LOANS &
INVESTMENTS
LICENSED BY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE SINCE 1979

​
REAL ESTATE PRIVATE MONEY LOANS, TRUST DEED INVESTMENTS, NOTE COLLECTION SERVICES, AND BEYOND
A B O U T
Sherry Shaw​
Broker/Owner
Licensed since 1979
California Dept. of RE # 00760107
Sherry—the mother in this mother-daughter lending team—was born and raised in Lakewood, Wisconsin before making Santa Rosa her home. She earned her Real Estate License in 1979, initially balancing a career as an insurance broker while starting out in real estate sales.
By 1983, Sherry had shifted her focus to private money lending, where she developed decades of expertise navigating the various cycles of the real estate market. Her extensive experience and local market knowledge make her a trusted resource for clients seeking flexible financing solutions.
Why Choose A-1 for Private Money Loans
​
At A-1, we are a local, mother-daughter team specializing in private money lending, allowing us to review each loan on a case-by-case basis. This ensures we meet the needs of our borrowers while also meeting the requirements of our private investors.
​
​
Private money loans are ideal for borrowers who:
-
Are self-employed or rebuilding their credit
-
Cannot meet the strict documentation requirements of conventional loans
-
Need to close quickly—often in two weeks or less
​
​
Our loans are secured by real estate, with lending decisions based primarily on the protective equity in the property. We also consider the borrower’s ability to repay and overall credit history. This flexibility is especially helpful when:
-
A property does not meet traditional bank lending standards
-
A property is bank-owned or requires significant rehabilitation
​
​
Over the years, A-1 has successfully funded numerous investment opportunities for both our borrowers and lenders.
​
​​
​
We are proud members of the California Mortgage Association, keeping us informed on the latest updates to California Civil Code and state and federal lending regulations.
​
​
Brittany Benson​
Associate Broker
Licensed since 2008
California Dept. of RE # 01840295
Sherry & Brittany in Yosemite
for Sherry's 70th Birthday.
Brittany—the daughter in this mother-daughter lending duo—was born and raised in Santa Rosa, graduating from Montgomery High School in 2006. While attending Sonoma State University, she earned her Real Estate Salesperson license in early 2008 and went on to graduate in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with a special concentration in Pre-Law.
In 2011, Brittany achieved her Real Estate Broker’s License, further solidifying her expertise in the industry.
​
