There are a few other houseboats for sale around Lake Union and even one in Nickerson Marina (between Ballard and Fremont bridges).  How do they stack up?  First let’s . . . → Read More: Houseboat For Sale]]> I try to think of catchy titles when I write.  But today, I’m going to get right to the point.  I’ve got a houseboat for sale in Seattle.

There are a few other houseboats for sale around Lake Union and even one in Nickerson Marina (between Ballard and Fremont bridges).  How do they stack up?  First let’s start with the moorage of these beauties.  You have two options.  Lease or own.  Leasing allows you to enjoy monthly flexibility without the price fluctuating much.  Owning allows you right of ownership and resale value.  Which one is right for you?  Sometimes it depends on the houseboat you fall in love with.  Other times it’s knowing you have more versatility with your investment. 

It’s a personal decision.

2143 North Northlake Way #18 offers a unique opportunity to own your slip AND your new beautiful houseboat.  It’s a smashing one bedroom + loft houseboat built in 2000 with loads of charm and freedom.  

When you’re looking at buying a houseboat, space is a premium … including OUTSIDE SPACE.  This one has it!  

Two decks combining 300 square feet to enjoy those BIG southwest views on active Lake Union.  2143 North Northlake Way # 18 measures 33.5′ x 10.3′.  There is a 50 amp tower, 125 gallon gray water holding tank, 35 gallon black water holding tank and roughly 650 square feet.  A new hull was designed in 2006, new floors, carpet, remodeled kitchen, new marine toliet and the list goes on.     

Whether you’re buying it for yourself or as an investment to rent out, the lifestyle is one only Seattle can offer. 

Gas Works Marina offers a cozy cabana for those extra guests (boys and girls showers and bathrooms!) and a coin operated laundry service.  Pride of ownership here!

For more information about 2143 North Northlake Way #18, www.cooperjacobs.com/252985.  For other houseboats, housebarges and floating homes around Seattle, shoot me an email or call.  molly@cooperjaacobs.com or 206-841-6800. 

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From Denise Carlson at Seattle Metropolitan:

We have great news to share……    We are back online with our houseboat lending program.  Below is the update we have made to our program guidelines.  

Aug. 2011 update:  City of Seattle’s Shoreline Management plan is . . . → Read More: This Just In!!! Seattle Houseboat Lending Opens Up Again!]]> Just came across my desk this afternoon!  Seattle Houseboat lending is wide open again!

From Denise Carlson at Seattle Metropolitan:

We have great news to share……    We are back online with our houseboat lending program.  Below is the update we have made to our program guidelines.  

Aug. 2011 update:  City of Seattle’s Shoreline Management plan is being revised and will most likely impact the houseboat community in some way.  Information is currently being gathered by the City.  The final plan will be drafted and submitted to the City Council for approval.  Once approved, it will then be sent to the Department of Ecology for their approval.  The estimated timeline looks to extend to year end 2011.  Details of the plan are uncertain at this time and pertain to various aspects of above water living, including the treatment of gray water and the % of ‘live aboards’ allowed around the lake.  There is uncertainty as to the impact on houseboat values any future changes in the SMP may create.  Given this uncertainty, SMCU has modified the requirements to the existing houseboat loan program to allow lending in this program as well as compensate for any potential negative impact as follows:

 

• Minimum FICO score of 680 – no change
• 45% maximum DTI – new
• Minimum of 2 months documented reserves required on all transactions.
• No other program details have been changed

You can reach Denise at 206-398-5581 if you have questions about houseboat lending.  Denise also does Seattle floating homes lending.  As always if you are interested in Seattle houseboats, please let us know – we would love to show you some of our favorites – both on the market and off.

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The Seattle floating homes inventory has gone up and some prices have changes since I wrote about what Seattle Houseboats for sale were available earlier in the month, so I thought I better come back and . . . → Read More: Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: You Have A Dozen To Choose From In All Ranges]]> Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: You Have A Dozen To Choose From In All Ranges

The Seattle floating homes inventory has gone up and some prices have changes since I wrote about what Seattle Houseboats for sale were available earlier in the month, so I thought I better come back and go through them again.  There are 12 Seattle floating homes for sale right now.  There are many more if you are looking for Seattle houseboats for sale in general (this includes vessels and barges as well as floating homes), but only twelve Seattle floating homes on the market currently. This is up from the last year so get out there and take a peek at the inventory.

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(Molly and I are happy to show you what ever you would like to see no matter who it is listed with!  You can call Molly at 206-841-6800 and me at 206-850-8841.  You can also email us if that is easier – courtney@seattleafloat.com or molly@cooperjacobs.com.)

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Eastlake Floating Homes…

There are five Eastlake floating homes ranging in price from $199,000 for a floating home on a leased dock (does not own its moorage) to $3,450,000 for the Ferrari of Seattle houseboats on the Fairview Landings Dock.  In between, you have a few more of the norm priced at $485,000, $525,000, and $849,000.  Molly and I have our favorite among these, so let us show you what we think is the best of the best of Eastlake houseboats right now.

