At the Dana Alys Scott with Trust Mortgage Team,
we focus on three things when working with clients:
Meet the Team


Dana Alys Scott
Let’s make home financing easier—together.
Direct: 570-630-2942
Cell: 845-857-4796
Email Dana

Aryn Famiglietti
Loan Programs
We can help you make a purchase, lower your payment, take cash out, or consolidate debt.
Your top mortgage questions, answered
Yes—getting pre-approved is a very important first step in the homebuying process. It helps you understand what you can comfortably afford. A lender doesn’t just look at the loan amount—they also factor in property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and any applicable HOA dues when determining your full monthly payment.
Pre-approval also strengthens your offer. Sellers want to know you’re a serious buyer who won’t back out of a contract due to financing issues. During this process, your lender will review your income and asset documentation, which helps avoid any surprises later on. Income can be calculated in several ways depending on loan guidelines—so it’s better to have that clarity upfront.
Mortgage rates change daily—and sometimes multiple times a day! If you’re going with a fixed-rate loan, you can “lock in” a rate to secure it for the life of the loan. It's a good idea to check rates before you start house hunting to make sure the payments align with your budget and there are no surprises later.
Your DTI is how lenders measure your ability to repay the loan based on your income versus monthly debt obligations. This includes your projected mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any mortgage insurance), plus your other monthly debts—such as credit cards, car loans, student loans, child support, alimony, 401k loans, and payments on any additional properties you own.
Understanding your DTI helps ensure your loan meets program guidelines and sets you up for long-term success.
The credit score needed depends on the type of loan you’re applying for. Conventional loans typically require a minimum score of 620. FHA loans offer more flexibility—allowing for scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or even 550 if you have 10% down.
Before starting the mortgage process, it’s a good idea to review your credit. You can obtain a free copy of your report once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Be sure to pay bills on time, keep balances low, and avoid opening new credit accounts just before applying for a mortgage.
If you're putting less than 20% down on a conventional loan, you'll likely be required to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). This protects the lender in case of default. The good news? You can request to remove PMI once your loan-to-value (LTV) drops below 80%, or it will automatically drop off after a certain number of years.
For FHA loans, the insurance is called a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). This works similarly but cannot be removed unless you refinance out of the FHA loan or pay it off completely.
Owning a home means you're building equity for yourself—not paying someone else’s mortgage. Rent can increase with little notice and offers no long-term financial return. With homeownership, you're investing in something that can grow in value over time, helping you build wealth and stability.
There are also potential tax benefits, like the ability to deduct mortgage interest (be sure to consult with your tax advisor for details). Owning a home is often one of the biggest and most rewarding investments you’ll make in your lifetime—and I’d be honored to help guide you on that journey.