Seattle Houseboats for Sale: Floating Homes On Lake Union
Eastlake Floating Home For Sale $535,000
Sweet floating home in the bustling Eastlake neighborhood! This south facing, mid-dock slip location oozes with charm and features a full bathroom, spacious and open floor plan to create your own vision and a deck to soak up the sun. Complete with a cool loft – perfect for sleeping, storage, or expanding.
There is a lot happening in the floating home world! Molly and I have been extremely busy this year and there are still buyers looking so please let us know if you are interested in selling your home. We can help you off or on market and can show you all the different aspects of the current market. Seattle houseboats have sold fairly quickly this year, and it is important to price it exactly right the first time. With the exception of luxury Seattle floating homes, every time we have had the listing priced as we recommended, it has sold promptly.
Please let us know if you are interested in seeing this fabulous Seattle floating home for sale! email: houseboats@cooperjacobs.com call/text 206-841-6800 Molly Cartwright/ Courtney Cooper
3110 Portage Bay Place E #F – Seattle Floating Home Listed Today!
Looking for Seattle floating homes for sale? At the end of this quiet dead end street is one fantastic Seattle floating home for sale – equipped with all the splash you come to expect from living on the lake in Portage Bay.
Generous spaces in this Portage Bay floating home allow for a flexible floor plan including a large master bed and bath capturing killer views of the canal. Three rooms in all, a remodeled bathroom, and a charming kitchen with tons of storage.
Huge accessory raft for kayaks, moorage for your boat, and an enclosed deck for privacy. One reserved parking spot and NO DUES! $799,000
2 + Bedroom
1.75 Bath
Built in 1960
Accessory Float
Boat Moorage
Parking
Owned Slip
NO Dues!
Call/Text Molly Cartwright at 206-841-6800 or Courtney Cooper at 206-850-8841 for more info or for your own private showing. You can also email us at houseboats@cooperjacobs.com. We are Seattle floating homes specialists and experts on the lake. We would love to talk to you about Seattle Waterfront Living and Life Afloat in Seattle! It’s a special lifestyle and there are lots of interesting differences between living on water and living on land.
Westlake is an extremely special Seattle floating homes community in Lake Union. Every corner of this Westlake floating home is thoughtful and well designed. Westlake floating homes rarely become available for sale and this one is a jewel in Lake Union. Located right on the Cheshiahud Loop with a quick commute to Downtown Seattle or South Lake Union, this is an ideal place to call home and truly live the most amazing Seattle waterfront lifestyle available.
Marketing Remarks From the MLS listing for this Seattle Floating Home:
2420 Westlake Ave N #12 Near the end of this private dock sits an amazing floating home built to perfection. The aged steel and cedar siding accentuates its rugged exterior; while inside the heated radiant concrete floors give way to warm teak casework and dancing walls of natural light. Enjoy cooking in your top of the line kitchen including gas cooktop and sleek eat-in kitchen island. For those entertainers, head on up to the massive rooftop deck and gas fire pit to admire the forever changing views of Lake Union. $2,250,000 call/text 206-841-6800 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
Tour Seattle’s Floating Home community: It Happens Every two years…
Seattle Floating homes Tour: The biannual Seattle Floating Homes Association Tour is Sunday September 2011 and I am surprised there are still tickets left! You can grab yours here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2585184
It’s your chance to tour some of the special Seattle floating homes in Portage Bay. This year the entire tour will be centered around Seattle houseboats in Portage Bay – thirteen of them plus the University Bridge which is a rare treat to peek inside the bridge tender’s work quarters.
According to the latest floating home tour promotion postcard that went out on the event: “This year’s Tour will give visitors the unique chance to visit and discover the colorful history of 13 floating homes hidden along the seldom visited banks of Portage Bay. ”
This tour is something that is very near and dear to our hearts. Molly and I work very hard at every tour doing a variety of jobs. The last two tours, I have put together the actual tickets and promotional posters and I really enjoy reading about the houses. It is an amazing gift to our community that these houseboat home owners are willing to so generously open up their personal spaces so that the public may learn about our Seattle floating community. None of these homes are for sale and this is not a real estate agent’s promotional tour. These are coveted homes that are on display for a limited time during the tour.
Just got word that we are still also looking for volunteers. Here is the message on the latest postcard I put out to the community:
1213 E Shelby Street #13 Current For Sale two beds/ two baths/ 1250 square feet $945,000
Yes; Seattle floating homes do sell year round. Two words: Indian Summer.
By Molly Cartwright, Seattle Houseboats Expert
I don’t know about you, but I completely look forward to our beautiful Indian Summers (a period of unusually dry, warm weather occurring in late autumn) here in the Pacific Northwest. I actually prefer the other definition of Indian Summer; a period of happiness occurring late in life.
Don’t wait until “late in life”. The time is now. Time to enjoy happiness all the time by living on a floating home in Seattle! We thought you’d like a quick snap shot of what the last six months have looked like for Seattle floating home sales.
12 Seattle floating homes sold with a median sold price of $747,500 on a 969 sq ft footprint.
The least expensive Seattle floating home sold for $475,000 was a darling one bed, one bath, 555 square feet; perfectly remodeled from head to toe in Portage Bay.
The most expensive floating home sold so far was a cool $2M on a fantastic co-op dock in Eastlake. It had beautiful outdoor spaces, custom built ins and only one bed, one bath over 1.367 square feet. Finishes were divine and the architecture was exquisite. One of our favorite Seattle floating homes just sold for $1.5M. Sitting pretty at the end of a condo owned Portage Bay dock, this home felt like a cabin on the water with privacy that can be sometimes hard to find on a floating home. It was so far out on the lake that you were able to high five kayakers as they paddled by.
Whether it’s Westlake, Eastlake, or Portage Bay if you’re looking for a unique lifestyle that is like no other in Seattle, you’ve come to the right place. There are some really fantastic floating homes on the market right now. Call Seattle Houseboats Experts Molly Cartwright or Courtney Cooper today and let’s talk.
Welcome To A Rare Portage Bay Floating Homes Opportunity On The Shelby Dock!
Live Life Afloat In Seattle™ Coveted Portage Bay Floating Homes: This Seattle floating home is located on the coveted Shelby Dock in Portage Bay and has not changed hands in nearly four decades. Rarely do you get the opportunity to live in such a magical place, but one has presented itself in this beautifully and lovingly renovated floating home towards the end of the dock. Seattle Houseboats are a spectacular Seattle Waterfront Living Opportunity always, but this particular one truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are so excited to bring it to the Seattle floating homes market and look forward to showing it to you! There will be no open houses – only exclusive showings so call or text Seattle Floating Homes Expert Realtor Molly Cartwright for a private showing or more information. 206-841-6800. You can also email us at Houseboats@CooperJacobs.com
Here are the MLS remarks for this Portage Bay Floating Home:
Life on the shores of Portage Bay is a unique lifestyle like no other. Enjoy a comfortable 2 bedroom, 2 bath floating home with over 1200 square feet of lake living. Views of the lapping water as you sip your morning coffee before launching your SUP or kayak. Gleaming hardwoods on the main and a charming updated bathroom plus guest room. Lots of room for all your toys & fabulous entertaining home.Large master suite including private office, covered deck, & bonus room upstairs. Own your moorage! $945,000 and won’t last. 1213 E Shelby St #13
Call/Text Molly Cartwright for more info or for your own private showing. There will be no open houses, so please call for an appointment. 206-841-6800
Seattle Houseboats: The Current July 2016 Lake Union Floating Homes Real Estate Market Update
There are just fourSeattle floating homes for sale currently – two are Eastlake floating homes (one on the Log Foundation dock and one on Wards Cove) and two of the Portage Bay floating homes including one on the sought after Shelby Dock (THREE recent sales there!) and an end of dock beauty on the Boyer On The Bay dock. Lots going on in the Seattle Houseboats world for sales pending and closings as a result! Current prices for the available Seattle floating homes start at $675,000 and go to $3,200,000 for the luxury beauty on the state of the art Wards Cove dock.
