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 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.. 

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:

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: Floating Homes Market Report

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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 Just Listed: 2339 Fairview Ave E #O

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Afloat In Seattle In This Harmonious Eastlake Charmer

seattle houseboats

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

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

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

Marketing Remarks

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

Featuresseattle houseboats

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

Additional Information

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

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

lake union loop

Seattle Houseboats: 29 Reasons Why You Want One

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Thinking About Life On Lake Union And Want More Reasons To Live In One Of The Seattle Houseboats?

Seattle Houseboats Living is like no other Seattle lifestyle and here are 29 reasons why: Eastlake houseboats

  1. Uniqueness:  There is no other lifestyle in Seattle that is like living in one of the Seattle houseboats.  Seattle floating homes are iconic and offer the best of many Seattle neighborhoods, plus an affordable Seattle waterfront living option.
  2. Community:  There is a strong sense of community among your floating neighbors – both in a micro climate sense such as on a particular dock or co-op, and also as a community overall. Seattle houseboats are community.
  3. Characters:  Because of the uniqueness of the Seattle waterfront living way of life, Seattle houseboats are appealing to extremely unique and special people.  There are a wide variety of different personality types that fit perfectly into these Seattle floating homes and neighborhoods, but all of them are special!
  4. Alternative In City Living/Location:  Want to be close to it all, but not live in a condo or a townhome or a stand alone house?  A Seattle floating home offers the best of all worlds and also is highly oriented to the water so it is a perfect alternative lifestyle in Seattle – and desirable as well.
  5. Water Sports – Want to be able to launch your kayak from your house?  Stand Up Paddleboard?  You might be able to even tie your water ski boat, sailboat, or electric boat up right to your house. If you are interested in living a Seattle floating home that you can moor your companion boat next to, then make sure and look for a houseboat that offers moorage.  Some co-ops allow moorage, but only after moving in and getting the dock’s permission.  Other floating home it is more clear up front.  Either way, it is a great opportunity!
  6. Water Therapy:  There is nothing more therapeutic than the soft lapping of the water outside your home or being able to dip your toes into the lake on a beautiful Seattle summer day full of warm sunshine.
  7. Nature:  There isn’t another place in city that is this much in touch with nature while still living in an urban setting. Lake Union is full of nature – you even have to choose your potted plants wisely so they don’t become goose buffets.  Baby ducklings are the most fun to watch for many visitors.
  8. Transit:  Take full advantage of Seattle’s best transit because you are close to not only buses, but also the Seattle Streetcar line in South Lake Union!  This is a great option for heading into Downtown Seattle!

