Hey there, let’s talk about Pouce Coupe, British Columbia—a small town with a big heart, tucked away in the Peace River region. If you’re picturing a sleepy dot off the highway, think again. This place has a rugged charm and a unique story that makes it stand out, especially if you’re a mortgage broker scouting for deals or a borrower looking for a lender who gets rural life. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re all ears for opportunities here, and we’re excited to share why Pouce Coupe might just be your next focus.
First off, Pouce Coupe (pronounced “Poos Koop”) isn’t your typical BC community. With a population hovering around 760, it’s tiny compared to bustling spots like Kelowna or Victoria. But that’s exactly why it’s on our radar. Founded over 20 years ago, Tekamar specializes in lending where other MICs hesitate, with our tagline “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t” ringing especially true in places like this. Unlike the Vancouver-centric lenders, we’re drawn to smaller towns, and Pouce Coupe fits the bill with its tight-knit vibe and affordable housing—mostly single-detached homes that make up nearly 88% of the market. For brokers, that means straightforward residential deals; for borrowers, it’s a chance to own a slice of quiet, rural life without breaking the bank.
What makes Pouce Coupe unique? It’s got history and grit. Known as the “Pioneer Capital of the Peace,” it’s one of the oldest settlements in the region, with roots dating back to the early 1900s. You can feel that legacy walking past the old grain elevators or chatting with locals at the Pouce Coupe Museum. But it’s not just nostalgia—there’s a practical edge for real estate. The town’s proximity to Dawson Creek, just a few kilometers away, gives it a bit of economic spillover from a larger hub, even if its own industries like mining and oil and gas can be volatile. For us at Tekamar, that’s a key consideration in our lending decisions. We cap our loan-to-value (LTV) at 50% here, reflecting the risks of a limited buyer pool and potential 8-10 month sales timeline in a worst-case scenario. Brokers, that means we’re cautious but open to solid deals; borrowers, we’ve got your back if the equity’s there and the exit strategy is clear.
Let’s get real about the challenges, though. With a high unemployment rate and a harsh climate—think Zone 3a, where only the toughest plants survive—Pouce Coupe isn’t for everyone. Retirees looking for a vibrant social scene might pass, and economic downturns could hit hard. But here’s the flip side: housing is affordable, and for the right borrower, it’s a chance to build equity in a market that’s under the radar. Mortgage brokers, this is where you can shine by finding clients who see the value in a quieter lifestyle; borrowers, if you’ve got a vision for a place with recreational perks like fishing or snowmobiling, we’re ready to talk equity lending or credit repair options.
At Tekamar, we’re not just throwing money at any deal. Our focus is on safe, sustainable lending—think first and second mortgages with a clear path to refinance down the road. We’ve been at this for over two decades, sourcing investments from friends and family, so protecting principal is non-negotiable. If you’re a broker with a client in Pouce Coupe, give us a call to see if the numbers work. And if you’re a borrower dreaming of a home in a town with more moose than traffic lights, let’s chat about how we can help. Pouce Coupe might be small, but with the right approach, it’s full of potential.