Seattle Houseboats 2020 Top Questions Answered

Aside From Our Listing Inquiries, These Are The Top Questions About Seattle Houseboats From 2020

We kept track this year and aside from appointments and questions about the incredible Seattle floating home listings and sales we had this year, these are the top other Seattle houseboats questions we received from online inquiries.

What is the difference between a houseboat and a floating home?

My original explanation is that “houseboats” is the umbrella term which covers floating homes, liveaboard vessels, and barges (and now FOWRs). I still argue that this is historically correct because even the Seattle Floating Homes Association has called our floating home tour a Houseboat Tour in days gone by.

***Small disclaimer.  I live on a floating home.*** 

Some of the historical Lake Union buffs and “old timers” like me still call “floating homes” “houseboats” from time to time.  I personally consider them interchangeable, except that the modern definition of a houseboat and a floating home are two different things now. Both get to enjoy the lake lifestyle, though….

Enter The FOWR System

The city came up with a plaque system and now we have and official category: Floating On Water Residence (FOWR). So I am still personally arguing that houseboats is the umbrella term which covers everyone on the lake including floating homes, FOWRs, and barges.   I am usually outvoted by most on this point, but I will probably always call my floating home a houseboat regardless.  In any case, most are correct. An actual houseboat by today’s standards in Seattle is a FOWR and I live in a floating home. The simplest explanation is that a houseboat is more “boaty”.  It is built on a hull and  has boat systems in place for water and waste in most cases. There are some incredible houseboat options lately that are actually connected to the sewer, too.  A floating home is built on a floating foundation, is mostly permanently moored and always connected to the city’s sewer, water, and electrical.  My apologies. If I have confused you, call me and I will try and explain again. 

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

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:

Let us tour you through this beautiful floating home! We are Seattle Floating homes experts and here to be your absolute advocates when it comes to houseboats living. We can help you from start to finish and beyond and welcome you to our beloved neighborhood. Have questions? 206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats Living: Floating Home Just Listed

Incredible community in Seattle! Small neighborhood feel while living in the middle of the city. Natural setting and the sounds of water offer the perfect city life.

Seattle houseboats living at its best in this cool Eastlake Floating home!

Have you thought about life in Seattle on a houseboat or floating home? Seattle houseboats living afloat is fabulous and here is a great floating home available now! Best panoramic views of Lake Union and beyond from your expansive rooftop deck on this super cool Seattle floating home in sought after Eastlake. Beautiful floating Seattle oasis with owner’s suite includes gorgeous bath and its own private southwest facing deck to admire the lake activity. One more bedroom or office on this level. Travel upstairs and capture incredible natural light and open concept with living room, dining room, eat in kitchen and half bath. Innotech tilt & turn windows are also special finds on floating homes.

Everyone who dreams of Seattle Houseboats Living, wants a great outdoor space, so we especially love the deck conveniently off this level for grilling up dinner. Then there is the rooftop deck! Seattle floating homes with rooftop decks are always on wish lists, but to find one so large is truly your own private “backyard”.

This is a great dock filled with awesome floating home and land neighbors and in a wonderful location. Living on a Seattle floating home is an absolute great way to enjoy all that the city has to offer while being in your own private water world with nature. It really makes the outside world melt away and is also great for easy access to water sports! $1,600,000

Details of this Seattle Floating Home

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 1.5 baths
  • 1155 Square feet
  • $550/month dues cover water, sewer, garbage, taxes on submerged parcel
  • roof top deck
  • co-op dock so you own a share in the dock to secure your slip ownership.
  • Full Listing and to schedule and appt.

