Seattle Houseboats 2020 Top Questions Answered

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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 Molly on this point, but I will probably always call my floating home a houseboat regardless.  In any case, Molly is 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.  Or call Molly and get the technically correct explanation.

A couple examples of a floating homes and a FOWR which we happen to have listed currently: Here is a Floating home and here is FOWR

Westlake floating home

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.. 

Where Are The Seattle Floating Homes Located?

Can you rent a houseboat in Seattle? 

Yes and no.  We get so many calls about nightly rental inquiries.  In short, it isn’t allowed. http://www.seattleafloat.com/seattle-floating-homes-airbnb-resource/

Can you live on a boat in Seattle?  Yes… but a houseboat is more convenient.

Seattle Houseboats Realtors and Your Advocates:

seattle houseboats realtors
Courtney Cooper & Molly Cartwright are SeattleAfloat.com Waterfront and Houseboats Brokers. 206-841-6800

Let us tour you through this beautiful floating home! Molly and Courtney 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? 206-841-6800/206-850-8841 houseboats@coopercartwright.com

Seattle Houseboats Floating Home Market Is Heating Up In July!

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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: 

Molly Cartwright and I 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 Molly or me and we can show you our favorites: 206-841-6800.

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

seattle houseboats for sale in westlake

Seattle Houseboats Market Update July 2015

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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. Molly and I sold a great one at 2466 Westlake Ave N for $1,350,000 (on the market for just 7 days) and we listed the beautiful white floating home at 2031 Fairview Ave E for $975,000 (it sold in 5 days for $971,000). It is difficult to judge these unique Seattle waterfront homes by dollar per square foot.  The range of dollar per square foot pricing is as unique as each of these homes – ranging from $525.42 to $1225.85.  The median price was $1,160,000.  For Seattle houseboats, it really is about your unique needs. Please let us know what you are looking for in a new Lake Union home.

Here are some of the most common things that we get asked about with Seattle Houseboats:

  • 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
Molly Cartwright 206-841-6800   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 floating homes

Seattle Floating Homes Market Houseboats Plus A Housebarge

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lake union houseboatsSeattle Houseboats Market Update:

In the last sixty days, there have been many significant sale in the Seattle houseboat community.  There have been nine closed sales in the NWMLS for Seattle floating homes and also for Seattle houseboats which are classified as a barge (house barge).

Here are some of the details of the Seattle houseboats which have closed in escrow:

2727 Fairview Ave E #3  This is a grandfathered in Seattle housebarge which was gorgeous. It has 2 bedrooms and was listed on 4/5/2015 for $399,000 and sold for $404,000 after 6 days on the market.  It is located on the Hamlin Pier in Eastlake.  No sales tax on Seattle housebarges for sale if you can find them.

3125 Fairview Ave E #B This 2 bedroom 875 square foot Seattle floating home was listed on 4/30/2015 for $575,000 and sold for full price three days later.  I closed in escrow 5/29/2015.

2727 Fairview Ave E #12  This Seattle floating home is on Hamlin Pier which is a leased dock in Eastlake. It was listed for $695,000 on 3/6/2015  and on the market for 22 days before closing on 4/30/2015 with a final sales price of $675,000.

2031 Fairview Ave E #P  The Lake Union Dock in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood.  The next three sold on this dock.  The floating home in slip #P  is 1050 square feet and 2 bedrooms.  It was listed for $725,000 on 4/28/2015 and after 3 days on the market sold for $715,000 and closed on 6/5/2015.  It is the first houseboat on the dock.

2031 Fairview Ave E #B  Another Lake Union Dock gem, Molly and I sold this gorgeous Seattle houseboat to our lucky clients who came out ahead in a fierce multiple offer situation. This two bedroom 1200 square foot floating home was listed on 4/1/2015 for $895,000 and sold after six days on the market and closed in escrow on 5/19/2015 for $900,000.

2031 Fairview Ave E #G Molly and I had the pleasure of listing this one with LeAnne. We listed it on 4/27/2015 for $975,000 and after 5 days on the market it went under contract for full price.  During the inspection, we adjusted the price somewhat for a final sales price of $971,000.  It closed on 6/10/2015. This Seattle floating home is a two bedroom 1184 square foot houseboat in Eastlake. It is second from the end of the dock and offers some pretty great views and nice finish work.

