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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.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass My experience was excellent . I would recommend you to all my friends and family. PatriciaTabernacle, NJ May 02
My experience was excellent . I would recommend you to all my friends and family.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom Bates is an absolute professional and the best at what he does. DinoLong Branch, NJ May 01
Tom Bates is an absolute professional and the best at what he does.
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! TarynLong Branch, NJ May 01
Tom made our entire transaction seamless. We were in constant communication no matter what time of day. He went above and beyon!
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... JuliannaPhiladelphia, PA Apr 30
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...
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. Tina MFort Myers, FL Mar 19
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.
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 BrittanySouthampton, NJ Mar 05
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
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Communication, advice, transparency, planning Beecher HartleySarver, PA Jan 20
Communication, advice, transparency, planning
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 ... Sarah CatherinePennsauken, NJ Dec 19
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 ...
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom made everything very easy. RyanAtco, NJ Dec 12
Tom made everything very easy.
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 Whitney ZhanetCarneys Point, NJ Nov 14
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
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. Ellen DekonteeClayton, NJ Sep 12
Tom was always available when we had questions or concerns. He made the process so easy for my family.
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. JanilsaTrenton, NJ Jul 13
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.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom did a wonderful job with challenging situation. He kept me informed every step of the way. MicheleMaple Shade, NJ May 09
Tom did a wonderful job with challenging situation. He kept me informed every step of the way.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom Bates was always there to give my family the answers we needed and great support through the whole mortgage process. PamelaMaple Shade, NJ May 09
Tom Bates was always there to give my family the answers we needed and great support through the whole mortgage process.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom's availability to my clients & me is awesome! JamesSouthampton, NJ Apr 04
Tom's availability to my clients & me is awesome!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom was wonderful to work with from start to finish! My house hunting took many twists and turns over a 2+ year period and Tom was with me every step of the way. I never felt like Tom was leading me astray and he always gave me good advice. Tom was responsive and flexible. He was always available to jump on a call or answer a text. He was knowl... Kelsey LMedford Lakes, NJ Mar 25
Tom was wonderful to work with from start to finish! My house hunting took many twists and turns over a 2+ year period and Tom was with me every step of the way. I never felt like Tom was leading me astray and he always gave me good advice. Tom was responsive and flexible. He was always available to jump on a call or answer a text. He was knowl...
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom was always communicating with me and the clients during the entire process. He was at closing to go over everything with the buyers. The buyers were happy with his service which makes me happy with his service. I refer Tom to all of my buyers and will continue to do so. SandraMedford Lakes, NJ Mar 22
Tom was always communicating with me and the clients during the entire process. He was at closing to go over everything with the buyers. The buyers were happy with his service which makes me happy with his service. I refer Tom to all of my buyers and will continue to do so.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom was an absolute pleasure to work with through this proces! He was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had and kept everything moving along. I would highly recommend Tom to anyone wanting to go through this process. JessePalmyra, PA Mar 20
Tom was an absolute pleasure to work with through this proces! He was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had and kept everything moving along. I would highly recommend Tom to anyone wanting to go through this process.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom was very helpful along the whole process of our new construction home. From beginning to end Tom was there for us answering any questions we had at whatever time of day and any day of the week. Would love to work with Tom again in the future and will be recommending him to our friends and family. David RonaldClayton, NJ Oct 16
Tom was very helpful along the whole process of our new construction home. From beginning to end Tom was there for us answering any questions we had at whatever time of day and any day of the week. Would love to work with Tom again in the future and will be recommending him to our friends and family.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom Bates was great……attentive, professional and extremely knowledgeable! Thomas JBlackwood, NJ Oct 14
Tom Bates was great……attentive, professional and extremely knowledgeable!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom Bates was always available, always willing to explain/answer any questions that my clients or I as their agent, had. The loan process was smooth and seamless thanks to Tom. DawnMarieBlackwood, NJ Oct 01
Tom Bates was always available, always willing to explain/answer any questions that my clients or I as their agent, had. The loan process was smooth and seamless thanks to Tom.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom showed great communication, follow up, attention to detail, and professionalism! Tom is knowledgeable and experienced! GiacomoVineland, NJ Sep 23
Tom showed great communication, follow up, attention to detail, and professionalism! Tom is knowledgeable and experienced!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Very informative during the process IsaacMount Holly, NJ Jul 26
Very informative during the process
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Tom was great to work with throughout the entire process. I would 100% refer friends and family to AnnieMac solely due to Tom. PaulMount Holly, NJ Jun 25
Tom was great to work with throughout the entire process. I would 100% refer friends and family to AnnieMac solely due to Tom.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow Tom helped get me a mortgage within the last year and was very thorough and patient with the entire process (as I was a first-time homeowner). He gave me quick answers to every question and locked me in at a great rate. furthermore he gave many tips and suggestions on how to make the home-buying process smoother and less stressful; I would suggest ... ChristianMedford Township, NJ Jun 21
Tom helped get me a mortgage within the last year and was very thorough and patient with the entire process (as I was a first-time homeowner). He gave me quick answers to every question and locked me in at a great rate. furthermore he gave many tips and suggestions on how to make the home-buying process smoother and less stressful; I would suggest ...