Smithers

Ever driven through a small town in BC and thought, “Who even lives here?” Well, Smithers might just change your mind. Nestled in the Bulkley Valley with the stunning Hudson Bay Mountain as its backdrop, this place has a charm that sneaks up on you. It’s not just about pretty views, though—Smithers offers a unique real estate and lifestyle mix that’s worth a closer look for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re excited to lend in communities like this, where other MICs might hesitate. With our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” we’re here to help make deals happen in towns like Smithers.

What sets Smithers apart in the BC landscape? For one, it’s a hub of outdoor adventure with a tight-knit community feel. Think world-class skiing and hiking right at your doorstep, plus a vibrant local culture with events like the Bulkley Valley Fall Fair that draw folks from all over. It’s not uncommon to hear locals chatting about the latest mountain trail over coffee at a Main Street café. This isn’t a sleepy nowhere-town—it’s a place where people choose to live for the lifestyle, often retirees or young families looking to escape the urban grind. For borrowers, that means a stable, if niche, demand for housing. And for brokers, it’s a market where alternative lending can shine, especially for clients who don’t fit the cookie-cutter bank mold.

From a mortgage perspective, Smithers has some quirks worth noting. The housing stock leans heavily toward single-detached homes, making up over 60% of the market. That’s great for equity lending—our bread and butter at Tekamar—since these properties often hold steady value, even in smaller markets. But here’s the insider tip: with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 55% in Smithers, we’re extra cautious. Why? Smaller towns can mean slower sales cycles if things go sideways. We always ask ourselves, “How long would it take to recover funds if the worst happens?” That’s why we prioritize low LTVs and a clear exit strategy, whether it’s a refinance or a future sale. Borrowers, this means you’ll need solid equity in play. Brokers, give us a call early to chat through the deal—we’re all ears for creative solutions.

Economically, Smithers isn’t riding any tech-boom wave, but it’s got a quiet resilience. Retail and healthcare keep things ticking, though ties to forestry can bring some ups and downs. For us at Tekamar, that’s just part of the puzzle. We’re not chasing high-risk, high-growth markets. Instead, we focus on safe bets where equity is king. If you’re a borrower with a non-traditional income or a property that’s a bit “odd” by bank standards, we’re your kind of lender. And brokers, if you’ve got a client in Smithers who’s been turned down elsewhere, let’s talk—our sweet spot is equity-based deals outside the Vancouver bubble.

Smithers isn’t for everyone. The winters are snowy, and the summers are mild, not scorching. But for those who value mountains over malls, it’s a gem. Whether you’re a mortgage broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town dynamics, or a borrower needing a flexible partner, Tekamar’s got your back. We’ve been at this for over 20 years, lending where others won’t, and we’re ready to dig into the details of your Smithers deal. Drop us a line—let’s make it work.