Houston sits at the crossroads of Highway 16 and Highway 37, making it the unofficial gateway to northern British Columbia’s wilderness. This strategic location has shaped the town’s character as a supply hub for mining, forestry, and outdoor adventures heading deeper into the province’s northern reaches.
The town earned its nickname “Steelhead Capital of the World” through decades of legendary fishing on the Bulkley River system. Anglers travel internationally to chase these chrome-bright fish through Houston’s waters, creating a surprisingly robust tourism economy that complements the traditional resource base. The annual Canada Day Fishing Derby draws thousands of participants, proving that even small towns can command global attention when they excel at something specific.
Manufacturing dominates the local economy at nearly 20% of employment, primarily through sawmills and value-added wood processing. This industrial foundation, combined with agriculture and forestry operations, creates steady demand for equipment financing, business expansion loans, and property consolidation deals. The median household income of $84,000 reflects the decent wages these industries provide, though the 12.4% unemployment rate shows the cyclical nature of resource-dependent communities.
Houston’s housing market tells an interesting story through its numbers. With 60% single-family homes and a surprising 15% movable dwellings, the community accommodates both permanent residents and seasonal workers. The low population density of 42 people per square kilometer means land isn’t scarce, but the harsh Zone 4a climate limits the growing season and increases heating costs.
Tekamar offers equity-based mortgages, second mortgages, and debt consolidation loans in Houston with a maximum LTV of 45%. This conservative approach reflects the community’s remote location and specialized economy. While Houston serves its region well as a service center, property liquidity requires patience and realistic pricing. For brokers working with clients who understand rural markets and have solid equity positions, Houston’s industrial base and strategic location provide more stability than many northern communities can offer.
The town’s position as a jumping-off point for northern adventures, combined with its established resource industries, creates opportunities for those who appreciate what small-town British Columbia delivers best: space, outdoor access, and communities where everyone knows the best fishing spots.
the Nearest Costco
Nearest Hospital
Our Mortgage Products Available in Houston
| Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Mortgages | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Variable Income | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bare Land and Unique Properties | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Equity Lending | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Purchases | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
Detailed Mortgage Product Information
Construction Mortgages
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Construction Mortgages in Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
“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 Houston:
45.0 %
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...