Aside From Our Listing Inquiries, These Are The Top Questions About Seattle Houseboats From 2020
We kept track this year and aside from appointments and questions about the incredible Seattle floating home listings and sales we had this year, these are the top other Seattle houseboats questions we received from online inquiries.
What is the difference between a houseboat and a floating home?
My original explanation is that “houseboats” is the umbrella term which covers floating homes, liveaboard vessels, and barges (and now FOWRs). I still argue that this is historically correct because even the Seattle Floating Homes Association has called our floating home tour a Houseboat Tour in days gone by.
***Small disclaimer. I live on a floating home.***
Some of the historical Lake Union buffs and “old timers” like me still call “floating homes” “houseboats” from time to time. I personally consider them interchangeable, except that the modern definition of a houseboat and a floating home are two different things now. Both get to enjoy the lake lifestyle, though….
Enter The FOWR System
The city came up with a plaque system and now we have and official category: Floating On Water Residence (FOWR). So I am still personally arguing that houseboats is the umbrella term which covers everyone on the lake including floating homes, FOWRs, and barges. I am usually outvoted by most on this point, but I will probably always call my floating home a houseboat regardless. In any case, most are correct. An actual houseboat by today’s standards in Seattle is a FOWR and I live in a floating home. The simplest explanation is that a houseboat is more “boaty”. It is built on a hull and has boat systems in place for water and waste in most cases. There are some incredible houseboat options lately that are actually connected to the sewer, too. A floating home is built on a floating foundation, is mostly permanently moored and always connected to the city’s sewer, water, and electrical. My apologies. If I have confused you, call me and I will try and explain again.
A couple examples of a floating homes and a FOWR which we happen to have listed currently: Here is aFloating home and here is FOWR
How much does a houseboat cost in Seattle? How much do floating homes cost?
That is a good question. This year we saw overall houseboats sales range from $90,000 to $4,500,000 for for all types of houseboats including floating homes. Two floating home sales hit the four million dollars and over mark for the first time. There are 56 sales in the MLS as of this moment and we know there are two additional ones closing and also at least a few that sold off market completely out of the mls. This is why it is so very important to tell us what you are looking for. We are highly networked into this amazing community and we can help you secure your Lake Union home!
Where are the houseboats in Seattle? Where is the best place to live on a houseboat?
Anywhere. There is a saying that basically says if you are lucky enough to live on a houseboat then you are lucky enough. This is so true. This lifestyle is like none other. Whether you are on a floating home or a houseboat, you are living a similar lake life. Living on Lake Union is like nothing else. It is an incredible contrast of urban and natural settings married together perfectly. The people that live on the lake are all interesting and life is never dull. This map needs to be updated to include larger houseboat collections..
Can you live on a boat in Seattle? Yes… but a houseboat is more convenient.
Seattle Houseboats Realtors and Your Advocates:
Let us tour you through this beautiful floating home! We are Seattle Floating homes experts and here to be your absolute advocates when it comes to houseboats living. We can help you from start to finish and beyond and welcome you to our beloved neighborhood. Have questions? 206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
Welcome to the newly redone Shelby Dock! Upscale dock rebuild and incredible channel views make this the ideal spot to call home! Just listed by Courtney Cooper for $765,000
Seattle floating homes in Portage Bay have been well sought after in recent years. Here is one that hasn’t changed hands for forty years! Its adorable, too! Ready for its legacy to be passed on to its next occupant, this sweet floating home is the princess of houseboats! From the moment you step down Shelby Street in Portage Bay, you may have the same feeling that most residents here have – one of your shoulders relaxing and the entire day melting away. Many times, I have heard of this account and experience it myself on a regular basis. This truly is peaceful Portage Bay, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening here! This home has an incredible channel view to the full boat parade! If that’s not enough jump into your kayak or paddle out on your SUP.
One bedroom with large walk in closet and super cool historical Jalousie windows, stacking washer and dryer and all fir floors throughout. This is a gem and has a large covered wrap around deck complete with haint paint in the eves. Enjoy your fun neighbors and the private coveted lush garden on the shores of this cooperatively owned moorage’s property. In addiiton, it comes with on shore storage at no additional charge. The monthly dues cover all your utilities except for electricity and cable.internet, and the home is equipped with a super efficiient newer pellet stove.
