Gibsons

If you’ve ever driven the Sunshine Coast Highway, you’ve likely rolled through Gibsons, BC, and thought, “This place has a vibe.” It’s not just another small town—it’s a coastal gem with a personality that punches way above its weight. Nestled on the edge of Howe Sound, Gibsons offers a mix of stunning waterfront views, a tight-knit community, and a lifestyle that draws retirees, artists, and vacation home seekers alike. For mortgage brokers and borrowers, this town isn’t just a pretty postcard; it’s a unique market with real opportunities. And at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re all about lending in places like this—where other MICs often shy away.

What sets Gibsons apart in the real estate game? For starters, it’s got a lifestyle appeal that’s hard to beat. Think beaches, marinas, and fresh-off-the-boat seafood at spots like Smitty’s Oyster House. Then there’s the cultural flair—events like the Gibsons Jazz Festival pull in crowds and keep the town buzzing. This kind of draw means properties here, especially waterfront or vacation homes, often hold strong resale value, even when markets cool off. For brokers, that’s a key selling point when pitching a deal to us. And for borrowers, it means your investment in Gibsons could be a safer bet than you’d expect in a smaller community.

Let’s talk numbers—without drowning in them. Housing here leans heavily on single-detached homes, making up over half the market, with a decent chunk of low-rise apartments and row houses for variety. That mix tells us at Tekamar that there’s room for different kinds of deals, from equity lending on family homes to second mortgages for vacation properties. Our max loan-to-value (LTV) in Gibsons is 60%, which we adjust based on the deal’s risk—think construction or bare land. We’re cautious because we’re playing with friends’ and family’s money, but we’re also flexible. Got a client with a solid exit strategy but shaky credit? We’re listening. Brokers, that’s your cue to call us and see if it fits. Borrowers, if the banks turned you down, we might still have your back.

Economically, Gibsons isn’t tied to one shaky industry. Retail, healthcare, and professional services lead the pack, giving the town a stable base. Sure, unemployment hovers around 7.5%, and median household income isn’t sky-high, but the diversity helps balance things out. For us as lenders, that stability matters—it lowers the risk of a borrower defaulting due to a local economic crash. And with a big chunk of the population over 65, there’s a steady demand for retirement-friendly properties. Brokers, keep an eye on those files; they often come with solid equity. Borrowers, if you’re eyeing a home here to settle into your golden years, let’s talk options.

Gibsons isn’t without quirks. Its older demographic and reliance on some government transfers signal a need for careful underwriting—something we take seriously with KYC and FINTRAC compliance. But that’s our job at Tekamar. We’re not just another MIC; our tagline says it all: “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.” So, whether you’re a broker with a deal that doesn’t fit the Vancouver mold or a borrower needing a creative solution, Gibsons is on our map. Give us a shout, and let’s make it work.