3236 Portage Bay Pl  Moving over to Portage Bay, this two bedroom Seattle floating home was listed on 9/15/2014 for $1,100,000 and after 152 days on the market, it closed in escrow at $1,067,000 on 5/15/2015.  This houseboat offered a unique situation which make it difficult to price – a couple parking spaces and an on land rental income opportunity. People looking for Seattle houseboats for rent would like the land rental and this one also has no HOA so no dues.

10 E Roanoke Reef St #12  Awwe… Roanoke Reef floating homes!  Roanoke Reef is one of the three standards in Seattle luxury floating homes.  This three bedroom floating home is on the back row and offers 1562 square feet of living space to stretch out for your life afloat in Seattle.  It was listed for 4/5/2015 for $1,690,000 and after 276 days on the market sold for cash.  It closed on 5/8/2015 for a final sales price of $1,640,000.

3212 Portage Bay Place #B  Brand new!  Seattle new construction floating homes in Seattle are few and far between.  This one is back over in Portage Bay again and is one of the latest Seattle luxury floating homes to hit the houseboat market.  It was listed for $1,750,000 on 3/28/2015 and after 35 days on the market it sold for full asking price and cash and closed on 5/27/2015.  The square footage  is 1850 square feet of stunning interiors and three bedrooms which is difficult to find outside of Roanoke Reef, Mallard Cove, or Wards Cove.

So the average days on market for these Seattle houseboats for sale is 56 days.  The average dollar per square foot is $751.95 with a range of $657.14 to $1,049.94 for the Seattle floating homes and $404 for the Seattle housebarge Big Brother that closed.  The median sales price for all of these Seattle houseboats is $900,000.

Seattle floating homesOne Final note on The Seattle Houseboats Market:

The sales price to list price ratio is 99.02% making the Seattle floating homes market a healthy opportunity for Seattle buyers who want to be in city but can’t seem to compete in the current market.  In Seattle land homes for certain neighborhoods, homes are selling for $100,000 to $200,000 and more over list in the same price range.  Why not take your buying power and apply it towards Seattle’s most affordable waterfront and closest in city neighborhood? We still have multiple offers in the Seattle floating homes market, but the competition is at a more reasonable pace. I think if more buyers were aware of the attainability of this amazing lifestyle, then more people might jump in and enjoy this unique lifestyle of life afloat in Seattle. seattle houseboats

Please call us if you would like to learn more about living life on Lake Union. Courtney Cooper or Molly Cartwright 206-841-6800  Seattle Houseboats Realtors.  We specialize in Seattle floating homes, Seattle waterfront, Seattle luxury homes, and Seattle neighborhoods. Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, SeattleAfloat.com for Life Afloat In Seattle’s Lake Union Neighborhood.

Seattle Houseboats Brand New Listing: Portage Bay

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Seattle houseboats for sale: This one is going to sell fast. I know you hear this a lot, but this one is definitely going to sell fast. It’s what they call a “no brainer” in the world of Seattle houseboats and probably Seattle real estate in general…

  • $229,000
  • $345/mo for the slip with a 30 year lease
  • $509/year taxes
  • that’s it.

Here’s the listing remarks from our Seattle houseboats page:

Perfect houseboat to finally write that novel or just get away from it all! This adorable studio houseboat offers a unique & fun atmosphere. Throughout the seasons, enjoy this living or working environment as you watch a parade of boats go by. Open studio floor plan with cozy fireplace plus bright and beautiful French doors that open up to your very own piece of Seattle waterfront. With a large deck and room for your toys, this is one of the most charming and affordable pieces of waterfront!

Call or text us if you want more info… 206-841-6800  Molly or 206-850-8841 Courtney  @Cooper Jacobs Real Estate – Molly and I specialize in Seattle houseboats, Seattle waterfront, Seattle floating homes, and we love our clients!

 

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats: What A Difference A Few Weeks Makes In The Floating Home World!

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Wow!  What a difference a few weeks makes for Seattle houseboats.

If you want to go back and review my Seattle Floating Homes Market Report from September, then please do so. In the course of three days in the first week or so in October, four Seattle floating homes went pending and one closed in escrow! There are only five Seattle floating homes for sale currently and only 2 of those are under $600k.

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats:  What A Difference A Few Weeks Makes In The Floating Home World!

