Vanderhoof

Ever driven through a small town in BC and thought, “Who even lives here?” Well, Vanderhoof might just surprise you. Nestled in the heart of the Nechako Valley, this community of about 4,300 folks is a hidden gem for those who value wide-open spaces, a tight-knit vibe, and a lifestyle that’s as rugged as it is rewarding. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we see potential where others might not, and Vanderhoof fits our motto—“We’ll lend where other MICs won’t”—perfectly. Let’s dig into why this place matters for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike.

First off, Vanderhoof isn’t your typical BC small town. It’s often called the “Geographical Centre of British Columbia,” a claim proudly staked with a signpost on Highway 16. That central location, roughly an hour west of Prince George, makes it a hub for surrounding rural areas. For brokers, this means deals here often involve clients with deep community ties—think multi-generational families or retirees from Alberta drawn to the outdoor lifestyle with hiking trails and wildlife galore. And for borrowers, if you’re looking to settle in a place with character, events like the Nechako Valley Fall Fair showcase the town’s spirit.

From a real estate lens, Vanderhoof’s housing market leans heavily on single-detached homes—over two-thirds of properties fall into this category. That’s a sweet spot for us at Tekamar, as we specialize in equity lending for residential properties, especially where traditional banks might balk due to income or credit hurdles. Our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) here is 55%, which reflects the slower resale timelines in smaller markets. We’re cautious, but we’re game if the numbers make sense. Brokers, if you’ve got a client with solid equity but a tricky file, give us a call—we love finding a clear exit strategy. Borrowers, if you’re eyeing a fixer-upper or bare land near town, we’re open to creative deals as long as the risk aligns.

What sets Vanderhoof apart? Its economy has roots in manufacturing and forestry, with a sprinkle of healthcare and retail keeping things diverse. That mix offers some stability, though the unemployment rate hovers higher than ideal. For mortgage pros, this signals a need to scrutinize income sources—many locals rely on resource-based jobs that can ebb and flow. But here’s an insider tip: proximity to Prince George means access to bigger services, which can be a lifeline for borrowers needing to pivot during tough times. If you’re a borrower reading this, know we look at the full picture—your equity and future refinance potential matter more to us than a spotless credit score.

And let’s not forget the lifestyle draw. Vanderhoof’s cool climate and Zone 4a hardiness mean harsh winters, but also a unique appeal for hardy souls who don’t mind shoveling snow for a view of the Nechako River. The local aquatic centre is a surprising perk for a town this size, too. It’s these quirks that make properties here more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.

At Tekamar, we’ve been at this for over 20 years, focusing on towns like Vanderhoof while steering clear of the Vancouver hype. We’re not chasing flashy deals; we’re protecting our friends-and-family investors with every loan. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal in a place without stoplights, we’re your MIC. And borrowers, if the big banks say no, let’s talk equity and exits. Vanderhoof might just be the start of something solid for you.