Let us tour you through this beautiful floating home! houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Floating Homes – Luxury Details In This New Build

What a gorgeous day! We always say that this is the kind of weather that was made to show off Seattle houseboats! This luxury new construction floating home build is no exception to that. This is the last floating home available in the Stillwater Landing development. It is that one that was held back because the design was so incredible. It is also the last basement allowed in Seattle floating homes per current city rules. This luxury lake home is incredible!!! Three levels of living space with high ceilings, luxury finish work, and radiant warm floors. It has boat moorage and garage parking – complete with electrical to install a car charger if you want. It really has it all… and you own your own moorage. $2,950,000

This is a once in a lifetime buy as the city has a net zero policy on these and no more new Seattle floating homes will be allowed to add to the number that we have on the lake already. In addition, no additional basements will be permitted according to the code. It’s also rare to get a garage parking space and be in this incredible corner of Portage Bay.

We would be happy to show you this property. We have lender, inspector, appraiser, and insurance referrals for these special waterfront properties and we are happy to walk you through each step. We look forward to showing you this floating home or others and are your absolute advocates for Lake Union homes and waterfront living. We are here to help and your absolute Seattle Houseboats Experts.

Seattle Houseboats: Floating Homes Market Report

Seattle Afloat’s Courtney sold three of the FOUR floating homes in the two months.

We are deep into the 2019 holiday season now and we are so thankful for the fabulous year that we have had. We love this community so much and appreciate that you think of us first when it comes to buying or selling your Seattle floating home. We look forward to 2020 and serving the Seattle floating homes community well into the future.

Let’s catch up on the Seattle floating homes market over the last couple of months! There are five floating homes for sale in Seattle currently. They range in price from $550,000 for a two bedroom with a long term lease in Portage Bay to $3,200,000 for a brand new construction luxury floating home with a basement in Portage Bay. Three of these Seattle floating homes are in Portage Bay, one is in Fremont, and one is in Eastlake. The average list price is $1,710,000 and the average dollar per square foot is $1061.82 with a range from $672.37 to $1,315.79.

Looking at closed sales in the last sixty days, there have been four Seattle floating homes for sale that have sold through the MLS that range in price from $500,000 to $2,700,000 with a median sales price of $882,500 and an average days on market of 54 days. Three of these were in Portage Bay and one was in Westlake. The average sales price to list price for these floating homes was 95.67%. We sold three out of four of these! We definitely know the market and are happy to help you if you want an evaluation. We have specialized in Seattle Houseboats for over a decade and can offer you a wealth of experience and knowledge. Living in, working in, and giving back to this community is what we do. We also can help you with a FOWR Seattle houseboat purchase for the many Seattle houseboats that are not floating homes. Reach out so you can learn about this special segment of the Seattle houseboats lake market, too. There’s lots of real estate on the lake in Seattle and we are here to help you with all of it.

Want more information? We at Seattle Afloat are Seattle Houseboats Experts and the only team working on the lake today that has been successfully representing clients together for almost two decades. Regarding any statistical info from the NWMLS: Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Courtney 206-850-8841

seattle floating homes

Last Seattle Floating Home Slip available at Stillwater Landing!

seattle floating homesStillwater Landing in Lake Union’s Portage Bay

The last of the 3 Seattle Floating home slips available at Stillwater Landing.  All permits are issued and this is ready to build.  On beautiful Portage Bay, this home site includes 1 car designated parking in a newly constructed garage with a 50 amp car charger outlet and a 24’ designated boat moorage slip along a newly built finger pier adjacent to the home.

The upper floor living area offers outstanding views of the Montlake Cut, Seattle Yacht Club, UW, and all the water and mountain views of Portage Bay.  Plenty of open water and distance between each home.  A truly exceptional architectural plan with 3 floors and approx. 2,600 sq ft of living space.

Reach out and let us know if you are interested in this rare opportunity.  Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841  stillwater@cooperjacobs.com 

Just Listed in Eastlake!

Seattle Houseboats : Eastlake Just Listed!

On the southern most Seattle floating homes dock in Eastlake, you will find this beauty! It is officially a two bedroom, but we are calling it a one PLUS bedroom because it offers flexibility in living on Lake Union – two bedrooms, one bedroom with office/playroom/den, or combine the two for a large master suite. Your choice, but lots of options on pretty much one of the best run coop dock on the lake, The Log Foundation.

