Scott Geary Your Pennsylvania Mortgage Source

Why should I be your Loan Officer of choice???

My TOP 10

Reasons to put me to work for you

Number 10 - I offer all conforming and government products including USDA.

Number 9- Available 24/7 for service issues of any kind including price quotes, applications, pre-approvals and other valuable info.

Number 8 - Keen understanding of the value of educating consumers about the process of obtaining a mortgage.

Number 7 - Updated regularly on changes within the industry that I pass on to my business partners and clients.

Number 6- Only transact business in The Lehigh Valley. Where I live and where I'm from. Knowledgeable about the area and loyal to the area.

Number 5 - Competitive rates and fees that are flexible enough to help you to get your deal closed.

Number 4 - Hey, I am really a nice guy!

Number 3 - My team and I bring you over 50 years of mortgage industry experience.

Number 2 - Your concerns are my concerns. On time closings with a satisfied, properly serviced client who will refer us both potential clients.

And the Number 1 reason to partner with me.........

Baby needs new shoes!!!

FHA VA & USDA Specialist

Scott Geary

Direct 484-239-2022

Whenever anyone asks me what kind of dog Harry is, that's my response. After the inquirer utters "a catwhowho wholaha??" My next response is always to repeat the name slowly and give a brief history of the breed, state dog of Louisiana, used for hunting assistance, etc., etc, etc...... That dissertation is almost always followed by, "he looks like a Doberman." Such is life for Harry, Harry Kalas.

Back in April we stumbled upon the breed on the Internet and were immediately interested. Medium size, sound temperment, short hair (limited shedding!) and really neat looking to boot! A visit to an animal rescue event in Hamberg PA introduced us to Catahoula Rescue Inc. - North East and a wonderful little guy named Bruiser. Bruiser was 3 months old and the only survivor of his litter. Instantly lovable, Bruiser joined us in May as a foster awaiting a forever home. Already at home were a 5 year old Westie, Camy, and a 3 year old Carin named Brutus, AKA, Boo Boo. It just wouldn't work to have a Brutus and a Bruiser in the same house. While trying to select an alternate name, the long time broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies passed away, Harry Kalas. In tribute to the man I grew up listen to calling the Phillies games, Harry was named. Harry finally got to meet Camy and the Boo Boo.

Almost from the beginning, Harry and Boo Boo were inseparable. That had nothing to do with Brutus's choice. Harry was just totally taken by Brutus. Had to be where ever Boo Boo was. On the other hand, Brutus wasn't really wild about Harry to start with. I think he kinda grew on him. Harry would have to come to grips with who ran the pack, Camy, AKA the Caminator, 15 pounds of 'don't mess with me I'm the boss' West Highland Terrier.

When Harry 1st arrived he weighed in at 23 pounds of playful, insane puppy. Camy coddled him somewhat and was quick to discipline him when she saw fit. Harry remained submissive to Camy's rule for the first several months, laying on his back, laying Ali-like jabs on either dog who would play. Harry grew to more than 45 pounds and was just having a blast. Until he challenged Camys spot in the pack. Although he outweighed her by 30+ pounds, Camy loves her spot at the front of the pack and will defend that spot to the death. She nearly did!

So, Harry has been separated from Camy and the Boo Boo for the last 5 weeks. It's a real shame because Harry is truly a terrific dog. Obedient, loyal, smart as a whip, playful and eager to please. He just has to lead his own pack. As of today, and for the foreseeable future, Harry is a pack of one. He seems real pleased with that status. I see no reason to alter that state of affairs. He will continue to look for his forever home.

I for one hope he finds it!

There are so, so many animals looking for a forever opportunity. There are rescue groups for nearly every type of breed you can possibly think of, and some you may have never heard of. If you, or someone you know is considering adding a new member to your family. Please consider adopting through one of these fantastic groups all over this great nation of ours. For more information visit http://www.petfinder.com/index.html. There is simply not a better feeling than helping these animals get the treatment and the forever homes they deserve.

My name is Scott Geary, a mortgage professional for over 30 years, serving the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am located in the Lehigh Valley, specifically Allentown. To help you gain the knowledge necessary to make an informed mortgage decision would be my pleasure!

