By Les Ong on March 20, 2026
For many people, getting a mortgage feels like a necessary hurdle. But Ila Thody, a mortgage loan officer with Synergy One Lending in Salem, Oregon, believes it doesn’t have to be that way. With a career deeply rooted in finance and a genuine passion for helping people, she has made it her mission to transform the mortgage experience into something approachable, educational, and enjoyable. “There’s no reason we can’t have fun doing it,” Ila says with a smile.
Ila’s journey in the financial world began at just 15 years old when she started working in banking. “Looking back now, I don’t know if I would have hired a 15-year-old,” she laughs. “But they hired me at 15 and let me do it.” That early start laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to money management and client relationships. Over the years, Ila worked through local credit unions and larger banks, building expertise and discovering her true calling.
Before joining Synergy One Lending six months ago, Ila spent four years as a finance manager at one of the largest motorsport dealerships in the Northwest. While she enjoyed the work, she found herself wanting to make a bigger impact. “The $5,000 down that they have for this dirt bike, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, we could do this for your future,'” she recalls. That desire to help people build long-term financial security ultimately led her to mortgage lending.
What sets Ila apart is her commitment to relationships over transactions. While many lenders promise communication and education, Ila sees these as the bare minimum. “If you’re not educating your clients on the mortgage process and products available, you’re not even showing up for the job,” she explains.
Instead, Ila has developed unique ways to support her clients. She hosts classes and is working on a podcast that focuses on the aspects of home buying you can’t Google: the emotional ups and downs, the uncertainty, and the real experiences. “I really talk about not just the fun parts, but sometimes things that happen,” she says. “Just really being honest and transparent in the whole process.”
Ila’s passion for helping people achieve homeownership is deeply personal. Growing up in a divorced family, she never saw it as a possibility. “Nobody in my family ever purchased a home,” she shares. “I grew up honestly never thinking that I would buy a home because I thought it was out of the realm of possibilities, especially being a single mom.”
But she defied those expectations and became the first person in her family to purchase a home. “Being able to talk with people in those situations where they don’t think it’s possible, but actually working with them to make it possible and really enhancing their lives long-term,” she says, describing what makes her work rewarding.
At Synergy One Lending, Ila serves clients across all of Oregon with a full range of mortgage products, from first-time home purchases to construction loans, reverse mortgages, and home equity loans. Her demographic spans from mid-twenties to mid-forties, though she works with clients of all ages.
Early in her banking career, Ila had a manager who profoundly influenced her development. This manager encouraged her to learn beyond her job description. “She completely encouraged me in self-learning,” Ila recalls. “During downtime, I would read manuals for different jobs.”
That self-directed learning paid off. Ila became a personal banker without formal training, simply because she took the initiative. “She really encouraged me to push outside of staying in my lane,” Ila says. “Her example of how to support and build people up resonates with me.” That spirit defines how Ila works today, supporting not just clients but also real estate agents in developing their professional skills.
A turning point in Ila’s career came during profound loss. When considering a move from her secure salary position to commission-based work, she initially decided against it. Then her mother unexpectedly passed away. “She was my number one cheerleader,” Ila shares. “When she passed away, I was like, ‘I have to be my own cheerleader. I need to step up and really be the one encouraging myself.'”
That loss became the catalyst for taking the leap into commission work, eventually leading her to mortgage lending. It forced her out of her comfort zone and taught her to reach for bigger things.
While many people choose a single word to guide their year, Ila selected four: consistency, resilience, discipline, and grit. “I’m not relying on motivation,” she explains. “I’m just going to do it. Even when I don’t want to do it, I’m just going to show up and do it.”
This mindset reflects her approach to both business and life. When she started with Synergy One Lending, many people quit partway through the demanding licensing process, but Ila’s discipline carried her through. “He trusted that I would do it,” she says of her initial conversation with the company.
Originally from a small farming town in Southern Oregon, Ila moved to Portland before settling in Salem. What she’s discovered is its unique blend of size and community spirit. “It’s funny how all the circles kind of overlap,” she says. “It’s a pretty tight-knit community, even with as large as it is.”
That community connection is important to both Ila and Synergy One Lending. The company maintains an active presence through donations and volunteering. “All of us actually show up physically in the community,” Ila notes. “There’s always one of us involved in something.” Ila herself has volunteered with organizations including one specializing in hiring people with disabilities.
Outside of work, Ila maintains a full family life. Her 19-year-old son attends the University of Oregon, making her a Ducks fan by default, while her 12-year-old daughter keeps her navigating middle school challenges. Music plays a central role in the family, with her son competing nationally in a cappella.
And then there are the bunnies. “I love bunnies,” Ila says with enthusiasm. Her four bunnies are box-trained, free-roam around the house, have a stroller, enjoy spa days, and sport Halloween costumes. “They’re bougie,” she admits with a laugh.
As Ila looks to the future, she envisions continued growth and an expanding footprint in the community. “In four or five years, I see the majority of the community knowing who I am and how I can help them,” she says. She’s also working toward licensing in Washington and California.
For Ila, mortgage lending is about more than numbers and paperwork. It’s about building relationships, educating clients, and helping people achieve dreams they might have thought impossible. It’s about showing up with consistency and discipline. And it’s about making the journey to homeownership something people can enjoy. “There’s no reason we can’t have fun doing it,” she reminds us.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or exploring your next move, Ila Thody at Synergy One Lending is ready to guide you through every step of the mortgage process with expertise, honesty, and a genuine commitment to your success.
Synergy One Lending
3240 Commercial St. SE Suite 120
Salem, OR 97302
Phone: (971) 284-0498
Email: ithody@s1l.com
Website: s1l.com
NMLS: 730786
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