Seattle Floating Homes Pending in Escrow: There are three pending Seattle floating homes for sale – all in Eastlake – including our cool Tenas Chuck listing and one we sold on The Lake Union dock (price range of these is $650,000 to $959,000). There is a cutie Portage Bay floating home that is Pending Inspection at a list price of $475,000.
Sales Sales Sales
SIX Seattle floating homes have closed in escrow in the last couple of months!
1213 E Shelby St #7 1 bedroom 1 bath built in 1997 was listed for $725,000 , dropped their price to $695,000 and then had a final sales price of $675,000 (97.12% of list price). It closed 7/6/2016.
1213 E Shelby St #12 1 bedroom 1 bath 840 square feet built in 1995 sold on 6/30/2016 after 37 days on the market. It was listed for $798,000 and sold for $725,000 (90.85% of list).
2019 Fairview Ave E #N 2 bedroom 1 bath built in 1976 and affectionately known as the Hobbit house sold on 6/20/16 for $770,000 which was 98.09% of it’s $785,000 list price after 68 days on the market.
2219 Fairview Ave E #2 2 bedroom 1.5 bath built in 1974 listed for $950,000 and sold for full asking price after 80 days on the market.
2339 Fairview Ave E #N This was an amazing sale. 1 bedroom 1 bath 1367 square feet was listed for $1,795,000 and sold after 6 days on the market for $2,000,000 (111.42% of list price!!!). That is $1,463.06/ sq ft and it isn’t an end of dock home!
1213 E Shelby St #6 – We sold it! Listed for $700,000 and closed this last Friday for full price. 1 bedroom 1 bath 777 square feet with beautiful scenic views. This historic 1930 home is about to get a beautiful makeover and we are thrilled.
Seattle Floating Homes Tour 2016
Gearing UP – Molly and I are gearing up for the biannual Seattle Floating homes Tour. We volunteer our time and money to this incredible community cause. We live and work here and this is extremely important to us! Tickets go on sale soon! Please let us know if you are interested in:
Learning more about this iconic Seattle waterfront lifestyle
Need to learn how to buy or sell your Seattle floating home
Are interested in getting a price range for your home
Want to see all Seattle floating homes listings
We look forward to hearing from you! Molly: 206-841-6800/Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
Eastlake Floating Home For Rent
Sweet opportunity to live on a Seattle Floating Home on a great Eastlake floating home dock. Beginning September 1st through May 31, 2017, you can experience what it’s like to live right on the water. Watch the holiday lights on Lake Union, New Years Eve fireworks from the Space Needle, and a gorgeous sunset each evening.
First floor includes One bedroom , One full bathroom, kitchen, and dining room.
Second floor includes living room and a great deck with outdoor seating.
Third level is to enjoy your expansive western views on your private sitting deck.
So close to Pete’s Market, I-5, South Lake Union, farmer’s market, Vox coffee, Lousia’s Cafe, and so much more.
$3500 per month plus $1500 damage deposit and first and last month’s rent. This includes electric, internet, cable, water, sewer, garbage – wow!
Perk! 3 kayaks+paddles+pfds included.
Non-smokers, No pets. Comes furnished but is negotiable.
Serious inquires only, please.
email to: molly@cooperjacobs.com
Highly sought after Wards Cove is an exclusive gated luxury floating home community in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood.
No need to settle or downsize to take advantage of this quintessential Seattle waterfront lifestyle because this home has it all. Miele appliances, Quartz counter tops, Italian Sandstone floors, Italian cabinetry, more. Aside from the thoughtful details and sleek upscale finish work, enjoy the roof top deck, secured parking, and moorage for your companion boat. $3,200,000
Molly Cartwright 206-841-6800 Molly@CooperJacobs.com / Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 Courtney@CooperJacobs.com
Seattle Floating Homes Real Estate Market Update: Seattle Houseboats Market is Afloat!
A lot happening out there on the lake, and we know of more Seattle houseboats for sale as well, so please reach out to us if you are curious about buying or selling yours! [Molly Cartwright 206-841-6800 | Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 or email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com] In the MLS, there are SIX Seattle floating homes for sale as well as a few Seattle houseboats (and barges) and a Portage Bay slip for a floating home. The floating homes range in price from $499,999 for an adorable historical, but remodeled Portage Bay floating home with a deeded parking spot to $959,000 for an artsy and adorable Eastlake floating home on The Lake Union dock. The median list price for these floating homes is $763,583.
In addition to these active listings in the MLS, there are three additional Seattle floating homes for sale that are marked with statuses of Contingent, Pending, and Pending Inspection. These floating homes are priced in the MLS at $675,000, $950,000, and $785,000 and are all three in Eastlake on various Lake Union docks.
Seattle floating home sales over the last 30 days:
2207 Fairview Ave E #11 – Listed by Molly & Courtney SOLD!
and here is a significant Eastlake Floating Home sale:
2339 Fairview Ave E #N. This was a phenomenal Seattle floating home in Eastlake. Listed for $1,795,000 and sold in less than a week for $2,000,000 CASH. Not at the end of the dock at all, just perfectly oriented to the water and well finished. A true pleasure to walk through. The stats were 1 bedroom/1 bath, 1367 square feet and sold for $1463.06 a square foot. Not bad.
Our current favorite Seattle Afloat market choices on Lake Union:
2331 Fairview Ave E #X – Amazing dock, but even greater home with thoughtful care and details at every corner. $650,000
1213 E Shelby St – A well appointed slip with wide open views of the beautiful Portage Bay waterways. $525,000
Additional helpful information on the above sales…
Seattle Houseboats for Sale: 2331 Fairview Ave E, Slip X
Seattle Floating Home Just Listed and available for the first time in 20 years!
Looking at Lake Union and Seattle houseboats? Living on Lake Union is one of the most amazing Seattle lifestyles!
It is interesting because usually when Molly and I hear about a Seattle floating home that hasn’t been on the market for two decades, we wince a little and wonder what kind of project we may be walking into. Seattle houseboats can be quite dilapidated at times and there are many older ones which have much deferred maintenance. That is absolutely not the case with this Seattle floating home located at 2331 Fairview Ave E in Slip X. It is simply stunning and makes me want to sit down and have a glass of wine and chat with the neighbors on a warm sunny day with the water lapping at my toes.
The pictures tell a beautiful story of a love affair with a home which is quite obvious at first glance, but look further at the details which have gone into this home over the years and it is difficult to not be impressed. From the exterior being painted in the last five years to the stringers being replaced as needed, inside and out there are upgrades and detailed maintenance tasks like none we have seen before. From the gas lines and new electrical and windows to the raised ceiling, vaulted ceilings, and sunny skylights, this home is comfortable for modern living. The kitchen is upscale with both an eating bar and a dining room with French doors out to the deck. There are the seldom found in a floating home luxuries of gas cooking, a gas fireplace, and on-demand hot water, plus additional practical bigger ticket items like a new roof in 2010. Two bedrooms, a bath, and lots of character await you here with an asking price of only $650,000.
Here are the MLS listing remarks for our brand new Seattle floating homes listing on Lake Union:
Picture yourself living a fabulous Lake Union waterfront lifestyle in this beautiful Seattle floating home. Well maintained and remodeled, this south facing home has a sunny disposition and is the perfect place to let the summer in. Gorgeous kitchen with upscale appliances has eating bar and dining room with warm wood floors and French doors that open up to your own private deck retreat. Listen to the seaplanes while you sip coffee or take your kayak or SUP out for a jaunt on the lake without the heavy lifting.
It’s a great place and you won’t be disappointed. Please let us know if you are interested in Seattle houseboats for sale. We are happy to help!
(call/text Molly Cartwright at 206-841-6800 or email us at houseboats@cooperjacobs.com)
Seattle Floating Homes Market Update – Catching Up With Lake Union Houseboats, The Shelby Dock, and Recent Sales
There has been some activity in the Seattle real estate market afloat. There Are FOUR ACTIVE Seattle Floating Homes For Sale Currently ranging in price from $725,000 to $799,000. They are located on The Shelby Dock in Portage Bay and The Log Foundation Dock in Eastlake.