Enjoy living on the banks of Portage Bay in this incredible part of town. So close to Little Lago, that the lovely smalls of their wood fired pizza and hand made espresso drinks billow through the air when the gentle breezes go by. Located on the Portage Bay Loop, this is a great spot to jump on the 3.2 mile loop around the bay which is the eastern arm of Lake Union. Paddle to Ivar’s for some fish and chips or go through the Montlake Cut and check out the waterways of the Arboretum and Foster Island. There is no shortage of adventure and peace here! $765,000
Some of the details of this Portage Bay floating home:
735 square feet
1 bedroom
1 bath (includes a tub!)
sunny eat in kitchen
owned moorage for home
room to tie up your kayaks
on shore storage
private community garden
Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
What a gorgeous day! We always say that this is the kind of weather that was made to show off Seattle houseboats! This luxury new construction floating home build is no exception to that. This is the last floating home available in the Stillwater Landing development. It is that one that was held back because the design was so incredible. It is also the last basement allowed in Seattle floating homes per current city rules. This luxury lake home is incredible!!! Three levels of living space with high ceilings, luxury finish work, and radiant warm floors. It has boat moorage and garage parking – complete with electrical to install a car charger if you want. It really has it all… and you own your own moorage. $2,950,000
This is a once in a lifetime buy as the city has a net zero policy on these and no more new Seattle floating homes will be allowed to add to the number that we have on the lake already. In addition, no additional basements will be permitted according to the code. It’s also rare to get a garage parking space and be in this incredible corner of Portage Bay.
We would be happy to show you this property. We have lender, inspector, appraiser, and insurance referrals for these special waterfront properties and we are happy to walk you through each step. We look forward to showing you this floating home or others and are your absolute advocates for Lake Union homes and waterfront living. We are here to help and your absolute Seattle Houseboats Experts ℠.
Surrounded on three sides with water, this is truly life afloat. Natural light comes in from every angle and reflects off the lake on to the ceilings. High end finishes and appliances make this a dream to cook and entertain in. Incredible from every angle, this kitchen is a cook’s dream and you won’t ever want to eat out again. .
Not much on the market as far as Seattle houseboats go in the floating home world right now. Looking for the charm of a historical home with the sleek finishes of new construction? Interested in living on the water in Seattle? This is Seattle houseboats living at its finest and a great combination of the two things you like best! This is an adorable newly redone from the inside out Portage Bay floating home.
From the marketing remarks for this Seattle floating home for sale in the MLS listing: “A classic floating home bungalow is transformed into a modern, energy efficient home. Newly renovated 2 bed/2 bath floating home in Portage Bay w/ all updated features and systems. Inviting kitchen for the chef includes Fisher Paykel appliances, glass tiles, quartz counters, and hand built wooden cabinets. Master bdrm w/ walk-in closet. Hardwood floors, bountiful natural light, extends to a beautiful sliding door wall maximizing your views to the west. Awesome lifestyle. Boat moorage included!” $1,098,000 email houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
Check out the cool finish work on this one. High end finishes including Fisher Paykel appliances and lots of stone, glass,and marble!
Seattle Afloat’s Courtney sold three of the FOUR floating homes in the two months.
We are deep into the 2019 holiday season now and we are so thankful for the fabulous year that we have had. We love this community so much and appreciate that you think of us first when it comes to buying or selling your Seattle floating home. We look forward to 2020 and serving the Seattle floating homes community well into the future.
Let’s catch up on the Seattle floating homes market over the last couple of months! There are five floating homes for sale in Seattle currently. They range in price from $550,000 for a two bedroom with a long term lease in Portage Bay to $3,200,000 for a brand new construction luxury floating home with a basement in Portage Bay. Three of these Seattle floating homes are in Portage Bay, one is in Fremont, and one is in Eastlake. The average list price is $1,710,000 and the average dollar per square foot is $1061.82 with a range from $672.37 to $1,315.79.
Looking at closed sales in the last sixty days, there have been four Seattle floating homes for sale that have sold through the MLS that range in price from $500,000 to $2,700,000 with a median sales price of $882,500 and an average days on market of 54 days. Three of these were in Portage Bay and one was in Westlake. The average sales price to list price for these floating homes was 95.67%. We sold three out of four of these! We definitely know the market and are happy to help you if you want an evaluation. We have specialized in Seattle Houseboats for over a decade and can offer you a wealth of experience and knowledge. Living in, working in, and giving back to this community is what we do. We also can help you with a FOWR Seattle houseboat purchase for the many Seattle houseboats that are not floating homes. Reach out so you can learn about this special segment of the Seattle houseboats lake market, too. There’s lots of real estate on the lake in Seattle and we are here to help you with all of it.
Want more information? We at Seattle Afloat are Seattle Houseboats Experts and the only team working on the lake today that has been successfully representing clients together for almost two decades. Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
When people are looking at Seattle floating homes, they almost always want to know about the end of the dock moorages. The Dox dock has two docks so there are four end of dock locations and lots of floating homes toward the end. If you can find a floating home on this dock community, it offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Union, from the Seattle skyline to Gasworks Park – if it has good dock position.