  • 1 + Bedroom
  • 1 Bath
  • Dues are only $345/month
  • Owned co-op moorage for your home

I love the story of this particular home.  It was hauled in and completely refurbished and is just gorgeous and charming on the inside.  It has always been one of my favorites and offers easy living with close location to Amazon and other South Lake Union places, plus Downtown.  Eastlake is a great neighborhood and the water lifestyle is like no other. Rarely can you step into the Seattle houseboats lifestyle at this price.

A turn key opportunity to start living on the lake in our beautiful city! This sweet floating home in Eastlake exemplifies tiny living to the maximum. Toasty radiant bamboo flooring leads you to a large living room with french doors out to your wrap around deck. Two bedrooms now or make into one custom larger suite. Newly remodeled bathroom to soak in the tub after a session on the lake with your SUP or perhaps a jog around Lake Union. A lifestyle you won’t want to pass up!

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 for sale

Seattle Houseboats For Sale: Floating Homes Update

Seattle Houseboats – Seattle Floating Homes With Owned Moorage Only Update

Seattle floating homes in EastlakeCurrent Seattle floating homes for sale with owned moorage range in price from $1,800,000 for two floating homes listed – one in Westlake and one in Portage Bay to $2,685,000 just listed in Eastlake.  The average days on market for these five Seattle floating homes is 14 days with a range of cumulative days on market of 1 day for Roanoke Reef to just 21 days.

Price range of these Seattle houseboats:  $1,800,000 – $2,685,000

Average Days on Market for the 5: 14 days

Lake Union Floating homes neighborhoods available:  Eastlake, Westlake, Portage Bayseattle houseboats

Average Dollar Per Sq Foot:  $1454.04  with a range of $1200/sq ft for our gorgeous Westlake floating home listing to $1757.81 for a floating home in Portage Bay.

Why owned moorage?

Owning your moorage for your houseboat has always been a key component of value and security.  Seattle floating homes with owned moorage are more valuable and also a more secure form of ownership so the above numbers are all in reference to floating homes with secure slips – whether on a condo or a co-op organized dock.

portage bay floating homes

Our favorite Seattle floating homes:

We are partial because three of the five of the above Seattle floating homes for sale are represented by us, but they are in fact fabulous so I will talk about them as our favorites anyway. In addition, we have two really great slips in Portage Bay for sale for $950,000 ready for you to build your dream home – dream new construction floating home that is! We have a cool one for sale in each Lake Union neighborhood!

Westlake:  2420 Westlake Ave N #13  – deep water moorage for a 32 foot boat here! This is a 2 bedroom 1.75 bath 1500 square foot floating home with big views and excellent Seattle waterfront living. $1,800,000

Eastlake:  2339 Fairview Ave E #O  – tie your boat up here, too!  Coveted and hard to find three bedroom floating home on well managed Tenas Chuck dock.  Three bedroom, 1.5 baths 1350 square feet, Beautiful views including sought after Space Needle, and more – second from the end of the dock! $2,250,000seattle afloat

Portage Bay:  3146 Portage Bay Pl E #J – New construction and condo ownership with parking! Three bedroom floating home with 2.5 baths. Come experience the peaceful serenity of life on Lake Union’s eastern most boundary, Portage Bay which was featured as the geographic location of choice on the recent 2016 Seattle Floating Homes Association Tour.  $1,998,000

Please let us know if you have questions or are curious about how much your Seattle floating home is worth.  We are happy to help you buy or sell your home.

Call/Text Courtney Cooper for more info /206-850-8841 houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

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 

Just Listed: 3146 Portage Bay Place E #J Seattle, WA 98102

Portage Bay Placeportage bay floating homes

Welcome home to  the condominium owned dock at Portage Bay Place –  3146 Portage Bay Pl E #J is a beautiful new construction Seattle floating home on a condo owned dock.  Seattle Houseboats Living on Lake Union’s Portage Bay. Portage Bay is Lake Union’s east arm and connects Lake Union to Lake Washington’s Union Bay. It’s an interesting location because it offers both a peaceful setting and also a  great spot to watch the boat parade on their way back and forth between the two lakes.  Seaplanes take off here, too!

