Princeton sits where the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers converge, creating a natural crossroads that’s shaped this community for over a century. The town earned its reputation as the “Gateway to the Similkameen Valley,” and that positioning remains as relevant today as it was during the gold rush era.
The numbers tell an interesting story about Princeton’s evolution. With nearly 30% of residents over 65, this isn’t your typical small town demographic. These aren’t just retirees passing through—they’re people who’ve chosen Princeton for its combination of affordability, outdoor access, and essential services like the hospital. The median age of 52.8 years reflects a community that attracts folks looking for a slower pace without sacrificing conveniences.
Mining drives nearly 20% of local employment, continuing Princeton’s resource-based heritage that dates back to copper and coal operations. The Similkameen River valley’s agricultural potential adds another economic layer, though the 11% unemployment rate suggests the local economy faces headwinds. Manufacturing accounts for another 15% of jobs, showing some diversification beyond resource extraction.
Princeton’s recreational draw centers on its river systems and proximity to wilderness areas. The town serves as a launching point for fishing, hiking, and exploring the Cascade Mountains. Bromley Rock Provincial Park and the Kettle Valley Railway trail system bring visitors who often discover Princeton’s appeal as a base camp for outdoor adventures.
Housing remains dominated by single-family homes at 66%, with an unusually high 16% in movable dwellings—reflecting both affordability pressures and the community’s pragmatic approach to housing needs. The real estate market here requires patience, with properties typically taking longer to sell due to the smaller buyer pool.
For mortgage brokers working with clients seeking alternatives to urban markets, Princeton offers 50% maximum LTV financing through Tekamar. The conservative ratio reflects both market realities and the time required to exit positions in smaller BC communities, but it creates opportunities for borrowers with substantial equity who value Princeton’s unique positioning in the Similkameen Valley.
Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Princeton |
---|---|---|
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Variable Income | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Bare Land and Unique Properties | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Equity Lending | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Purchases | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in Princeton:
50.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in Princeton:
50.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bare Land and Unique Properties in Princeton:
50.0 %
“The appraisal came back as ‘property type: other’…”
Here’s a truth about real estate that nobody wants to admit: not everything fits in a box. Banks have boxes. Nice, tidy boxes labeled “single family home” and “condo” and “townhouse.” Their computer systems literally don’t have a dropdown menu option for “converted church with commercial kitchen” or “geodesic dome on 40 acres.”
We’ve funded...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in Princeton:
50.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in Princeton:
50.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in Princeton:
50.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...