Seattle floating homes for sale are few and far between and each one is somewhat different or greatly different. You really need to know what your must haves and would be nice to have list is before you begin looking. Then, be prepared to adjust that list further, because chances are that your list won’t match anything out there. To begin with there are only around 500 of these Seattle floating homes. They come in many different variations, but it is rare to find one that truly checks all of the boxes so compromise is common. There are four Seattle floating homes for sale right now in the MLS. In addition to these, Molly and I know of at least four more that are interested in selling or will be on the market soon. We won’t talk about these in this article, but please feel free to reach out if you are interested in hiring us to represent you so that you have true access to EXACTLY what is going on in the market.
Private Sales, FSBO, Bring Your Buyers To Us????
NOT. If you want the most money for your property in the least amount of time, LIST IT.There has been a trend for Seattle houseboats sellers to want to pick our brains and learn about the market and try to sell the home off market on their own. This does a huge disservice to YOU and to your return on investment, FYI. The open Seattle real estate market is the only way to get the most money for what might be your biggest investment. Molly and I can usually get you more than enough extra in sales numbers to warrant the additional expense of having your floating home sale handled by an actual seasoned veteran who knows everything about Seattle floating homes. We have all the resources at our finger tips, have worked years to have the relationships that you will find vital, and we are Seattle Houseboats Experts.
A Note On The Shelby Dock in Portage Bay…
The Shelby Dock is located at 1213 E Shelby Street in Portage Bay. It offers easy access to University of Washington and Downtown Seattle and is home to many adorable Seattle floating homes. So why are three of the four Seattle floating homes for sale located on the Shelby Dock (The Seattle floating homes for sale on the Shelby Dock that are active currently range in price from $725,000 to $799,000)? There are a number of reasons why homeowners buy and sell at any given time. Consider yourself lucky that there are so many choices at this time, PLUS the dock is being replaced and will be an unbelievable asset to future living there. Molly and I are excited to see the progress and look forward to showing you any of these special homes. As one of the lucky homeowners on The Shelby Dock put it, “those interested in living in one of the quieter floating homes neighborhoods have a rare opportunity to choose from a variety of floating home styles and sizes on this well organized floating homes dock”.
What Else Is Going On With Seattle Floating Homes?
There is a CONTINGENT Seattle floating home listed at $950,000 and a Pending Inspection floating home listed in at $735,000 – Both in Eastlake. Contingent means that they are under contract, but that it is contingent on them selling their current home. There is some seller financing available on at least one of the actives. Reach out to us and let us know how we can help:
Seattle Floating Home For Sale – The Cutest Eastlake Houseboat Fr Sale On Lake Union Is Available!
2207 Fairview Ave E: The iconic Lake Union lifestyle you have only dreamed about!
Located in Eastlake’s enclave of Seattle floating homes, this mid-dock light and bright Lake Union beauty is completely remodeled with an open floor plan featuring 2 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, bamboo floors & new kitchen! Enjoy cozy extras like heated bathroom floor, new electrical, plumbing, windows & insulation.
Enhanced further only by the timeless willow tree that also resides here in harmony, this floating home has a great relationship with Lake Union and is the perfect place to write your novel or relax and get some much needed water therapy. $735,000
2 bedrooms
1 bath (with heated floors!)
832 square feet
All New Remodeled
Boat Moorage with dock permission
Owned slip
Live The Lake Union Dream In Eastlake
This charming Eastlake floating home has upscale character and open living with beautiful vaulted ceilings and lots of room for storage. The surfaces are desirable and you will be delighted at every turn. IN addition,, it has one of the largest back decks that we have seen in a while. It’s a perfect place to launch your SUP or kayak! Imagine not having to lug it down to the lake every time you want to use it! Imagine friends on Fourth Of July! This is the dream. Taxes on the home are only $1042 a year and dues are $371 a month. Enjoy living close to Downtown Seattle, Amazon, and more, but still in the peaceful serenity of nature on Lake Union.
If you want to learn more about living on Seattle houseboats and why you should buy one now, then please check out our list about the 29 reasons you want to live on a Seattle Houseboat now. Number 4 is a big one: “Alternative In City Living/Location: Want to be close to it all, but not live in a condo or a townhome or a stand alone house? A Seattle floating home offers the best of all worlds and also is highly oriented to the water so it is a perfect alternative lifestyle in Seattle – and desirable as well.”
Want to Learn More About This beautiful home and Seattle Floating Homes?
Please let us know if you would like to see this beauty or other Seattle Houseboats (although we think this one is AWESOME). We know Seattle floating homes and it has a ton of attention on it currently. 2207 Fairview Ave E won’t last long! Call/Text/Email Seattle Waterfront Homes Specialists and Seattle Houseboats Experts:
Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 Courtney@CooperJacobs.com
We are happy to tell you about Seattle floating homes and the Lake Union lifestyle. We are excited to show you this Seattle Waterfront Living experience!
Thinking About Life On Lake Union And Want More Reasons To Live In One Of The Seattle Houseboats?
Seattle Houseboats Living is like no other Seattle lifestyle and here are 29 reasons why:
Uniqueness: There is no other lifestyle in Seattle that is like living in one of the Seattle houseboats. Seattle floating homes are iconic and offer the best of many Seattle neighborhoods, plus an affordable Seattle waterfront living option.
Community: There is a strong sense of community among your floating neighbors – both in a micro climate sense such as on a particular dock or co-op, and also as a community overall. Seattle houseboats are community.
Characters: Because of the uniqueness of the Seattle waterfront living way of life, Seattle houseboats are appealing to extremely unique and special people. There are a wide variety of different personality types that fit perfectly into these Seattle floating homes and neighborhoods, but all of them are special!
Alternative In City Living/Location: Want to be close to it all, but not live in a condo or a townhome or a stand alone house? A Seattle floating home offers the best of all worlds and also is highly oriented to the water so it is a perfect alternative lifestyle in Seattle – and desirable as well.
Water Sports – Want to be able to launch your kayak from your house? Stand Up Paddleboard? You might be able to even tie your water ski boat, sailboat, or electric boat up right to your house. If you are interested in living a Seattle floating home that you can moor your companion boat next to, then make sure and look for a houseboat that offers moorage. Some co-ops allow moorage, but only after moving in and getting the dock’s permission. Other floating home it is more clear up front. Either way, it is a great opportunity!
Water Therapy: There is nothing more therapeutic than the soft lapping of the water outside your home or being able to dip your toes into the lake on a beautiful Seattle summer day full of warm sunshine.
Nature: There isn’t another place in city that is this much in touch with nature while still living in an urban setting. Lake Union is full of nature – you even have to choose your potted plants wisely so they don’t become goose buffets. Baby ducklings are the most fun to watch for many visitors.
Transit: Take full advantage of Seattle’s best transit because you are close to not only buses, but also the Seattle Streetcar line in South Lake Union! This is a great option for heading into Downtown Seattle!
The Lake Union Loop – Or Cheshiahud Trail loops around Lake Union and joins neighborhoods and parks together.
Cheshiahud Loop: The Cheshiahud Loop or Lake Union Loop is a 6.2 mile path that connects pocket parks and neighborhoods and basically loops Lake Union. There are historical markers along the way and lots to see. If you live in a floating home in Eastlake, Westlake, Fremont or a houseboat in Wallingford (Northlake), then you are basically on the loop. Floating home in Portage Bay close to the University Bridge are also on the loop.
Duck Dodge: Tuesday Nights beginning in May offer some of the most fascinating evenings of entertainment if you like to watch sailboats race in a tight space. The Duck Dodge is a Lake Union tradition and a definite fixture in Seattle houseboat living. You can see the schedule here: http://www.duckdodge.org/schedule.php
Floating Lifestyle Parade Of Entertainment: People watching at its best is here, folks! Swimmers, rafts, boaters, SUPS, kayaks, canoes, races, booze cruises, etc. It’s all here. Even if you are a shut in, it is completely entertaining to watch life literally float by you. This is especially true at the end of the dock or if your floating home backs up to a large channel.