Seattle houseboats for sale:  Of the five floating homes available for sale, here is the info:  These range in price from $550,000 to $1,890,000 with a median list price of $1,100,000.  Of these, my favorite is 2017 Fairview Ave E , Slip #O. It has owned moorage – the only one under $600 that owns its own slip.  It is well done, charming, updated, and on a great dock. They are also offering $6000 to go towards your closing costs. It’s a steal…

Pending in the MLS: There are 5 pending Seattle floating homes per the NWMLS.  These Seattle houseboats range in price from $345,000 to $1,300,000.

Seattle houseboats SOLD:  2369 Fairview Ave E #2 has closed in escrow! This is a luxury floating home on the high end Fairview Landing dock. It was listed for $2,950,000 and had a final sales price of $2,850,000 (96.61% sales price to list price). The home is a 3 bedroom 1.75 bath 2150 square foot “houseboat” built in 2009. It sold for $1,325.58 per square foot.

Would you like more information on these sales or Seattle floating homes both off and on the market? 

Courtney Cooper 206.850.8841 courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Molly Cartwright 206.841.6800 molly@cooperjacobs.com

Cooper Jacobs Real Estate:  Seattle Houseboats Realtors

NWMLS Changes How Some Houseboats Are Treated So We Won’t Have Any More Boats

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In recent years all houseboats have been listed in the NWMLS whether they were floating homes, vessels, or barges.  This opened the door for a broader definition of houseboat and in some cases we saw vessels in the MLS that were practically ski boats being listed by real estate agents.  I am exaggerating of course,  but you get my point.

The MLS has recently ruled that they will not allow any houseboats that are or have ever been registered as vessels in the MLS.  This caused many listings in the last week or so to be deleted without warning even though I personally think they should have been grandfathered in and allowed until expiration.  Never the less, they were deleted.  Seattle houseboat

Molly and I deal mostly in floating homes, but we are SeattleAfloat.com so we have sold all types of houseboats.  In addition to the Seattle floating homes we have listed right now, we also have a house barge.  Until today we also had a vessel houseboat listed in the MLS.  Our client is actually lucky because they happen to have a houseboat AND an owned moorage slip in Gas Works Park Marina.  As Realtors in the MLS we are allowed to list moorage slips so the slip is listed now and the “houseboat is included for the buyer’s convenience”.

Seattle floating homes owners:  What does this mean to you?

  • If you are a Seattle floating home, you are allowed to be in the MLS – whether your moorage is owned or leased.
  • If you are a legal housebarge owner and your houseboat is in your owned slip, then you are good to go and can be listed no problem as of this date.  No guarantees from the MLS on when this will change, but for now you are allowed to be in the MLS as a houseboat.
  • If you are not one of the grandfathered in legal house barges of Seattle, you are not even allowed to be on the lake as a live aboard as far as I know and definitely not allowed in the MLS.
  • If you are a Vessel type houseboat and in a leased or otherwise unowned slip, you are left to your own devices to sell outside of the MLS.  I personally suggest Craigslist.  This includes most marinas around Lake Union and most importantly Seattle Marina which has the largest concentration of vessel type houseboats.  Nothing in Seattle Marina can be listed in the MLS as of last week.
  • If you are a Vessel type houseboat and you are in your owned moorage slip, you are allowed to be in the MLS, but under moorage, not as a houseboat. We can still market your houseboat along with your slip because it is included in the slip purchase.

If you are confused, you are not alone.  However, this is what we are here for.  Let me know if you have questions or need details on how to sell your Seattle houseboat.  courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Are Houseboats Drifting Away?

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2143 North Northlake Way #18

2143 North Northlake Way

Are Seattle Houseboats Drifting Away?

I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Seattle houseboats in the news lately.  And if you receive your news from just one source, it might sound like Seattle houseboats are drifting away.

So what’s really going on? What is the dispute over?  One could argue it’s really about should private people be taking over public space.

In broad terms, the dispute is about freeing up the shorelines on parts of Lake Union.  According to the state law, water dependent (vs water oriented) businesses and industries, shoreline restoration and public access are all given priority.  With this in mind, some city council members say shorelines should be preserved for recreational and water-dependent uses (aka not houseboats).  Yet other city committee representatives say they want to protect the Seattle lifestyle of houseboats.  Yep, definitely confusing.  But one thing is crystal clear:  current houseboat owners and liveaboards say they’re tired of battling for their chosen lifestyle, investment, and freedom to live and just want to be left alone after years of this with the city.

