Golden

If you’ve ever driven the Trans-Canada Highway through the Rockies, you’ve probably stopped in Golden, BC, for gas or a quick coffee at the local Tim Hortons. But here’s the thing—Golden isn’t just another roadside pitstop. It’s a hidden gem for lifestyle seekers and, more importantly for us at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, a solid spot for real estate investment and lending opportunities. Let’s unpack what makes this small town of just under 4,000 people a unique player in BC’s housing market.

First off, Golden’s got a vibe you won’t find in the bigger hubs like Kelowna or Victoria. Nestled between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with world-class skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, whitewater rafting on the Kootenay River, and endless hiking trails. That’s not just a fun fact—it’s a major driver for property demand. People aren’t just buying homes here; they’re buying a lifestyle. For borrowers, this means properties often hold their value well, especially for vacation or retirement homes. And for mortgage brokers, it’s a heads-up: deals in Golden can attract clients looking for equity lending to snag that dream mountain escape, even if their credit or income doesn’t quite pass the bank’s sniff test.

Now, let’s talk numbers without drowning in them. Golden’s housing mix leans heavily on single-detached homes, making up over half the market. But there’s also a chunk of movable dwellings—think mobile homes—which can be trickier to finance through traditional lenders. That’s where we come in at Tekamar. With our focus on equity lending and non-income qualifying options, we’re often the “yes” when banks say “no.” Our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Golden is 60%, which keeps risk in check while still giving borrowers room to work with. Brokers, if you’ve got a client with a unique property or a less-than-perfect credit score, give us a call—we thrive on deals other MICs might shy away from.

What else sets Golden apart? It’s got a resort municipality status, which means it’s built to attract tourists and retirees alike. That translates to steady demand for properties, even in a seasonal economy driven by tourism and accommodation services. Sure, the reliance on seasonal income can spook some lenders, but at Tekamar, we see it differently. With over 20 years of lending experience, we know how to assess the exit strategy—how long it’d take to recover funds if things go sideways. We’re not just throwing money at deals; we’re calculating the timelines for foreclosure or resale down to the last detail. For borrowers, this means you’re working with a lender who’s cautious but fair. Brokers, it’s your assurance that we’re not reckless with your clients’ futures.

Golden’s also seeing a warming climate trend, which might sound like small talk but actually matters for property types like hobby farms or rural lots. Warmer growing seasons could boost appeal for those offbeat properties we love to finance. So, whether you’re a borrower eyeing a quirky acreage or a broker with a deal that doesn’t fit the big-city MIC mold, remember our tagline: “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.” Golden, BC, is exactly the kind of place we’re talking about. Let’s make that deal happen.