Westlake Floating Homes…

There are also five Westlake floating homes for sale right now! These range from $299,000 for a perfect starter Seattle houseboat with OWNED moorage and cheap dues (think better than condo prices and way lower on taxes and dues – ask me if you don’t believe me and I will show you the numbers) to $875,000 for a great Westlake floating home on the 2420 dock.  Other prices on the Westlake side?  $399,000 in Westlake Cove, $530,000 for another on the 2420 dock, and $850,000 for an END OF DOCK Seattle floating home (PS – If you are looking to live at the end of the dock on Lake Union, then you should know that these rarely go for under a million, so come see it!!!!).

Portage Bay Floating Homes…

There are two Portage Bay Floating homes for sale (one is creeping into Eastlake so you get the best of both worlds).  They are priced at $649,000 and $765,000 and include land and parking with one of them PLUS a land side cottage.

Again let us know if you want to see any of them or if you need help getting financed for a Seattle floating home – we have all the resources at our fingertips and are ready to help you get settled into a brand new lifestyle on the lake.  Summer is around the corner!

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This houseboat, adopted the  name “The Ark”, is unique so you can have your choice of two slips.  2401 North Northlake Way Slip B-17 (and . . . → Read More: Two Slips Are Better Than One]]> Two Slips Are Better Than One

Take your pick: calm, protected waters during the winter months or high tale it out to center stage at the end of dock for some amazing summer time fun. 

Comfortably open floor plan

Truly an amazing location for an amazing houseboat.  This beauty is a 60′ long Catamaran designboat  with a steel hull (which was just painted) and insulated with polyurethane foam cylinders.  Extensive and thoughtful care has been taken by The Ark’s owner.  The 1,000 square feet of living space (including 2 bedrooms and 1.50 baths) has the style and sophistication you deserve on the water!  Forced air in all the rooms, two new engines in 2007 with 135 hp and 4 cylinders plus a 220 gallon water storage tank. 

Insulated storm windows throughout, high speed internet cable available, hot water showe to rinse off after a kayak trip to the favorite, local Aqua Verde restaurant.  Financing options are available ~ feel free to contact us to answer more of your questions or a free tour. 

A popular kayak's cafe

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Seattle Floating Homes Financing Just Got More Attractive:

Some of the latest rates I have seen are extremely attractive for Seattle floating homes financing! I am happy to share some details if you are interested in buying a floating home or looking at the financing for it.

Here are some of the details for I have seen . . . → Read More: Seattle Houseboats Financing: Some Good Floating Homes Financing Rates Just Out]]>

Seattle Floating Homes Financing Just Got More Attractive:

Some of the latest rates I have seen are extremely attractive for Seattle floating homes financing! I am happy to share some details if you are interested in buying a floating home or looking at the financing for it.

Here are some of the details for I have seen for Seattle floating homes financing through local lenders:

• 25 year amortization
  
• 7 year term
  
• 5.99% interest rate (6.49% standard rate)
  
• 1.00% loan fee
  
• Borrower to pay all closing costs
  
• Maximum LTV-75%
  
• Rates are subject to change without notice, but I can point you in the best direction if you need it.
  

Keep in mind that this financing is for floating homes only. Not all Seattle houseboats are floating homes. Seattle houseboats is the general term which covers Seattle floating homes, vessels, and barges. Vessels and barges are a different animal for financing often requiring a boat loan although there is at least one other option that recently became available in financing vessels.

You can get in touch with us via email and we can help direct you to the correct mortgage person if you have other Seattle houseboats needs: homes@SeattleAfloat.com

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After finding your Seattle floating home, you will need to have both a regular home inspection – much like you do with land homes – and also an additional houseboat inspection to evaluate the floating portion of your home. Part of this will involve a diver . . . → Read More: Seattle Floating Homes Buying Process: Elements of a Seattle Houseboat Inspection]]> Seattle Floating Homes Buying Process: Elements of a Seattle Houseboat Inspection

After finding your Seattle floating home, you will need to have both a regular home inspection – much like you do with land homes – and also an additional houseboat inspection to evaluate the floating portion of your home. Part of this will involve a diver going under your new floating home and evaluating floatation systems.

Elements of a floating home inspection – The length and width of your float will be measured and recorded. Corner elevations will be measured. This is measuring from the deck surface to the water level. Water depth will be measured and whether or not obstructions under the surface exist.

The houseboat inspector will look at and evaluate all of the decking of the floating home and also the connections to the home for the water, sewer, and electrical. They will look at how the floating home is connected to the dock by evaluating the spring lines, anchor chains, moorings, floatation, and house spacing.

Flotation – In addition to the newer concrete floats, the older log foundation floats are supplemented by floatation air barrels, and some Styrofoam billets – each providing various levels of lift. If for some reason when they measure the corner elevations and the floating home is not level, additional floatation may be added.

Looking at Log Foundation floating homes, the inspector will count the number of logs and describe their configuration. Then the Stringers will be counted and evaluated. Stringers are the support for the home itself from the log foundation. From time to time they do need to be replaced and should always be treated timbers.

Additional Seattle floating homes resources:

Seattle Houseboats See what Seattle floating homes are on the market now!

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