Check the things off your list:

  1. 3 bedroomsportage bay floating homes
  2. 2.5 baths
  3. almost 1600 square feet
  4. roof top deck
  5. parking
  6. condo dock

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.

houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle houseboats with views of Lake Union

Seattle Floating Homes Market Heading Into 4th Quarter 2015

Seattle Houseboats in 2015 have been busy!

Seattle houseboats with views of Lake Union

As of today, 19 Seattle Houseboats (Lake Union floating homes and housebarges only)have closed in escrow through the MLS.  There have been many more off market closings on top of that number, but to give you an idea of the increased action on Lake Union, consider this:  Last year in all of 2014 in the NWMLS 19 Seattle Floating homes and house barges closed. The entire year.  You can see the detail here: Seattle Houseboats sales 2014 When looking at the MLS at this time last year, there were 11 Seattle floating homes and house barges that had closed. Add to that the fact that there are five Seattle floating homes pending in escrow in the MLS right now and 2015 promises to be a record setting year!

So here is what it looks like on the Seattle houseboats market right now:

There are 2 Seattle floating homes for sale that are marked Active in the MLS – priced between $750,000 and $1,495,000 – both of these Seattle houseboats for sale are Eastlake homes as opposed to Westlake or Portage Bay (BTW – there are also Seattle houseboats for rent currently, too, if you want to just try it out). As mentioned above, there are 5 Seattle floating homes that are pending – ranging in price from $179,000 to $1,150,000. Looking at the last 60 days of closed sales for floating homes, there are three:

seattle houseboats experts2420 Westlake Ave N #7 sold for $875,000 on 8/18/2015

2017 Fairview Ave E #K sold for $959,000 on 9/9/2015

2821 Fairview Ave E #9 sold for $3,000,000 on 8/26/2015

You can see additional details on the above info here: Seattle houseboats market.

A quick note on that last sale above. 2821 Fairview Ave E is Wards Cove and this was our first resale from the Seattle floating homes new construction development in Eastlake. Obviously it was well received on the Seattle real estate market because it sold for 103.63% of its list price!  You can see the full listing sheets for these sold Seattle houseboats here: Seattle houseboats SOLD and then details for all of 2015 Sold Seattle floating homes and housebarges here: 2015 Seattle houseboats sales

We look forward to seeing how the year ends in floating homes and housebarge sales in Seattle – please let us know if you need any information at all or are curious about the value of your floating home.  houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

SeattleAfloat® Enjoy Life Afloat On Lake Union – Your Authority On Seattle Houseboat Living 

colorful Seattle houseboats

A Little “Dirt” On Seattle Houseboats History You May Not Know

Seattle houseboats

Colorful Seattle Houseboats History on The Log Foundation docks of Eastlake in 2014. Image courtesy of Cooper Jacobs Real Estate.

Seattle Houseboats History Has A “Colorful” Background & Entrepreneurial Spirit Transcends Time…

To look at all the colorful and cheery Lake Union floating homes today is to never know how truly Seattle houseboats history is. Seattle floating homes are a living and evolving part of Seattle’s history.  From their humble beginnings over a hundred years ago as floating shanties compiled of pillaged lumber, it is amazing to see that some sell for over $3 Million dollars in today’s real estate market.

Seattle houseboats were originally built in two different ways.  Either the worker would utilize his commuting work boat and build living quarters above it, or they would gather “loose” logs and raft them together to build a completely free floating structure.  It was an inexpensive way of living and was tax free on top of it.

