Welcoming A New Neighbor To Portage Bay

Portage Bay is such a lovely corner of the city and my favorite Seattle floating homes neighborhood on the lake. I admit that I am partial in a big way to Portage Bay. I live here. Where else can you be nestled in on the lake alongside some of the most historic homes in Seattle, and neighbors with not only one but two well regarded yacht clubs, Seattle Yacht Club and Queen City Yacht Club?

Portage Bay has incredible sunrises and although we are looking mostly east, the sunsets expand over our skies here, too. We get fantastic sunny days from the south and despite having some of the most incredible gatherings for opening boat day and the Christmas Ship finale, we have the reputation of being “Peaceful Portage Bay”. It’s always exciting for me to welcome a new neighbor into my neighborhood. I got to do just that yesterday as we sold another floating home on the lake. This time in the eastern arm of Lake Union called Portage Bay on the floating home dock just next door to the one I get to call home.

Obviously I love Portage Bay, but I also want to highlight this incredibly special floating home our new neighbor is buying. The ceilings are at least eight feet high and have gorgeous sturdy exposed beams. Unfortunately, most people initially miss these beautiful beams and the warm wooden wrapped windows and doors because they walk in and the view is one of those that just stops you in your tracks. There isn’t another view in Seattle like you will see in Portage Bay. It is an interesting mix of looking at an intimate bay filled with rowers and a beautiful boat parade. Beyond the water is the full waterfront side of University of Washington including the Husky Stadium across the way combined with Montlake Bridge in the front of the Cascade Mountains. To the left is the new Portage Bay Park and beyond that is the University Bridge. I once heard it described as a four bridge view for some end of dock floating homes in Portage Bay because they could see not only the University and Montlake Bridges, but also the 520, Ship Canal Bridges.

If you can manage to tear your eyes away from the view, you will see that you are in a large living room with a cozy fireplace and an open kitchen overlooking it. The entry is welcoming and there is an open staircase leading upstairs. There is a sleeping space and bathroom on both levels. There are also view decks on both levels. You are at the end of a long dock and it feels like you are on your own island. Yet in the city. It’s breathtaking.

Please let me know if you are interested in finding your special place on the lake. We have incredible floating home neighborhoods in Seattle and I would love to introduce you to my neighborhood. Westlake is divine and Eastlake is so cool. Many people don’t know that there is even a dock in Northlake in Fremont! And Portage Bay. – Courtney

You can reach me at 206-850-8841 or at CourtneyCooper@kw.com

Second From The End With Big Views & Boat Moorage

South facing, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and large deck spaces plus over sized boat moorage, this Westlake Seattle floating home is in the perfect location for enjoying Queen Anne, Fremont, and South Lake Union. Situated on the banks of Westlake, your sunrises will knock your socks off and take in the city views and constant boat parade. Westlake is an exclusive enclave in the Seattle floating homes community that is reserved for the most discerning lake residences.

Near the end of this private dock sits an amazing floating home built to the satisfaction of a water enthusiast. The traditional floor plan graces three bedrooms up including a three quarter bath.  The main floor is open and spacious with beautiful French doors leading you to the water’s edge and wrap-around deck.  Primed for the artist, the walls are wrapped with barn wood, stained glass, and active Lake Union views.  Crazy close to Fremont bustle or SLU’s booming tech community. Owned moorage. $1,798,000

For a private appointment, please reach out to Courtney 206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Houseboats Open House Today!

Seattle Floating Homes Market:  Welcome Home To The Log Foundation

Looking for Seattle houseboats living? The Log Foundation’s Seattle floating home at 2025 Fairview Ave E #Q, thoughtfully designed by local architect, this waterfront living dream has huge upwards investment potential.  Come aboard this very special Eastlake floating home to enjoy a slice of nature and art.

Light, bright and a beautiful upscale kitchen with more than ample storage. A cleverly designed built in kitchen table to maximize space. Two bay windows to relax and day dream in the living room. Master en suite on upper level with flexible room for office or upper den.  My favorite part of this is the wide open channel views out of the bedroom corner.

Enjoy your private south facing balcony to soak up the west facing sun. A few more steps up to enjoy the amazing roof top views. Moor your boat or water toys. Wonderful neighbors & great co-op dock! Low dues!   $750,000

Call or text us to see it as it won’t last long at this price.  Want to look at a property that actually pencils out as an investment?  Let us know and we will show you how the numbers work on this one and others.

Seattle floating homes experts: Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841/ houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Floating Homes: For The Love Of The Water

Courtney Cooper being interviewed by Vanessa Yurkevich of CNNSeattle Floating Homes – It Comes Down To The Love Of Water

The last two days have been spent well out of my comfort zone being interviewed and filmed by a crew from CNN. Anyone who knows me knows how very out of character that is for me.  I say no to every filming request that we get from shows like Househunters, Tiny Houses, etc. We greatly respect the privacy of the Seattle Houseboats community and want to protect this coveted lifestyle.  I was happy to step out of my personal norm and do this because I wanted to show off our floating homes community and our beautiful city on a grander scale. We are fresh off of the 2018 Seattle Floating Homes tour and I have an ever growing love for this historic neighborhood in which I call home.

When I got the call to talk about Seattle floating homes by an extremely respected network, I agreed.  We planned a modest boat ride around the lake so that I could show off the various floating home communities that make up our overall houseboats neighborhood.  As luck would have it, my Duffy electric boat decided to be moody the day before they were set to visit, so I called upon one of my personal heroes Steve Brown whom I work with at Keller Williams North Seattle.  He didn’t hesitate to come to my rescue and his beautiful boat is so much better!!!  Steve dropped his entire day and toured the film crew around in style around the lake while I was interviewed on the bow of his boat like I was cruising the riviera.

As I was interviewed about the various aspects of our community and what it was like to live on a floating home, I was reminded of why I live on one.  It’s all about the water for me. I love the reflections of it on my ceiling and the sound of it as the waves come in and are dispersed gently over the logs that make up my float pack. I love the rain pouring on the roof and lake around me.  It was fun to see how excited the camera crew got about the littlest things around our homes.  The gardens on the docks and other creative artwork here and there added such vibrancy to the story they were trying to tell. Such an outstanding community of neighbors that care about each other and all share the common bond of loving the water.

Seattle floating homes in portage bayAs newer folks move in and others move off the dock, the character and mood changes at times, but overall the spirit stays the same. I was asked a lot about gentrification of the neighborhood and how that had affected the docks, but it all keeps going back to the common bond that we all share – old or young, rich or poor.  We all love the water.  It was such a pleasure to show off our incredible neighborhood!  I got to tour them through our listings, too!

