Zeballos

Let’s talk about Zeballos, British Columbia—a tiny coastal village on Vancouver Island that’s got more character than most places twice its size. Nestled in a rugged inlet, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic mountains, this isn’t your typical suburban sprawl. With a population just over 120, Zeballos feels like a secret handshake among outdoor enthusiasts and folks craving solitude. But what does this mean for real estate and mortgages? Stick with me, and I’ll break it down for both borrowers hunting for a unique spot and brokers looking to place deals in unconventional markets.

First off, Zeballos stands out because of its raw, untouched vibe. This isn’t Kelowna with its bustling lakefront or Victoria with its urban charm. It’s a place where logging has been the heartbeat for decades, though tourism is slowly creeping in thanks to attractions like the Nootka Trail and the Zeballos Hot Springs. For a borrower dreaming of a quiet retreat or a cabin in the wilderness, this could be your spot—think single-detached homes dominating the landscape, with barely any apartments or row houses in sight. And for brokers, this means niche opportunities to work with clients who want something off the beaten path, where Tekamar Mortgage Fund can step in with our willingness to lend in smaller BC communities.

Now, let’s get practical. At Tekamar, we’re not like most MICs who stick to the Vancouver bubble or Fraser Valley. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s our mission. Zeballos fits right into our wheelhouse. We’re happy to consider lending here with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 60%, provided the deal makes sense. Why 60%? Simple: in remote spots like this, exit strategies take longer. If the worst happens—foreclosure or otherwise—selling a property in a village this small isn’t as quick as in Vernon or Kelowna. We factor in interest accumulation and market realities to protect our investors (all friends and family, by the way). For borrowers, this means you’ve got a shot at financing even if traditional banks shy away due to location or income quirks. Brokers, this is where you can shine by bringing us equity-driven deals with a clear refinance path.

What else makes Zeballos unique? Its isolation is both a draw and a challenge. You’re not popping over to a big-box store on a whim—it’s a trek to the nearest major center. But that’s the trade-off for jaw-dropping natural beauty and a tight-knit community. From a mortgage perspective, this remoteness means we’re extra picky about the numbers. We love equity lending for non-income-qualifying clients, but we need to see that safety net. Borrowers, if your credit’s a bit bumpy or your income doesn’t check the usual boxes, talk to your broker about how we can work with the equity in your property. And brokers, give us a call to chat through the specifics—we’re all ears for creative deals in places like this.

One last tidbit: Zeballos’ history as a gold rush town in the 1930s adds a layer of quirky charm. You can still feel that frontier spirit in the air. It’s not just about lending—it’s about understanding the soul of a place. At Tekamar, we get that. Whether you’re a borrower eyeing a slice of wilderness or a broker with a client who’s fallen for Zeballos, we’re ready to help make it happen. Let’s talk deals where the mountains meet the sea.