Madison Park Seattle houseboats

Map of Seattle houseboats along shores of Madison Park. Image Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives Item #944

At the peak, the Seattle floating homes community was as large as two thousand houseboats lining the shores of the city in various locations which even included Madison Park in Lake Washington.  The residents of the surrounding Seattle neighborhoods reportedly snubbed them and looked down at this way of life.  They apparently felt that it was beneath their standards and so began the struggle of Seattle houseboats to Stay Afloat In Seattle™.  Today there are around 500 Seattle floating homes and probably another two or three hundred liveaboards that are officially newly categorized as Seattle Floating On-Water Residences (final count once all have registered themselves in the latest legislation). The latest Seattle floating home dock was a new construction floating home development called Ward’s Cove.  Very specific requirements need to be in place in order to develop new construction Seattle floating homes, so it is next to impossible to do so.

If The City Historically Wanted Them Gone, Why Did They Allow Docks To Begin With?

Denny Hill View

Here is a view towards Downtown from the South slope of Denny Hill in 1886 (photo courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives Item # 2869)

The short answer is The University of Washington. Wait.  What? The long answer is that Seattle has a very long history of making some incredibly hairbrained decisions as far as infrastructure goes. A perfect example (and my apologies for going off subject here for a minute, but….) The Denny Regrade: The hill is too big?  Scrape it into the Puget Sound. In 1900, the city decided to basically eliminate a whole hill which covered 62 city blocks.  Denny Hill was a significantly beautiful hill in Seattle.  It had a gorgeous crowned jewel of a hotel atop it that was so grand that even President Theodore Roosevelt stayed there! It had an old cemetery and a beautiful park on it with expansivel views in all directions.  In all, they removed a reported six million cubic yards of earth.

Connecting the dots:  What does this all have to do with Seattle houseboats and The University of Washington? Let’s go backwards.  The modern day campus of The University of Washington was largely laid out and shaped by The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909.   In 1907 the city of Seattle platted and sold the submerged “parcels” in Lake Union to the adjacent waterfront property land owners.  This enabled docks to be built and Seattle houseboats to be moored to them.  According to The Lake Union Mail on an article about Submerged Parcels Park on the Cheshiahud Loop, “The “Lake Union Shore Lands” were created in 1907 as a funding mechanism for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (S.B. #101). Water extending from shore approximately one block (roughly 400 feet) was platted as buildable land, then sold. These parcels didn’t sink, they started sunk. And they were considered valuable.” Now you know how a World’s Fair, Denny Hill, The University of Washington, and Seattle Houseboats are related.

Seattle houseboats booze hatch

While replacing the carpet for one of our Seattle historic houseboat listings in 2010, we found an old booze hatch left over from Prohibition days. Image Courtesy of Courtney Cooper.

More Shady Past on The Lake: Life Afloat In Seattle℠: You Want To Stay Dry, Except When It Comes To Your Drink…..

Creativity has always been a strong characteristic of the Seattle floating homes community.  This was never so true as during the prohibition era. According to the 1996 article by Sharon Boswell in The Seattle Times, “But for those who couldn’t afford the pleasures of Doc’s or one of the hundreds of other boozy night spots and music clubs along Jackson Street, in Belltown or even on Lake Union houseboats, there was always a bottle of locally produced bootleg available to consume in the privacy of home.”  If floating homes seem like an unlikely place to get your alcohol fix then consider that In his highly acclaimed book, “Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats”, Howard Droker tells the story of a very enterprising entrepreneur who along with the cedar bark he sold off his boat, also sold smuggled Canadian liquor.

It’s absolutely true.  If you take a peek under carpets of older floating homes you will see the leftover evidence of the Prohibition era and how crafty houseboaters were able to not stay dry.  Many of them have hidden trap doors under the floor that were used for storing alcohol.  At one point in time there were regular “rum run” routes such as the one Droker writes about which would make their rounds delivering to Lake Union floating homes. These booze hatches were ingenious and stored between the floating logs with a wire cage so that the waters of the lake itself could keep the liquor cold and well hidden.  According to HistoryLink.org, The Seattle Times noted at one point that in regard to those wild times, “Some of the stories behind the houseboat population are as colorful as anything that ever came out of Seattle’s history, but respect for another’s privacy and past is an unspoken code on the lake.”