If you are interested in seeing the floating homes that they toured or anything on the market, please let us know.  We are happy to show you some great spots.  I can’t guarantee that I can get Captain Steve back, but should have the Duffy up and rolling again soon!  Please feel free to call/text us at 206-850-8841  Currently there are 12 floating homes on the market which range in list price from $599,000 to $3,700,000.  There is literally something for everyone if you want to be one of the lucky roughly 517 who live in a floating home on the lake. You can see all homes on the market here: Seattle Floating Homes For Sale

Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Seattle Floating Homes Update

Seattle Floating Homes For Sale And What’s Happening With The Market

seattle houseboats

School is officially in session today so I am calling this the end of summer Seattle floating homes market report. A lot has happened this summer, but the market overall had a very slow start. I think I had mentioned this several times in previous articles I have written. It seems like anything under about $800-900,000 sells somewhat quickly and anything up to $2.5 million is not selling as fast.  Then there is a micro market for floating homes in the $3 million dollar range that are selling quicker than expected.  There isn’t a lot of rhyme or reason to who will be in the buyer pool for a floating home at any given time so making sure that you are staying on top of the market is the best course of action.seattle houseboats

There are a lot of things that have been changing in the Seattle houseboats world overall, so just keep asking questions if you are wondering where you stand  compared to the market.  For us, we have been most successful by keeping an open dialog about what is happening in the market  – whether good or bad pricing wise. Our efforts have been on marketing, getting the word out, education regarding our community, and also just keep sellers on course with pricing.

Many higher end Eastlake floating homes are coming on the market as a result of recent success in the three million dollar and up range. Many lower end floating homes are experiencing longer market times.  Feel free to call us if you have questions: Courtney 206-850-8841

seattle floating homesSome of our favorites if you are on the hunt for one of the Seattle floating homes for sale: 

2025 Fairview Ave E #Q:  800 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, rooftop deck, and boat moorage!  $850,000

Come aboard a very special Eastlake floating home to enjoy a slice of nature and art. Light, bright and a beautiful kitchen with ample storage. A cleverly designed built in kitchen table to maximize space. Two bay windows to relax and day dream in the living room. Master en suite on upper level with your private balcony to soak up the west facing sun. A few more steps up to enjoy the amazing roof top views. Moor your boat or water toys. Wonderful neighbors & great co-op dock!  $850,000

2822 Boyer Ave E #2: 1852 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 1.75  baths, rooftop deck, and boat moorage PLUS guest boat moorage and parking: $2,175,000

Luxury high end 3 BR smart home floating paradise w/ rooftop deck. Automated lighting, Lutron shades, sec cams, 10-zone audio, more w/ touch pad controls throughout house & remote access. Decks on 3 levels. Exotic zebra hrdwd, Pedini Italian cabinets, underlit glass molded cast glass staircase + 6 antique operable brass portholes frm an English luxury liner. Upscale kitchen w/ Bosch and Gagganau + outside Lynx BBQ cooking area. Solar powered boat lift. Parking, Moorage, Low Dues,Great location!  $2,175,000


What else is going on?  How about the tour? It’s in Eastlake this year! Tickets are just about sold out for the 2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour so grab them quickly while you can – it is THIS SUNDAY!

Again, if you want to learn more about our community or buying and selling a Seattle floating home, please do call us if you have questions: Courtney 206-850-8841  Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour: Tickets On Sale!

The 2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour! 2018 Seattle floating homes tour

Tickets just went on sale for this year’s tour!

The Seattle Floating Homes Tour only happens every two years!  Buy your tickets here before it’s too late:

Sunday, September 9th, 2018  Noon to 5 p.m. 

At Seattle Afloat, we are so proud to be supporters of the 2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour!  Each tour, we work extremely hard  and we volunteer our time and sponsor the tour with our money. We love the Seattle floating homes community and this year’s 2018 Seattle floating homes tour is worth the price of admission ten fold! Want to have a peek into this amazing lifestyle and dream about living on Lake Union afloat? Here is the description of this year’s exciting tour!  We have seen the tour houses personally and you won’t be disappointed!

Don’t delay, the tickets for the 2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour sell out fast!

The Seattle Floating Homes Association is pleased to present the Eclectic Eastlake 2018 Floating Homes tour! On Sunday September 9, from noon until 5, a dozen specially selected homes will be available for viewing from 2017 Fairview up to Mallard Cove at 2600 Fairview. You will come away with an appreciation of why Seattle’s floating home owners cherish their lifestyle and why they have become known as the Stewards of the Lake for nurturing the nature and animal habitats the docks, homes and surrounding foliage provide.  Nowhere else in the world will you find the coexistence of wildlife and city life blending so harmoniously. We look forward to having you as our guest! 

Proceeds from the 2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour will benefit the Seattle Floating Homes Association and its mission to protect, preserve and promote the vitality of Seattles historic floating homes community through education, advocacy, environmental stewardship and collaboration. Parking is available in the lots south of E Newton on Fairview Ave E, at the Blue Ribbon Cooking School to the north and on side streets throughout the neighborhood.  Food, coffee and dessert trucks will be on hand for purchase of refreshments, and a bus will be circulating throughout the afternoon at several spots along the route.

This is a self-guided WALKING tour with stairs, uneven pavement and over-water dock surfaces; please plan accordingly. No backpacks, strollers, food or drinks are allowed in the homes. The tour will take place rain or shine, and everyone who wants to participate in the tour will need a ticket, except babes in arms. 

2018 Seattle Floating Homes Tour Ticket Information  :  Tour tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets. Ticket price is $55. Capacity is limited so advance purchase is highly recommended. Ticket Brochures will be mailed 1-2 weeks prior to the tour to Washington addresses only. Any out of state addresses can pick up their brochures at Will Call, at the ticket tent in the parking lot across the street from 2025 Fairview Ave. E. (between E. Boston and E. Newton), on the day of the tour beginning at 11:00am. Once you have this brochure you can start the tour at any location you chose.

Want to learn more about Seattle Houseboats and other types of  Seattle Waterfront Living?  We are Seattle Realtors who specialize in this special niche!  We would live to show you our favorite Seattle floating homes, luxury homes, and waterfront homes and are happy to help you find your perfect home in Seattle.  You can call/text us at 206-850-8841 or email Houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Houseboats Floating Home Market Is Heating Up In July!