Big agencies like The Planning Land Use and Sustainability Committee, State Department of Ecology, Coast Guard, and Lake Union Liveaboard Association are all trying to come to an agreement about what defines a houseboat.  The due date of January 14th is fast approaching to make this distinction and it’s complex to say the least.  By current standards, a houseboat is treated as a water oriented vessel.  Most should have propulsion, safety equipment, steering and navigational lights, and all already have a black water holding tank, also title and registration. One must beg the question: How is this standard different than say a sailboat, yacht or ferry which are all legal and not up for debate.

Some LULU members (Lake Union Liveaboard Association) remind city officials that houseboats have been around Seattle waters even before it was a city.  Naturally, anger and resentment have come to an all time high for the liveaboards, houseboat builders, marina owners, local vendors and businesses.

I want to be clear there is a difference between houseboats and floating homes in Seattle.  The 500 floating homes in Lake Union and Portage Bay are completely void of these litigation’s.  Floating homes, unlike houseboats, are floating structures usually consisting of logs or concrete which are connected to city water/sewer and are considered “real property” and remain in place by a very heavy moorage arm and do not move from their location.

I understand with the growing population and the fascination of such an intriguing lifestyle, the state/city would want certain regulations intact.  There are essentially two arguments going on simultaneously:  preserving the shoreline for recreational and “water-dependent” use and the defining a houseboat.  The houseboat community is no stranger to reinforcing their lifestyle to the city.  These are folks who care deeply about their lake and go to great lengths to pacify others in order to remain there.  This will not change and it will not change without a fight.

If you’d like more information about houseboats or floating homes please feel free to contact me via email at molly@cooperjacobs.com

 

 

 

Seattle Floating Homes: Why You Need The Security Of OWNED Moorage Vs. A Rented Slip

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Why You Need The Security Of OWNED Moorage Vs. A Rented Slip

Don’t buy a floating home in a rented slip when there are Seattle floating homes for sale with the security of an owned slip!!!  Why on Earth would you want your investment to not be secure?  The city of Seattle has been dwindling down the Seattle floating community for a hundred years with regular new ordinances and it is more important now than ever to make sure that you are purchasing a floating home that is either on a fee simple dock, a condominium dock, or a co-op dock.  Leased slips are not secure and when you go to sell it, you will have trouble finding buyers who can obtain financing.  The few lenders who lend on Seattle floating homes don’t like to do it on leased docks unless there is a long term lease in place.  
 
Can the seller obtain owned moorage from their landlord?  Ask them!  
 

Here is an example of a Seattle floating home for sale that is in its secure OWNED slip: (UPDATE: THIS SEATTLE HOUSEBOAT IS NOT FOR SALE ANYMORE)

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!  If you are looking for Amazon Housing or other Housing near South Lake Union, then this is a GREAT Choice!

2764 Westlake Ave N Houseboat # D

seattle floating homesOffered at just $255,000

  •   (Co-op owned moorage is a very secure way to own the land that your  is in) Owned Lake Union Moorage Seattle floating home
  • 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 accomodate a full laundry suite
  • ridiculously large entertaining kitchen
  • Very friendly dock from my experiences there
  • Westlake Cove is quite protected from rougher waters in parts of Lake Union

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!  It is the most affordable Seattle floating home on the market with owned moorage.

Seattle Houseboats Market: Lake Union End Of The Dock Houseboat For Sale

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Seattle houseboats

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.

$199,000

This is a great end of the dock front row Seattle houseboat – 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

Seattle Houseboats Brokers at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate™

Email:  molly@cooperjacobs.com or courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Call or Text: 206-841-6800/206.850.8841  for more info or your own private showing of this or other Seattle houseboats

Seattle Afloat ®

seattle houseboats

Lake Union: Seattle Houseboat For Sale –

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Looking at Seattle houseboats for sale?   Okay, so it’s technically a Seattle house barge.  What’s the difference you ask?

Seattle houseboatsThere are three types of floating methods of living on Lake Union Afloat in Seattle™:  Seattle House Barges, Seattle HouseBoats, and Seattle Floating Homes.  I get asked “what’s the difference with all these Seattle houseboats?” all the time.  And there is a big difference!  But because the NWMLS only has one option for us to input the type of structure, they’re all bundled under style 24 “houseboat”.

