Empowering first-time homebuyers through education and personalized support is at the heart of Shirlonda Nicole’s lending philosophy. With over two decades of experience, Nicole earned a reputation as a trusted advocate for families navigating the journey to homeownership. “I do my very best to treat every client like a friend or family member,” she shares, relaying a philosophy that drives her approach to lending.
Nicole entered the mortgage industry in 2002 after a career in retail management. Encouraged by her sister to find a career with more flexibility and time for her young son, she discovered her true calling. “What I thought would be just a career change became my passion and purpose,” she recalls. Her retail experience provided the perfect foundation, as both fields require a people-focused approach.
Now serving as vice president of lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, she focuses on securing down payment assistance and grants to help her clients overcome financial hurdles. “I would like to think I have not only mastered the technical aspects of the mortgage process, but I have also developed a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by diverse clients,” she explains.
Nicole is the author of “Home Sweet Loan,” a guide to simplifying homeownership for first-time buyers. As a TEDx presenter and host of the “Get Home Ready” radio show, she educates audiences about financial literacy. Through her annual Homebuyer Expos and partnerships with organizations like the Sojourner Truth House, she continues to champion community empowerment.
Outside of her career, Nicole is a proud mother to two sons, Jaeden and Jarius. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, listening to music and drawing inspiration from her faith and life experiences.
Guaranteed Rate Affinity, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.
