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Proudly serving clients across New Jersey, Alabama, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Tom Bates helps buyers and homeowners navigate the mortgage process without confusion or pressure. Based in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, Tom has been guiding clients since the mid-1980s with one goal in mind: making homeownership feel clear, approachable, and achievable.
For Tom, this work is personal. He believes a home isn’t just a roof—it’s a foundation for building wealth and creating memories. Over the years, he’s seen countless families light up when they realize their dream is within reach. That moment—the smile when someone knows they can have their own “white picket fence”—is what drives him every day.
Clients often say they leave their first call with Tom feeling informed and confident. He simplifies a complicated process, explains details with patience, and ensures people understand what’s happening at every step. Agents describe his style as thorough and reassuring, and borrowers appreciate that he’s to the point, never pushy. His approach is built on trust, clear communication, and a commitment to making the experience feel calm and predictable.
Tom is also a long-standing member and past president of his local BNI chapter, reflecting his dedication to building strong professional relationships and supporting his community.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys life with his wife, Leslie, and their family—including their little mini poodle, Beau. He loves boating, fishing, and bareboat sailing, and you’ll often find him skiing with his grandchildren or coaching their sports teams. When it’s time to unwind, Tom and Leslie enjoy traveling and spending quality time at their Naples, Florida condo—a place that keeps them connected to the sunny side of life.
At the end of the day, Tom’s passion is simple: helping people feel confident about one of life’s biggest decisions. If you’re looking for a mortgage guide who combines decades of experience with a personal touch, Tom Bates is ready to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
My experience was excellent . I would recommend you to all my friends and family. Patricia Tabernacle, NJ May 02 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
My experience was excellent . I would recommend you to all my friends and family.
Tom Bates is an absolute professional and the best at what he does. Dino Long Branch, NJ May 01 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Tom Bates is an absolute professional and the best at what he does.
Tom made our entire transaction seamless. We were in constant communication no matter what time of day. He went above and beyon! Taryn Long Branch, NJ May 01 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Tom made our entire transaction seamless. We were in constant communication no matter what time of day. He went above and beyon!
Tom and his team made the process of acquiring a mortgage much less stressful. As a first-time home buyer I was overwhelmed at times by the process, paperwork, and jargon. Tom always took the time to explain everything in layman's terms and ensured I understood before moving on. I genuinely felt taken care of, and I would highly recommend Tom and E... Julianna Philadelphia, PA April 30 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow
Tom and his team made the process of acquiring a mortgage much less stressful. As a first-time home buyer I was overwhelmed at times by the process, paperwork, and jargon. Tom always took the time to explain everything in layman's terms and ensured I understood before moving on. I genuinely felt taken care of, and I would highly recommend Tom and E...
Constant communication from start to finish. Tom was extremely helpful from start to finish and was extremely helpful with credit repair. Tom got the job closed in 34 days from pre-approval to closing. I have already given Tom's name to a friend. Tina M Fort Myers, FL March 19 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Constant communication from start to finish. Tom was extremely helpful from start to finish and was extremely helpful with credit repair. Tom got the job closed in 34 days from pre-approval to closing. I have already given Tom's name to a friend.
Working with Tom is what made our experience great, he is patient and is always willing to answer any questions that we had. 10/10 experience Brittany Southampton, NJ March 05 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Working with Tom is what made our experience great, he is patient and is always willing to answer any questions that we had. 10/10 experience
Communication, advice, transparency, planning Beecher Hartley Sarver, PA January 20 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Communication, advice, transparency, planning
Working with this team has been a fantastic experience. Communication was always clear, timely, and they always took the time to ensure the information was clear and I understood. It's all a complicated process for everyone outside of the industry, but Tom delivers the information in a clear and concise way. I am walking away feeling like I have ... Sarah Catherine Pennsauken, NJ December 19 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Working with this team has been a fantastic experience. Communication was always clear, timely, and they always took the time to ensure the information was clear and I understood. It's all a complicated process for everyone outside of the industry, but Tom delivers the information in a clear and concise way. I am walking away feeling like I have ...
Tom made everything very easy. Ryan Atco, NJ December 12 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Tom made everything very easy.
My experien was great because for a first time home owner i didnt know what to expect or what to do, but Tom made sure that he was available to help me through the whole process and also making my closing date super easy and simple . thank you Whitney Zhanet Carneys Point, NJ November 14 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
My experien was great because for a first time home owner i didnt know what to expect or what to do, but Tom made sure that he was available to help me through the whole process and also making my closing date super easy and simple . thank you
Tom was always available when we had questions or concerns. He made the process so easy for my family. Ellen Dekontee Clayton, NJ September 12 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Tom was always available when we had questions or concerns. He made the process so easy for my family.
Tom was very responsive and always communicated with me. He was very attentive and clarified all my questions as they came up. He was very accomodating and worked with me with the best advise. Janilsa Trenton, NJ July 13 Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass
Tom was very responsive and always communicated with me. He was very attentive and clarified all my questions as they came up. He was very accomodating and worked with me with the best advise.