Making Home Happen
Trusted by over 65,000 families, Southern Trust Mortgage is a modern mortgage lender committed to making the home buying experience Simple, Creative and Consistent.
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At Southern Trust Mortgage, we're in the business of "making home happen". From the beginning, we've been committed to creating a home loan experience that we'd want to receive ourselves. More than 20 years later, we remain focused on guiding and empowering homebuyers from application to closing.
Priority Approval
Go from application to approved in less than 24 hours! Feel confident shopping for your new home with a strong offer.
Time-Tested Lender
Southern Trust has been in business for over 20 years, helped over 65,000 families, and funded over $15 Billion in home loans.
Perfect Loan Fit
With our wide array of loan programs, we have a solution for every home ownership and refinance goal, no matter what size home or income.
Meet James Burton, Your Mortgage Loan Officer
With over four years of experience, James Burton is a dedicated mortgage loan officer who helps buyers. For James, mortgage lending isn’t just a job, it’s the family business. Having a mom, dad, and step-mom also in the mortgage industry, he’s gained a comprehensive perspective that benefits his clients every day.
Expertise & Approach
James prides himself on being the lender who doesn’t give up. A local realtor once described him as a “bush pilot;” if there’s a way to get a loan done, he’ll find it and solve any problems that arise. This relentless determination is what sets him apart. He’s always available, answering his phone day or night to serve his clients, because he aims to be their lender for life, not just for a single transaction.
He specializes in helping:- First-time homebuyers navigate the process with confidence.
- VA loan recipients secure the best financing options.
- Real estate investors start and grow their rental portfolios.
James loves teaching clients how to effectively build a portfolio, setting them up for successful future purchases and long-term financial growth.
Community & Commitment
Outside of the office, James is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys surfing, hunting (turkey and bird hunting with his two labs), and fishing, from flounder fishing to offshore trips with his wife. In 2025, James and the Southern Trust Mortgage Team placed in the Big Man’s Cobia Tournament, showcasing his passion for fishing and commitment to his team.
A graduate of The Citadel with an MBA, James’s greatest personal accomplishment is marrying his wife in her home country of South Africa. His past clients often call him for advice or just to check in, a testament to the trust he builds and the lasting relationships he values.
Ready to navigate the Charleston housing market with a trusted expert? Contact James Burton today to get started on your homeownership journey.
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James Burton