Looking for your perfect Seattle floating home to live the most amazing lifestyle in this city?seattle floating homes realtors

The Seattle houseboats market is finally heating up and inventory has loosened up enough that buyers are having choices, but at the same time these Seattle floating homes for sale that are on the market are getting more serious looks.  Let’s look at what’s going on.  There are nine Seattle floating homes on the market ranging in price from $850,000 to $3,499,000. The median price for the current offerings is $1,795,000 so there is definitely a shortage of the lower to medium end floating homes for sale.  In fact the only floating home for sale on Lake Union currently that is under a million dollars is not in an owned slip. All other eight floating homes for sale are in a condo or co-op dock and have secured moorage ownership. Five of the nine floating homes for sale are in Eastlake and on Fairview Ave E.  The remaining listings are in Lake Union’s Eastern arm, Portage Bay,  which has become a hot commodity in recent years.

Featured Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: 

We are full service Seattle floating homes specialists.  We can help you navigate the process of purchasing a floating home and help educate you on all the ins and outs of them.  We are happy to show you these and others on the market – no matter who they are listed with. We also have our finger on the pulse and know what’s coming on the market.  I live and work in this community and I love it.  I am a Floating Homes Association board member and give back. Call us and we can show you our favorites: 206-850-8841

2017 Fairview Ave E #N:  2 Bedrooms, 1.5 bath $1,795,000seattle floating homes

Step aboard your newly remodeled floating home in Eastlake. Gorgeous kitchen includes granite counter tops, new cabinets, under counter refrigerator, and warm your toes on the heated Travertine floors. Or opt to use your outdoor grill while soaking up the sun and views. In the lower level, a comfortable master bedroom with ample closets, a cozy fireplace, and access to the lake from your deck. Second bedroom plus bonus room. Walk to Serafina, SLU, Essential Bakery, Pete’s Market.

3146 Portage Bay Pl E #G: 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths $1,999,000seattle floating homes

Beautifully designed by Prentiss Architecture, this new floating home expands over 1,980 square feet of luxury. Handsome cedar on the exterior and warmth from radiant heat inside. Black honed soapstone kitchen counters compliment custom cherry cabinets with energy efficient stainless steel appliances. Gorgeous Maple hardwood floors unite the open concept floor plan. Loewe windows + nano doors to bring the outdoors in. Category 5 wiring. Seattle waterfront at it’s finest.

2822 Boyer Ave E #2: 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths $2,350,000Seattle floating homes

Luxury high end 3 BR smart home floating paradise w/ rooftop deck. Automated lighting, Lutron shades, sec cams, 10-zone audio, more w/ touch pad controls throughout house & remote access. Decks on 3 levels. Exotic zebra hrdwd, Pedini Italian cabinets, underlit glass molded cast glass staircase + 6 antique operable brass portholes frm an English luxury liner. Upscale kitchen w/ Bosch and Gagganau + outside Lynx BBQ cooking area. Solar powered boat lift. Parking, Moorage, Low Dues,Great location!

We look forward to hearing from you soon!   – Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 courtney@cooperjacobs.com

fourth of july seattle fireworks

Happy 4th Of July Seattle!

Happy Fourth Of July!

Lake Union Fireworks & Morefourth of july fireworks seattle

Happy July 4th, Seattle!  We wish you a happy and safe Fourth Of July and look forward to working with you in the future.  Thanks so much for all your support! We appreciate this community so much!

Here is a great shot from our end of the dock Seattle houseboat for sale for $997,000!

You can read more here or call/text us at 206-850-8841 for more info and a private showing so that YOU can be the go to destination for next year’s festivities:

“One-of-a-kind END-OF-DOCK Floating On-Water Residence and slip on Lake Union in Eastlake. Unobstructed views of Seattle, Space Needle and sunsets. Spacious 1,650sf living w/ 3 beds, 2.5 ba, fireplace, skylights, covered patio. Awesome hot tub, bar and grill on the rooftop deck. Summer ready- fully furnished & includes dinghy on electric davit, kayak, 2 bikes. Very low HOA dues and taxes. Great walkscore, walk/bike to Amazon, easy 5/90/520 access. Start planning your July 4 party!”

“If you are interested in getting your own “fifty yard line” seats for Seattle’s magnificent July 4th Fireworks show over Lake Union, then let us show you Seattle houseboats including this one and others! Thanks again for your support and enthusiasm in our business.  We appreciate you and wish you the very best happy and safe 4th of July!”  – Courtney

Seattle Houseboats Inventory Afloat! What’s Happening Here?

Lake Union Inventory: There is a lot to choose from on the lake right now!

In the world of Seattle houseboats, there are floating homes, vessels, and barges.  When you look at our Seattle houseboats for sale page on Cooper Jacobs it may seem daunting as a seller, as there are more than TWENTY over the water homes for sale right now, but only eight of these are classified as Seattle floating homes. At least a dozen are other types of Seattle houseboats are also for sale – some of which are extremely fancy and worth considering if you are a floating home buyer.

In short, inventory is not a problem on the lake right now.

In fact, inventory across the Puget Sound has drastically gone up and as a result we are seeing longer market times in the higher end floating home market.  Basically, if you are priced around a million or higher, then it is taking longer to sell your floating home. As things inevitably slow down, floating homes tend to be steadier than land homes in price, but also take longer to sell.

So what is for sale right now? Out of the eight for sale, only seven Seattle floating homes are being offered with owned moorage slips included (they own the water in which they are residing). Purchasing a floating home with condo or coop owned moorage is the most secure form of ownership for your floating home as these are not generally mobile and there aren’t usually alternative moorage locations for them.  Prices for these special Lake Union homes range from $1,749,950 for a coop owned slip and floating home in Eastlake to $3,499,000.  Five of the current offerings are in Eastlake and two of them are in Portage Bay.

Here are our favorites of the current Seattle Floating Homes For Sale:

seattle floating homes2017 Fairview Ave E #N     $1,795,000

Step aboard your newly remodeled floating home in Eastlake. Gorgeous kitchen includes granite counter tops, new cabinets, under counter refrigerator, and warm your toes on the heated Travertine floors. Or opt to use your outdoor grill while soaking up the sun and views. In the lower level, a comfortable master bedroom with ample closets, a cozy fireplace, and access to the lake from your deck. Second bedroom plus bonus room. Walk to Serafina, SLU, Essential Bakery, Pete’s Market.

