INDIAN LAND, S.C. – Movement Mortgage (Movement), the nation's sixth-largest retail mortgage lender, is excited to welcome Home Team Mortgage to the Movement family with the hiring of co-Branch Leaders James Ustun and Brandon Sturman, along with 160 employees in 20 locations up and down the East Coast.

Operating as The Home Team powered by Movement Mortgage, Ustun (NMLS #9136) and Sturman (NMLS #172079) will be focused on growth. Both are seasoned professionals and are well respected in the mortgage and real estate landscape.

While Ustun focuses on staying on top of technology, market-specific directions and the evolution of the relationship between the mortgage and the real estate industries, Sturman is passionate about growing leaders within the group and enriching the lives of customers and employees through a culture of positivity, education and collaboration.

“We noticed that our focus on innovation and a caring culture blends perfectly with Movement's mission to create a long-term positive impact on communities and around the globe,” the two said in a joint statement. “We can't wait to see our team thrive with Movement's superior tools and support.” 

Hailing from the Bronx, Ustun has been in the mortgage industry for 23 years, starting in the consumer-direct lending space before moving into more traditional retail lending. He quickly entered the top percentile of originators in the companies he joined and became a recognized leader in loan production and industry-related speaking engagements. 

Sturman, on the other hand, is Brooklyn born and bred. Over two decades ago he started as a loan officer before becoming an individual top 10 producer and a well-respected manager at Freedom Mortgage in Staten Island. 

It was at Freedom that Ustun met Sturman. The two partnered to nurture a stellar team of mortgage experts to serve a diverse spectrum of communities in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 

“We're thrilled to have James, Brandon and the entire cutting-edge group of pros at The Home Team on board,” said Justin Andrews, Movement's Director of Branch Partnerships. “James' energetic and powerful personality, coupled with expertise in all areas of the industry, makes him a strong, innovative leader. Brandon is equally skilled, and people trust and gravitate to his genuine humility and confidence. Together, they're amazing at building teams and relationships, and we love that they've decided to continue building at Movement.”

When not working, Ustun prioritizes spending time with his three sons, who are aged 21 and 14 (twins). He is a sports enthusiast and believes in the link between mental acuity and physical health. Sturman is happily married and has four children aged between 11 and 17. He values family time and enjoys all sports, actively coaching a national flag football league to encourage teamwork in children.

About Movement Mortgage 

Movement Mortgage exists to love and value people by leading a Movement of Change in its industry, corporate culture and communities. Funding approximately $30 billion in residential mortgages annually, Movement is the sixth-largest retail mortgage lender in the U.S. Movement is best known for its innovative mortgage process and referable experience, which begins with upfront underwriting and a seven-day loan processing goal. The company employs more than 4,000 people, has more than 650 branches in the U.S. and is licensed in 50 states. After funding its balance sheet and investing in future growth, Movement's profits are paid to its primary shareholder, the nonprofit Movement Foundation. To date, Movement Foundation has received more than $360 million of Movement profit to invest in schools, affordable housing, communities and global outreach. For more information, visit www.movement.com.