Keremeos

So, let’s talk about Keremeos, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality tucked into the Similkameen Valley. If you’re picturing just another sleepy dot in the Okanagan region, think again. This place, with its population just north of 1,600, is known as the “Fruit Stand Capital of Canada,” and it’s got a charm that punches well above its weight. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, Keremeos offers a unique slice of real estate opportunity that’s worth a closer look.

What sets Keremeos apart? For starters, it’s got a mild climate—sitting in Plant Hardiness Zone 6b—that makes it a haven for agriculture. Think sprawling orchards and vineyards, with roadside fruit stands dotting Highway 3. This isn’t just scenery; it’s the economic heartbeat of the area. That agricultural backbone means stability for property values, even if the median household income leans low at around $53,000. But here’s the catch: with nearly half the population over 65, this is a retiree hotspot. That demographic drives demand for single-detached homes, which make up over 70% of the housing stock. For brokers, this means deals often involve downsizers or retirees with equity to leverage. And for borrowers? If you’ve got a property here and need alternative financing, that equity could be your ticket with a lender like us at Tekamar Mortgage Fund.

Speaking of lending, let’s get practical. At Tekamar, we’re not like most MICs who stick to Vancouver or the Fraser Valley. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s our mission. We focus on smaller towns like Keremeos, with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 55% in this community. Why so conservative? Simple: smaller markets can take longer to sell in a worst-case scenario like foreclosure. We factor in everything—interest accumulation, time to get an Order Nisi, and local market dynamics—to protect our investors (all friends and family, by the way). So, brokers, if you’ve got a client with a solid equity position here, give us a call to see if the deal fits. Borrowers, if banks or credit unions are saying no due to income or credit hiccups, we might be your plan B—just know we prioritize a clear exit strategy for refinance down the line.

Now, let’s zoom into what makes Keremeos tick for real estate. Beyond the fruit stands, you’ve got local gems like the Similkameen River, perfect for a summer dip, and a tight-knit community vibe that draws people looking for a quieter life. The recreation centre here is a hub for locals, and the health centre adds appeal for older residents. But a word of caution: with high unemployment at over 10%, economic resilience isn’t bulletproof. Proximity to bigger Okanagan centers helps, but it’s not a full safety net. For brokers and borrowers, this means deals need to be structured with extra care—something we’re well-versed in at Tekamar.

Here’s the bottom line. Keremeos isn’t a market for high rollers or quick flips. It’s for those who see value in lifestyle and long-term stability. Whether you’re a broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics or a borrower needing a creative solution, Keremeos—and Tekamar—might just be the unexpected fit you’re looking for. Let’s talk if you’ve got a deal in mind.