Houston

Ever driven through a small town in British Columbia and thought, “Who lives here, and why?” Well, let me introduce you to Houston, BC—a place that’s quietly carving out its own identity in the heart of the Bulkley Valley. It’s not just another stop on Highway 16; it’s a tight-knit community with a rugged charm that might surprise you. And for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, it’s a spot where alternative lending—like what we do at Tekamar Mortgage Fund—can make a real difference.

Houston’s got a population just north of 3,000, spread across a sprawling 73 square kilometers. That’s a lot of elbow room, which suits the folks here just fine. This isn’t a bustling metro hub; it’s a town where the pace is slower, the air is crisp, and the surrounding mountains are practically begging you to hike or fish. Locals will tell you about spots like Steelhead Park, a little gem for picnics or just soaking in the scenery. It’s this natural beauty that draws a certain kind of buyer—someone looking for lifestyle over luxury. For brokers, that means clients who might prioritize land or unique properties over cookie-cutter homes. And for borrowers, if you’re dreaming of a quiet escape with some acreage, Houston might be your kind of place.

From a real estate and lending perspective, Houston stands out because it’s not trying to be Kelowna or Victoria. Single-detached homes dominate the market at over 60%, but you’ll also find a surprising number of movable dwellings—think mobile homes—which make up about 15%. That mix tells you this is a market for practical, no-frills living. At Tekamar, we’re game to lend here with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 55%, which reflects the town’s smaller size and slower resale potential. We’re cautious—our investments come from friends and family, so protecting principal is non-negotiable—but we’re also flexible. Got a deal on bare land or an odd property? Brokers, give us a call to chat through the exit strategy. Borrowers, if your credit or income doesn’t quite pass muster at a bank, we’re all about equity lending and finding a path forward.

What makes Houston unique, though, isn’t just the landscape—it’s the economic grit. Forestry and manufacturing drive a big chunk of jobs, nearly 35% combined, which means the town feels the ups and downs of resource industries. With a median household income of $84,000 and a higher-than-average unemployment rate, financial stability can be a challenge for some residents. That’s where alternative lending shines. We’ve seen firsthand how a well-structured second mortgage or debt consolidation loan can turn things around for a borrower. And brokers, if your client’s deal doesn’t fit the big-city MIC mold, remember our tagline: “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.”

Houston’s not without risks. The harsh climate—classified as Zone 4a for you gardeners—means long winters and a short growing season. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that can affect property demand. But for the right buyer, places like the Bulkley River, famous for world-class fishing, are a dream come true. So, whether you’re a broker scouting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics or a borrower needing a creative solution, Houston’s on our map at Tekamar. Let’s talk about making that deal work.