Planet Home Lending opens Bethlehem branch, its first in Pa.

Planet Home Lending, a national mortgage lender and servicer, is opening a branch office in Bethlehem.

Part of the company’s continued expansion across the U.S., the office at 236 Brodhead Road is Planet Home Lending’s first location in Pennsylvania.

The Bethlehem office will be led by retail branch managers Christopher Lewis and Nick DeJesus and Sales Manager Andrew Keller.

“Planet’s efficiencies allow us to deliver what first-time homebuyers expect in the Lehigh Valley market,” DeJesus said in a release.

Home sellers and homebuilders can use Planet’s rate buydowns to help make house purchases more affordable. The company also offers down payment and closing cost assistance nationwide.

Among the tools available to Lehigh Valley borrowers are Planet Home Lending’s personal digital mortgage assistant, Skymore, which enables consumers to apply for a home loan from anywhere via their mobile device. Using Skymore, borrowers and real estate agents (with the borrower’s permission) can track loan progress 24/7, reach out to ask their loan officer questions and submit paperwork electronically.

“Full of historic charm, the Greater Lehigh Valley area has long been a draw for people because of its convenient location between New York City and Philadelphia, and this continues to be true,” said Michael Dubeck, CEO and president of Meriden, Connecticut-based Planet Financial Group, parent of Planet Home Lending.

“Lehigh County has seen home prices appreciate, posting gains of 14% in October, according to Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors’ data. Planet Home Lending is equipped with the resources to help homebuyers and homeowners in this desirable market.”

The latest branch opening comes days after the company released its third-quarter earnings, which showed a 14.1% increase in home loan volume from the previous quarter despite the slow market.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer