Between them, Sherry Cash and Rob Shepherd have nearly six decades of mortgage experience. As partners at Rate, they’ve built a business defined by speed, precision, and a relentless focus on clients and their agents.

Sherry, Vice President of Mortgage Lending, describes Rate as “a well-oiled machine” designed to support real estate professionals and their buyers with “speed and efficiency.” Rob, Producing Branch Manager, frames their approach simply: “It has to make sense.” For both, that means listening first, educating always, and crafting strategies tailored to each borrower’s needs.

“We genuinely care,” Sherry says, referencing one of Rate’s core values. “That mindset flows through everything we do.” With technology that can take a client from “just thinking about buying” to fully underwritten loan commitment seven days a week—yes, even on a Sunday—she and her team keep the process moving without sacrificing care or human connection.

Rob brings the same commitment, along with a depth of expertise in first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and VA buyers. “Where other lenders might say no, I dig deeper to find a way forward,” he explains. That might mean portfolio products, investor loans, or asset-based financing—solutions that many competitors don’t offer or understand as well.

For both, helping people is the point. Sherry thrives on “being part of that big life moment—when keys are in hand, boxes are packed, and dreams are becoming reality.” Rob takes pride in saying yes when others can’t. “It’s more than a transaction—it’s an opportunity to truly impact someone’s life.”

Sherry is a Certified VA Specialist and Renovation Lending Specialist, ideal for first-time buyers, military families, and those eyeing a fixer-upper. Rob is equally versatile, experienced in jumbo and complex lending, and comfortable navigating financial profiles that don’t fit traditional molds.

They also share a deep respect for their realtor partners’ time. Sherry is direct with agents if a client isn’t ready to buy—saving everyone from chasing deals that can’t close. Rob promises to “get loans closed on time, with clear communication, and with solutions that keep deals alive when others would’ve walked away.”

Their teams mirror their strengths. Sherry works alongside a Same Day Underwriter, a file manager, a closer, and renovation experts, ensuring every step is covered by a specialist. Rob’s focus is proactive communication—keeping agents in the loop and protecting timelines from pre-approval to closing.

Both are deeply rooted in the Chesapeake area. Sherry was born and raised in Northern Calvert County and now calls Annapolis home. Rob has lived in Anne Arundel County his entire life, raised in South County and now settled in Severna Park.

Their paths into the industry couldn’t be more different. Sherry stumbled into a packed homebuyer workshop with her husband and ended up reviewing credit reports alongside the loan officers. By the end of the day, she had a job offer. Rob entered the business in 1998, found strong mentors, and “hasn’t looked back.”

For Sherry, success is “knowing that I’ve made a positive impact.” For Rob, it’s “impact and consistency. Showing up every day with integrity.” Both agree it’s about trust—building relationships that last long after the closing table. They’ve closed loans for newlyweds, retirees, and even the children of past clients, proving that good service has a long shelf life.

Away from work, Sherry and her husband, Terry, can often be found on the tennis court or at Dewey Beach with their dog, Benny. She also rides her horse, Spence, and holds a surprising credential: certified equine massage therapist. Rob, married to Erin for 22 years, enjoys boating, fishing, and watching his son, Ashby, play goalie for Towson University’s lacrosse team.

In a competitive market, their message to agents is simple: give them a shot. “Your clients will love working with me—and that makes you look like a rockstar,” Sherry says. Rob adds, “If you’re looking for a lender who feels like a true partner, who answers their phone, works weekends, and brings real value to your business—I’m that guy.”