In a recent episode of The Day With Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper interviewed Jessica Talton, Branch Leader and Mortgage Originator with Movement Mortgage. Talton shared insights about her journey with the organization, her reasons for operating out of Kent, and the exciting plans for a new office space.

"We're just out here serving our community, making a change, bridging gaps with homeownership in the Black and Brown community," Talton said.

With 11 years of finance experience, Talton began her career to support her family.

"I remember I was off at college, and my mom had a variable interest rate mortgage, and we just didn't come from a background of being educated around credit, mortgages, things like that," Talton said. "There was a need, and I wasn't able to help. I didn't have the answers to her questions. I didn't want that ever to be the case, so I wanted to get educated."

Talton began her career as a bank teller and advanced to a leadership role before transitioning into the mortgage industry. Since then, she has operated out of Kent, primarily serving clients from BIPOC backgrounds. She has hosted numerous homebuyer education classes to support those living in Kent. Her work involves guiding clients through their credit reports, creating personalized plans for mortgage approval, issuing pre-approval letters, and connecting clients with realtor partners.

"Homeownership is way easier to achieve than people think," Talton said. "It's just about raising your hand to say that you're interested and reaching out to resources like mine to get help. We're here to serve."

Talton offered advice for those navigating homeownership and working on their credit, emphasizing the importance of reaching out and getting a credit review.

"That's typically the biggest thing that holds people back, feeling like they need to have this perfect credit score," Talton said.

Additional tips include creating a blueprint, adhering to it with support from your loan officer, and being transparent about your goals.

"Just be vulnerable and be honest about your concerns and fears so that we can help you navigate through those," Talton said. 

Regarding her work within King County, Talton highlighted the personal significance of working with the neighborhood families, many of whom she grew up alongside.

"It feels it feels like I finally found my purpose in life," Talton said. "I've always felt like I was here for something bigger than myself and the basic thing. I feel like when I get to serve people I grew up with and help them accomplish goals that are going to change their whole family dynamic, I feel like I'm fulfilling my purpose in life, and so it's the biggest privilege that I could ask for."

Additionally, Movement Mortgage will soon celebrate the grand opening of its Kent storefront on May 18 from 12 to 3 pm at Kent Station. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and all are welcome to attend.

"It was very intentional. I didn't want to be in an office building hidden away. I wanted a storefront where community knew where to find us," Talton said regarding the new branch.

"No matter where they were in life. They always have a space they can come to; stop by and say hi, get a bottle of water, and hang out with us," Talton said. "But I wanted to make sure that we had visibility and we continued to show up. You'll see us hosting different events through the holidays. We don't care about money, any of that sort of stuff. Come as you are. Our goal is to provide a safe space for the community."

For more updates on people uplifting the community in King County, tune into Trae’s "The Day With Trae" live at 11 am Monday through Friday on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae's YouTube Channel.