**The Charlotte Mortgage Navigator: Allen John**  
In a market as fast-moving as Charlotte, you don't just need a mortgage; you need a strategic partner who outpaces the competition. I combine **cutting-edge AI precision** with a deep-rooted understanding of the Queen City's unique landscape—from the historic streets of Dilworth to the booming suburbs of Fort Mill and Lake Norman.  
**Why work with me?** While others rely on "old-school" timelines, I utilize the latest 2026 fintech to deliver instant pre-approvals and hyper-accurate rate forecasts. For **homebuyers**, this means winning bids in multiple-offer scenarios. For **refinance clients**, it means using predictive analytics to strike the moment your break-even point hits its peak—ensuring you never leave money on the table.  
I don't just "process files." Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, my mission is to turn the stress of lending into your greatest competitive advantage.

Originating Manager

Allen John is your Charlotte local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Allen is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Allen at (704) 916-4187 for more information!

Allen John at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #130820)

Liz Ciardi is the Vice President of Lending at GRA Affinity and a highly respected mortgage professional with more than 35 years of industry experience. With deep expertise in both loan origination and underwriting, Liz provides clients with exceptional guidance, clarity, and confidence throughout the homebuying process. Her ability to anticipate challenges and create solutions has made her a trusted advisor to borrowers, real estate professionals, and colleagues alike.


Over the course of her distinguished career, Liz has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked in the Top 1% of Loan Officers for multiple years and receiving the Top Female Loan Officer award several times. She is also a proud recipient of the Piedmont Regional Association's Affiliate of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to her industry and community.


Liz's commitment to service extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. She has a long history of community involvement, including serving on the Board of Directors for Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, one of the world's premier drum corps organizations. Dedicated to supporting and inspiring youth, she also served as a Board Member for the Children's Attention Home, a nonprofit that provides housing, care, and hope for children in York County, South Carolina who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma.


As an 18-year breast cancer survivor, Liz is especially passionate about causes related to breast cancer awareness and support. She actively advocates for survivors and organizations that help individuals and families navigating the disease.


Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Liz loves to travel, explore new places, and create lasting memories—but nothing brings her more joy than spending time with her beloved granddaughters.


Known for her top-tier service, extensive knowledge, and remarkable ability to navigate even the most complex lending scenarios, Liz Ciardi has built a legacy as a dedicated professional and a true champion for the clients and communities she serves.

VP of Mortgage Lending

Liz Ciardi is your Charlotte  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Liz is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Liz at (704) 247-7592 for more information!

Liz Ciardi at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #455129)

As a trusted mortgage advisor, I am well-versed in our broad range of loan products and programs, and I love helping clients achieve their financial goals. I work with clients to finance their first home, second homes, move-up homes, and investment properties. Down Payment Assistance programs are among the most popular, in addition to traditional loan products like conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA. I've been in the mortgage industry for more than 30 years. I believe the quality of origination is what drives the customer's experience. The better and more detailed I am at the beginning of the process, the smoother it goes, and the happier my teammates are, too! Gathering the correct information upfront is essential and makes a difference down the line. When you put quality in, you get quality out. I am blessed that my career as a loan originator is not just a "job" … it is my passion and what I love to do!  
When I'm not helping clients, I support the ALS Association in honor of my amazing late father-in-law, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in honor of my incredible mother, a breast cancer survivor. I love spending time with my family, making as many memories as possible. We love being outdoors and traveling. Our favorite summer vacation spot is Oak Island, North Carolina, and my husband and I travel to Aruba each year for our "kid-free" vacation, affectionately known as our "annual honeymoon." In addition to vacation traveling, we spend a lot of time cheering for our daughter at her volleyball and soccer matches. I also love volunteering at my daughter's school, Statesville Christian School, and helping in any way I can.  
I enjoy supporting my husband's multifaceted career in firefighting, whether it's educating students in hazardous materials/chemistry or serving as a Live Burn Instructor. As the first second-generation fire Chief at Ebenezer Fire-Rescue and Hazmat Captain at Mooresville Fire Rescue, he inspires me to give back to my community in meaningful ways.  
Above all, God has given me the gifts to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and that is what I strive to do every single day.

Karyn McAlpin is your Charlotte  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Karyn is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Karyn at (704) 317-7427 for more information!

Karyn McAlpin at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #505392)

Helping people achieve homeownership is more than just my career—it's something I'm genuinely passionate about. I believe every client deserves honest guidance, clear communication, and a mortgage experience that is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing, my goal is to make you feel informed and confident every step of the way.


With more than seven years in the mortgage industry and over five years as a Mortgage Loan Officer, I've had the privilege of helping individuals and families navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. I take pride in finding financing solutions tailored to each client's unique goals while providing the responsiveness and personal service they deserve.


Outside of work, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife, Kelley, and our two children, Oliver and Emerson. Family is at the center of everything I do, and it gives me a personal appreciation for how meaningful finding the right home can be.


I also enjoy staying active and competitive. I was fortunate to play Division I college lacrosse, an experience that taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities I bring to my clients every day. When I'm not helping families with their home financing, you'll likely find me on the golf course enjoying a round with friends or family.


Whether you're purchasing your first home, your forever home, or simply exploring your financing options, I'd be honored to earn your trust and help you achieve your homeownership goals. I look forward to being your mortgage resource for years to come.

Ryan Ivory is your Charlotte  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Ryan is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Ryan at (704) 644-8407 for more information!

Ryan Ivory at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #2022954)

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