Spallumcheen

Ever driven through the Okanagan Valley and stumbled upon a place that feels like it’s got all the charm of a postcard without the tourist crowds? That’s Spallumcheen, British Columbia—a small township with a big personality, nestled just north of Vernon. It’s not the biggest dot in the region, but for those in the know, it’s a hidden gem for lifestyle and real estate potential. And here at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re excited to talk about why we’re lending in this unique community with our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.”

Let’s start with what makes Spallumcheen stand out. This isn’t just another sleepy rural spot—it’s got a deep agricultural heartbeat, with sprawling farms and orchards that thrive in a mild climate perfect for growing just about anything. Think rolling fields near the Shuswap River, where locals have been farming for generations. That rural backbone, paired with proximity to Vernon’s amenities, gives it a rare mix of quiet living and easy access to bigger-city perks. For borrowers looking to settle into a single-detached home (which, by the way, make up nearly 90% of housing here), it’s a dream spot to plant roots. And for mortgage brokers? It’s a market where clients often need creative financing—something we specialize in at Tekamar.

From a real estate lens, Spallumcheen offers a unique opportunity. The housing stock leans heavily toward family-sized properties, often with a bit of land attached, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s perfect for equity lending, especially for folks who’ve built up value in their homes but don’t quite check the boxes for traditional bank loans. On the other, smaller markets like this can take longer to sell if things go sideways. That’s why, at Tekamar, we cap our loan-to-value (LTV) at a cautious 60% here. We’re all about protecting our investors (friends and family, no less) while still saying yes to deals that make sense. So, brokers, if you’ve got a client with a solid property but a tricky financial story, give us a call—we love finding solutions. Borrowers, if you’re in Spallumcheen and need a lender who gets small-town dynamics, we’re here for you.

Another thing to chew on: the local economy. Agriculture and construction are big drivers, which means many residents are self-employed or seasonal workers—exactly the kind of folks who often get turned away by big banks. We see that as an opportunity. Our focus on equity lending and non-income-qualifying loans fits like a glove for these situations, provided there’s a clear exit strategy (think future refinance potential). Plus, with spots like the historic O’Keefe Ranch nearby, there’s a cultural draw that keeps property values stable even if the market wobbles.

Here’s the bottom line. Spallumcheen isn’t Vancouver or Kelowna, and that’s the point. It’s for people who want space, community, and a slice of the good life without the urban grind. At Tekamar, we’re not chasing the big-city deals—our sweet spot is towns like this, where we can make a real difference. Whether you’re a broker with a unique file or a borrower looking for a lender who gets it, we’re ready to chat about Spallumcheen. After all, we’re your MIC for towns without stoplights.