Not many people can say they bought their first home at age 18, but Carese Busby can. Already working in the mortgage industry at her father’s firm by that point, Busby had learned the importance of investing in real estate and was eager to begin her own journey. After earning a finance degree and working in the investment business for a short time, she returned to her roots in the mortgage world. For her, nothing compared to the impact she could have on individuals’ lives and financial futures as a loan originator.

“I have a genuine passion for the mortgage business and am fiercely dedicated to getting each and every client the best deal the finance market has to offer,” Busby says. “My clients appreciate my sincere interest in them and my acute sensitivity to their specific needs.” Her efforts have earned her the Five Star Professional designation for the last eight years and landed her in the Scotsman Guide Top 1% for the last six.

Busby stays abreast of what is happening in the markets and in politics, which she says informs her ability to think big picture and long term and advise clients accordingly. Whether working with first-time borrowers or experienced investors, Busby’s goal is to help them take advantage of market opportunities while remaining a trusted advisor to their family through generations.

Movement Mortgage is an impact lender that donates 49 percent of profits on every closed loan to fund grants to employee-nominated nonprofits through its KM Foundation. Busby recently was able to present $20,000 in grants to REST, a local organization that assists sex-trafficking survivors. Winning the grants was a major highlight in a challenging year that saw Busby overcome personal tragedies while still maintaining her business.