Fernie

Let’s talk about Fernie, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality that’s catching the eye of savvy property buyers and mortgage brokers alike. Nestled in the Elk Valley, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Fernie isn’t your typical sleepy rural spot. It’s a lifestyle destination with world-class skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort and summer trails that draw mountain bikers from across the country. For anyone in the mortgage game—whether you’re a broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics or a borrower dreaming of a cabin with a view—Fernie offers some unique opportunities worth exploring.

What sets Fernie apart from other BC communities isn’t just its postcard-worthy scenery. It’s got a resort municipality status, which means a steady stream of vacation home buyers and retirees looking for that perfect blend of quiet and adventure. This keeps resale potential strong—a key factor for us at Tekamar Mortgage Fund when we assess lending risk. We’re happy to lend in Fernie with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 60%, provided the deal makes sense. For brokers, that means we’re a go-to if your client’s deal falls outside the big-city focus of most MICs. And for borrowers, if you’ve got equity but don’t quite tick the income or credit boxes for traditional lenders, we’re open to chatting about your story.

Now, let’s get real about the local market. Housing here leans heavily toward single-detached homes—over 60% of the stock—which tells you Fernie’s got that classic small-town feel with room to breathe. But there’s also a growing chunk of apartments and row houses, hinting at demand from seasonal workers and younger buyers. This mix matters because, as a lender, we look at how quickly a property can move if things go sideways. Fernie’s appeal to out-of-towners gives us confidence in a safe exit strategy. Brokers, if you’ve got a client eyeing a second home here, let’s talk low LTV options. Borrowers, that same appeal means your investment could hold its value even in a softer market.

Fernie’s economy is another piece of the puzzle. Historically tied to mining, it’s diversifying with tourism and hospitality picking up steam—think bustling cafes and packed hotels during ski season. That growth is a plus for property demand, though a higher-than-average unemployment rate reminds us to stay cautious. We stick to equity lending with a clear exit in mind, often helping folks who need debt consolidation or credit repair but have solid property backing. For a borrower in Fernie, that might mean using your home’s value to get back on track. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal like that, give us a call—we’re not scared off by “unconventional” files as long as the numbers add up.

One last tidbit: Fernie’s community vibe is electric. Events like the Griz Days Festival showcase a tight-knit spirit that draws people in for more than just a weekend. It’s the kind of place where your property isn’t just an asset—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. At Tekamar, with our tagline “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” we’re all about backing deals in towns like this. So whether you’re a broker with a unique file or a borrower with a vision for Fernie, let’s make it happen together.