2822 Boyer Ave E #2             $2,350,000seattle houseboats

Luxury high end 3 BR smart home floating paradise w/ rooftop deck. Automated lighting, Lutron shades, sec cams, 10-zone audio, more w/ touch pad controls throughout house & remote access. Decks on 3 levels. Exotic zebra hardwood, Pedini Italian cabinets, underlit glass molded cast glass staircase + 6 antique operable brass portholes from an English luxury liner. Upscale kitchen w/ Bosch and Gagganau + outside Lynx BBQ cooking area. Solar powered boat lift. Parking, Moorage, Low Dues,Great location!

3146 Portage Bay Pl E #G      $1,999,000

seattle floating homesBeautifully designed by Prentiss Architecture, this new floating home expands over 1,980 square feet of luxury. Handsome cedar on the exterior and warmth from radiant heat inside. Black honed soapstone kitchen counters compliment custom cherry cabinets with energy efficient stainless steel appliances. Gorgeous Maple hardwood floors unite the open concept floor plan. Loewe windows + nano doors to bring the outdoors in. Category 5 wiring. Seattle waterfront at it’s finest.

Let us know if you want to see any of the current inventory or if you are curious what your floating home might be worth.  We are happy to help you buy or sell your home.  Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

seattle floating homes

Seattle Floating Home For Sale: Rooftop Deck & Parking

Spring is here! Come enjoy this rooftop deck!

New construction Seattle floating home is awaiting your decor!  Be the first to live in this gorgeous brand new home with high end everything.  $2,100,000

  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bath
  • Condo owned dock (the most secure way to own a Seattle floating home)
  • Brand New and Never Lived In!
  • 1980 Square Feet
  • Roof top deck
  • Deeded Parking Space and Storage
  • Gorgeous grounds

Call/Text Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 for your private showing or more info.

 

No Seattle Floating Homes Inventory!

No Seattle Floating Homes Inventory!seattle floating homes

Seattle floating homes sellers – want to get the most return on your asset? We have buyers waiting for Seattle floating homes to come on the market!  Since every home is unique, there is always a pool of buyers waiting for exactly the right Seattle floating home to get listed in the MLS. This is how you will get the most amount of money. You want these buyers to look at your property and compete if they love it. Although we obviously recommend listing your home (with us), we are always happy to match one of our buyers with your floating home if you would like a quiet off market sale for one reason or another. We just need a few details. You can email us at houseboats@cooperjacobs.com and we are happy to get you a price range depending on the various details of your home.

seattle houseboatsLooking for a Seattle floating home to buy? There is literally no inventory on the lake. We know of a few about to come on in the higher range ($2M – 4M) and we know of a 2 bedroom/1.75 bath FSBO (for sale by owner) at $985,000.  We also know of some people thinking about selling their floating homes, but there is no inventory on the market currently on Lake Union (including Lake Union’s Portage Bay). We can keep you posted and look out for those off market floating homes and waterfront home deals for you as well.

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841

We are Seattle Floating Homes Experts and Seattle Waterfront Living advocates.  We would be happy to help guide you through the process of buying or selling your floating home in the current jungle of the Seattle real estate market. Things have changed drastically  – even in the last six months.  We look forward to hearing how we can help you. Please also feel free to email us: homes@cooperjacobs.com.

Seattle Floating Homes As A High Rise Alternative?

Seattle Lifestyles – Floating Home vs. Condo.seattle floating homes

Happy New Year!  In following up on Seattle floating home showings for our listings, another Seattle real estate agent told me that their clients had been looking at Seattle high rise condos and then had abruptly switched to Seattle floating homes as a possibility.  This happens quite a bit actually as they are far more affordable than people believe them to be. She suggested that the Lake Union lifestyle was a very different one then living downtown in a high rise.  It got me thinking because at its core, Seattle floating home living is similar to living in a Downtown Seattle high rise condo  in that you have your own space and it is very separate from the other homeowners on the dock spaces…

seattle floatinghomesAnd although you are in the middle of the city Downtown Seattle Condos are quite peaceful and in touch with nature with scenic mountain and water views.  Obviously, being on top of the water is going to be very different, but look at just the first few Downtown Seattle high rise condo listings and you see water and views which are not that different from looking at Lake Union floating homes.  Affordability is higher on the lake and then add in the fact that you can have a boat tied to your house in many cases, its a no brainer to me, personally, but obviously I am partial.

The fact is  many people that look at Seattle floating homes for the first time decide that houseboat living isn’t for them and we end up selling them a Downtown Seattle or South Lake Union condo usually.  This alone proves to me that the two lifestyles are similar enough that if they are ready to take the plunge into floating home living that they will get some similar benefits as living downtown in a Seattle high rise condo. seattle floating homes

In looking at the beautiful high rise condos in Downtown Seattle, here is a gorgeous slick modern new construction floating home to consider which is in fact a fabulous alternative to condo living! Modern interior with sleek surfaces and lots of useful spaces including storage and parking. A bargain compared to downtown prices at $1,798,000.  PLUS  The rooftop deck is YOUR OWN.

Be the first to own a new construction floating home on a great condo owned dock. This beautiful custom designed home by Prentiss+Balance+Wickline marvels in walnut hardwood floors throughout the 1580 square feet of luxury. Four decks to entertain or soak up the sun. The reverse floor plan maximizes views and light in a 360 fashion. A chef’s kitchen makes it fun to entertain and cook. Timeless Ceasarstone counter tops & custom cabinetry. Spectacular roof top deck for more outdoor space.

Please let us know if you would like to look at Downtown Seattle Condos or Seattle floating homes.  We are happy to show you both and show you our favorites.  homes@cooperjacobs.com Call/Text Courtney Cooper at 206-850-8841

Westlake Floating Home For Sale – Close to Downtown and South Lake Union

Gorgeous Westlake:  Your Haven From Work – and Traffic

Live the Seattle houseboats lifestyle and play in the water! Easy commute – Close enough to Downtown and South Lake Union to bike or walk or use public transit, this Westlake floating home is a perfect place to live if you work at Amazon! Waterfront living at it’s very best and quintessential Seattle living on Lake Union!