A Seattle House Barge was constructed as a home that floats and is moveable but has no motor or sales tax.  I say “was” constructed because there are only 34 registered or grandfathered house barges in Seattle.  This is unlike a HouseBoat…which has a motor and is constructed as a vessel and are still being built to this day.  And since it’s a vessel, you will be paying sales tax because it’s considered personal property, not “real” property.

 This handsome Seattle housebarge sits proudly in a very active Westlake Marina slip.   It’s #7 of 34 registered housebarges in Seattle King County.

Seattle houseboats The 600 square foot barge has recently been hauled out for a complete and successful survey.  You’ll enjoy one nice size bedroom, a clean as a whistle .75 bath (shower, no tub), take the spiral staircase to the top story just full of possibilities and the views are worth a million bucks!
Lake Union AfloatNew paint inside and out, new flooring and carpet, tankless water heater and a sturdy double pontoon fiberglass over plywood hull.

This Seattle houseboat is special – please call us for a private showing.

Seattle Afloat ®

Seattle Floating Homes Market Update – End of August 2011

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Seattle Floating Homes Market Update – End of August 2011 (Is that possible????)seattle houseboats

Here we are 8/31/2011.  Summer is pretty much over although it finally feels like we are getting some warmer weather here and there.  Seattle houseboats are still well into their prime season and the choices afloat on Lake Union are vast.  If you are interested in buying a Seattle houseboat, now is a great time to look.  I actually haven’t seen so many choices in the last few years at one time – and they are in all price ranges.

Current offerings range from $219,950 for a little guy on Boyer Ave E to $1,395,000 for one of the Roanoke Reef houseboats.  There are 16 Seattle floating homes on the market right now with a median price of $650,000.  You can find these Seattle houseboats on Lake Union docks in Eastlake, Westlake, and Portage Bay.  There are leased and owned moorage options.  Let us know if you are curious about what might be the best fit for you.

Seattle Floating Homes Sales Numbers August 2011 – How is the houseboat market?

There have been 4 Seattle floating homes that have closed in the last 30 days on the NWMLS. These sold housbeoats range in price from $355,000 for a Westlake Cove houseboat to $2,885,000 for a modern beauty on the Fairview Landings dock with a median price of $632,500.  The average days on market for them is 212 days and the sales price to list price percentage is 88.01%.

Here are some details of these sold Seattle floating homes:  The average sales price to list price % on these is 88.01%

  • 2764 Westlake Ave N #C Listed and Sold by Cooper Jacobs Real Estate listed for $399,000/ sold for $355,000 (SP/LP:  88.97% – exceeds average)
  • 2019 Fairview Ave E #R  Listed for 625,000/sold for $575,000 with 13 days on market (seems like a motivated seller)(SP/LP:  92% – exceeds average)
  • 2031 Fairview Ave E #B  Listed for $789,000/sold for $690,000 (SP/LP:  87.45% – below average)
  • 2369 Fairview Ave E #6 Listed for $3,800,ooo originally, dropped to $3,450,000, sold for $2,885,000 (LOWEST SP/LP:  83.62% – below average)
Cooper Jacobs has one of the highest sales price to list price % on these closed Seattle floating homes sales – please call if you need a market analysis of your floating home:  Courtney Cooper  206-850-8841  or email courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Gas Works Park Marina On Lake Union

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Gas Works Park Marina On Lake Union

Gorgeous Day in Seattle for water lovers on Lake Union.  Gas Works Marina is sweet spot on North Lake Union for Seattle houseboats.  Courtney and I looked at an adorable housebarge today on this sunny Seattle day.  With less than 35 housebarges available on Lake Union, this is a score!  Here is a great shot of Gas Works Park Marina lines with adorable houseboats. 

Gas Works Park Marina

Current Seattle Floating Homes Market – What is Happening Out There?

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Besides rain, snow, and dull darkness?  A touch of sun here and a glimpse of blue sky there. The current Seattle houseboats market is stirring up as we trudge through Winter and many are starting to think about getting their floating homes and houseboats ready for the Spring 2011 market.

So, Current Seattle Houseboats Market – What is Happening Out There with floating homes on Lake Union and in Portage Bay?

