🏠 Definition:
The down payment is a portion of the home’s total purchase price that you pay out of pocket. The rest is covered by your mortgage loan.

💰 Example:
If you buy a home for $500,000 and make a 10% down payment, you’ll pay $50,000 upfront, and your mortgage will cover the remaining $450,000.

📊 Why it matters:

• The size of your down payment affects your monthly mortgage payment — the larger your down payment, the less you owe.

• In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the price of the home:

  • 5% for homes up to $500,000

  • 10% on the portion from $500,000 to $999,999

  • 20% for homes $1,000,000+

• If you put less than 20% down, you’ll need mortgage loan insurance (through CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty).

✨ In short:
Your down payment = your investment in the home — it builds your equity from day one and shows lenders you’re financially committed to the purchase.

🏡 What Are the Average Home Prices in Williams Lake, B.C.?

As of late 2025, the average home price in Williams Lake, B.C. typically ranges between $425,000 and $475,000, depending on factors like location, lot size, home condition, and upgrades.

💬 Breaking It Down:

• Single-family homes in Williams Lake generally fall between $400,000–$500,000, with well-maintained properties in desirable neighbourhoods trending toward the higher end.

• Townhomes and half-duplexes usually range from $325,000–$400,000, offering great value for first-time buyers or downsizers.

• Acreages and rural properties, especially those with hobby farm potential or lake access, often range from $600,000 to over $1 million, depending on acreage size and amenities.

• Waterfront and lakeview homes continue to be in demand, with prices starting around $650,000 and going up significantly for larger lots or recently renovated homes.

📊 Why Prices Vary:

Williams Lake’s market is influenced by several factors, including:

• The region’s resource-based economy, which impacts job stability and demand.

• Limited inventory, as many homeowners are staying put and fewer new homes are being built.

• A steady influx of buyers relocating from larger B.C. cities like Kamloops and Prince George, drawn by the lower cost of living and outdoor lifestyle.

💡 What This Means for You:

For buyers, Williams Lake still offers exceptional affordability compared to most markets in British Columbia. You can often find spacious homes on large lots for what might only buy a condo elsewhere.

For sellers, continued buyer demand and low inventory help support healthy home values — meaning it’s still a great time to list if you’ve been considering selling.

📬 Stay Informed:

I provide my clients with monthly market updates, price trend reports, and neighbourhood comparisons so you can make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, or selling your property, I can help you understand which areas offer the best value and how to position yourself for success in the Williams Lake market.

Non-residents can purchase property in B.C., but there are a few important rules to know:

• Foreign Buyer Ban: As of 2025, certain restrictions still apply to non-residents purchasing residential property in some regions.

• Property Transfer Tax: Non-residents may pay additional property transfer taxes in some cases.

• Financing: Some Canadian banks require larger down payments (often 35%) from non-residents.

• Not all areas and properties apply.

I work with clients from across Canada and abroad — I can connect you with local lawyers and financial institutions familiar with cross-border transactions to make the process smooth.

Getting pre-approved is your first big step to becoming a homeowner.
Here’s how:

1. Connect with a trusted lender or mortgage broker – I can recommend local experts familiar with Williams Lake pricing and property types.

2. Gather your financial documents – You’ll need proof of income, credit score, and debts.

3. Submit an application – Your lender will determine how much you qualify for.

4. Use your pre-approval as a buyer advantage – Sellers take your offer more seriously when financing is already in place.

Need a local lender? I work closely with several who can provide quick and professional service. Send me a message and I’ll connect you!

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose your listings – I’ll send you tailored options based on your wish list.

2. Book a virtual tour – We can use FaceTime, Zoom, or video walkthroughs.

3. Ask questions in real time – I’ll show you details that photos may miss.

4. Review documents digitally – Everything from disclosures to offers can be handled securely online.

Whether you’re moving from out of town or exploring before visiting, I make sure you see the property from every angle — virtually!

In today’s real-estate market, most buyers begin their search online — and first impressions matter more than ever. When a home is staged, it presents beautifully in photos and video, grabs attention, and encourages more people to click, save, and schedule showings.

📊 Key Facts:

• Homes that are staged “virtually or physically” are estimated to receive up to 10% more online views than non-staged homes.

• One source suggests staged homes might attract 40% more online engagement, meaning more potential buyers will see your listing.

• According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for a buyer to envision a property as their future home.

• Staging can also lead to faster sales and higher offers because more views often mean more showings, offers and competition.

✅ What This Means for You:

• More online views → more potential buyers seeing the listing → higher likelihood of showings and offers.

• Because staging helps buyers connect emotionally (“I could live here”), the listing stands out among others.

• A strong first image in online search can make the difference: buyers may scroll right past a home that looks empty or uninviting.

• Investing in staging is not just about appearance—it’s strategic marketing to amplify your listing’s visibility and impact.

I would love to chat with you about the opportunity of listing your home and to help you Sell for The price you want & in the time that matters to you.  

Susan Colgate ;)