 2420 Westlake Ave N #13

This is THE Westlake floating home listing you have been waiting for. It’s a large two bed/two bath home with expansive views. Deep water moorage and can tie up about a 32′ boat.  You own the slip and your views are outstanding! Let us know if you’d like to see it.  Westlake floating homes are few and far between as anyone who has been on the hunt for one knows.  They are highly coveted on Lake Union.  This one has open spaces and lives large. $1,700,000

Listing Remarks of this floating home…Westlake floating homes for sale on Lake Union

“Front and center on Lake Union! This stand out home is the epitome of Pacific NW comfort and design. Warm interior wood, open floor plan, custom built ins everywhere, large kitchen island for those social gatherings. Hints of style everywhere you look. Fabulous walk in pantry, and durable paperstone countertops. Storage galore inside and out. Two large custom decks with massive unobstructed views of Gas Works Park, 4th of July fireworks & more! Tie up your boat along side and have some fun!”

Floating home features

Bath Off Master, Ceiling Fan(s), Double Pane Storm Windows, French Doors, Skylights

Call/Text Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 for your own private showing or email us: houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.  We are happy to help you buy or sell your Seattle floating home. 

seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats Open Houses: Two Floating Homes Open This Weekend!

Seattle Houseboats Open Houses:

Two Seattle Floating Homes For Sale are open this weekend!  Mark your calendars to come see two spectacular Seattle floating homes.  For directions or details please call or text us.  We can also tour you privately if you want to see it sooner:   houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Saturday seattle floating homes

Where: 2339 Fairview Ave E #O

When: 1-4 PM

Rare three bedroom Seattle floating home in Seattle’s sought after Eastlake neighborhood! Second from end of the dock with room for your boat!  This beauty was largely redone in 2010 and has captivating views of all the action on Lake Union.  Large picture windows and thoughtful details make this the picture perfect home and a perfect spot afloat to enjoy the iconic Seattle houseboats lifestyle.

Dreaming of living on the water just got real.  True attention is in the harmonious details and contrast of natural southwest exposure filling a marvelous open floor plan. Three bdrms, two baths w/ heated floors accompanies the vaulted ceilings. Exquisite custom staircase to the roof top deck and en suite. Swanky clad exterior siding showcases a NW Contemporary twist coupled with custom hot dip galvanized steel cables & IPE decking. Water, sun, moorage, views – let the vacation continue!  $2,250,000

seattle houseboatsSunday

Where: 3146 Portage Bay Pl E #J

When: 1-4 PM

Seattle new construction floating homes?  Yes!  This one is in Portage Bay and is sleek and modern and offers extreme views and a ton of outdoor space!

Be the first to own a new construction  Seattle floating home on a great condo owned dock. This beautiful custom designed home by Prentiss+Balance+Wickline marvels in walnut hardwood floors throughout the 1580 square feet of luxury. Four decks to entertain or soak up the sun. The reverse floor plan maximizes views and light in a 360 fashion. A chef’s kitchen makes it fun to entertain and cook. Timeless Ceasarstone counter tops & custom cabinetry. Spectacular roof top deck for more outdoor space.  $1.995,000

We are excited to hear about your Seattle houseboats needs and happy to show you these and the other floating homes on the lake. Again, for directions or additional details on these or other homes for sale please call or text us.  We can also tour you privately if you want to see it sooner:  206-850-8841 or houseboats@cooperjacobs.com – Courtney Cooper 

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Floating Homes: 2420 Westlake Ave N #13 Just Listed

Life Afloat In Seattle in the Gorgeous Enclave of Westlake

Westlake floating homes for sale on Lake Union

This is the life!  Welcome home to 2420 Westlake Ave N #13!

Looking at Seattle houseboats on Lake Union? Here is our new Westlake floating home listing. It’s a large two bed/two bath home with expansive views. Deep water and can tie up about a 32′ boat.

Let me know if you’d like to see it. We will be there this weekend for open houses both Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm and I will be in Eastlake.  Westlake floating homes are few and far between as anyone who has been on the hunt for one knows.  There aren’t as many Seattle floating homes in Westlake and they are highly coveted on Lake Union.

Seattle houseboats for saleMarketing Remarks from the listing of this floating home…

Front and center on Lake Union! This stand out home is the epitome of Pacific NW comfort and design. Warm interior wood, open floor plan, custom built ins everywhere, large kitchen island for those social gatherings. Hints of style everywhere you look. Fabulous walk in pantry, and durable paperstone countertops. Storage galore inside and out. Two large custom decks with massive unobstructed views of Gas Works Park, 4th of July fireworks & more! Tie up your boat along side and have some fun!

Features of this home

Bath Off Master, Ceiling Fan(s), Double Pane Storm Windows, French Doors, Skylights

Additional Informationseattle houseboats

  • Property Description Deck, Dock, Moorage
  • Taxes $2,707
  • Waterfront Lake, No Bank
  • View Lake, Territorial
  • Lot Size 0.00 Acre (1 SqFt)
  • Exterior Wood
  • Fireplaces 1 Fireplace
  • Heating/Cooling Forced Air
  • Roof Cedar Shake Roof, Composition Roof, Flat Roof
  • Flooring Hardwood Floor

Call/Text Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 for your own private showing or email us: houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.  We are happy to help you buy or sell your Seattle floating home.

Seattle Floating Homes Just Listed: 2339 Fairview Ave E #O

Afloat In Seattle In This Harmonious Eastlake Charmer

seattle houseboats

Welcome home to 2339 Fairview Ave E #O on the  Historical and Sought after Tenas Chuck Dock in Eastlake

seattle floating homesLooking at Seattle houseboats on Lake Union? Here is our new Eastlake floating home listing on Tenas Chuck with views of the Space Needle and all around Lake Union. It’s a beautiful and spacious three bedroom and two bath floating home with great decks and a wonderful space that you can tie up your boat!

We will have it open this weekend and you have to see it to believe it!

Marketing Remarks

Dreaming of living on the water just got real. True attention is in the harmonious details and contrast of natural southwest exposure filling a marvelous open floor plan. Three bdrms, two baths w/ heated floors accompanies the vaulted ceilings. Exquisite custom staircase to the roof top deck and en suite. Swanky clad exterior siding showcases a NW Contemporary twist coupled with custom hot dip galvanized steel cables & IPE decking. Water, sun, moorage, views – let the vacation continue!

Featuresseattle houseboats

Bath Off Master, Double Pane Storm Windows, French Doors, Vaulted Ceilings

Additional Information

  • Property Description Cable TV, Deck, Dock, Moorage
  • Taxes $2,372
  • Waterfront Lake, No Bank
  • View Lake, City, Mountain, Territorial
  • Lot  Size0.00 Acre (1 SqFt)
  • Exterior Wood, Wood Products
  • Fireplaces 1 Fireplace
  • Heating/Cooling Baseboard, Forced Air,
  • Roof Flat Roof, Metal Roof
  • Flooring Ceramic Tile Floor, Fir / Softwood Floor

Call/Text Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 for your own private showing or email us: houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.  We are happy to help you buy or sell your Seattle floating home. 