Located in a charming floating home neighborhood, this floating home dock features a clean, well-planned open design and remarkable views. This dock is a Coop moorage & there is room for boats on some slip.
Lake Union is your own private “swimming pool”
off street parking
Want to see any floating homes? Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com We specialize in Seattle houseboats for sale. Our Seattle Realtors are waterfront experts and have been in the floating homes community for well over a decade. We are huge advocates for the community and promise to honor your special home and our neighborhood.
There are only a few Seattle floating homes for sale right now…
South facing on a well organized dock, this great Seattle floating home has incredible upwards potential. Don’t miss your chance to get your feet wet in the least expensive Seattle waterfront property option. Lake Union is an incredible place to call home!
Looking at Seattle floating homes? Courtney at the SeattleAfloat / Cooper Jacobs Real Estate team bring you another fantastic Eastlake Seattle floating home for sale ready for your own personal design! We love the generous light and roomy spaces of this gorgeous ultimate in city Seattle waterfront property. Hardwoods throughout the main level extending to your back french doors offer constantly changing reflections from the water just outside your doorsteps. A super cozy free standing gas fireplace huddles in the corner, one full bath and a bedroom on the main plus lofty space/bedroom upstairs. This one has a tremendous amount of storage as far as Seattle houseboats living goes. Two fantastic decks to welcome the southern exposure on a wonderful Co-Op dock. Never miss a sunrise or sunset again, and tie your boat up to the house for easy access to all that Lake Union has to offer.
Just $799,000, this Seattle floating home has an extremely large float and there are views of the Space Needle and city from the upstairs floor. We will have this open on Sunday 2/17/2019 from 1-4PM and look forward to seeing you then. If you are interested in seeing it prior to that time, please let us know. We are happy to offer you a private showing. You can schedule a showing here or call/text/message/email us. houseboats@cooperjacobs.com 206-850-8841
Imagine sitting on this South facing deck with the gentle waves from passing boat traffic lapping against the float of your home. This one is listed currently and open on Sunday.
We are the premiere Seattle floating homes experts and happy to show you this floating home or other floating homes on the market. call/text 206-850-8841
Life Afloat In Seattle is one of the most interesting and unique lifestyles in the city. If you are lucky enough to live on one of our floating homes, then you are lucky indeed.
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 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.
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.
We 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. We 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
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 on 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℠.
Courtney /206-850-8841 | houseboats@cooperjacobs.com
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.
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. 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 we 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 we 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 – we 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).
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:
2019 Fairview Ave E
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. We 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)
Seattle houseboats moving fast – Life Afloat on Lake Union floating homes
UPDATE: THIS SEATTLE FLOATING HOME IS SOLD
We have four Seattle floating homes in escrow right now and there are a few others beyond that which are pending in the MLS. The inventory has depleted itself again so bringing this gorgeous Seattle houseboat on is really exciting for us!
OPEN HOUSES: We have this houseboat open today from 11-1PM to 1PM and then again on Saturday from 1-4PM. In the mean time let us know if you would like a private showing.
$695,000
Introducing 2017 Fairview Ave E #O
2 Bedrooms
1 bathroom
700 square feet
$345/mo dues
From the listing of this Seattle floating home:
Welcome to life afloat on the extremely desirable and most southern dock in Eastlake! This adorable two bedroom floating home has a wrap around deck and wide channel views. Open floor plan with beautiful and bright lighted spaces allows for comfortable living and easy entertaining in this great community. Kitchen is updated and has heated floors, new carpet, paint, and lots of great details. Own your own slip and boat moorage possible with community approval. Pet friendly dock.
Courtney Cooper 206.850.8841 Courtney@CooperJacobs.com
This is similar to other Seattle neighborhoods where inventory is difficult to come by. We do know of a few Seattle houseboats on the horizon as far as market inventory, so stay tuned and we will keep you posted, but in the mean time, I wanted to get a Seattle Houseboats floating homes market update online.
Seattle Houseboats Market Update for floating homes on Lake Union and Portage Bay:
Currently there are four Seattle houseboats listings which are Seattle floating homes. Interestingly enough, these Seattle houseboats are priced across the board. There are two Seattle houseboats that are one bedrooms and listed at $449,000 and the new listing priced at $525,000. These are both in Eastlake and are wonderful choices and happen to be on the same dock. The dock these two are on is one of the most well run Seattle floating homes co-ops on Lake Union. It consists of three docks belonging to “The Log Foundation” and is known for its great reputation. The three docks in The Log Foundation are the most Southern Eastlake docks that there are so they are a great choice for views and also if you happen to be commuting to South Lake Union (Amazon). Cats are ok and small lap dogs, too, but you still have to get them approved by the board.