Don't bother trying to get a hotel room in the Lehigh Valley this weekend if you don't have one already. There's no room at the Inn because the Valley is bursting with entertainment, nostalgia and action. This ladies and gentlemen is NOT a boring weekend by any stretch of the imagination. Far from it.

In 1984 a music event was introduced in historic Bethlehem's downtown area. It was attended by nearly 182,000 people watching 118 performers of various musical persuasions. Back then folks had no idea of what this 'Musikfest' thing would become. Today 25 yearslater it's HUGE! There are over 300 performers from across the country and around the globe that gather to entertain, playing virtually any type of music you can possible imagine. A few others that you may have never heard before. The food is wonderful and the beverages abundant. The price of admission is right, free. That's right, FREE! Walk around downtown Bethlehem and stop at the various venues or 'Platz', to hear various musical performers provide entertainment absolutely free. Of course for the headliners in the evening you'll need to buy a ticket. This years headline acts include, Crosby Stills and Nash, George Thorogood, Yes, Asia,Pet Benetar, Blondie, The B-52's, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Third Eye Blind, Puddle of Mudjust to name a few. I've attended several shows over the years and always enjoyed them. However, the hidden gems are in the free venues scattered throughout the city. For example, some 12-14 years ago I found a band from Atlanta GA called The Floating Men. This band played as rain fell during the night and they played their hearts out. They've been on my play list ever since. Musikfest is truly a place where the miracles fly!

What? Music isn't your cup of tea? How about Antique or Classic cars? In the quaint community of Macungie PA you'll find in its 45th year, Das Awkscht Fescht. Admission is $7.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. This event is worth every penny of the price of admission. Over 42 acres you'll find all makes and models of antique and classic cars. Every time I go I have to check out the 62 Pontiac Lemans (my first car), the 64 Olds 442 (my dads fun car), the 65 Buick Riviera (G-Pops car) and several others too numerous to mention here. Sure, the condition of the cars is incredible. The owners keep these treasures from yesteryear in show room shape. More amazing is the quick trip to various points in your life when the car your looking at transports you to the memories of smells, sights and sounds associated with that vehicle. Heck, you'll even see cars you may not have known were even built. Or, forgot were built. Remember the Nash, the Plymouth Satelite? This is a can't miss event for the auto enthusiast.

If Marching Bands are your thing, for the 31st year, J Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown will host the DCI Eastern Classic Drum and Bugle Corps Championship. The gates open at 5 both Friday and Saturday featuring 11 performances Friday and 10 on Saturday. Bands come from across the country to compete. Although I haven't been to Drum and Bugle competition in years, I live close enough to the stadium to know the music from the bands is exceptional. I remember being really impressed with the show the bands put on. That was many years ago. I can only imagine how the shows have evolved. The Corps performing and competing are:

OK, your ready for some FOOTBALL!!! Over in Bethlehem at the Lehigh University Athletic Fields you find the training camp of our Philadelphia Eagles. Admission to the practices is still free. Yes that's right, I said FREE. The schedule of each day are posted on the Eagles web site. Generally there are what I remember as my favorite practices in High School and College, the dreaded two-a-days! Morning and afternoon practices are most all open to the public. Check the schedule to ensure your not planning on attending a closed practice. For an Eagle fan this is a can't miss event. 2 years ago I went to check out this rookie line backer from Nebraska, Stewart Bradley. After watching 1 day of practice, I knew this guy was the real deal. Now, he's our starting middle line backer and I believe a rising star in the NFL. This years target is a draft pick from Virginia Tech playing corner back, Macho Harris. Tell me a better football name than Macho Harris! Now lets just hope he's really good. That name is just too much fun!

So there you have it! So now there is absolutely no excuse not to get out and about to enjoy all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer this weekend. Perhaps I'll see you at one of these events. Just look for the guy with a funnel cake ....er, a sausage sandwich......ah, make that a frosty cold adult malt beverage....Scratch that, I'll wear my eagles tee shirt and green plaid pants. If you see me, say hi! Have fun! Be safe and enjoy!