Seattle floating homes

Aaaah And Then Today Happened: Life Afloat In Seattle

Seattle Floating Homes – Life Afloat in Seattle

Today it was said to me, “You are lucky!  You are already on the lake.  Everyone elSeattle floating homesse is trying to get to the water.”  Well, isn’t that the point?

There is something indescribable about actually living on the water. Days like today definitely make the rain and the cold and the long walks down the dock in said rain and cold worth it, but I also like the rain and the cold. Even in the dead of winter there is a beautiful amount of light that reflects off the water and dances on my ceiling. The lapping waves are smaller and fewer, but the sound is priceless.  Every morning the seaplanes fly over me in Portage Bay on their way from Kenmore to Westlake and every evening they fly back to Kenmore in a well timed and executed succession.

Currently, you can purchase at least four Seattle floating homes for sale that are listed in the NWMLS and there are a handful of others that will certainly change hands in coming months.  Let us know what you are looking for and we will keep you in the loop as they become available. houseboats@cooperjacobs.com  The floating homes for sale in the MLS range in price from a Portage Bay floating home with leased moorage for $749,000 to another Seattle floating home in Portage Bay with owned moorage for $1,400,000.  Three out of four of these Seattle houseboats are in Portage Bay with the other floating home for sale in Eastlake looking at multiple offers today (at this very moment as I type actually since we have a client in the running for it hopefully).

In the last 60 days four Seattle floating homes for sale have closed.  We have been at least partially responsible for three of the four of these Seattle houseboats sold. Here are listing sheets with more details for the ones that have closed in escrow:  Seattle houseboats that have sold – floating homes

Seattle Floating Homes Tour: Sept 11 2016

Tour Seattle’s Floating Home community:  It Happens Every two years…Peaceful Portage Bay

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. We 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:

Sept. 11, 2016 noon – 5 p.m.
Volunteers needed! 
Please sign up at:seattlefloatinghomes.org
lake union loop

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: Eastlake houseboats

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!

    lake union loop

    The Lake Union Loop – Or Cheshiahud Trail loops around Lake Union and joins neighborhoods and parks together.

  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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…
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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!
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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/
  21. 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.
  22. Blue Ribbon Cooking School
  23. Bocce Ball  Named in Seattle Weekly as one of the best waterfront Bocce locations, don’t miss the Eastlake Bouledrome along Fairview Ave E.
  24. 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.
  25. 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!
  26. Excitement:  There is always something going on around Lake Union – it is exciting and an exciting way to live!
  27. 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!
  28. 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.
  29. 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.

Seattle HouseboatsCurious 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   We 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

Just Listed! Seattle Floating Home in Eastlake

Spectacular Seattle floating home for sale!seattle floating home deck

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: $945,000seattle floating homes

Please call Courtney for more info or to set up a private tour of this exclusive floating residence:

Courtney Cooper 206.850.8841
courtney@cooperjacobs.com

This Seattle floating home listed by Realtors at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Group

seattle houseboats for sale in westlake

Seattle Houseboats Market Update July 2015

Seattle Houseboats Real Estate Market Updateseattle houseboats for sale in westlake

What Is For Sale On Lake Union Now?

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%.

lake union houseboatsYou can see the full NWMLS sheets and comparisons here:

Seattle Houseboats SOLD CMA

Seattle Houseboats SOLD 2015

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:

  • Viewsseattle houseboats
  • 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)
  • Proximity of Amenities
  • Storage
  • Pets
  • Fees
  • Taxes
Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841
We can immediately answer your questions or email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com
Seattle Afloat ® Seattle Houseboats Experts ℠: We want to help you live your life Afloat In Seattle™
Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats Happenings: Lake Union Ramblings

seattle floating homesA few random Lake Union thoughts –  Would love to hear some of your thoughts, too….

Seattle Floating Homes Association Website – One word: Gorgeous.  The updated Floating Homes Association website is fresh and beautiful.. I am jealous I didn’t make it myself.  Love it.  Kudos! You can see it here: www.seattlefloatinghomes.org Jann, I know you had a hand in that and it’s amazing!  You can see all the newsletters, updates, tour info, etc.  I particularly am fond of the Seattle houseboats history page.

Reality TV and Seattle houseboats.  It’s been overdone already. Have you watched  those shows on HGTV and other channels?  We get phone calls almost every other week from producers hoping to film the next reality TV show featuring  Seattle houseboats and us.  They ask us to be on these shows, but we say NO.  We STRONGLY believe that protecting the Seattle houseboat community’s privacy is far more important than cheap fame for ourselves.  We appreciate all that the Seattle floating home community has given to us and we would never ever cross what we feel is a strong trust boundary.

FSBO Seattle floating homes – dining room 2Word on the docks is lots of private sales going on.  Last night it was the talk of the Seattle Floating Homes Association meeting.  We verified it with Krista Todd at Sound Community and I verified it with Phil Miller who is a local legend and closes most of the floating homes in escrow.  Of course being real estate agents, we are partial to the idea of listing your home in the NWMLS (with Cooper Jacobs Real Estate preferably), but putting that aside, why aren’t you listing your floating home with a Realtor (please also make sure they are actual dues paying Realtors who abide by a code of ethics)? The Realtor’s commissions aren’t that high in comparison with how much more money the open real estate market would bring you in the form of a higher sales price.  I know news travels fast on the docks when someone is ready to sell, but even that can’t compare to the global exposure the MLS and the internet offer. I would love to hear some feedback on this.   Many FSBO buyers have the false misconception that if they go around the listing agent then they will be able to get the home for a discount to the tune of that full listing broker and selling broker commission.  That simply isn’t true.  While the seller may be willing to give you somewhat of a discount, in most cases they will more likely want to pocket the savings of not listing it themselves.  Any discount you could have gotten would easily be beaten by a skilled real estate agent in a negotiation.

seattle houseboats


That’s it for now – as always, thank you for your business.  We love serving this community and look forward to doing it for a long time.  please email us or call us if you need anything at all   Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841  Courtney@CooperJacobs.com  We are Seattle Houseboats Realtors.

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats: Annie “O” Is In The House

Seattle Houseboats: Enduring Over 100 Years And Still Floating.  This particular one hasn’t been around quite that long, but long enough for it to be a site!