July 4th: Lake Union is the very center of July Fourth in Seattle. Everyone wants to be on a boat, a floating home, at Gas Works or South Lake Union Parks, or along the shores of the lake in the various pocket parks along the loop. July 4th is a major event in Seattle. There is a fireworks barge in the middle of the lake and a beautiful professional show is hammered out each year. It’s an event. If you live on a floating home, you are every one’s new best friend. A couple tips for you on the Fourth of July: Have all your shopping completed the day before and do not move your car form its parking spot at all on the day of the holiday. If you do, then you will find yourself without a spot to park. July 4th and New Year’s Eve are the two days we leave our cars where they are and walk in Eastlake. Parking is relatively simple the rest of the year. Second tip: If you have a rooftop deck and plan on having a party make sure that your home is not top heavy and out of balance with a lot of people. I recall one year on the Seattle Floating Home Tour, we had to regulate how many people toured the roof of one house. Each house is different and if you know that your flotation is dispersed perfectly and that you have adequate flotation, then no big deal, but if it’s a question, then keep it in check.
New Year’s Eve: This time the fireworks are at the Space Needle and oh what a show that is! Again Lake Union is the center of life in Seattle and you ave a front row seat to the show. Lucky you! Same tips apply regarding parking and roof top deck…
Iconic Lifestyle is Limited: There are only around 500 Seattle floating homes in Seattle and a few are added or taken away through the years leaving us with roughly the same number. It is a limited lifestyle. It is iconic. It is in demand.
Proximity to Downtown Seattle: This is as close as you can live to Downtown Seattle without being in Belltown, South Lake Union, Pioneer Square, or Downtown Seattle itself.
Christmas Ships: Argosy does an annual Christmas Ship Festival. It’s beautiful and living on Lake Union is a great way to be able to watch the parade go by. It is just beautiful to see decorated boats with holiday lights.
Boat to Dinner: My favorites are Chandlers at the South end of the lake and Ivars at the North end of the lake. Both have great places to tie up while you eat and both have amazing food!
Walk To Dinner: Lake Union is surrounded by great places to eat and all different styles – from Mexican to Pacific Northwest seafood, and beyond, Seattle is known for its food and many of these award winning places are in the heart of the city which we call Lake Union.
Louisa’s Cafe: Louisa’s is a staple of Eastlake and there is no clearer indicator of that than the pictures on Yelp – this is the meeting place of the Eastlake neighborhood and the Seattle floating homes community.
Serafina: Touted as one of the most amazing Italian restaurants in all of Seattle, Serafina is just up the street from the docks of Eastlake in Lake Union. Want to check out their menu? http://serafinaseattle.com/
Pete’s Wines: Down by the water in Eastlake is the very best wine shop in Seattle – plus small grocery and deli, this place is part of the culture of Seattle floating home life in Eastlake.
Blue Ribbon Cooking School
Bocce Ball Named in Seattle Weekly as one of the best waterfront Bocce locations, don’t miss the Eastlake Bouledrome along Fairview Ave E.
Pocket Parks: A considerable amount of effort has gone into making in city green spaces in Seattle and the pocket parks around Lake Union are a big part of that! Open Seattle waterfront parks are a perfect place to chill out and reflect on your day.
P Patch: Large open space for growing vegetables lake side – always fun to see what magic has been created here as we walk the Lake Union Loop!
Excitement: There is always something going on around Lake Union – it is exciting and an exciting way to live!
Best Place To Write Your Novel: A perfect place to settle in and use the water for inspiration – Living on a floating home is the perfect place to finally write that novel you have always wanted to! Use the people and places for your inspiration. Settle in and make it happen!
Best Place To Fall In Love: It’s a romantic lifestyle – why not use that to your advantage – If I were a single guy looking for love, I know for a fact that a floating home would be a total chic magnet.
Sound Investment: Because there are limited supplies and it is in city and waterfront, this is a sound investment real estate wise. Even when the market went down in 2007, Seattle floating homes did not – it is a stable uptick in values similar to no other in the market.
Curious and want to see more Seattle houseboats?
Today a lovely Seattle floating home in Eastlake is having an open house. It is Open Today From 1-4 PM 2207 Fairview Ave E #11, Seattle WA 98102 Call/Text Molly 206-841-6800 Molly will be hosting this Seattle houseboats open house and is an expert in the floating homes in Seattle. It is a beautiful Seattle floating home and an event you won’t want to miss and located on a fabulous dock.
Come see it! It’s gorgeous and you can start to take advantage of all 29 reasons to live on a Seattle floating home right now! -Courtney
Looking at Seattle floating homes? You can’t get better than this 2007 Eastlake floating home nestled on the south side of the dock. Sweeping 365 degree views from the rooftop, large French doors open up to wide channel with room for a boat. Gorgeous setting and beautiful interiors with perks like a master walk in closet, marble tile, and built in central vacuum. Upscale custom cabinetry and Craftsman fixtures, gas fireplace, new washer/dryer, sub zero fridge, and additional flotation added to this well built floating home.
Some of the highlights….
360 degree views from rooftop
Moorage for your boat with Dock permission
Pet friendly dock
Dues: $420/mo cover general dock fund for maintenance, real estate taxes for co-op, and any matters of vote
Offered for: $945,000
Please call Courtney or Molly for more info or to set up a private tour of this exclusive floating residence:
Caratello is the Italian word for a small barrel which holds dessert wine, and this new construction state of the art floating on water residence lives up to her sweet reputation. Just listed on Lake Union, this 2 story Seattle houseboat for sale at 11 E Allison St offers so much for anyone interested: The Caratello houseboat has a fully equipped gourmet kitchen including stainless appliances, clever nooks, artful finish work, and more. A wine lover’s paradise, there are thoughtful details throughout including employing the old custom of using wine for ballast.
Two Bedrooms
Large closets
Office nook
1.25 Baths
Laundry on main level
749 Sq Feet
Condo Owned Slip is 48 x 15 feet and in an excellent location on Lake Union in Eastlake
stairs and hatch to rooftop
floor is engineered in sections to be lifted out for storage
Taxes on houseboat are $1378.25/year
Taxes on slip are $1935/yr
Monthly Home Owner Dues: $256
Pets allowed
Seattle Houseboats for Sale: The Basics of Caratello Located at 11 E Allison Street in Eastlake:
Introducing Caratello, a new construction floating on water residence in Seattle. “Caratello” is the Italian word for a small barrel used to make dessert wine. Roomier than one would expect with such a name, this 2 story houseboat delivers w/ fully equipped gourmet kitchen, 2 bedrooms, & much more. Of course as her name implies, Caratello’s hold is also the perfect location for your wine collection. Designed by Gene Morris, engineered by Craig Goring & built at Lake Union Dry Dock. Condo Slip! $799,000 – NWMLS Listing # 887777
Additional info about the Caratello Houseboat you won’t want to miss:
Caratello was designed by Gene Morris at Lagerquist and Morris in Ballard
Engineered by Craig Goring a marine engineer out of Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands
Built at Lake Union Dry Dock.
The crane that launched the Caratello houseboat is the same one that built the Aurora Bridge in 1930
Has an independent 12 volt electrical system for lighting, navigational lights and equipment, and utilities.
Tankage includes 150 gallons of potable water, 150 gallons gray water, and 150 gallons for black water.
Capacity for 150 Cases of wine in hold (!!!) and its the perfect place to store wine!
We can immediately answer your Seattle Houseboats, Seattle waterfront homes or Seattle floating homes questions. If you prefer, you can also email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.
Seattle Houseboats market report for Lake Union floating homes as of mid January 2016: Inventory is still at a low with only one Seattle floating home for sale on the market. In the last month, according to the NWMLS, in the world of Seattle houseboats for sale, not two Seattle floating homes have closed in escrow. There are always some private sale, but overall, the entire Lake Union homes real estate market is quite slow. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t buyers waiting in the wings of their chance to make their dreams come true and live Life Afloat In Seattle!