2025 Fairview Ave E #R is the newest one listed of these four. It is a one bedroom/one bath home with the awesome roof top deck everyone wants when they think Seattle houseboats. It is 950 square feet and has a great spot to have your boat alongside. This home is part of the larger cooperative (The Log Foundation) and they own the moorage slips, so it is a secure way to own a Seattle floating home. Let us know if you want to see this one or any of them.
There is a great Portage Bay houseboat for sale right now and also another end of dock Eastlake home. These are priced at $750,000 and $2,888,000. Personally, I think the Portage Bay floating home is a great buy. We have sold end of dock Seattle houseboats and look forward to seeing some great ones come on the market as we have a few buyers ready and willing and eager to purchase an end of dock home. After all, this is Seattle Waterfront Living℠ at its best!
OH! Almost forgot! If you are interested in Seattle New Construction floating homes, then there is one more slip available in the MLS for the newest Seattle houseboats dock, Ward’s Cove. This is Seattle floating homes – not vessels or barges and the new floating home does have to meet certain building requirements and specifications.
We are happy to walk you through any of this. Have a great day!
This Seattle floating home has been remodeled from the studs out with thoughtful finishes throughout. Soaring ceilings and lots of windows invite the summer days in and keep it light and bright during the dull grey season.
Enjoy the security of living in one of the floating homes with coveted owned moorage plus space to tie your own boat up to. It’s a well run dock on Lake Union in the heart of Seattle.
You can find out more about this Seattle floating home and this houseboat dock here:
If you are interested in all Seattle floating homes for sale, you can see them from all realtors and all real estate companies on our corporate floating homes page where we showcase all Seattle floating homes listings:
You can also contact me if you have questions about the lifestyle in general or need more information about this very specialized corner of real estate. Courtney@CooperJacobs.com
This Seattle houseboat is offered at just $265,000 and don’t start to think there is a catch because there isn’t. The only catch you will make is fishing in Lake Union should you decide to try…
Owned Lake Union Moorage (Co-op owned Lake Union moorage is a very secure way to own the land that your Seattle floating home is in)
LOW Taxes and dues (you will be shocked at the affordability compared to the warnings some might give you as to the affordability of a Seattle floating home)
LOW Mortgage Interest rates available (ask me for referrals for your Seattle Houseboat financing needs because it is different than a traditional mortgage in requirements and terms)
Sleeping loft with room to go up below city height restrictions.
extra room for office or second sleeping room
large bathroom can accommodate a full laundry suite
Westlake Cove is quite protected from rougher waters in parts of Lake Union
This gorgeous little gem of a houseboat is at the base of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood!
Enjoy life Afloat In Seattle™ in one of the most private spots along Westlake: Large kitchen & wonderful sleeping loft, plus a great office. Newer roof and deck – Great access to Downtown, Queen Anne & Fremont, walking/cycling trails (including the Cheshiahud Loop) w/ all the perks of living on Lake Union in a houseboat! If you are looking for Amazon Housing or other Housing near South Lake Union, then this is a GREAT Choice!
Lake Union Houseboats For Sale – At End Of The Dock. (UPDATE THIS SEATTLE HOUSEBOAT IS SOLD)
There’s still time to buy this one and close the deal before July 4th!!!!
Views that will knock your socks off! Truly a front row slip to Lake Union’s energy and activity. Tons of light will fill this one of a kind 1988 Barhop Seattle House barge in active
Westlake Marina. Recently hauled out and in excellent condition. New paint in and out, propane stove, new carpet, flooring and more! Roomie second story. Your kayak awaits right outside your bedroom door. Lives like a 2 bedroom or use large upstairs room as a living room with Lake Union view deck outside French doors.
A Grandfathered Seattle Housebarge (no sales tax!) measures 40.2×14 and is home to a much coveted liveaboard slip.
