Spotlight on Deon Oden
Helping Families Achieve Homeownership
This month, we’re launching a four-part Meet the Mortgage Team series, giving you a closer look at the people behind the process. First up is Deon Oden from our Rochester branch, who shared insights into his 29-year career in the mortgage industry.
For nearly three decades, Deon Oden has dedicated his career to helping families navigate the path to homeownership. His inspiration came early in life—at just 13 years old—when his grandmother lost her home to predatory lending practices. That experience sparked his determination to better understand the mortgage industry and ensure that others wouldn’t face the same hardships.
“What I enjoy most is helping people from beginning to end,” Oden says. “It’s not just about getting a loan approved, it’s about educating clients on the benefits of homeownership, building equity, and maintaining their investment.”
Education is at the heart of Oden’s approach. From explaining interest rates and closing costs to guiding first-time buyers through affordability questions, he focuses on making sure clients understand the “why” behind every step. His ability to build rapport and find solutions for those with unique challenges sets him apart.
One success story Oden is especially proud of involves a single mother of four. When they first met, she had a low credit score and was living in an RV park. Over the course of three years, he helped her improve her credit, save for a down payment, and access assistance programs. The result? She purchased her first home and provided her children with stability and even leveraged her home’s equity to help them pursue higher education. “Today, three of her kids are in college, with one studying pre-med. It’s stories like this that make everything worth it.”
When asked what advice he gives to those beginning their homebuying journey, Oden stresses knowing your numbers. “Understand what you can afford, generally about 43% of your income when you factor in your mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and other monthly debts. That way, you’ll be prepared to shop confidently within your budget.”
Outside of work, Deon continues to invest in others as a mentor and youth coach, with more than 25 years of experience in football and basketball. He’s helped over 100 student athletes earn college scholarships, with several going on to play professionally. He also enjoys camping, riding motorcycles, classic cars, and music. Oden has even been a DJ since age 13!
At the end of the day, his passion for helping others, whether in the community or through mortgage lending, shines through in everything he does.