Greenwood holds the distinction of being Canada’s smallest incorporated city, a title it’s worn proudly since 1897 when it was booming with copper mining and railway activity. Today’s reality is quite different but no less interesting for mortgage professionals working with unique borrower situations.
The numbers tell a story that many MICs would run from: a median age of 61.6 years, unemployment at 18.9%, and a median household income of $47,600. But here’s what those statistics don’t capture — Greenwood attracts a specific type of buyer who values affordability, history, and mountain living over urban conveniences. With 73.3% single-detached homes and nearly 19% movable dwellings, the housing stock reflects a community where people make unconventional choices work.
The climate data reveals something fascinating: Greenwood has warmed significantly over recent decades, improving its plant hardiness zone by 18.4%. This isn’t just weather trivia — it’s made the area more appealing to retirees and hobby farmers who couldn’t previously grow what they wanted at this elevation.
Construction and manufacturing each employ 18.9% of the workforce, suggesting there’s still economic activity despite the challenges. The town’s proximity to Grand Forks and the Okanagan means it’s not completely isolated, though it definitely requires borrowers who understand small-town living.
For mortgage brokers, Greenwood represents opportunities with borrowers who might not fit traditional lending boxes but have solid equity in affordable properties. Our maximum LTV of 55% reflects the reality that while properties here can be harder to move quickly, the right borrower often has substantial skin in the game. These deals typically involve debt consolidation, estate situations, or borrowers transitioning to retirement living where income qualification becomes challenging despite significant assets.
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Our Mortgage Products Available in Greenwood
| Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Mortgages | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Variable Income | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bare Land and Unique Properties | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Equity Lending | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
| Purchases | 55.0% | Standard product terms |
Detailed Mortgage Product Information
Construction Mortgages
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Construction Mortgages in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“Wait, you’re a MIC that actually does construction?”
Here’s something that makes brokers do a double-take. Yes, we do construction mortgages. No, that’s not a typo.
But before you start sending us your client with the 580 credit score who wants to build their dream home, let’s be clear: these aren’t your typical MIC deals. We only do construction for bankable clients. People the banks would ...
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Variable Income
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Bare Land and Unique Properties
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bare Land and Unique Properties in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“The appraisal came back as ‘property type: other’…”
Here’s a truth about real estate that nobody wants to admit: not everything fits in a box. Banks have boxes. Nice, tidy boxes labeled “single family home” and “condo” and “townhouse.” Their computer systems literally don’t have a dropdown menu option for “converted church with commercial kitchen” or “geodesic dome on 40 acres.”
We’ve funded...
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Equity Lending
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in Greenwood:
55.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Purchases
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in Greenwood:
55.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...