Kimberley

If you’ve ever driven through the Kootenays, you’ve probably noticed Kimberley, British Columbia, tucked into the Purcell Mountains. It’s not just another small town—it’s a place with a distinct vibe, blending old mining grit with modern mountain charm. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, Kimberley offers some unique opportunities in the real estate game, and at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re excited to lend a hand here with our niche focus on towns just like this.

Let’s start with what makes Kimberley stand out. This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter suburb. It’s a mountain town with a rich history tied to the Sullivan Mine, which shut down in 2001 after nearly a century of operation. That closure left a mark, sure, but Kimberley has pivoted hard into tourism and lifestyle appeal. Think Kimberley Alpine Resort, a haven for skiers and snowboarders, or the countless trails and golf courses that draw retirees and vacationers year-round. For brokers, this means properties often have strong resale potential, especially for seasonal or second homes. And for borrowers? If you’re looking to buy or refinance in a spot with growing appeal, Kimberley’s market might just be your sweet spot.

From a lending perspective, Kimberley’s housing mix is worth a peek. About three-quarters of homes here are single-detached, which often means stable equity for lenders like us. But with a median household income around $81,000 and unemployment hovering at 7.7%, it’s not always a slam dunk for traditional bank financing. That’s where Tekamar steps in. We specialize in equity lending for folks who don’t quite check every box on a bank’s rigid list—think credit hiccups or income that’s tough to verify. Our max loan-to-value (LTV) in Kimberley is 65%, though we tailor each deal based on risk factors like property type or whether it’s a second mortgage. Brokers, if you’ve got a client who’s been turned away elsewhere, give us a call to chat about their exit strategy. Borrowers, if you’ve got equity in a Kimberley property, we’re often able to work with you even if the big banks won’t.

Here’s the insider bit: Kimberley’s economy isn’t booming like Kelowna’s, but it’s diverse enough with health care, retail, and tourism leading the charge. That diversity, plus the lifestyle draw, keeps demand for housing steady. However, the reliance on government transfers for some residents signals that job growth isn’t explosive. As a lender who’s been at this for over 20 years, I can tell you that means we look extra close at exit strategies—how quickly could we recover funds if things go south? That’s why we cap our LTV and stick to residential deals, no commercial or multi-family.

At Tekamar, our tagline is “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.” Kimberley fits that bill perfectly. Unlike many BC Mortgage Investment Corporations obsessed with Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, we’re all about smaller towns and bigger opportunities outside those zones. So, whether you’re a broker with a tricky file or a borrower needing a creative solution for a home near the Platzl—Kimberley’s quirky Bavarian-themed downtown—we’re here to talk.

Bottom line? Kimberley isn’t just a pretty postcard. It’s a market with real potential for the right deals. If you’ve got a property or client in mind, let’s figure out if we can make it work together. After all, in towns like this, a little flexibility goes a long way.