perfectly complements Valerie’s client-facing expertise and market knowledge. While Valerie focuses on strategic client advisory and relationship building, Ariella ensures the infrastructure, systems, and brand positioning exist to deliver exceptional results consistently. This partnership model allows both co-founders to operate in their areas of greatest strength, creating synergy that drives Vesta’s market leadership.

 

Market Knowledge & Community Connection

An Atlanta resident since 2009, Ariella has developed intimate knowledge of Metro Atlanta’s neighborhoods, market trends, and community dynamics over 15+ years. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, she brings both insider understanding and fresh perspective to Atlanta real estate, helping clients navigate the market with confidence.

 

Commitment to Client Success

Ariella’s approach to operations is fundamentally client-centered. Every system, process, and strategic initiative she implements serves a singular purpose: enabling Vesta Consulting Group to deliver transformative real estate experiences that build lasting client wealth and relationships. Her behind-the-scenes leadership ensures that clients receive not just exceptional service, but a consultative partnership backed by sophisticated operational excellence.

Valerie Gonzalez

Top 1% Atlanta REALTOR® | 27+ Years of Excellence | Keller Williams Intown Atlanta #1 Agent

Valerie Gonzalez stands as one of Atlanta’s most accomplished and trusted real estate professionals, combining 27 years of market expertise with an unparalleled track record of success. As the #1 agent at Keller Williams Intown Atlanta for both 2023 and 2024 by volume, GCI, and units sold, Valerie has established herself as the go-to expert for luxury homes, first-time buyers, and discerning clients throughout Intown Atlanta.

Unmatched Market Knowledge & Experience

Originally from Miami, Florida, Valerie has called Atlanta home for over 25 years, developing an intimate understanding of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, market trends, and cultural landscape. A Georgia State University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and History, her academic focus on architecture and early 20th-century homes provides unique insights that benefit clients interested in Atlanta’s historic and architectural properties.

Since beginning her real estate career in 1997, Valerie has successfully navigated multiple market cycles, demonstrating the adaptability and market intelligence that sets top professionals apart. Her longevity and consistent success through decades of change underscore her deep understanding of Atlanta real estate and unwavering commitment to client success.

Specialized Expertise Across All Market Segments

Valerie’s comprehensive approach serves a diverse clientele throughout Atlanta:

  • Luxury Home Specialists: Expert guidance for high-end properties and discerning buyers

  • First-Time Homebuyers: Patient, educational approach for new buyers entering the market

  • Move-Up Buyers: Strategic planning for growing families and changing needs

  • Downsizing Sellers: Thoughtful transitions for clients seeking simpler lifestyles

  • Intown Atlanta Expert: Deep knowledge of Atlanta’s most desirable urban neighborhoods

A Trusted Advisor, Not Just a Transaction Agent

Clients consistently turn to Valerie as a valued advisor rather than simply a transaction facilitator. Her thorough, non-biased approach has led her to advise buyers against unsuitable properties and counsel sellers to wait for optimal market conditions. This commitment to client welfare over commission has built a reputation for integrity that generates extensive referral business and long-term relationships.

Valerie’s depth of experience enables her to anticipate challenges and create solutions for complex real estate transactions, ensuring seamless and timely closings. Her commitment extends well beyond the closing table, as she continues to serve as a trusted resource for clients’ ongoing real estate needs.

Leadership & Industry Recognition

Before founding Vesta Consulting Group, Valerie served as Director of Sales and Expansion in Atlanta and Philadelphia for the #1 Team in the Southeast Region for Keller Williams in both 2016 and 2017. This leadership experience, combined with her current status as a Gary Keller Private Mastermind member, positions her at the forefront of industry best practices and emerging market trends.

Deep Atlanta Community Connection

Valerie’s cultural and community knowledge of Atlanta keeps her clients informed about the city’s vibrant lifestyle, from top restaurant openings and local concerts to art shows, festivals, and community events. This insider knowledge helps clients understand not just the real estate market, but the rich culture and lifestyle that makes Atlanta home.

Fluent in Spanish and proficient in French, Valerie serves Atlanta’s diverse international community with cultural sensitivity and multilingual capabilities.

Personal Approach to Professional Excellence

When not helping clients achieve their real estate goals, Valerie enjoys spending quality time with her wife and their two dogs, traveling internationally, exploring culinary scenes, attending theater performances, and nurturing friendships that enrich her connection to the Atlanta community.

Award-Winning Excellence in Atlanta Real Estate

Valerie’s exceptional performance has earned her recognition among the industry’s elite:

  • #1 Agent at Keller Williams Intown Atlanta (2023, 2024) – Volume, GCI, and Units

  • Top 100 Agent in Keller Williams Realty International

  • Gary Keller’s Private Mastermind member for Top 100 Agents (2023, 2024)

  • Top 5% Agent in Atlanta REALTOR® Association (2023, 2024)

  • Top 7% Agent in Atlanta REALTOR® Association (2021, 2022)

  • 50+ homes sold annually as an individual agent (2023, 2024)