Creston

Let’s talk about Creston, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality, tucked into the Kootenay River Valley. If you’re picturing just another sleepy spot in the BC interior, think again. Creston’s got a unique vibe that makes it stand out for anyone eyeing real estate or lending opportunities, and at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re excited to be part of its story with our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.”

First off, Creston isn’t your typical small town. Surrounded by towering mountains and blessed with a mild climate—Zone 6b, if you’re into gardening or farming—this place has a growing season that’s the envy of much of BC. That climate isn’t just nice for growing apples or cherries (which, by the way, are a big deal here); it’s a magnet for retirees and out-of-province buyers looking for a slower pace with killer views. For mortgage brokers, this means a steady stream of clients wanting to settle into a single-detached home—about three-quarters of the housing stock here. And for borrowers, if you’re dreaming of a slice of this scenic pie but don’t quite tick the boxes for traditional lenders, we’re here to chat about equity lending options with a clear exit strategy.

What’s really interesting from a lending perspective is Creston’s lifestyle appeal. Think trails, fitness stations, and a vibrant arts scene that punches way above its weight for a town of just over 5,500. Local spots like the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market aren’t just a Saturday errand—they’re a community hub. This kind of charm keeps property values stable, even if the economic base has some wobbles with a 9% unemployment rate and a median household income on the lower side. For us at Tekamar, that’s why our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Creston is set at 55%. We’re cautious, but we see the potential. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal here, give us a call to see if it fits our sweet spot—think low LTV and a solid exit plan. Borrowers, if your credit or income isn’t bank-friendly, we might still be able to help with first or second mortgages.

Now, let’s get real about the market. Creston’s economy leans on health care, retail, and agriculture, with a bit of manufacturing in the mix. It’s diverse enough to avoid total collapse if one sector stumbles, but it’s not bulletproof. As a lender, we’re mindful of that when we assess deals—especially since we stick to residential files, no commercial or multi-family. We’re all about protecting our friends-and-family investors’ principal while helping folks get into homes. For brokers sending us deals, know that we’re picky about risk but flexible on location outside the Vancouver bubble. And borrowers, if you’ve got equity in a Creston property—maybe a quirky bare land plot or an oddball house—we’re open to creative solutions.

Creston’s not perfect, but it’s got heart. Whether you’re a broker looking for a lender who gets small-town BC, or a borrower needing a non-traditional path to homeownership, Tekamar’s ready to dig into the details. We’ve been at this for over 20 years, and we’re all about finding the right fit—especially in places like this, where the mountains meet opportunity.