The Market

Ask for Henry Van Soest when considering real estate in the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast region of British Columbia ,Canada.

Homes vary from rustic ranch to executive lake-front in a wide variety of styles sizes and settings. Properties range from $40,000 to $1,000,000+ with the average around $200-350,000; urban, rural, lake front, ranch, or condo - it's all available in Williams lake and surrounding region.

Urban properties consist of a wide variety of types mainly single family dwellings in both up town 70's to Westside 90's, healthy number of mobile homes in parks and on private land, apartments and unique custom homes all with in the Valley of Williams Lake City.

Rural properties are any where from 3 - 40 minutes from town and include developed subdivisions of 3-10 acreages, to larger tracks of land referred to as hobby ranches.  Average Rural Living includes access to Wilderness and a myriads of trails with great people as neighbors.   Hobby farms or ranches are spread out all over the area ranging from rustic to deluxe there is a wide choice available.

2008 & 2009 and now 2010 has seen prices slide down a hair due to economic conditions effecting industrial in particular Forestry.  2010 is shaping up to be a buyers market with selection nearing all time high and prices way below provincial averages so much so there are bargains to be acquired today. 

A new mine is proposed out west which should have decisions made by September 2010.  If this mine is approved it will do wonders for our community and area by providing quality jobs to sustain and grow our region for decades to come.  Mining is with out doubt the future of our country especially the rural regions which have seen declines in forestry jobs.  As the world continues to grow and modernize mineral resources should be in demand for at least 50+ years or more and Canada is sitting in a great position to supply the world.

The population of the City of Williams Lake is approximately 18,760 (06 census) with 5,460 families and 7,550 homes.  The regional district area's "D, E, F, K & J population is 13,155 (06 census).  Interior Health estimates 50,000+ pop for the entire area serviced by the City.   Williams Lake is the central shopping hub from Bella Coola to Horsefly and Likely, this is a big piece of real estate with room to expand. 

The City of Williams Lake is the economic hub of the Cariboo-Chilcotin serviced by air, rail, Highway 97 North and South, Highway 20 West to the Chilcotin, Dog Creek Road South, and the Likely and Horsefly Roads east. Logging has provided fabulous access to this region with side roads going in all directions providing access to  crown land, lakes and rivers. 

Williams Lake has room for industry to grow especially in wood manufacturing and Mining, but also tourism, ranching and government. Our retail sector has many down town locations available for small to medium size operations and our Chamber of Commerce can help discover opportunities and needs of the population.

Growing season starts around May 15 to October 15 depending on location. Weather patterns continue to show a warming trend less snow in town and moderate amounts on the plateau during winter, spring and fall have moderate temperatures and summer is simply blissful.  Climate can be summed up as -  Not too hot, not too cold, Just right!

Williams Lake's economic history has been one of reasonable stability and steady growth over past decades based on several resource sectors: - Forestry, Mining, Ranching & Tourism.

Current global issues are affecting our area, as is the case around the world, this is only temporary and should rebound in coming years.  In the mean time the community and region continue development plans in preparation of stable times ahead.

Centrally located, Williams Lake is nestled in a warm valley with a beautiful six-mile-long lake with in eye shot of downtown. Exceptional four season recreation activities include hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, baseball, soccer, mountain biking, snow skiing, ATV'ing, 4x4 trekking, flying, boating, water-skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, photography and much more. It's not uncommon to see wildlife almost anywhere including down town. Natural beauty is always close at hand.

Williams Lake offers an affordable lifestyle for working people with reduced stress and travel time.  This area is in the early stages of community and regional development plans that will provide increased opportunities in coming years as populations further south explode we expect to see migration looking for affordable living.

Williams Lake and area is also appealing for retirement living. With costs soaring elsewhere in the province, it's easy to see how one could sell a Vancouver home and purchase a new home in Williams Lake for half the cost with ten times the space - not to mention peace of mind.

Lifestyle here in the Cariboo-Chilcotin is laid back and informal with some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet. The pace is slow by comparison to the Coast or Okanagan, providing less stress and more green space. People are hard-working and honest, due in part to the smaller community atmosphere's and common interests.

I believe this area of BC will experience significant growth in coming years.  Things like Highway 97N goes 4 lanes, more mining potential opens up, Lumber industry rebounds, Ranching improvements and tourism gets back to normal we are guaranteed better times.   Any additional Industry or migration trends will just put the cream on top of a robust economy.  For 2010 it is time to buy Real Estate as the investment of choice in today's economic climate.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing how Williams Lake and area could be the right location for your real estate investment.