 Yes.  It floats.

Seattle houseboats have been afloat for over one hundred years now.  It all started when a few resourceful and down on their luck people decided to basically start tying loose logs up and forming rafts. A little time before 1909 Seattle came up with an ingenious way to raise money for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. This world’s fair eventually shaped the campus of The University Of Washington! And it was financed largely by the beginnings of Seattle houseboats:

Over one hundred years ago 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.  It was quite a popular and thrifty idea!  The city now regulates them heavily and as a result of this regulation, Seattle houseboats have dwindled down considerably  from well over two thousand Seattle houseboats at one time to just around five hundred or so of the floating home variety. They are scattered throughout Lake Union and in Portage Bay.

Speaking of dwindling.seattle houseboats

The Seattle houseboats market has had a dwindling inventory and we are down to just a couple options right now in the floating homes world. This particular home is my favorite.  “Annie O” is her nick name.  She is houseboat “O” because the slips on the dock are lettered according to the alphabet, but I like her nick name personally.  She is a jewel and is priced perfectly at $599,000.  Two bedrooms are not always easy to come by in the land of Seattle houseboats, but this is a beautiful two bedroom and it has been lovingly restored by the famous Sid McFarland and also upgraded and improved by its current owner who has a real artist’s eye.  If this doesn’t make you want to go buy a boat or a kayak to tie up to it, then that is okay because there is lots to do in this community.  Annie O happens to be on one of the very best docks in one of the very best co-ops on Lake Union.  You will own the slip you and your home are in so there is security of knowing that this log pack is not going anywhere.  Let us know if you would like more information on this perfect little Lake Union gem!  Courtney 206.850.8841  Please call or text for more info. 

Seattle Houseboats: Catching Up With The Seattle Floating Homes Market Sept 2014

Summary:  Great Choices Available unless you want The Sleepless In Seattle Houseboat.june2010b 275

All year long, the story has been low inventory, low inventory, low inventory.  Now we have inventory.  Typically August is pretty quiet for Seattle houseboats sales, so it was no surprise to see that August was slow again. The real surprise, though, was the whole new crop of Seattle floating homes listings that have come on the market.  We have some really cool choices right now which span into every price range.

The 2014 Seattle floating home tour was a success this year and definitely increased interest in this great community.  Add to the the Boats Afloat show this weekend and I would say life on Lake Union is about as exciting as it can be aside from The Fourth Of July! If you are entering the Seattle houseboats world or already a houseboat buyer candidate, then this is truly your time to buy.  Seattle houseboats sellers are motivated because the inventory increase has added competition for the sale of their home.  Buyers are able to pick up some great floating homes right now.

So here are the Seattle houseboats that have sold in the floating home world (both on market and off market that I know about):

1. Sleepless in Seattle:  All the buzz is about Sleepless.  The house where Tom Hanks resided in while Meg Ryan chased after him in the original stalker movie – before stalking was actually even a thing besides in National Geographic and horror flicks… The Sleepless in Seattle houseboat has an amazing main level and a very dated upper level which I am sure the new owner will remedy.  It has one of the largest floats on the lake and also one of the largest moorage spaces on Lake Union if you have a boat you want to tie up to your house. It is definitely worth the over two million paid for it.  We almost sold it a couple times in the last year or so for over two million so we weren’t surprised. I knew it had been sold a couple months ago and put it here in my blog, but was politely asked to not report it yet.  The secret is out.  It is sold. Over two million dollars and a great deal in my opinion for one of the Duck Tour’s favorite shout outs on Lake Union.

2. Two floating homes on the 2025 Fairview Ave E Log Foundation dock also closed in the last 30 days. Slip M was a 625 square foot 1 bedroom and 1 bath houseboat built in 1930.  It was listed for $495,000 and after 428 days on market sold for 93.54% of its list price at $420,000.  Also on that dock was slip H – South facing 900 square foot floating home built in 1917, but updated.  We listed this one for $725,000 and it sold for full price 34 days later.

Seattle Houseboats Pending in Escrow – The Big news on the Lake and I mean big as in expensive and beautiful and amazing is that the Fairview Landing (2369 Fairview Ave E) Seattle luxury floating home listed for $2,950,000 is pending in escrow.  This is a lovely modern concrete dock with beautiful Seattle luxury floating homes and although this particular floating home is on the North side, the neighbors are amazing and so is the house. It’s a big sale on the lake and happy for the new buyers to have gotten on to this phenomenal gated dock.

What’s for sale now in the Seattle floating home world?seattle houseboats

Seattle houseboats for sale are in all price ranges right now – ranging from an unheard of low in Eastlake houseboats for $365,000 (1 bedroom on Tenas Chuck dock) to Roanoke Reef at $1,890,000.  We love the Tenas Chuck floating home for someone wanting to get on to the lake.

We also love 2017 Fairview Ave , Slip O – 2 bedroom home on a great dock for $617,000!  This one is so cute and appeals to many.  Good choice on one of the most well run coops on the lake. As far as the nicer homes go, we really love the house in Westlake listed for $1,299,000 at 2466 Westlake Ave N, Slip 7. You can have a FORTY FOOT BOAT tied up to your house there and it has been absolutely loved by its current owners.

seattle houseboatsAdditional reading about these Seattle houseboats:

Summary Of Seattle Houseboats

Seattle Houseboats Market Update Details

Please call or email me if you want to see anything listed on the lake  – or unlisted 🙂  We can show you any home listed by any broker and look forward to showing you some of our favorite spots on the lake. Courtney Cooper 206.850.8841

Seattle Floating Home in Westlake Just Listed

 Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: Westlake

We just listed this really unique and spectacular Seattle floating home in Westlake.  If you have been looking at Seattle houseboats, then you might want to jump on this one right away. It is filled with exciting and interesting spaces at every corner and promises to make you fall in love. Seattle houseboats

Here are the MLS listing remarks for this Westlake houseboat:

Featured on the Seattle Floating Homes Tour, this home has been obviously adored by the current owners! Thoughtful care in every detail as it has evolved over their 30+ years of prideful ownership: Stainless & granite in kitchen, outdoor spaces, an abundance of storage everywhere, one of a kind stained glass, portholes, work shop, green house, & an actual hot tub in the bathroom make you feel like you have stepped into another world! One of the largest floats on lake + moorage for a 40 ft boat!