Two Seattle floating homes have closed in escrow over the last month which were listed for sale in the MLS. Or do them on the Dox cooperative dock in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood was a three bedroom floating home with a whopping 2.75 baths. This Seattle houseboat was featured in recent years on the Seattle Floating Homes Tour (2012 I believe..), and was listed for $925,000 and sold for $925,000. No surprise because a three bedroom floating home is quite difficult to find and especially for under a million dollars! The other Seattle floating home for sale is also in Eastlake on the Lake Union dock – also a cooperative dock. This one is a two bedroom one bathroom home that was listed at just under five hundred thousand dollars and closed at $475,000.
So both sales of these Seattle houseboats categorized as floating homes occurred in Eastlake. Eastlake is where most Seattle floating homes are sold in general because this Lake Union neighborhood has the largest concentration of these Seattle Houseboats on the lake. You can also find Seattle floating homes in Westlake, Portage Bay – both on the Capitol Hill side and the University District side on Boat Street, and there is a great dock in Fremont as well – so Northlake. Please let us know if you are interested in Seattle houseboats.
Molly and I specialize in Seattle’s favorite neighborhoods including the Seattle floating homes community and also have vast experience in Seattle waterfront homes. We work in many of Seattle’s neighborhoods and look forward to helping ou buy or sell your next Seattle home – whether by land or sea, we can help and offer a unique perspective to tie it all together.
Please let us know how we can help. You can mail us here: Houseboats@cooperjacobs.com call/text Molly at 206-841-6800 or me at 206-850-8841 Thank you! – Courtney
Molly and I appreciate your support so much and are so thankful for all our fabulous clients in 2015. The Lake Union Seattle floating home neighborhood is a very special place and means so much to us. Each and every one of you have been so amazing and we thank you and wish you the best for 2016! The weather is so cold out there, but it has still been nice walking weather. Molly and I have been getting out there and delivering our thank you gifts as the weather permits. I love this particular map of Lake Union Park in South Lake Union. It is such a great asset to have and it wasn’t so long ago that it was desolate in this area so nice to have it beautiful right in the hood.
There isn’t much in the way of choice right now for floating homes, BUT…. the one that is available is pretty much perfect. SO…… Here is the info on that: 2207 Fairview Ave E, Seattle WA 98102
Listed for $735,000, this Eastlake floating home is the king as far as the basic Seattle floating homes work that has been done for you already. So solid, that it feels like it is built on the ground…
The iconic lifestyle you have only dreamed about! Located in Eastlake’s enclave of floating homes, this mid-dock light and bright Lake Union beauty is completely remodeled with an open floor plan featuring 1 BR + flex space, vaulted ceilings, bamboo fl, & new kitchen! Enjoy cozy extras like heated bathroom floor, new electrical, plumbing, windows & insulation. Enhanced further only by the timeless willow tree that also resides here, this home has a great relationship w/ the lake. Taxes are only $1042 a year.
Seattle Lake Union Christmas Ships Are Back In 2015 –
Map of Parade route on Argosy Cruise site.
Christmas Ships On Lake Union: The 2015 Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships are part of their Christmas Ship Festival has its Parade of Boats Night on December 18th. The Parade of Boats is a long standing Seattle Tradition and a huge party of holiday living on Lake Union. Simply put, the holidays would not be the holidays in Seattle without the Christmas Ships. The holiday boats parade route begins at Fisherman’s Terminal in Magnolia, goes through the Fremont Cut into Lake Union. Northlake and Westlake floating homes are the first to see the beautiful parade of boats come into Lake Union as they make their way South along the west side of the lake before curving back up in South Lake Union and going along their way adjacent to Eastlake. Seattle houseboats in both Westlake and Eastlake have the very best vantage points, but there are a lot of parks along the way and throughout the Lake Union Loop making it an amazing site for all.
More thank just Christmas Ships Passing in 2015 – There are Performances, too!
The parade of Christmas Ships officially begins at 7:45 PM and ends just past Wards Coveat around 8:30. There will be performances along the way including one at Fisherman’s Terminal from 7:30 to 7:45, so get there early if that is your vantage point. Another performance will be at the Fremont Cut from 8:05 to 8:25 so a great place to watch the parade from is the Fremont Canal Park or also along the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Lake Union Holiday Tradition –
The Christmas Ships are a Lake Union tradition and a hug part of Seattle houseboat living and the Seattle holidays overall. It is such a lovely event that Argosy Cruises puts on. There is nothing quite like seeing the beautiful lit up boats parade through Lake Union and surrounding Seattle waterways. The reflections and pure holiday spirit are invigorating and worth every effort in finding parking. The other thing I forgot to mention is that you can register to have your boat in the parade if you like. There will judging as you enter Lake Union and there will be prizes for best decorated vessels in the following categories according to the Argosy site:
1. Peoples’ Choice Award (method of tallying votes TBA)
2. Best In Show
3. Best Seahawks 12’s Boat Theme
4. Best Santa, Reindeer Christmas Theme
5. Most Overall Christmas Lights with Holiday Spirit
6. Best Holiday Decorated Powerboat
7. Best Holiday Decorated Sailboat
8. Best Holiday Decorated Commercial Vessel
We are looking forward to seeing some of the creative Seattle Christmas Ships and can’t wait to be sipping our hot cocoa from our own choice spot on Lake Union. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about life on Lake Union or in a Seattle floating home. We would love to show you our favorite Lake Union docks and Seattle houseboats. email: houseboat@cooperjacobs.com call/text 206-841-6800
Are you looking for Seattle Houseboats for rent? Living on Lake Union is a dream for many people moving to Seattle from all around the world. After all, it is the quintessential Seattle waterfront life! Despite this, trying before buying can be a good way to ease into this lifestyle if you aren’t sure. Beginning October 20th of this year, this one bedroom Eastlake floating home is for rent. Also, it has had a complete interior remodel including new windows, furnace, kitchen, bathroom and more! This truly is Seattle Waterfront Living℠ at its very core and we invite you to take a peek at some of the details of this latest Eastlake floating home rental opportunity. Seattle houseboats for rent are few and far between, so we are excited to tell you about this one!
Details about this floating home:
one bedroom
one bathroom
small deck upstairs with a full 360 degree Lake Union views from the bedroom
cozy wood burning fireplace
full laundry room
huge wrap around deck
room for your recreational boat up to 24′.
Additional Important Information about renting this adorable Lake Union home:
$3000 /month
NO PETS
NO SMOKING
AVAILABLE NOW!
Are you interested in living Life Afloat On Lake Union? We look forward to hearing all about it, so if you are interested in renting this Seattle houseboat, please contact Molly Cartwright, Seattle Waterfront and Houseboats Realtor. Email: molly@cooperjacobs.com
Just Listed In Eastlake: One Of The More Desireable Seattle Floating Homes
Molly Cartwright and I just listed an incredible Seattle Floating Home on the Flo Villa dock! If you have been looking at Seattle houseboats, then you should know that this one has been completely remodeled! $775,000
It’s your time! Live the iconic lifestyle you have only dreamed about! Located in Eastlake’s enclave of floating homes on Lake Union, this mid-dock beauty is completely remodeled with an open one bedroom plus flex space floor plan. Boasting vaulted ceilings and hardwoods, this home is incredibly light and bright and has a new kitchen! Enjoy cozy extras like the heated bathroom floor plus it has new electrical, plumbing, windows & insulation throughout. With an actual growing willow tree and a fabulous relationship to the water, this is home is a great place to live Life Afloat In Seattle.
During the last six month remodel:
new barrels / flotation
Windows
6″ deep insulation in the new windows and walls
10″ deep insulation in ceilings
Stripped down to logs and stringers to replace old joists with 4″ rigid foam on new joists
New subflooring and bamboo click in floors
Bathroom floor electrical heated floors
Additional Information on this Seattle Floating Home For Sale:
We can immediately answer your Seattle waterfront homes or Seattle floating homes questions. If you prefer, you can also email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.
Seattle Floating Homes November 2015: Catching up with Life Afloat on Lake Union, Seattle floating homes are still in high demand and Seattle Houseboat Living is very popular. In the last 60 days, three of these Seattle houseboats have closed in escrow through the MLS, although we also know of a couple private floating home sales if you interested in learning more about those or others.