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It is hard to weed through the actual Seattle floating homes in the NWMLS right now.  The code for them is 24-Houseboats, but that code is also used for houseboats that are vessels and more recently has been used for Lake Union moorage sites at Ward’s Cove.  In addition, there is a land home also mixed in with the houseboats because it is at the head of the dock… This can all be confusing for the consumer, so I have gone through and weeded through all the houseboat listings and pulled the Seattle floating homes from them.

There are only 6  Seattle floating homes for sale right now – 3 in Westlake, 3 in Eastlake, and no Portage Bay floating homes.  If your houseboat is on the market, then that is good news for you because competition is low.   Interested buyers in floating homes have increased in the last two weeks noticeably for us. This is getting the current Seattle houseboats for sale a lot more attention than in the previous holiday months.

Westlake houseboats for sale – There are three Seattle houseboats for sale in Westlake Cove right now.  They range in price from $299,000 to $850,000.  Westlake Cove is near the Fremont Bridge and on the Lake Union Loop with very easy parking and quick access Downtown – a perfect spot for Amazon employees or anyone coming to work at The Gates Foundation.

Eastlake Houseboats for sale – Also on the Lake Union Loop, there are also three Seattle houseboats for sale in Eastlake.  These range in price from $495,000 for a Seattle floating home on a leased dock to $3,450,000 for a contemporary wonder on the Fairview Landings dock.

Summary Seattle Houseboats data on actives– Seattle floating homes for sale range from $299,000 to $3,450,000 with an average of $1,020,494 and median list price of $562,475.

Pending Sales – There is one floating home on one of the Sleepless In Seattle docks that is pending at $975,000.

Last 30 days of escrow closings – Winter has been slow.  Over at Lee’s Mooring – 933 N Northlake Way Houseboat #14 closed on 1/12/2011.  It was listed for $799,950 and on the market for 249 days.  It sold for 90.88% of its list price with a final sales price of $727,000.

What’s Next?

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If you are a Seattle houseboat buyer, come out and see the inventory.  If you have seen them before, come see them again.  Sellers are willing to negotiate and your best opportunity is now before the market heats up.

If you are a Seattle houseboat seller, the inventory is low and that means competition is low. There are less buyers, but you can be sure to get in front of them.  As Spring approaches, think about what improvements or sprucing up you can do to get your houseboat ready for the market.

Call or email me if you want to see anything or need a check list:) 206-850-8841/courtney@seattleafloat.com

Seattle Houseboats For Sale – Current Real Estate Market on Lake Union

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Seattle Houseboats For Sale – Current Real Estate Market on Lake Union

The Seattle houseboats market has tightened up with only 10 Seattle floating homes on the market right now.   Floating homes on the market range form $299,000 to $3,800,000 with a median price of $612,475.

Current Seattle floating homes on the market include two with leased dock moorage – this is non owned moorage and the least secure.  There are good opportunities with owned moorage docks, so I would definitely check those first as the more secure investment.  Costs actually tend to be better as well in most cases which is a common misunderstanding.

Three of the best Seattle floating homes value and quality wise currently for sale which also happen to be on owned moorage docks:

2 Bedroom Seattle Houseboat in Eastlake:  

2321 Fairview Ave E:  Lake Union moorage for boat alongside floating home, 2 bedrooms, loft, ability to go up with remodel and added flotation, loft, wood floors, gas fireplace, roof top deck, more  – This is a beautiful Eastlake Seattle houseboat! $595,000

$299k For A Seattle Floating Home!

2764 Westlake Ave N:  Historic Seattle houseboat with sleeping loft and cozy wood burning fireplace plus claw foot tub – very cool get away and an ideal in city condo alternative – located in Westlake at the base of Queen Anne on Lake Union  – close to Amazon and Gates Foundation, and still walkable to Fremont!  $299,000

2 Bedroom Westlake Floating Home

2764 Westlake Ave N:  2 bedroom fun and funky Seattle houseboat on wide channel with huge deck!  Right on the Lake Union Loop and a perfect place to snuggle in for the winter and call home! $399,000

For additional details or help with Seattle houseboat financing:  Courtney@SeattleAfloat.com

Seattle Houseboats For Sale Right Now Have Great Range In Price Points

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Seattle Houseboats For Sale Right Now Have Great Range In Price Points – There really is something out there for everyone, but what makes them so different in price?

