Let’s talk about McBride, British Columbia—a small town with big character tucked away in the Robson Valley. If you’re picturing a bustling urban hub, think again. With just under 600 folks calling it home, McBride is the kind of place where everyone knows your name, and the surrounding mountains are more famous than any local celebrity. But for mortgage brokers and borrowers, there’s more to this town than postcard-worthy views. Let’s unpack why McBride matters in the world of alternative lending, and how Tekamar Mortgage Fund fits in.
First off, McBride stands out because it’s not your typical BC real estate hotspot. Unlike the crowded markets of Vancouver or Kelowna, this town offers a slower pace and a tight-knit vibe. It’s surrounded by natural playgrounds—think hiking trails, skiing at nearby spots like the Powder King Mountain Resort, and the Fraser River for fishing or just soaking in the quiet. That rugged charm draws a specific crowd: retirees looking for peace, outdoor enthusiasts, and folks who value space over Starbucks on every corner. For borrowers, this means properties here often come with unique appeal—think cabins or larger lots—that don’t always fit the cookie-cutter mold of bank lending. And for brokers? It’s a chance to tap into a niche market where alternative lenders like us shine.
Now, let’s get practical. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re not scared off by small-town addresses. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s our promise. While many MICs stick to bigger cities, we’re happy to look at places like McBride with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 50%. Why the cap? Simple. Smaller markets can mean longer sale times if things go south, like in a foreclosure scenario. We factor in how long it might take to recover funds, including interest piling up during the process. It’s not about doubting McBride’s charm; it’s about protecting our investors—friends and family who’ve trusted us for over 20 years. So, borrowers, if you’ve got equity in a property here but don’t tick every box for a bank loan, we’re open to chat. Brokers, if your client’s deal fits our sweet spot—say, a first or second mortgage with a clear exit strategy—give us a call.
What else makes McBride different? Its economy leans hard on forestry, retail, and tourism, which can be a double-edged sword. Jobs aren’t always plentiful, and incomes reflect that. For mortgage pros, this means borrowers might need creative solutions like equity lending or credit repair—products we specialize in. We’re not here for commercial deals or multi-family units, but if it’s a quirky property or a debt consolidation need, we’ve got your back. Borrowers, if a traditional lender turned you down, don’t lose hope—our focus is on the equity and a path to refinance down the road. Brokers, let’s work together to structure deals that make sense for everyone.
One last tidbit: McBride’s got a bit of a warming trend, climate-wise, which might not sound like a mortgage fact, but hear me out. A slightly longer growing season could nudge more folks toward rural living or hobby farming, subtly shifting property demand. It’s the kind of detail we consider when assessing risk. So whether you’re a broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town BC, or a borrower eyeing a slice of McBride’s quiet life, Tekamar’s here to help make it happen. Let’s talk deals—mountains included.