Seattle houseboats for sale in Eastlake

This historic Seattle houseboat was once used as a floating dance hall. It is for sale today for $697,000. Listed by Cooper Jacobs Real Estate. 

Seattle Houseboats Are Still Afloat & Strong Today

Go experience their magic – Take a kayak tour through Lake Union and Portage Bay where you will find what is left of the Seattle floating homes community.  Take a walk around Lake Union on the Cheshiahud Loop. Lake Union is the very heart of the city. Try and imagine the colorful past as you look at the beauty and creativeness which is so abundant today.  This is a living and breathing Seattle neighborhood, but also a significant part of Northwest history.  It is as vibrant as the wonderful people who live in it.  I am so thankful to have known so many of them and appreciate how they have enriched my life so far.  Please also take a minute and donate to the Seattle Floating Homes Association if you can.

Want more information on Seattle houseboats?

seattle houseboats expertsWe are happy to help!  Please call Courtney.  We are Seattle Houseboats Experts ℠, and have been Seattle Realtors specializing in floating homes and waterfront for many years. We look forward to helping you find your piece of Lake Union.

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841
We can immediately answer your questions or email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com
Seattle Afloat ® We want to help you live your life Afloat In Seattle Cooper Jacobs Real Estate
Seattle houseboats office view out to Lake Union

August 2015 Seattle Floating Homes Realtors Market Update

Seattle Afloat®The Seattle Houseboats Market Is Floating Despite Reports On Low Lake Union Levels…Seattle floating home for sale in Eastlake


Here we are in the final days of August 2015 already and the Seattle houseboats market has been incredibly surprising and action packed so far this year!  Multiple reports on the risk associated with historically low Lake Union levels and still we are Afloat in Seattle™! As of this AM, in the last 30 days there have been 5 SOLD Seattle floating homes that have closed in escrow through the NWMLS. These are not the “For Sale By Owner” Seattle houseboats and these are just the Seattle floating homes – not the other types of Seattle houseboats like floating on water residences, etc. Just floating homes. Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has  Seattle Realtors that specialize in Seattle houseboats and Seattle waterfront homes. (Seattle houseboats experts we were involved in two of the last five sales below.)

  • 2818 Boyer Ave E #2 in Portage Bay is a 1 bedroom, .75 bath 600 square foot Seattle floating home.  It was built in 1930. It was listed for $395,000 and after 5 days on the market sold on 7/21/15 for $410,000 (103.80% of sales price to list price). $683.33/sq ft
  • 2031 Fairview Ave E #N in Eastlake is a 885 square foot 1 bedroom and 1 bath home built in 1925. It was orignially listed for $510,000 and dropped its price to $499,000.  After 90 days on market, it sold for $465,000 (93.19% sales price to list price). $525.42 square foot seattle houseboats experts
  • 2420 Westlake Ave #7 * in Westlake is a 1065 square foot 2 bedrom and 1.5 bath floating home that we listed.  It was built in 1929, but completely redone and sold for $875,000 after 103 days on market (97.44 % sales price to list price) 821.60 a square foot  *Cooper Jacobs Real Estate represented the Seller
  • 1214 Hamlin Ave St #9 in Portage Bay – A 3 bedroom 2 bath 1500 square foot floating home built in 1971. It was listed and sold for $1,298,500 after 11 days on market. $865.67 square foot
  • 2466 Westlake Ave N #19* in Westlake – we represented the buyer for this fabulous Seattle floating home.  It is a 2 bedroom and 1.75 bath home built in 1940.  It was listed and sold for $1,350,000 with 7 days on market.  *Cooper Jacobs Real Estate represented the Buyer

Seattle houseboats for sale in EastlakeSo what is for sale in Seattle Houseboats world now on Lake Union? 

