Oliver

So, let’s talk about Oliver, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality, tucked away in the South Okanagan. If you’re picturing just another sleepy spot, think again. Oliver bills itself as “Canada’s Wine Capital,” and with over 40 wineries in the area, it’s not just a catchy slogan. This place has a vibe that draws retirees, weekend warriors from bigger cities, and yes, savvy investors looking for unique real estate opportunities. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, Oliver’s got some quirks and charms worth understanding.

First off, what makes Oliver stand out in the BC landscape? It’s not the size—barely over 5,000 folks call it home—but the lifestyle. That mild Zone 6b climate means long growing seasons, not just for grapes but for a slower, sunnier way of life. You’ve got Fairview Mountain Golf Course for the duffers and Baldy Mountain Resort nearby for winter enthusiasts. It’s a magnet for out-of-province buyers who want a slice of small-town charm with big-time scenery. For brokers, this translates to a market with appeal beyond local buyers; for borrowers, it means your property might catch the eye of someone willing to pay a premium for that Okanagan magic.

From a mortgage perspective, Oliver’s housing mix is a bit of a goldmine for alternative lending. Over 66% of homes here are single-detached, which often means equity to tap into for homeowners needing a non-traditional loan. But here’s the kicker: with a median age of 58 and a hefty chunk of seniors (over 37%), you’re often dealing with fixed incomes or unique financial situations. That’s where Tekamar Mortgage Fund comes in. We’re not scared off by the small-town address or the unconventional borrower profile. With a maximum loan-to-value of 60% in Oliver, we’re here to make deals work where banks and bigger MICs might hesitate. Brokers, if you’ve got a client who doesn’t tick the usual boxes, give us a call. Borrowers, if you’ve got equity but not the income proof, we’re listening.

Now, let’s get real about the economics. Oliver’s median household income sits at $68,500, and unemployment hovers higher than you’d like at 8.4%. Local purchasing power isn’t exactly roaring, which can mean slower sales if a property needs to move. That’s why we at Tekamar are cautious but not closed-off. We focus on equity lending with a clear exit strategy—think future refinance potential to pay us out. We’re not in the business of taking risks with our friends-and-family sourced investments, so every deal gets a hard look at how long it’d take to recover funds if things go south. For brokers, that means we’re a partner who prioritizes safety; for borrowers, it means we’re upfront about what’s possible.

Here’s the bottom line: Oliver isn’t Vancouver or even Kelowna, and that’s the point. It’s a niche market with a distinct appeal, perfect for those who don’t fit the cookie-cutter lending mold. At Tekamar, our tagline—“We’ll lend where other MICs won’t”—isn’t just talk. We’re game for Oliver, and we’re game for your deal, whether you’re a broker with a tricky file or a borrower with a unique story. Got a property here that needs a creative solution? Let’s chat. After all, in a town known for crafting fine wine, we’re pretty good at crafting fine loans.