Seattle houseboats Afloat on Lake Union -Welcome Home to this well maintained historic Westlake Cove
Owned Moorage (Co-op owned moorage is a very secure way to own the land that your Seattle floating home is in)
LOW Taxes and dues (you will be shocked at the affordability compared to the warnings some might give you as to the affordability of a Seattle floating home)
LOW Mortgage Interest rates available (ask me for referrals for your Houseboat financing needs because it is different than a traditional mortgage in requirements and terms)
Sleeping loft with room to go up below city height restrictions.
extra room for office or second sleeping room
large bathroom can accomodate a full laundry suite
ridiculously large entertaining kitchen
Very friendly dock form my experiences there
Westlake Cove is quite protected form rougher waters in parts of Lake Union
Seattle Houseboats at the base of Queen Anne in Westlake! Enjoy life afloat in one of the most private Lake Union spots along Westlake: Large kitchen & wonderful sleeping loft, plus a great office. Newer roof and deck – Great access to Downtown, Queen Anne & Fremont, walking/cycling trails (including the Cheshiahud Loop) w/ all the perks of living on Lake Union! If you are looking for Amazon Housing or other Housing near South Lake Union, then this is a GREAT Choice!
This is a great Seattle floating home for sale – you can compare it to other Seattle houseboats for sale right now and see that this one is a GREAT BUY! Seattle houseboats and slips for sale
Current Seattle Houseboats For Sale – Seattle Floating Homes Market Highlight:
Summer is unofficially here even with the rain and the sun breaks have been nice. My Seattle houseboats double open house yesterday was well visited and it is easy to see that while summer may still be right around the corner, it is officially Seattle houseboats season! So I am declaring open season on Seattle floating homes – and here is a great summary of the choices you have out there right now for floating homes.
***Remember: not all Seattle houseboats are floating homes – Floating homes are the ones that are like regular houses except that their foundations happen to be of giant logs or other floating material. Of course, I would also venture to say that none are really like “regular” houses anyway…***
There are 8 Seattle floating homes for sale right now ranging in price from $349,990 to $799,950. There are also some nice slips available for one of the only new Seattle houseboats docks we have had in years: So for luxury Lake Union Moorage, you should check out Ward’s Cove.
Affordable Seattle Houseboats? If you are wanting to get your foot in the door so to speak to the floating homes world, but don’t want to buy a vessel, then you should consider the most affordable Seattle floating home on Lake Union! Many people don’t even stop to consider that a floating home could be affordable, but this one not only has a great price, it also has low low taxes and dues on an owned moorage dock! How low? How about $584 a year for the taxes of your home and only $300 a month for dues? And by the way, the dues cover not only the moorage of the floating home, but also the taxes on the dock, water, sewer, garbage, and misc. dock community expenses. This is cheaper than a condo and even a house plus you get the Seattle floating homes lifestyle on Lake Union and easy access to Downtown Seattle, Queen Anne, South Lake Union, and Fremont… Why would you ever choose a condo or house over this??? From the roof of the home, there is a great view of the Lake, Queen Anne, and Gasworks which you could capture if you decided to go up a level (which is allowed up to 18 feet from the water)! It already has a great sleeping loft and wonderful high ceilings. There is a ton of potential here!!! This is the cheapest Seattle waterfront home I know of!
Here is another affordable Seattle floating home with one of the largest decks I have seen! You also have the option of moorage for a boat along side your deck up to 20 feet. Two bedrooms, one bath, plus an unheard of sauna make this Seattle houseboat a one of a kind. Gorgeous French doors out to the back wrap around deck and lovely Dutch doors at your entry to keep all the geese out. This one is often mistaken for the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat by passing tourists for its color scheme, large deck, and similar lines, but it is in the peaceful corner of Westlake Cove with lapping water to lull you to sleep at night. This is a great lifestyle! This pet friendly dock is full of considerate and creative neighbors with gorgeous front porches and lush plantings all along the edges of the homes here. Buy this Seattle floating home and you are a partial owner to the dock with low dues at $350 a month and low taxes at only $1053 a year. The dues cover your home’s moorage, dock taxes, water, sewer, garbage, and other dock misc needs, plus there is a shared wireless internet on the dock. Lots of reserves and careful maintenance make this co-op dock a strong financial force for your future home ownership.
Are you looking for the ultimate Seattle waterfront lifestyle? Life on Lake Union? These are some great choices – let me know if you want to see them for yourself! courtney@SeattleAfloat.com
Seattle Houseboats: Life Afloat in Lake Union – Houseboat Eats
SeattleAfloat.com: Seattle houseboat blog with lots of great info about floating homes on Lake Union and life in the ultimate Seattle waterfront way to live: Seattle houseboats
HouseboatEats.com I love this great website – what a wonderful idea and there are so many amazing recipes on here created in their tiny little Seattle houseboat kitchen:) Just check them out! Talley and Beryl are so cute and the dishes created and written about are truly inspiring.
I think they might have a lot of cats for one floating home, but that is my own personal opinion – doesn’t seem to make their quality of life go down at all!
bringing this gorgeous Seattle houseboat on is really exciting for us!
