Fort St. John

Ever driven through a town and thought, “This place has a vibe I can’t quite pin down”? That’s Fort St. John, British Columbia, for you. Nestled in the Peace River region, it’s a gritty, hard-working community with a surprising amount of charm—and for those of us in the mortgage game, it’s a market worth paying attention to. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’ve got a soft spot for towns like this, where other lenders might hesitate. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s how we roll.

What sets Fort St. John apart from other BC communities? For starters, it’s the energy capital of the province, with a big chunk of its economy tied to oil and gas. That’s a double-edged sword—there’s money to be made, but volatility comes with the territory. Add to that a median household income of over $100,000, and you’ve got a town where people have equity potential, even if traditional banks sometimes shy away due to industry risks or credit hiccups. For borrowers, this is where we step in with equity lending solutions, especially if income testing or credit rules are tripping you up at the big banks. And for brokers? If you’ve got a client in Fort St. John who needs a creative fix, give us a call—we’re all ears.

Let’s talk real estate. Nearly half the homes here are single-detached houses, which means decent property values and often enough equity for a solid loan-to-value ratio. At Tekamar, our maximum LTV in Fort St. John is 55%, but we’re not just throwing money at every deal. We adjust based on risk—think construction loans or second mortgages—and always keep an eye on a clear exit strategy. That’s mortgage-speak for “how do we get paid back if things go sideways?” In a smaller market like this, with a harsh climate and a touch of economic uncertainty, we’re extra careful. But when the numbers work, we’re game.

Beyond the balance sheets, Fort St. John has a rugged appeal. With over 300 sunny days a year, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts—think hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the Northern beauty near spots like Charlie Lake. It’s family-friendly too, with local gems like the North Peace Leisure Pool keeping kids entertained. But let’s be real: the winters are brutal. That Plant Hardiness Zone 3a rating isn’t just a number; it means you’d better love snow if you’re moving here. For borrowers considering a property purchase, that climate might affect long-term plans—something to chew on. Brokers, when you’re pitching a deal to us, factor in how that might play into resale timelines if push comes to shove.

Here’s the kicker: Fort St. John’s got a young, working population—median age of just 32.4. That’s a lot of folks in their prime earning years, often looking for debt consolidation or bridge loans to get over a hump. We love those kinds of deals at Tekamar, especially when there’s equity to back it up. So, whether you’re a borrower needing a non-income-qualifying option or a broker with a tricky file, know that we’re not scared off by a town without a Starbucks on every corner. Fort St. John isn’t just another stop on the Alaska Highway—it’s a place where deals get done, and we’re here to help make ‘em happen.