Silverton

Let’s talk about Silverton, British Columbia—a tiny gem tucked away in the Kootenays that’s got more character per square foot than most places twice its size. With a population hovering around 150, this isn’t your typical bustling hub. But if you’re a mortgage broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics, or a borrower looking for alternative financing in a unique spot, Silverton’s story—and Tekamar Mortgage Fund’s role in it—might just catch your attention.

What makes Silverton stand out in a province full of picturesque towns? For starters, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled near Slocan Lake, with world-class hiking and skiing just a stone’s throw away, places like the Valhalla Provincial Park draw folks who crave nature over neon lights. That’s a big deal in real estate terms—recreational appeal often translates to steady, if niche, demand for properties. But here’s the flip side: with such a small population and a remote location, the buyer pool can be razor-thin. As a lender, we at Tekamar have to think hard about marketability. If the worst happens and we’re stuck foreclosing, how long would it take to sell a property here? That’s why our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Silverton is capped at 55%. We’re cautious, but we’re still in the game—unlike many MICs who’d rather stick to Vancouver’s suburbs.

For borrowers eyeing a home in Silverton, that 55% LTV means you’ll need solid equity to work with us. Maybe you’ve got a cabin or a fixer-upper near the lake, and the banks turned you down because your income doesn’t check their boxes. That’s where we shine—equity lending is our sweet spot. We’re not hung up on traditional credit rules, but we do need a clear exit strategy, like a future refinance plan to pay us out. And brokers, if you’ve got a client in this boat, give us a shout. We’re not just another MIC; our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just talk. We’re built for towns like this.

Silverton’s housing scene is as straightforward as it gets—mostly single-detached homes, with no apartments or row houses in sight. That’s a plus for stability, but it also means limited options if you’re looking to diversify a portfolio. Add to that a median age of 64, and you’ve got a community leaning heavily toward retirees. This isn’t a bad thing—older demographics often mean less turnover and more long-term ownership—but it’s something to chew on when assessing risk. For us at Tekamar, it’s all about balancing that risk with opportunity. We’re not chasing high-volume markets; we’re here for the underdogs.

Economically, Silverton isn’t a powerhouse. Construction and health care are the big players, but the base is narrow. If you’re a broker structuring a deal here, keep that in mind—job stability isn’t a given. And borrowers, know that we’ll dig into the equity piece hard because of this. Still, there’s something endearing about a place this small. It’s not about hustle; it’s about lifestyle. Whether you’re escaping the city or brokering a deal for a client who is, Silverton’s got a quiet charm that’s hard to replicate.

At Tekamar, we’ve been at this for over 20 years, and we’re serious about small-town BC. We won’t touch Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley—too crowded, too many lenders already. Our niche is places like Silverton, where we can make a real difference. So, if you’ve got a deal brewing here, let’s chat. We’re not promising the moon, but we’ll give you a fair shake where others might not even look.