Teresa O’Dette | Owner, President
A North Tahoe native, Teresa O’Dette has always felt connected to the area with a great appreciation for its natural beauty. The concept of living in an area in which one calls home became crucial to her. After completing her studies at California State University, Sacramento, she dedicated and immersed herself in the mortgage industry. Quickly forging a path towards mortgage real estate, Teresa established O’Dette Mortgage Group in 1999. She’s developed a professional and friendly work environment that instills service as the number one priority. O’Dette Mortgage Group is consistently ranked in the Top 200 Loan Originators in the country by Mortgage Originator Magazine.
She recognizes the importance of having a home and the intrinsic comfort that comes from homeownership. Teresa also feels honored to be in a position where she can provide meaningful change. She proudly proclaims, “I am very determined to help my clients. My objective is to help people acquire their dream homes, and I am happy to do it!” Reaffirming her love of helping people fulfill their dreams of homeownership is what motivates Teresa.
Being in the industry since 1998, she has helped thousands of clients throughout the country by finding the best ways and rates to close their loans, as well as serving on the Tahoe Truckee Airport Board. While running her company, she has given back to her profession through coaching sessions to new and seasoned loan officers by sharing tailored techniques to assist them in their growth in the mortgage business.
Life for Teresa outside of O’Dette Mortgage Group revolves around her family in North Shore Tahoe where she devotes her time with them enjoying outdoor activities such as boating and camping.
Ephraim Schwartz | Partner, Mortgage Consultant
Ephraim Schwartz was born and raised in Colorado where he earned his degree in Mathematics from University of Colorado as well as skied on the freestyle mogul team. He then worked as an analyst in tech from 2000 to 2005. The career of his calling began when Ephraim started mentoring under Teresa O’Dette’s mortgage practice in 2005 shortly after choosing to work with Teresa on his first real estate investment in California.
Today their “team for life” bond is reflected in the “clients for life” philosophy of their mortgage practice. Ephraim views his role as helping clients integrate a mortgage plan in the following areas: short and long-term equity, cash flow, tax deductibility benefits, and investment objectives. “Our goal is to help our clients accrue wealth through the acquisition of real estate and our management of that debt.” Ephraim combines an analytical background with a personal service touch of seven years in fine dining. Fully immersed in the Bay Area and Tahoe real estate market since 2005, he is a true professional that continues to deliver complete knowledge of the industry while providing exceptional service.
Ephraim, his wife Christina, their son Ezra, and daughter Mila enjoy life splitting time between Sausalito and Tahoe. When he’s not helping clients fulfill dreams and build real estate portfolios, you’ll find him spending time with his family, skiing, mountain biking, surfing, skydiving, and enjoying music.
Andrew Koijane | Mortgage Consultant
Prior to working in the lending industry, Andrew Koijane grew up in Palo Alto, California. He moved to Lake Tahoe in 1986 to explore ventures as a competitive triathlete, bike shop manager as well as a finish carpenter.
Since 2003, Andrew has handled hundreds of financing scenarios ranging from Primary and Second home purchases to refinancing construction loans. Having himself purchased properties in the Tahoe Basin, including his primary and vacation rentals, Andrew is closely in tune with the various advantages of owning real estate and can counsel clients in the right direction. Andrew has developed a passion for helping others and utilizes his deeply connected network of entities to successfully close real estate loans. He is an exceptional resource for your transaction with a reputation of someone who listens carefully while provides a hands-on approach.
He’s now firmly rooted in Tahoe on the West Shore with his wife and two sons. It is with his family that Andrew shares a love for sailing, golfing, and outdoor adventure. Beyond that, he’s found time to serve on school boards and currently is North Tahoe Little League’s baseball president.
Sam Stout | Mortgage Consultant
While growing up in Hartford, Connecticut, Sam Stout was very active, but his main focus was skiing. He then moved out west and majored in Agriculture at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Based on his travels and real estate investing, Sam is familiar with the diversity in housing and lending. He recently planted roots in Truckee, California where his affinity for the real state sector continues to thrive.
In 2008, Sam expanded his real estate portfolio when he became a Northern Nevada HomeVestor franchise owner. HomeVester gave him experience in vacant lot development in the Bay Area to building rental portfolios in the Midwest. His robust knowledge of the lending process fueled his desire to specialize in loan origination rules and regulation. Sam’s multi-faceted perspective of the mortgage industry is an invaluable asset for O’Dette Mortgage Group. This experience coupled with his desire to help clients with mortgage decisions makes him a seamless fit into our company. He understands the magnitude of what a mortgage means to his clients. What continually drives Sam Stout is the satisfaction from closing a loan and making people’s dreams come true.
Sam spends all spare time with his wife Andrejka and their two children, Pearl and Sammy. They enjoy skiing, biking, traveling, and socializing. Sam travels internationally with his family making summer trips to the Czech Republic. It is their goal to build a house soon there.
Leo Stroe | Mortgage Consultant
Leo Stroe is a native San Franciscan. His early experiences at Brandeis and The Urban School of San Francisco allowed him to establish both deep roots and a sense of community within the larger City by the Bay. Leo also spent time in the Midwest where he earned his BA in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before jumpstarting his career in the tech space, he volunteered in South America teaching English at an elementary school in Arequipa, Peru.