Ain't this Valley great????

Good God has it been a long time since I was an entry level 'Tiger' Cub attending meetings in the church basement down at 15th and Chew in Allentown. Other than learning some pretty neat stuff as I completed the assignments from Tiger to Wolf to Bear and finally Webelos. I remember the fun my friends and I had doing all sorts of things that helped us grow and contribute to our community. Yeah, we were boys so there was allot of yelling, rough housing and sweating too! We drove our Den Mother Mrs. Crownover nuts! Another story....another time. Over all these years since, the Scout Motto has always stuck in my head. Sure, sometimes I'll forget it and enter the occasional situation, oh....how would you say......by the seat of my pants.....winging it......dealing with it as it pops up.........NEVER are the results as good as if I had simply followed the Scouts Motto. 2 little words make all the difference in the world:

Be Prepared

So you're considering either buying a new home or refinancing your existing home. Your knees are knocking as you read the horror stories on professional web sites like activerain, or social web sites like lets say Facebook. It's on the nightly news on the tube, it's in every newspaper and magazine you read. It's as hard as it's ever been to get financing. Calm down a little bit please. I'll let you in on a secret, but you have to promise to use me as your loan officer. Let me whisper in your ear, before you make application for you mortgage........

Be Prepared

Obtaining a Mortgage isn't really all that difficult if you've taken my advise. 99% of the issues delaying a loan closing can be easily avoided if you follow the Scouts Motto prior to meeting with your Loan Officer. See, a mortgage application (called a 1003) reads a tad like a book. In other words, it unfolds the story of what you are trying to do, who you are, your income source for repayment and what assets you have available to get the transaction completed. Hopefully your Loan Officer has helped in your preparation of the documents you'll need to gather to ensure the story told on your 1003 has a happy ending. If not, here's a few items that might help you too.

Be Prepared

For your employment, you'll need 2 years of history, preferably with the same company. You might be shy of 2 years with the company you're with, yet have 2 years in the same field. With the proper supporting documentation you'll likely be OK. A written explanation of the reason for employer change that will be supported when the verifications of your employment are done will go a long way to helping your loan process go smoothly. You'll need to supply the last 2 years of W-2's along with pay stubs covering the last month (weekly last 4, bi-weekly last two, etc.). Should you be self employed, you'll need 2+ years of self employment with personal and / or corporate tax returns covering those 2 years. A signed year to date P & L is another likely requirement. If you have rental properties, annuity income, disability income, etc., documents supporting the income, leases, award letters, etc. will be needed. Proof of receipt of the income can usually be found on your bank statement direct deposits. If not, photo copy the next check you receive for verification.

Be Prepared

The assets you list on your application including those to be used to complete your transaction must all be verified. Recent statements covering 2 months will be requested with your loan application. Any larger than normal deposits will need to be explained and documented. Please don't think that you'll use funds from a credit card advance to close your loan. That's not going to work and may deal your closing a crushing blow. If you are using gift money from a relative prepare them to supply verification of ability to do so along with a letter confirming that the gift is not a loan. You'll also need to show that money going into your account. Once you have entered into an agreement of sale, postpone other larger purchase items until after your loan closes. I tell all my clients to leave the bank accounts alone and spend little if any money. I always recommend a steady diet of Spam and Kraft Mac&Cheese until the loan closes. That usually gets a chuckle, or a questioning look depending on ones familiarity with the lovely meat product known as Spam.

Be Prepared

Understand that when additional information is requested during the processing and underwriting of your transaction that time is of the essence. The speed with which you supply documentation may have a very large impact on how timely your closing occurs. If we did our job up front, there shouldn't be anything more we need to supply. However, if a request is made we need to respond as quickly as is possible.

Be Prepared

Real Estate financing can be overwhelming to many people mostly because a mortgage is something most of us only do a few times in our lives. Nobody can be an expert at something doing it once every 15 years can they? That's why it's important to select an experienced, knowledgeable, involved and informative Loan Officer to work for you. A real pro will not only tell you what is needed, but explain why and the impact that information has on your transaction. A real pro will explain every fee item you'll find on the Good Faith Estimate so you'll know exactly what you're paying for and why you're paying it. A real pro will keep you informed every step of the way.

Be Prepared

If you need any help selecting a Loan Officer whom you'll feel comfortable with, I have a short list of candidates I could provide you with. With the right loan officer and the proper supporting documentation with your application, you're prepared! You'll be closing on time without any angst what so ever. Don't forget to invite me to the house warming! I love those parties!!!!

With all the talk of how difficult it has been in the mortgage and real estate markets. I have to believe there are a large number of people who have postponed their plans to realize the American Dream of home ownership. Unfortunately, the media doesn't share all of the miracles that occur every day that allow people to move into new homes. Seems the media hasn't run headlines like, "Hundreds of Lehigh Valley Residents On the Move" with a sub-line that reads "Planning and Professionals Help Lead to Success." The article would start something like this, 'Although the news in the mortgage and real estate markets has not been overwhelmingly positive over the last several months, hundreds of Valley residents were on the move in August. These buyers are taking advantage of inventory that is working in their favor and interest rates that continue to be favorable. How are they doing it you may ask? Proper planning and assistance from Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals'......... One can only dream right?

Proper planning is unfortunately something that we have gotten away from over the last several years of what some call a Boom Market. I personally felt that the smoke emanating from that market was evidence of investor greed, along with an indication of influence akin to the Jamaican Bobsled team. But that's just my opinion. So here we are. Back to the point where buying a home is no longer an impulse purchase. Buying a home once again, as it always should have, takes planning. For some, that plan can be short term. For others, the plan may take a little bit longer. But anyone willing to put a plan in place can position themselves to own a home. Here are a few items to consider when formulating your plan:

Credit - Used to be you paid your bills on time, and your credit was great. No questions asked. Enter the credit score. Your credit score has an enormous impact on what programs are available to you as well as the rates and fees you will pay for those programs. Ideally, your score is higher than a 720 which allows you access to virtually every loan program in the market, at the best prices. However, it's not the end of the opportunity if its not. Consulting a mortgage professional as you begin your plan will provide you with information as to exactly how to increase your credit score over a period of time. Depending on how naughty, or nice you've been with your creditors in the past, that time frame will vary. Any mortgage consultant, who genuinely cares about people will be able to help. Be aware that there are still people in the mortgage business that want instant gratification rather than help you with your plan. Stay away from those folks!

Money - Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it takes money to buy a home. It really always has. There are several programs that allow for smaller down payments and greater seller assisted closing costs. But in truth, being a home owner takes money. A plan that involves saving money is effective. Liquidating various cash and personal assets is also an option. Funds received from family members can also enter the mix. Due to requirements of sourcing and seasoning of funds as well as reserve requirements and gift allowances for some programs, it's best to get a mortgage professional on your side as soon as you elect to begin planning to purchase your home. No matter how short term or long term your plan maybe. A mortgage professional can help guide you in the proper direction regarding properly maneuvering your assets throughout your plan period.

Income- Stabilty of employment and consistency of income must also figure into your plan. Although 'stated income' loans are still available to self employed borrowers in the mortgage industry. The requirements and costs to obtain that credit can be somewhat difficult and cost prohibitive. It's expected that this product becomes totally unavailable in the not too distant future. 2 years of employment, with steady increases in income are of course optimal. However, requirements vary as to the source of income such as salary, hourly wage, overtime, commission, bonuses, etc. Calculations of the qualifying income vary. Again, it's best to get together with a trusted mortgage professional as you begin your plan to determine what exactly your qualifying income will be. As well as what your options are as to any potential promotions and or job changes you may be contemplating.

No matter how qualified, or for that matter, unqualified you feel you may be to own a home. Reaching out to a trusted mortgage professional is likely the best start to positioning yourself to make the move toward the American Dream. A strong plan, and commitment to that plan will absolutely get you where you want to go. In some cases, right away. In others sooner or later. The phrase goes "good things come to those who wait." In the case of buying a home, the phrase goes, "Good things come to those who plan!"

My name is Scott Geary, a Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker. I want to help you get your plan in place to realize the benefits of home ownership. Let's buy a home!