Quesnel

Back in the day, Quesnel, British Columbia, was a bustling hub during the Cariboo Gold Rush, a place where dreamers and doers rolled the dice on striking it rich. Today, it’s a tight-knit community of just under 10,000 folks, nestled where the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers meet, offering a quieter kind of treasure—affordable living and raw, rugged beauty. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, this small town in BC’s interior is worth a closer look, especially if you’re working with a lender like Tekamar Mortgage Fund who’s ready to play ball where others shy away.

What sets Quesnel apart from other BC towns isn’t just its gold rush history—it’s the unique mix of economic grit and natural appeal. This is a place where forestry still drives a big chunk of the local economy, with manufacturing leading the job market. But that reliance on resource industries means there’s some volatility; unemployment sits higher than average, and incomes aren’t flashy. For brokers, this can spell opportunity—think equity lending for clients who’ve got property value but don’t tick the income boxes at traditional banks. And borrowers? If you’re in Quesnel with a solid property but a less-than-perfect credit score, we’re the kind of MIC that listens when others don’t.

Let’s talk real estate. Quesnel’s housing market leans heavily on single-detached homes—about 60% of dwellings—which tells you this is a community of families and folks who value space over urban density. That’s a plus for mortgage deals with low loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, something Tekamar prioritizes. Our max LTV here is 55%, reflecting the slower resale market and economic risks, but it also means we’re laser-focused on safe exits. We’re not here to gamble; we’re here to lend smart. Brokers, that’s your cue to bring us deals with clear refinance potential down the road. Borrowers, it means we’re looking at your property’s equity with a sharp eye to protect both of us.

Beyond the numbers, Quesnel’s got a charm that’s hard to ignore. Ever heard of the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit? It’s a world-class paddling route just a stone’s throw away, drawing outdoor enthusiasts who dream of off-grid cabins or retirement retreats. Then there’s the historic Barkerville nearby, a preserved gold rush town that pulls in tourists. These quirks make Quesnel a niche spot for lifestyle buyers, even if harsh winters—think Zone 4b hardiness—keep the faint-hearted away. For brokers, these unique draws can help pitch a property’s potential. For borrowers, it’s a reminder that your home’s value isn’t just in square footage—it’s in the story of the land.

At Tekamar, our tagline is “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” and Quesnel fits that bill. Unlike many BC lenders glued to Vancouver or Kelowna, we’re drawn to smaller towns like this, provided the deal makes sense. We’ve been at this for over 20 years, sourcing funds from friends and family, so protecting principal is non-negotiable—hence our strict LTV caps and focus on equity lending. Whether you’re a broker with a tricky file or a borrower needing a debt consolidation lifeline, give us a shout. Quesnel might not have stoplights on every corner, but it’s got potential—and we’re here to help unlock it.