Seattle Floating Homes that have closed in escrow:
2019 Fairview Ave E #D
This Seattle floating home is located on the middle dock of The Log Foundation cooperative which has three docks. It is an extremely well run coop and houseboats on these lovely docks are always sought after. The Log Foundation floating homes are located on the southern most docks in the Seattle neighborhood of Eastlake. This particular Seattle floating home was represented by Molly Cartwright at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate and was south facing on the middle dock. It is a two bedroom and 1 bath Lake Union floating home with 1300 square feet of living space. It closed on 10/13/15 for $677,500. (You can reach Molly at 206-841-6800 for more info on this or other Seattle floating homes that are available both on and off market.)
This amazing Seattle floating home is located on the Flo Villa dock. Flo Villa is a beautiful dock with a willow tree on it. It is further north than The Log Foundation dock and the floating homes on it are well maintained. This houseboat was the ultimate in Seattle Waterfront Living. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths plus 1550 square feet of living space. It closed on 10/7/2015 for $1,150,000
Welcome home to Mallard Cove floating homes. Mallard Cove is one of the Seattle luxury floating homes docks. Most of the floating homes on this dock have been updated and seem more modern than they are. The dock is always at the top of houseboat buyer lists. This 2000 square foot home was built in 1978 and has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It closed in escrow on 10/30/2015 for $1,350,000.
Pending Seattle Floating Homes For Sale:
There are two Pending in escrow Seattle floating homes right now as well. The price range on these is between $499,000 and $925,000.
Active Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: Just one at Wards Cove. Price? $3,295,000 43 days on market.
Additional information: Here are the details for the sold Seattle Floating Homes on Lake Union as well as an overall market report.
Please let us know if you have any questions at all or if you would like more information about Seattle Houseboat Living. We are happy to share and look forward to speaking with you whether you are a buyer or seller.
Seattle Houseboats For Sale: Just SOLD in Eastlake!
Seattle Houseboats Just Sold: Let’s look at 2019 Fairview Ave E in Lake Union’s Eastlake neighborhood
This particular Seattle floating home has a special place in our hearts due to its sentimental background. Though not as famous as its Sleepless in Seattle cousin across Lake Union, this Seattle houseboat is perhaps just as iconic! Located on one of Eastlake’s longest running and most organized cooperative dock, The Log Foundation, this 1930 floating home has had lots and lots of action – even as it was moored in one place and not moving. It was owned by a very longtime and loved Seattle houseboats resident and the home was practically a floating dance hall in its day. We have recently nicknamed the home “Art” after its previous owner and look forward to seeing the new owners enjoy it as much as he reportedly did. There are lots of stories across the lake about the parties that almost always broke out into full on dance soirees and you can tell just by walking into this houseboat that it has had a happy life. We are so thrilled to see it have a loving new chapter.
A little more about this special home…..
So back to the sale itself – Seattle houseboats for sale always are exciting, but closing one is also a cause for celebration. Congratulations to Molly and LeAnne for doing such a great job getting it sold. It closed in escrow on 10/13/2015 at a final sales price of $677,500. The floating home has two bedrooms and is 1300 square feet. It has a rather large float for its size and great dock position. It also is well oriented to the lake which is something you don’t always get. Moorage for a recreational boat is possible alongside the home with the permission of the co-op. It also had extra spaces which could function as an office or another nonconforming bedroom. The home is all one level and has the most charming curved ceilings. I was always very taken in with the large open living space and the beautiful spaces throughout. It never felt like a two bedroom home – more like a home with all kinds of possibilities in every corner. As I write this, I personally regret not buying it myself – such a wonderful place with great energy, but alas, there will be other Seattle houseboats for sale and each one is unique and special.
Please call us if you are interested in learning more about Seattle houseboats for sale – We look forward to helping you buy or sell your next Seattle houseboat, whether it is a Seattle floating home, a house barge, or a floating on-water residence. We are excited to help you learn about the lovely Lake Union as well as Seattle Houseboat Living℠.
Molly or Courtney 206-841-6800/206-850-8841 | houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
A lot can change in a week. One moved through the Ballard Locks into its new permanent home, One back to Active status in the MLS, one went pending in the MLS and a BIG one just hit the market!
These homes range in price from $750,000 to $3,295,000 for an ultra luxury floating home at Wards Cove. (Remember also that these are theSeattle houseboats that are in the Seattle floating homes category only and do not include other Seattle floating on-water residences.)
Pending Seattle Floating Homes:
These include houseboats that are pending in the MLS under Pending, Pending Inspection, and Pending Feasibility. There are FOUR Seattle floating homes that are currently marked as pending and waiting to close in escrow. These include homes on the Mallard Cove dock, Log Foundation, and The Lake Union and range in price from $499,500 for the pending feasibility listing to $1,395,000 for the beauty at Mallard Cove.
Seattle Floating Homes that have sold in the last 60 days through the MLS –
There have been three Seattle houseboats in this category which have closed in escrow in the last sixty days.
2420 Westlake Ave N #7 Molly and I listed this one – pretty great place in Westlake.
2017 Fairview Ave E #K This is on the Log Foundation Dock
You can see full details of these floating homes on the listing sheets here: Seattle houseboats sold 10022015 If you are interested in looking at the various dollar per square foot and market time, then here is an overall market sheet to look at the differences in these numbers: Seattle Floating Homes Market 10022015 Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about Seattle floating homes. We are Seattle houseboats Realtors and love what we do!
OH! I almost forgot the fun part! For years Molly and I have been asked about the burned up houseboat in Eastlake and whether or not the owner will sell it. The answer was always no because we knew they were having their dream floating home built in Canada to replace the burned up one in the exact footprint. It happened this last week! Seattle’s newest floating home was floated right through The Ballard Locks and put in place on one of the more perfect days in Seattle. The Locks posted a picture on Facebook.
We get a lot of inquiries for Seattle Houseboats for rent. Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to live on a Seattle floating home before purchasing one? Houseboat rentals in Seattle are difficult to come by, but here’s your chance! And… It is in Eastlake! Eastlake is usually the first place people are interested in looking at Seattle houseboats. Well, after they ask about the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat which is actually across Lake Union in Westlake. Back to the exciting news: Looking for Seattle Houseboats for rent? They are few and far between so don’t miss out on this one!An amazing opportunity in Eastlake arises on Lake Union. Visit the open house to check out this adorable floating home available November 1st to rent.
So here are the details about this Eastlake houseboat for rent:
$3100/month. First and last month’s rent required plus a $1000 damage deposit for move-in, cats okay with additional $500 deposit per cat. Small/medium dogs will be considered for an additional $100/month. Very cool perk: Utilities (water, sewer, garbage) are included.
Some of the Property features:
• Loft Style Bedroom with Large Skylights
• Large roof top deck with scenic Lake Union views (rooftop decks in Eastlake are considered one of the number one desired features when it comes to Seattle houseboats)
• Spare Room, Den or Office
• Full Size Washer and Dryer
• Lake Union Boat Moorage (this is also a highly coveted perk of Lake Union floating homes which isn’t available to all)
• Rare Large Channel in front of this houseboat. Plenty of water to turn your boat around, swim or get familiar with a paddle board. Plus the views!
• Plenty of Zoned Street Parking
• Water Sewer and Garbage included with rent
• Double Pane Windows
• Fresh coat of exterior paint applied May 2015
Come see this one! As far as Seattle houseboats for rent go, it’s a gem: OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH 10:00AM — NOON
As of today, 19 Seattle Houseboats (Lake Union floating homes and housebarges only)have closed in escrow through the MLS. There have been many more off market closings on top of that number, but to give you an idea of the increased action on Lake Union, consider this: Last year in all of 2014 in the NWMLS 19 Seattle Floating homes and house barges closed. The entire year. You can see the detail here: Seattle Houseboats sales 2014 When looking at the MLS at this time last year, there were 11 Seattle floating homes and house barges that had closed. Add to that the fact that there are five Seattle floating homes pending in escrow in the MLS right now and 2015 promises to be a record setting year!
