Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Bille.
Hi Erica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into mortgage lending began long before I became a mortgage broker. My husband and I purchased our first investment property in 2014, and over the years, we continued to invest in real estate and build our portfolio. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how real estate can create opportunities, build wealth, and provide long-term financial security for families.
Before entering the mortgage industry, I earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. I spent seventeen years working in education, where I developed a passion for helping people learn, grow, and achieve their goals. While education and mortgage lending may seem very different, I have found that many of the same skills – guiding people through important decisions, solving problems, and helping them navigate complex situations – continue to serve me every day.
As my interest in real estate investing grew, so did my desire to help others achieve homeownership and use real estate as a tool to build wealth. That passion ultimately led me to become a licensed mortgage broker in 2021.
Today, I am the owner and broker of Nest Mortgaging, a mortgage brokerage serving clients throughout Texas. I help homebuyers, homeowners, real estate investors, and business owners secure financing solutions that support their goals. In addition to residential mortgages, I also assist clients with commercial financing and SBA loans.
What I enjoy most about this business is the opportunity to educate and empower people. Whether I am helping a first-time homebuyer purchase a home, assisting an investor with expanding a portfolio, or helping a business owner secure financing for growth, I love being part of a process that can have a lasting impact on someone’s future.
Looking back, my career in education, my experience as a real estate investor, and my work as a mortgage broker all share a common theme: helping people create opportunities for themselves and their families. That mission continues to drive everything I do today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I have faced plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from a stable career in education into a completely different industry. Even though many of my skills transferred well, mortgage lending required me to learn a new business, new regulations, new systems, and a new way of generating clients. I also had to become comfortable marketing myself, building referral relationships, and stepping into the role of a business owner.
The early years of building Nest Mortgaging required a lot of patience and faith in the long-term vision. Starting a business often means doing a lot of work before you see consistent results. There were long hours, lower-income seasons, self-doubt, and plenty of moments where I had to remind myself why I started.
One thing that helped me get through those early years was the foundation my husband and I had built through real estate investing. Because we had spent years investing and building wealth through real estate, I was able to take a more long-term view while getting the business off the ground. That experience also reinforced exactly why I believe so strongly in what I do today. Real estate gave my family more options, and now I get to help other families and business owners create opportunities of their own.
The mortgage industry itself has also been challenging. I entered the industry during a period of historically low interest rates, but the market changed quickly. Rates increased, transaction volume slowed, and many professionals left the industry. That season forced me to become more adaptable, more strategic, and more intentional about how I serve clients and referral partners.
As the business has grown, I have also had to grow as a leader. Building a company requires more than being good at originating loans. It requires systems, accountability, communication, and a willingness to make difficult decisions. That has been one of the biggest areas of personal growth for me.
Looking back, the challenges have shaped me in a positive way. They have made me more resilient, more resourceful, and more confident in my purpose. I know what it feels like to take a risk, build something from the ground up, and keep going through uncertain seasons. Those experiences make me better equipped to guide my clients, because I understand that big financial decisions are not just about numbers — they are about goals, family, security, and the future.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Nest Mortgaging is an independent mortgage brokerage serving clients throughout Texas and Colorado. We help homebuyers, homeowners, real estate investors, and business owners find financing solutions that support their short-term needs and long-term financial goals.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just view mortgages as transactions—we view them as financial tools that can help people build wealth and create opportunities. As both a mortgage broker and an active real estate investor, I bring a unique perspective to the lending process. I’ve personally used real estate investing to build wealth for my family, and I’m passionate about helping others understand how real estate can play a role in achieving their financial goals.
Because we are an independent brokerage, we have access to multiple lenders and loan programs rather than being limited to a single institution’s products. This allows us to shop for competitive options and find solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation. We assist clients with conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, refinance, and investment property financing, as well as commercial loans and SBA financing for business owners.
One of the things I am most proud of is the level of education and guidance we provide throughout the process. Buying a home or investing in real estate can feel overwhelming, and many clients come to us with questions and uncertainty. We take the time to explain options, provide honest advice, and help clients make informed decisions with confidence.
At the heart of our business is a simple mission: helping people create opportunities for themselves and their families through real estate ownership, investing, and smart financing strategies. Whether someone is purchasing their first home, growing an investment portfolio, refinancing to improve their financial position, or expanding a business, we are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who have played an important role in my journey, and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
First and foremost, my husband, Chuck, deserves a tremendous amount of credit. We have been partners not only in life but also in our real estate investing journey. Together, we purchased our first investment property in 2014 and have continued building our portfolio over the years. His support, encouragement, and willingness to take calculated risks alongside me gave me the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship and build my business.
I am also incredibly grateful to Del Walmsley and David Fischer of Lifestyles Unlimited. Their education, mentorship, and investment philosophies had a significant impact on how I view real estate and wealth building. Through their guidance and the community they created, I gained the knowledge and confidence to grow as a real estate investor. Much of what I learned through that experience shaped my belief that real estate can be one of the most powerful tools for creating financial freedom and long-term wealth.
In my mortgage career, Carl White and Steve Kyles of Mortgage Marketing Animals have had a tremendous influence on my business. Their coaching, systems, and focus on building authentic relationships have helped me become a better mortgage professional and business owner. They reinforced the importance of consistency, service, and putting people first.
Chris Johnstone and the team at Loan Officer AI have also played an important role in helping me build systems and leverage technology to better serve clients and referral partners. As a small business owner, having the right tools and processes in place is critical, and their guidance has helped me create a more scalable business.
I have also learned a great deal from Natalie Dawson and the team at Cardone Ventures. Their leadership training, business education, and focus on personal accountability have challenged me to think differently about growth, leadership, and building a business with intention.
My referral partners, especially the real estate agents who trust me with their clients, have also played a major role in the success of Nest Mortgaging. Their confidence in me and their willingness to refer clients is something I never take for granted. Many of those relationships have grown into genuine friendships, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside professionals who share a commitment to serving others.
Most importantly, I am grateful to my clients. Every family, investor, and business owner who has trusted me to help with their financing needs has contributed to the growth of my business. Many clients have referred friends, family members, and colleagues over the years, and there is no greater compliment than having someone trust you enough to recommend you to the people they care about.
Building a business is never a solo effort. While I may be the face of Nest Mortgaging, the reality is that my success has been shaped by the support, guidance, trust, and encouragement of many people along the way. I am incredibly grateful for each of them.
Pricing:
- Complimentary mortgage consultations
- Complimentary pre-approval reviews
- Complimentary investment property financing strategy sessions
- No-obligation loan comparisons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nestmortgaging.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica.loanadvisor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.loanadvisor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bille/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Erica_Bille
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Erica-NestMortgaging
