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About me

Karen Nielson is a nationally recognized mortgage professional and Branch Manager with Guild Mortgage, bringing more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Since joining Guild Mortgage in 2009, she has consistently ranked among the company's top loan officers, known for her integrity, strategic approach, and ability to deliver results in even the most complex lending scenarios.Read more

Karen Nielson is a nationally recognized mortgage professional and Branch Manager with Guild Mortgage, bringing more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Since joining Guild Mortgage in 2009, she has consistently ranked among the company's top loan officers, known for her integrity, strategic approach, and ability to deliver results in even the most complex lending scenarios.

Karen's expertise and leadership have earned her significant industry recognition, including being named the #1 Retail Loan Officer in Utah by Scotsman Guide in 2025 and ranking among the Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers in the United States; a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of lenders nationwide.

She and her team specialize in serving a wide range of clients; from first-time homebuyers and move-up homeowners to real estate investors and self-employed borrowers. With deep expertise across conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, reverse mortgages, construction loans, and Non-QM solutions like DSCR and bank statement programs, Karen is known for crafting smart, customized lending strategies tailored to each client's goals.

What sets Karen apart is her commitment to education, transparency, and long-term relationships. Because Guild Mortgage services most of its loans after closing, Karen and her team remain a trusted resource well beyond the transactions; supporting clients through every stage of homeownership.

Outside of lending, Karen is deeply connected to her community and passionate about helping families build financial stability through homeownership. Her client-first philosophy, combined with decades of experience, makes her a trusted advisor and advocate in today's evolving mortgage landscape.

Awards

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Causes and Memberships

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Testimonials

4.95 (1000 reviews)
Zillow logo
5.0
Facebook logo
5.0
Experience logo
4.9
Google logo
5.0
Third party logo
4.9
It was a pleasure woking with Melanie Barlow and her team. They made the process easy
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Rajak

Apr 9, 2026

Hyde Park, UT

Erika make everything easy for my client!
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Maricruz

Apr 7, 2026

Logan, UT

Team Logo

Meet our team

I work closely with my team of specialists to get you the financing you need. See what each member brings to the team.

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Erika Ortiz-Morales

Originating LOA | NMLS #2309948

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Melanie Barlow

Loan Officer Assistant | NMLS #1508256

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Tyler Nielson

Originating LOA | NMLS #1971841

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Shanna Johnson

Loan Officer Assistant

I am not an originating team member.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch to discuss your home financing goals and explore next steps together.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday

Saturday

Sunday

9:00AM - 5:00PM

Closed

Closed

Monday - Friday

9:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

NMLS ID #80226

I am authorized to do business in the states of Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

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Find the loan that works for you

See what we offer

Whether you’re buying your first home, exploring down payment assistance, relocating for military service or purchasing in a high-cost market, Guild offers a range of loan programs designed to meet different needs and situations.

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