So here is what it looks like on the Seattle houseboats market right now:
There are 2 Seattle floating homes for sale that are marked Active in the MLS – priced between $750,000 and $1,495,000 – both of these Seattle houseboats for sale are Eastlake homes as opposed to Westlake or Portage Bay (BTW – there are also Seattle houseboats for rent currently, too, if you want to just try it out). As mentioned above, there are 5 Seattle floating homes that are pending – ranging in price from $179,000 to $1,150,000. Looking at the last 60 days of closed sales for floating homes, there are three:
2420 Westlake Ave N #7 sold for $875,000 on 8/18/2015
2017 Fairview Ave E #K sold for $959,000 on 9/9/2015
A quick note on that last sale above. 2821 Fairview Ave E is Wards Cove and this was our first resale from the Seattle floating homes new construction development in Eastlake. Obviously it was well received on the Seattle real estate market because it sold for 103.63% of its list price! You can see the full listing sheets for these sold Seattle houseboats here: Seattle houseboats SOLD and then details for all of 2015 Sold Seattle floating homes and housebarges here: 2015 Seattle houseboats sales
We look forward to seeing how the year ends in floating homes and housebarge sales in Seattle – please let us know if you need any information at all or are curious about the value of your floating home. call/text/email 206-841-6800 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
SeattleAfloat® Enjoy Life Afloat On Lake Union – Your Authority On Seattle Houseboat Living
Colorful Seattle Houseboats History on The Log Foundation docks of Eastlake in 2014. Image courtesy of Cooper Jacobs Real Estate.
Seattle Houseboats History Has A “Colorful” Background & Entrepreneurial Spirit Transcends Time…
To look at all the colorful and cheery Lake Union floating homes today is to never know how truly Seattle houseboats history is. Seattle floating homes are a living and evolving part of Seattle’s history. From their humble beginnings over a hundred years ago as floating shanties compiled of pillaged lumber, it is amazing to see that some sell for over $3 Million dollars in today’s real estate market.
Seattle houseboats were originally built in two different ways. Either the worker would utilize his commuting work boat and build living quarters above it, or they would gather “loose” logs and raft them together to build a completely free floating structure. It was an inexpensive way of living and was tax free on top of it.
Map of Seattle houseboats along shores of Madison Park. Image Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives Item #944
At the peak, the Seattle floating homes community was as large as two thousand houseboats lining the shores of the city in various locations which even included Madison Park in Lake Washington. The residents of the surrounding Seattle neighborhoods reportedly snubbed them and looked down at this way of life. They apparently felt that it was beneath their standards and so began the struggle of Seattle houseboats to Stay Afloat In Seattle™. Today there are around 500 Seattle floating homes and probably another two or three hundred liveaboards that are officially newly categorized as Seattle Floating On-Water Residences (final count once all have registered themselves in the latest legislation). The latest Seattle floating home dock was a new construction floating home development called Ward’s Cove. Very specific requirements need to be in place in order to develop new construction Seattle floating homes, so it is next to impossible to do so.
If The City Historically Wanted Them Gone, Why Did They Allow Docks To Begin With?
Here is a view towards Downtown from the South slope of Denny Hill in 1886 (photo courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives Item # 2869)
The short answer is The University of Washington. Wait. What? The long answer is that Seattle has a very long history of making some incredibly hairbrained decisions as far as infrastructure goes. A perfect example (and my apologies for going off subject here for a minute, but….) The Denny Regrade: The hill is too big? Scrape it into the Puget Sound.In 1900, the city decided to basically eliminate a whole hill which covered 62 city blocks. Denny Hill was a significantly beautiful hill in Seattle. It had a gorgeous crowned jewel of a hotel atop it that was so grand that even President Theodore Roosevelt stayed there! It had an old cemetery and a beautiful park on it with expansivel views in all directions. In all, they removed a reported six million cubic yards of earth.
Connecting the dots: What does this all have to do with Seattle houseboats and The University of Washington? Let’s go backwards. The modern day campus of The University of Washington was largely laid out and shaped by The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. In 1907 the city of Seattle platted and sold the submerged “parcels” in Lake Union to the adjacent waterfront property land owners. This enabled docks to be built and Seattle houseboats to be moored to them. According to The Lake Union Mail on an article about Submerged Parcels Park on the Cheshiahud Loop, “The “Lake Union Shore Lands” were created in 1907 as a funding mechanism for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (S.B. #101). Water extending from shore approximately one block (roughly 400 feet) was platted as buildable land, then sold. These parcels didn’t sink, they started sunk. And they were considered valuable.” Now you know how a World’s Fair, Denny Hill, The University of Washington, and Seattle Houseboats are related.
While replacing the carpet for one of our Seattle historic houseboat listings in 2010, we found an old booze hatch left over from Prohibition days. Image Courtesy of Courtney Cooper.
More Shady Past on The Lake: Life Afloat In Seattle℠: You Want To Stay Dry, Except When It Comes To Your Drink…..
Creativity has always been a strong characteristic of the Seattle floating homes community. This was never so true as during the prohibition era. According to the 1996 article by Sharon Boswell in The Seattle Times, “But for those who couldn’t afford the pleasures of Doc’s or one of the hundreds of other boozy night spots and music clubs along Jackson Street, in Belltown or even on Lake Union houseboats, there was always a bottle of locally produced bootleg available to consume in the privacy of home.” If floating homes seem like an unlikely place to get your alcohol fix then consider thatIn his highly acclaimed book,“Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats”, Howard Droker tells the story of a very enterprising entrepreneur who along with the cedar bark he sold off his boat, also sold smuggled Canadian liquor.
It’s absolutely true. If you take a peek under carpets of older floating homes you will see the leftover evidence of the Prohibition era and how crafty houseboaters were able to not stay dry. Many of them have hidden trap doors under the floor that were used for storing alcohol. At one point in time there were regular “rum run” routes such as the one Droker writes about which would make their rounds delivering to Lake Union floating homes. These booze hatches were ingenious and stored between the floating logs with a wire cage so that the waters of the lake itself could keep the liquor cold and well hidden. According to HistoryLink.org, The Seattle Times noted at one point that in regard to those wild times, “Some of the stories behind the houseboat population are as colorful as anything that ever came out of Seattle’s history, but respect for another’s privacy and past is an unspoken code on the lake.”
This historic Seattle houseboat was once used as a floating dance hall. It is for sale today for $697,000. Listed by Cooper Jacobs Real Estate. Molly Cartwright 206-841-6800
Seattle Houseboats Are Still Afloat & Strong Today
Go experience their magic – Take a kayak tour through Lake Union and Portage Bay where you will find what is left of the Seattle floating homes community. Take a walk around Lake Union on the Cheshiahud Loop. Lake Union is the very heart of the city. Try and imagine the colorful past as you look at the beauty and creativeness which is so abundant today. This is a living and breathing Seattle neighborhood, but also a significant part of Northwest history. It is as vibrant as the wonderful people who live in it. I am so thankful to have known so many of them and appreciate how they have enriched my life so far. Please also take a minute and donate to the Seattle Floating Homes Association if you can.
Want more information on Seattle houseboats?
We are happy to help! Please call Courtney or Molly. We are Seattle Houseboats Experts ℠, and have been Seattle Realtors specializing in floating homes and waterfront for many years. We look forward to helping you find your piece of Lake Union.
Seattle Afloat®– The Seattle Houseboats Market Is Floating Despite Reports On Low Lake Union Levels…
Here we are in the final days of August 2015 already and the Seattle houseboats market has been incredibly surprising and action packed so far this year! Multiple reports on the risk associated with historically low Lake Union levels and still we are Afloat in Seattle™! As of this AM, in the last 30 days there have been 5 SOLD Seattle floating homes that have closed in escrow through the NWMLS. These are not the “For Sale By Owner” Seattle houseboats and these are just the Seattle floating homes – not the other types of Seattle houseboats like floating on water residences, etc. Just floating homes. Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has Seattle Realtors that specialize in Seattle houseboats and Seattle waterfront homes. (Seattle houseboats experts Molly Cartwright and I were involved in two of the last five sales below.)
