Williams Lake

Ever driven through a town that feels like it’s got a story to tell, carved right into the landscape? Williams Lake, British Columbia, is one of those places. Nestled in the heart of the Cariboo region, it’s a rugged, unpolished gem surrounded by rolling hills and endless outdoor playgrounds. But beyond the postcard views, there’s a real estate and lending story here that’s worth your attention—whether you’re a mortgage broker hunting for a flexible lender or a borrower looking for a way to make a property dream happen.

What sets Williams Lake apart from other BC communities isn’t just its cowboy spirit—home to the famous Williams Lake Stampede, a rodeo that draws crowds from across the province—but its unique blend of lifestyle appeal and economic grit. This isn’t a glossy urban center; it’s a town of just under 11,000 where forestry and manufacturing still drive much of the economy. That can mean volatility, sure, but it also means opportunity for those who know how to navigate it. Property demand holds steady, thanks to retirees and seasonal visitors drawn to the area’s mountain biking trails and nearby ski hills like Troll Ski Resort. For brokers, that’s a market with potential, especially for clients who don’t fit the cookie-cutter bank mold. And for borrowers, it means a chance to invest in a place where your dollar stretches further than in the Lower Mainland.

At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we get the appeal of towns like Williams Lake. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s our mission. While most Mortgage Investment Corporations stick to Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, we focus on smaller communities and bigger regional hubs across BC (just not Greater Vancouver). Here in Williams Lake, we’re comfortable with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 60%. That’s not a blanket number we slap on every deal; we adjust based on risk—think construction loans or bare land versus a straightforward first mortgage. It’s about ensuring a safe exit strategy, calculating how long it’d take to recover funds if things go sideways. That’s the kind of practical thinking brokers appreciate when submitting a deal, and it’s the security borrowers need when exploring alternative financing options like equity lending or credit repair.

Why Williams Lake Works for Alternative Lending

Let’s talk nuts and bolts. The housing mix here—about 46% single-detached homes, with a decent chunk of apartments and duplexes—offers variety for investors or first-time buyers. But with a median household income around $76,500 and unemployment hovering near 8%, traditional lenders often shy away. That’s where we step in. We’re not chasing income statements; we’re looking at equity and a clear path to refinance down the road. Got a client with a solid property but a shaky credit score, brokers? Give us a call. Borrowers, if the bank said no but you’ve got equity to leverage, let’s talk about a bridge loan or debt consolidation plan.

A Market with Character

Williams Lake isn’t without challenges. The reliance on resource industries can make the local economy a bit of a rollercoaster. But diversification into health care and retail is helping, and the lifestyle draw keeps properties moving. For us at Tekamar, it’s about balancing that risk with opportunity—something we’ve been doing for over 20 years. So, whether you’re a broker with a unique deal or a borrower eyeing a fixer-upper near the lake, we’re here to make it work where others might not. Got a deal in mind? Let’s chat.