After years working as a loan advisor, specializing in financial technology, Leo joined O’Dette Mortgage Group in 2022, bringing a new dimension of financial loan expertise. He was drawn to the team because of the calm and cohesive environment that is an integral part of OMG’s DNA. Leo’s approach is a perfect fit for our team. In his role as a mortgage consultant, he educates clients on their financing options setting them up for a successful and smooth real estate transaction. Leo’s objective when interacting with clients or agents is to evoke a deep sense of confidence that all partners will be taken care of in a way that personalizes the mortgage experience and as a result create a relationship of trust for life.
When he’s not helping clients with their home buying experience, Leo enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and hiking with his Golden Retriever, Rocky! Leo’s love for the outdoors has enriched his passion for mindful meditation which guides him to approach every relationship with open mindedness and compassion. He continues to be an active member of his local community by volunteering at non-profits such as Tipping Point and Glide Memorial, holding the position of junior board member. Leo is deeply grateful for the beauty of the Bay Area and honored to help his clients achieve their goal of calling The Bay their home as well.
Ange Worl | Executive Assistant
Home-grown talent from Truckee, California, Ange Worl bridges the best of both worlds bringing the small-town values of Truckee to the faster pace of the Bay Area. She spent her formative years in Truckee and then graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BA in Business.
With over 16 years of experience, Ange is the veteran with the most historical knowledge of O’Dette Mortgage Group. She is the liaison for Teresa, Ephraim and all clients that venture through the office. She is the main point of contact throughout a transaction from start to finish. With an innately tranquil and congenial demeanor, Ange is a master facilitator of any situation because she brings confidence and assurance to all team members and clients.
Apart from being a hardworking mom, Ange juggles her sons’ activities, family gatherings and social rendezvous. When there is a moment to breathe, she makes sure to revel in it. She loves to share her peace and happiness with everyone around her.
Meg Milam | Loan Processor
Meg Milam is a California native that graduated from University of California, Davis. The tenacity and desire it took to graduate from the University of Davis, Meg brings to O’Dette Mortgage Group. Beginning her career in the hospitality industry and being enveloped in it for nearly a decade solidified Meg’s priority of putting clients’ needs first. This philosophy ties in with the company’s standards of professionalism and service for team members and clients.
As an experienced Loan Processor, Meg believes in taking care of the customer every step of the loan process with clarity and informed decision making. She makes the loan process not only go smoothly but ensures confidence in our customers so that they feel good about the process. This includes assisting with loan documentation from the time escrow is opened, until the day escrow closes. Her strong attention to detail and multi-tasking elevates the company’s accountability and accuracy through every processed loan.
Meg resides in North Lake Tahoe with her husband and two young children. She continues to discover and explore the Tahoe area as much as possible during these 13 years and going strong. Part of the adventures include camping, enjoying all the surrounding Tahoe Truckee lakes and most importantly…being active and healthy with her family.
Lindy Haack | Processing Assistant
Born and raised in Tahoe City, Lindy Buffington grew up with a love for the mountains and outdoors. It made sense for her to work with clients who felt the same way about her hometown. The attraction of the expansive mountains and spectacular Lake Tahoe is only a part of what Lindy shares with clients that work with her. She is passionate about providing a positive and successful experience for every one of them.
Lindy is part of Teresa and Ephraim’s team of exceptional assistants! With over eight years of experience at O’Dette Mortgage Group, she continues to work diligently behind the scenes aiding clients in achieving their financing needs. Her main role is to work cohesively with our bank – Synergy One Lending, title companies and third parties to ensure all is in order for the loan to be processed. The focused attention Lindy provides contributes to the seamless transactions that O’Dette Mortgage Group prides itself on. She loves working with people and enjoys helping clients achieve their goals. This goal resonates strongly with Lindy and is a common thread shared amongst the team.
Outside of the office, Lindy enjoys the great outdoors with her family. Hiking, camping, and visiting their family cabin at Bucks Lake are examples of her hobbies. She also enjoys traveling to new places for new experiences.
Traci Shoffner | Loan Processor
Bringing traditional California market perspective to O’Dette Mortgage Group, Traci Shoffner was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and currently lives nearby in Citrus Heights. She joins our team with specific knowledge of the Sacramento area. Established with family in California, Traci understands the opportunities of owning a home and building a life in the Golden State.
Traci has over 13 years of direct customer service experience in the private sector specializing in human resources. She applies these critical skills directly in her position here with O’Dette Mortgage Group as a loan processor. Her conscientious attention to detail ensures that all necessary loan documents are procured and submitted successfully. Whenever there is a problem that needs solving, she is prepared to work singularly and with our team to get the best possible outcome for our clients.
Supplementing her professional endeavors include the love of her family. She spends time with them enjoying the great outdoors. They love camping, hiking , and sports. She is also immersed in her two children’s desires with a son heavily involved in football and a daughter pursuing a dance career.
Mui Condon | Marketing Specialist
Raised in Reno, Nevada from the age of three, Mui Condon is a Reno native that matriculated from her hometown’s University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). The beginning of her professional career was tenured at UNR for over 11 years where she was an event manager for the university President while later serving as an assistant development director for the College of Engineering.
As the marketing specialist for O’Dette Mortgage Group, she develops and creates consistent marketing programs and cohesive marketing collateral so that team member and client relationship continue to build. Mui wants to remind each client that interacts with the company that they are in skilled hands with people who care. She brings an added level of professionalism through the company’s brand and her diligence ensures all projects are complete and above industry standards.
Her greatest love is her family, they are the epicenter of happiness for her. Mui has an extensive family tree and at the root of that she gives great thanks to her parents for all their sacrifices. She spends her off-time in constant motion participating in various sports and activities involving her two boys, husband and family. Nothing is more fun for Mui than being active and speaking different languages with her boys.