Clearwater

Let’s talk about Clearwater, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality, tucked away in the North Thompson Valley. It’s not your typical urban hub, and that’s exactly why it’s worth a closer look, whether you’re a mortgage broker hunting for unique lending opportunities or a borrower seeking a lender who gets rural real estate. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re all about finding value where others might not look, and Clearwater fits the bill with our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.”

What sets Clearwater apart? For starters, it’s the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, often called the “Waterfall Capital of BC.” This isn’t just a pretty postcard detail—it’s a real draw for retirees, seasonal buyers, and folks craving a lifestyle shift. That translates to a housing market with steady, if not flashy, resale potential. Most homes here are single-detached, making up over 70% of the stock, which means you’re often dealing with classic family properties or cozy cabins. For brokers, this offers a niche to tap into equity lending for clients who might not qualify under strict bank rules but have solid property value to back a deal. And for borrowers, if you’ve got equity in a Clearwater home, we’re ready to talk, even if your credit or income story isn’t picture-perfect.

Now, let’s get real about the economics. Clearwater’s median household income sits around $68,000, and unemployment is higher than you’d like at nearly 15%. Forestry and agriculture drive a lot of the local economy, which can mean volatility when markets dip. For us at Tekamar, that shapes how we approach lending here. Our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Clearwater is 55%, reflecting the added risk of a smaller market with less buying power. We’re cautious because we protect our investors—friends and family who trust us with their capital. But that LTV still leaves room for deals, especially if you’re a broker with a client needing a first or second mortgage on a well-valued property. Borrowers, if you’re sitting on equity and need a bridge loan or debt consolidation, we’re open to crafting a solution with a clear exit strategy in mind.

One thing I love about Clearwater is its unpolished charm. Drive through town, and you’ll spot the Clearwater River winding alongside, with locals fishing or just soaking in the quiet. It’s a reminder that small towns often hide big opportunities—if you know how to assess them. As a lender, we look at how long it might take to recover funds in a worst-case scenario. Clearwater’s market isn’t as liquid as, say, Kelowna, so we factor in extra time for a sale if needed. That’s insider thinking for brokers: bring us deals with strong equity, and we’ll work with you to make it happen. For borrowers, it means we’re realistic—we won’t over-leverage you into a risky spot.

Here’s the bottom line. Clearwater isn’t for every lender, but at Tekamar, we see the potential in places like this. We’re not chasing Vancouver high-rises; we’re here for the towns without stoplights. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal in Clearwater or similar spots across BC, give us a call to see if it fits our sweet spot. And borrowers, if you’re in this neck of the woods and need a lender who understands rural realities, we’re listening. Let’s make it work—together.