There are currently 13 Active Seattle Houseboats for sale right now in the MLS. Lots of good choices and most of them boast owned Lake Union moorage for their slips whether it be fee simple as in Roanoke Reef, condominium moorage or cooperative moorage. Only 2 of the 13 are on leased moorage – this means they do not own the slip their homes are in, but rather rent it from the owner.

Priced in Seattle floating homes range greatly right now from $325,000 for a charming Seattle houseboat in Westlake to more than ten times that price at $3,800,000 for a high end newer custom beauty on the Eastlake side.

Variables in Seattle houseboats can range from type of houseboat moorage (owned or leased) to size and style of construction or even bells and whistles as every floating home is different.

Here is a good list to consider when wondering how a Seattle houseboat is priced:

  • Type of moorage for the houseboat slip itself (leased or owned)
  • If owned, what type (condo, fee simple, co-op, or combo)
  • The strength of the dock members itself (some docks are going to be better than others in terms of finances , maintenance, and cohesiveness of dock members overall.
  • moorage for a boat – if so how big of a slip?
  • Parking?
  • Dues/taxes
  • age/maintenance/upkeep of floating home itself
  • roof top?
  • square footage?
  • gas on dock?
  • views?
  • pet policy?
  • nearby amenities
  • is there a DNR lease?
  • outdoor spaces and connectivity to water
  • channel views between docks
  • type of construction/type of float
  • security

There are of course other factors as each individual has different preferences.  It is just difficult to give Seattle floating homes an overall dollar per square foot estimate as each one is so different.  You can only compare them to recent sales to get numbers.

For instance, we recently sold a beautiful Portage Bay floating home at 1214 E Hamlin #3 for $645,000.  It is a one bedroom with roughly 800 square feet.  This makes the two bedroom  2321 Fairview #3 a complete bargain at it’s listed asking price of $595,000.  You can also find amazing prices on the Westlake Floating homes near Fremont – with easy walk to tons of life in Fremont, Queen Anne, or Downtown, not to mention of course South Lake Union.  Call if you want to check them out 206-850-8841

Seattle Floating Homes Houseboat Market Wrap Up

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Seattle Floating Homes Houseboat Market Wrap Up –

A lot can happen in a week or two!  The Seattle housbeoat market seems to be heating up a bit –

Recent Seattle Houseboats moving from Active status in the MLS –

Charles Buell During A Seattle Floating Homes Inspection

Pending Properties range from a Portage Bay Houseboat on Hamlin Street listed for $645,000 to a beautiful end of dock Eastlake Seattle floating home with huge sweeping views of the city priced at $2,250,000.  In between there are two other pending sales in both Westlake and Portage Bay.  The median price of these Seattle Houseboats for sale in the MLS is $845,000.  In addition to these pending houseboats, there is one that has sold and closed in the last month.  2031 Fairview Ave E #E was listed at $749,000 and sold for $676,500 in 62 days on market which is much lower than the current average days on market of 143 days.

Seattle Houseboats for Sale in the MLS right now –

Lots to choose from in EVERY price range and style.  Current offerings range from $325,000 for a 100 year old historical beauty to $3,800,000 for a newer concrete floating architectural wonder complete with underwater porthole windows.  Although there is a big range, the median list price of the current offerings is at $622,475.  You can find Seattle floating homes for sale right now in Westlake, University District, Northlake, Eastlake, and Portage Bay – both owned and leased dock moorage is attached to various properties so make sure and get the details about each type.

Want to see more info on what is out there including listing photos and virtual tours?

A view across to Eastlake Houseboats from the Sleepless in Seattle Dock

Here are some useful links, but make sure and call me if you want to see something or just have questions.  You can also text or email me if that is easier.  (courtney@SeattleAfloat.com / 206-850-8841)

Seattle Houseboats for Sale (all current listings no matter who lists them)

2321 Fairview Ave E – Really great 2 bedroom with loft and rooftop deck available right now $595,000

Eastlake Houseboat – check out this state of the art modern houseboat featured in upcoming issue of Coastal Living

Historical Houseboat For Sale – $325,000  – and amazing buy and the most affordable Seattle floating home on the market in some time.

Almost Sleepless in Seattle Houseboat – often mistaken for the movie icon, this Seattle houseboat is a great buy!

Some fun sites with Seattle Houseboat Docks Pictures –

2369 Fairview (Fairview Landing)   Roanoke Reef Houseboats Mallard Cove Houseboats (2600 Fairview)

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