2818 Boyer Ave E #2 in Portage Bay is a 1 bedroom, .75 bath 600 square foot Seattle floating home. It was built in 1930. It was listed for $395,000 and after 5 days on the market sold on 7/21/15 for $410,000 (103.80% of sales price to list price). $683.33/sq ft
2031 Fairview Ave E #N in Eastlake is a 885 square foot 1 bedroom and 1 bath home built in 1925. It was orignially listed for $510,000 and dropped its price to $499,000. After 90 days on market, it sold for $465,000 (93.19% sales price to list price). $525.42 square foot
2420 Westlake Ave #7 * in Westlake is a 1065 square foot 2 bedrom and 1.5 bath floating home that Molly and I listed. It was built in 1929, but completely redone and sold for $875,000 after 103 days on market (97.44 % sales price to list price) 821.60 a square foot *Cooper Jacobs Real Estate represented the Seller
1214 Hamlin Ave St #9 in Portage Bay – A 3 bedroom 2 bath 1500 square foot floating home built in 1971. It was listed and sold for $1,298,500 after 11 days on market. $865.67 square foot
2466 Westlake Ave N #19* in Westlake – Molly and I represented the buyer for this fabulous Seattle floating home. It is a 2 bedroom and 1.75 bath home built in 1940. It was listed and sold for $1,350,000 with 7 days on market. *Cooper Jacobs Real Estate represented the Buyer
So what is for sale in Seattle Houseboats world now on Lake Union?
There are five Seattle floating homes for sale in the MLS right now. These do not include Seattle houseboats for sale by owner. They range in price from $499,000 to $1,495,000 with an average days on market of 38 days. The median list price is $750,000. They are all in Eastlake! In addition there is one floating home that is pending in the MLS priced at $2,895,000 (Wards Cove).
Our favorite by far of course is a great floating home on The Log Foundation dock which happens to be one of the best run and most established coop on Lake Union. If you are looking for Seattle houseboat living, then this is a great choice! It is a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 1300 square feet floating home built in 1930 with lots of updates.
It is south facing! To be south facing and in Eastlake is highly coveted. This one is all one level and well oriented with the water. It is listed for $697,000. Please let us know if you would like to see it. It won’t last long. Also, if you are looking for Seattle houseboats for rent, there are some available right now (A lot of people ask about Seattle houseboats for vacation rental, but the majority of these homes are rented long term).
Call/Text Molly 206-841-6800
Want to learn more about Seattle Houseboats and life on Lake Union Afloat? We would be happy to help!
There are some great Seattle houseboats for sale out there, but this lovely Eastlake floating home is making its debut for the first time in a very long time.
2 Bedrooms
1 Bath
1300 Square Feet
Built in 1930
Remodeled Kitchen
South Facing
Owned Moorage on Well Organized Dock
More info about this great Eastlake Seattle floating home:
Look no further. You’ve just discovered the quintessential Eastlake Floating Home. The massive float size is perfect to entertain on your south facing deck. One bedroom & one smaller. Third room for another bedroom, office or den. Newly remodeled kitchen, with gas range, stainless steel appliances, and granite counter tops. Well established Log Foundation Co-op. Great location to enjoy all the Eastlake activities. Extra Boat Moorage with co-op approval. Welcome Home! $697,000
Lots going on across Lake Union! There are three Seattle floating homes for sale in Eastlake right now – ranging in price form $525,000 to $1,495,000. All are two bedrooms which gives you a good indicator that it isn’t about bedroom count for Seattle houseboats! There is one other of the Seattle Floating On-Water Residences for sale in Gas Works Park Marina at $519,000 as well.
Pending Seattle Floating Homes In The NWMLS
There are four Seattle floating homes pending in the NWMLS right now. These range in price from $395,000 for a Portage Bay floating home to $1,298,000 for another Portage bay houseboat. There is one of each in Westlake and Eastlake pending as well. They range in bedroom count from 1 to 3 bedrooms and have other individual perks as well. For instance, our Westlake Floating home for sale is part of a co-op that purchased a money making marina to pay for costs of the dock. It is currently pending. Each one of these homes is so different and that is why when you are looking at Seattle houseboats it is really important to talk to someone who has the experience needed to help you navigate the waters of lake Union and Seattle Houseboat Living ℠.
Closed Transactions on Lake Union: Seattle Houseboats SOLD – at least EIGHT IN SIXTY DAYS.
There were at least two other Floating On-Water Residences as well, but let’s look at the Seattle floating homes segment of Seattle houseboats for sale. There were six Seattle floating homes that closed in escrow in the NWMLS in the last sixty days. They ranged in list price from $499,000 to $2,595,000 and range in sales price3 from $465,000 to $2,475,000 with an average sales price to list price ratio of 98.03%.
You can see the full NWMLS sheets and comparisons here:
Average days on market was 26 days for these. They were all around Lake Union in Eastlake, Westlake, and Portage Bay. The Lake Union Dock had a couple change hands. Fairview Landing also had one sell. We specialize in floating homes and waterfront homes, so happily we were involved in a third of these home sales. Molly and I sold a great one at 2466 Westlake Ave N for $1,350,000 (on the market for just 7 days) and we listed the beautiful white floating home at 2031 Fairview Ave E for $975,000 (it sold in 5 days for $971,000). It is difficult to judge these unique Seattle waterfront homes by dollar per square foot. The range of dollar per square foot pricing is as unique as each of these homes – ranging from $525.42 to $1225.85. The median price was $1,160,000. For Seattle houseboats, it really is about your unique needs. Please let us know what you are looking for in a new Lake Union home.
Here are some of the most common things that we get asked about with Seattle Houseboats:
Views
Boat Moorage
Rooftop deck
Neighborhood
Parking
Dock Position (End of dock moorage is always the most desirable and the most expensive)
Form of Ownership (Co-op, Condo, Fee Simple, Leased)
One of our favorite Seattle floating homes just sold for $1.5M. Sitting pretty at the end of a condo owned Portage Bay dock, this home felt like a cabin on the water with privacy that can be sometimes hard to find on a floating home. It was so far out on the lake that you were able to high five kayakers as they paddled by.
Seattle Floating Homes Real Estate Market Report
located on the middle dock of The Log Foundation cooperative which has three docks. It is an extremely well run coop and houseboats on these lovely docks are always sought after. The Log Foundation floating homes are located on the southern most docks in the Seattle neighborhood of Eastlake. This particular Seattle floating home was represented by Molly Cartwright at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate and was south facing on the middle dock. It is a two bedroom and 1 bath Lake Union floating home with 1300 square feet of living space. It closed on 10/13/15 for $677,500. (You can reach Molly at 206-841-6800 for more info on this or other Seattle floating homes that are available both on and off market.)
Feasibility. There are FOUR Seattle floating homes that are currently marked as pending and waiting to close in escrow. These include homes on the Mallard Cove dock, Log Foundation, and The Lake Union and range in price from $499,500 for the pending feasibility listing to $1,395,000 for the beauty at Mallard Cove.
You can see full details of these floating homes on the listing sheets here: 
Back to the exciting news: Looking for 
Seattle Houseboats: 29 Reasons Why You Want One
Thinking About Life On Lake Union And Want More Reasons To Live In One Of The Seattle Houseboats?
Seattle Houseboats Living is like no other Seattle lifestyle and here are 29 reasons why:
The Lake Union Loop – Or Cheshiahud Trail loops around Lake Union and joins neighborhoods and parks together.
Today a lovely Seattle floating home in Eastlake is having an open house. It is Open Today From 1-4 PM 2207 Fairview Ave E #11, Seattle WA 98102 Call/Text Molly 206-841-6800 Molly will be hosting this Seattle houseboats open house and is an expert in the floating homes in Seattle. It is a beautiful Seattle floating home and an event you won’t want to miss and located on a fabulous dock.
Come see it! It’s gorgeous and you can start to take advantage of all 29 reasons to live on a Seattle floating home right now! -Courtney