There is no sign and there will be no open houses so this is an exclusive peek – please let us know if you would like to get in and see this floating home – it has one of the largest floats of all Seattle floating homes on the lake and has some extremely interesting and exciting spaces. $1,299,000

You can find more info on this one here: 2466 Westlake Ave N or get in touch with Us:

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 (call/text) Courtney@CooperJacobs.com

Seattle Luxury Floating Home At The End Of The Dock: Here’s Your Chance To Live THE Lake Union Dream

If you have ever been thinking about living on a Seattle floating home or have been looking for the perfect end of dock houseboat, then search no longer. This luxury Seattle floating home is available in just a couple weeks!  Here are some amazing peeks at what is in store for you with this home.

3 Bedroom, hot tub, all upscale finish work and appliances.  End of the dock.  $8500/mo.

Call Courtney 206-850-8841 or houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

TRIPLE Cooper Jacobs Seattle Floating Homes Open House Bonanza!

Tomorrow, Sunday, August 4th:  THREE exclusive Seattle floating homes will be open at one time for a giant open house event!Seattle floating homes

Here’s where we will be in Seattle’s hip waterfront neighborhood of Eastlake on Lake Union tomorrow:

2031 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat #G:  I will be there form 12 to 3PM tomorrow and look forward to showing you this one of a kind and expansive 2 bedroom with HUGE views.  Just wander down to the end of the Lake Union dock at 2031 Fairview Ave E and enjoy all that this one has to offer. $1,188,000

2031 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat #P:  We will be hosting at this lovely Seattle floating home from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the same dock as me!  Very cool and hip houseboat with beautiful finish work and an amazing floor plan.  $825,000

Seattle floating homes2207 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat #8:  Come say hello to Cooper Jacobs Realtors from 1:00 to 4:00 at this amazing and Eco-friendly floating home.  $799,000

Go ahead and browse Seattle floating homes for sale in the mean time on our corporate page, but look for the Cooper Jacobs Real Estate and Seattle Afloat signs tomorrow!

Live Sleepless In Seattle Style: New Floating Home On The Market Today

New today on the market…and open from 11 to 1 today and 1-4 on Sunday

2031 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat “P”

$825,000

seattle floating homes for sale

Stunning Eastlake Seattle floating home for sale and new on the market—2 bedrooms, 2 baths, bamboo floors, new windows, new exterior paint, roof top deck, window seat, room for your small craft or water toys, LARGE 10 x 4 ft kitchen island for entertaining & a cook’s dream!

  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1.75 Baths
  • 1100 Square Feet
  • Built in 1985
  • Owned Moorage
  • $385/month dues
  • LOW yearly taxes at $2005/year
  • roof top deck
  • updated finishes throughout

Beautiful surfaces and finishes everywhere you look! Hip glass“garage door” let’s in the light & the fresh air and is just one of the reasons you will fall in love with this home!  Here are some more pictures or you can see the full listing here:  2031 Fairview Ave E #P

Seattle Floating Home For Sale: 2031 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat G

2031 Fairview Ave E, Floating Home #G, Seattle, WA 98102 on the Lake Union Co-op Dock

2031 fairview ave e

This immaculate Cape Cod one level floating home is at the end of the dock with both privacy and unobstructed views of Lake Union. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 very large exquisitely remodeled bathroom, and a desirable open floor plan. This floating home is roughly 1184 square feet with a large wrap around deck, and working fireplace.

seattle floating homes for sale

Originally built in 1957, it had a complete remodel in 2001 and has been updated since including a new roof in 2013. Fully renovated with flexibility as it can be perfect as is or take advantage of large float size with a 2 story 3200 square foot home.

  • Large float:  1827 square foot float.  In top 5% of floats on lake and home only occupies slightly over 50% of float.  This home is great to live in as is or can be a expanded to up to 90% of float size

  • Expand up (18 feet from water line) or out for larger Lake Union dream floating home

  • Den/office/mudroom has its own entry and room for an additional ½ bath

  • Parking available at an additional costseattle floating homes for sale

  • New roof in 2013 with reinforcements added for roof top deck expansion

  • All new floors – maple hardwoods

  • All new electrical panel, wiring, and fixtures

  • All new Anderson windows, wood trim, French doors

  • All new stainless appliances in kitchen and large washer and dryer in mudroom

  • 360 degree views from roof which has charming circular staircase ascending to it

  • Room for 24 foot boat tied up to home included plus additional kayak space.

  • Pet friendly dockSeattle floating homes for sale

  • Dues:  $385/mo cover general dock fund for maintenance, real estate taxes for co-op, and any matters of vote

  • Offered for:  $1,188,000

For Your own private showing or for more information, please get in touch with Courtney Cooper (courtney@cooperjacobs.com)) of Cooper Jacobs Real Estate.  You can also visit www.2031Fairview.com or www.SeattleAfloat.com for more info.

Still Afloat: Seattle Floating Homes – Wonder Where That Name Came From?

Still Afloat:  Seattle Floating HomesStill Afloat:  A Contemporary History Of Seattle’s Floating Homes  is a temporary exhibit at MOHAI which showcases what else?  Seattle’s floating homes. It started yesterday and runs through November 3rd.

The Still Afloat exhibit is sure to entertain and educate you on all the aspects of Life Afloat on Lake Union and Portage Bay.  If you want to explore the history and current events of one of Seattle’s most iconic neighborhoods, then this is a great place to start.

You can also learn more about Seattle floating homes here:

  • SeattleAfloat.com : Seattle’s first and most read Seattle houseboats blog.  This is a great place to find pictures and current information about happenings in the houseboat community as well as some of the highlighted floating homes which are for sale.  If you are interested in getting your Seattle floating home highlighted on the site, please email homes@seattleafloat.com
  • CooperJacobs.com/seattle-houseboats :  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate is a premiere seller of Seattle floating homes with Realtors in the office that specifically focus on the neighborhood and uniquness of this real estate product.  You can find all Seattle floating homes for sale on this site.
  • The Seattle Floating Homes Association:  Want to see current and past newsletters form the houseboats community?  This is a great place to read up!  Support FHA so that they can continue to do all of the great work they do and keep Seattle floating homes afloat.  The FHA is why Seattle’s houseboats are still afloat.

Here is another screen shot from my phone on the MOHAI exhibit.  Please support this exhibit and support MOHAI.  

still afloat

If you want a tour of Seattle floating homes for sale, please let us know.  We are premiere Lake Union floating home Realtors and we can show you our favorites.  We also are pretty creative when it comes to marketing your Seattle floating home is you are interested in selling.

Call Now ButtonWe are available to talk now.