There are five Seattle floating homes for sale in the MLS right now. These do not include Seattle houseboats for sale by owner. They range in price from $499,000 to $1,495,000 with an average days on market of 38 days.  The median list price is $750,000.  They are all in Eastlake!  In addition there is one floating home that is pending in the MLS priced at $2,895,000 (Wards Cove).

Our favorite by far of course is a great floating home on The Log Foundation dock which happens to be one of the best run and most established coop on Lake Union.  If you are looking for Seattle houseboat living, then this is a great choice! It is a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 1300 square feet floating home built in 1930 with lots of updates.  seattle houseboats office

It is south facing!  To be south facing and in Eastlake is highly coveted.  This one is all one level and well oriented with the water.  It is listed for $697,000.  Please let us know if you would like to see it.  It won’t last long.  Also, if you are looking for Seattle houseboats for rent, there are some available right now (A lot of people ask about Seattle houseboats for vacation rental, but the majority of these homes are rented long term).

Want to learn more about Seattle Houseboats and life on Lake Union Afloat?  We would be happy to help!  

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 For Sale: 2019 Fairview Ave E Slip D

Seattle Houseboats On The Market:

Just Listed:  2019 Fairview Ave E

Seattle houseboats for sale


For more info or your private showing:

There are some great Seattle houseboats for sale out there, but this lovely Eastlake floating home is making its debut for the first time in a very long time.

  • 2 BedroomsSeattle houseboats for sale in Eastlake
  • 1 Bath
  • 1300 Square Feet
  • Built in 1930
  • Remodeled Kitchen
  • South Facing
  • Owned Moorage on Well Organized Dock

More info about this great  Eastlake Seattle floating home: 

Seattle houseboats with views of Lake Union2019 Fairview Ave E

Look no further. You’ve just discovered the quintessential Eastlake Floating Home. The massive float size is perfect to entertain on your south facing deck. One bedroom & one smaller. Third room for another bedroom, office or den. Newly remodeled kitchen, with gas range, stainless steel appliances, and granite counter tops. Well established Log Foundation Co-op. Great location to enjoy all the Eastlake activities. Extra Boat Moorage with co-op approval. Welcome Home!   $697,000

Seattle houseboats kitchen


Want to learn more about Seattle Houseboats ?seattle houseboats experts

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 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 floating homes

Seattle Floating Homes Market Houseboats Plus A Housebarge

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, we 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 we 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  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 Floating Homes: Brand New On The Market!

2207 Fairview Ave E

Welcome Home to Houseboat # 8

UPDATE: THIS SEATTLE HOUSEBOAT FOR SALE IS NOW SOLD

On The Flo Villa Dock in Seattle’s Celebrated Lake Union

Here is your opportunity to Live Life Afloat In Seattle™ in a cherished Seattle floating home with the security of co-op OWNED moorage. In addition, there is an attached 40′ x 10′ moorage slip for your boat!   This home has been lovingly and thoughtfully finished with an upscale and green remodel.

Open floor plan which is drenched in light and beauty. 2 bedrooms and a gorgeous lavish bath with stellar surfaces every where you look. Don’t miss the opportunity to live this lifestyle!

2207 fairview ave e

You can find more information on this Seattle floating home for sale on our corporate site :

2207 Fairview Ave E

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 1 bath
  • boat moorage!
  • co-op slip
  • beautiful remodel
  • wonderfully run dock

2207 fairview ave e

$849,000

For more info or your own private showing:


Courtney Cooper  206-850-8841

courtney@cooperjacobs.com

If you are interested in living on a Seattle floating home and want to look at some of the best of the best in Seattle floating homes for sale, please let us know.  This particular floating home is a spectacular gem on the lake and you will not be disappointed. We focus much of our business on this very special corner of Seattle real estate.

Seattle Afloat ® We are dedicated and hard working and look forward to helping you buy or sell a home on Lake Union

and Live Your Life Afloat In Seattle™.

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