Let’s talk about Hazelton, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality, tucked away in the northwest part of the province. It’s not the kind of place you stumble upon by accident; it’s a deliberate detour off the beaten path, surrounded by rugged landscapes and a quiet charm that’s hard to find in bigger centers. For those of us at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, Hazelton represents the kind of community we’re passionate about serving—small, unique, and often overlooked by other lenders.
What sets Hazelton apart? For starters, it’s a gateway to some of the most stunning natural beauty in BC. Think mountain bike trails that draw adventurers from far and wide, and a slower pace of life that feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle of places like Vancouver. Local spots like the Ksan Historical Village offer a deep dive into the rich Indigenous heritage of the area, giving a sense of history you won’t find in cookie-cutter suburbs. But let’s be real—Hazelton’s remote location and tiny population mean it’s not for everyone. That’s exactly why we’re here, though. At Tekamar, our tagline is “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” and Hazelton fits that bill perfectly.
From a real estate and mortgage perspective, Hazelton presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. The housing market here is dominated by single-detached homes—nearly 80% of dwellings fall into this category—which means there’s a certain predictability to property types. But with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 45% in this area, we’re extra cautious. Why? Because in a small, remote market like this, liquidity can be a concern. If things go south, it takes longer to sell a property compared to, say, Kelowna or Vernon. For mortgage brokers sending us deals, that means we’ll dig deep into the exit strategy—how will this loan get paid out, whether through refinance or sale? And for borrowers, it’s a heads-up: come to us with solid equity in your property, and we’ll work hard to find a solution, even if traditional banks have said no.
Now, let’s talk economics for a second. Hazelton’s high unemployment rate and heavy reliance on industries like health care and social assistance signal some risk. As lenders, we’re not just looking at the property; we’re looking at the bigger picture of economic stability. That said, for the right borrower—maybe someone with a non-traditional income stream or a need for equity lending—we’re ready to step in where credit unions or banks won’t. Brokers, if you’ve got a client who’s been turned down elsewhere, give us a call; we thrive on these kinds of puzzles.
Hazelton might not have the amenities of a big city, but it’s got heart. Whether you’re a borrower looking to secure financing for a home in this quiet corner of BC or a broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics, Tekamar Mortgage Fund is here to help. We’ve been at this for over 20 years, focusing on places just like this—towns without stoplights, where every deal tells a story. Got a deal in Hazelton or another off-the-radar spot in BC? Let’s chat. We’re all about finding a way to make it work.