    lake union loop

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

  9. Cheshiahud Loop:  The Cheshiahud Loop or Lake Union Loop is a 6.2 mile path that connects pocket parks and neighborhoods and basically loops Lake Union. There are historical markers along the way and lots to see. If you live in a floating home in Eastlake, Westlake, Fremont or a houseboat in Wallingford (Northlake), then you are basically on the loop.  Floating home in Portage Bay close to the University Bridge are also on the loop.
  10. Duck Dodge:  Tuesday Nights beginning in May offer some of the most fascinating evenings of entertainment if you like to watch sailboats race in a tight space.  The Duck Dodge is a Lake Union tradition and a definite fixture in Seattle houseboat living. You can see the schedule here:  http://www.duckdodge.org/schedule.php
  11. Floating Lifestyle Parade Of Entertainment:  People watching at its best is here, folks!  Swimmers, rafts, boaters, SUPS, kayaks, canoes, races, booze cruises, etc.  It’s all here.  Even if you are a shut in, it is completely entertaining to watch life literally float by you. This is especially true at the end of the dock or if your floating home backs up to a large channel.
  12. July 4th:  Lake Union is the very center of July Fourth in Seattle.  Everyone wants to be on a boat, a floating home, at Gas Works or South Lake Union Parks, or along the shores of the lake in the various pocket parks along the loop. July 4th is a major event in Seattle.  There is a fireworks barge in the middle of the lake and a beautiful professional show is hammered out each year. It’s an event.  If you live on a floating home, you are every one’s new best friend. A couple tips for you on the Fourth of July:  Have all your shopping completed the day before and do not move your car form its parking spot at all on the day of the holiday.  If you do, then you will find yourself without a spot to park. July 4th and New Year’s Eve are the two days we leave our cars where they are and walk in Eastlake. Parking is relatively simple the rest of the year.  Second tip:  If you have a rooftop deck and plan on having a party make sure that your home is not top heavy and out of balance with a lot of people.  I recall one year on the Seattle Floating Home Tour, we had to regulate how many people toured the roof of one house. Each house is different and if you know that your flotation is dispersed perfectly and that you have adequate flotation, then no big deal, but if it’s a question, then keep it in check.
  13. New Year’s Eve:  This time the fireworks are at the Space Needle and oh what a show that is!  Again Lake Union is the center of life in Seattle and you ave a front row seat to the show. Lucky you!  Same tips apply regarding parking and roof top deck…
  14. Iconic Lifestyle is Limited:  There are only around 500 Seattle floating homes in Seattle and a few are added or taken away through the years leaving us with roughly the same number.  It is a limited lifestyle.  It is iconic.  It is in demand.
  15. Proximity to Downtown Seattle:  This is as close as you can live to Downtown Seattle without being in Belltown, South Lake Union, Pioneer Square, or Downtown Seattle itself.
  16. Christmas Ships:  Argosy does an annual Christmas Ship Festival.  It’s beautiful and living on Lake Union is a great way to be able to watch the parade go by.  It is just beautiful to see decorated boats with holiday lights.
  17. Boat to Dinner:  My favorites are Chandlers at the South end of the lake and Ivars at the North end of the lake.   Both have great places to tie up while you eat and both have amazing food!
  18. Walk To Dinner:  Lake Union is surrounded by great places to eat and all different styles – from Mexican to Pacific Northwest seafood, and beyond, Seattle is known for its food and many of these award winning places are in the heart of the city which we call Lake Union.
  19. Louisa’s Cafe:  Louisa’s is a staple of Eastlake and there is no clearer indicator of that than the pictures on Yelp – this is the meeting place of the Eastlake neighborhood and the Seattle floating homes community.
  20. Serafina:  Touted as one of the most amazing Italian restaurants in all of Seattle, Serafina is just up the street from the docks of Eastlake in Lake Union.  Want to check out their menu? http://serafinaseattle.com/
  21. Pete’s Wines:  Down by the water in Eastlake is the very best wine shop in Seattle – plus small grocery and deli, this place is part of the culture of Seattle floating home life in Eastlake.
  22. Blue Ribbon Cooking School
  23. Bocce Ball  Named in Seattle Weekly as one of the best waterfront Bocce locations, don’t miss the Eastlake Bouledrome along Fairview Ave E.
  24. Pocket Parks:  A considerable amount of effort has gone into making in city green spaces in Seattle and the pocket parks around Lake Union are a big part of that!  Open Seattle waterfront parks are a perfect place to chill out and reflect on your day.
  25. P Patch:  Large open space for growing vegetables lake side – always fun to see what magic has been created here as we walk the Lake Union Loop!
  26. Excitement:  There is always something going on around Lake Union – it is exciting and an exciting way to live!
  27. Best Place To Write Your Novel:  A perfect place to settle in and use the water for inspiration – Living on a floating home is the perfect place to finally write that novel you have always wanted to! Use the people and places for your inspiration.  Settle in and make it happen!
  28. Best Place To Fall In Love:  It’s a romantic lifestyle – why not use that to your advantage – If I were a single guy looking for love, I know for a fact that a  floating home would be a total chic magnet.
  29. Sound Investment:  Because there are limited supplies and it is in city and waterfront, this is a sound investment real estate wise.  Even when the market went down in 2007, Seattle floating homes did not – it is a stable uptick in values similar to no other in the market.

Seattle HouseboatsCurious and want to see more Seattle houseboats?  

Today a lovely Seattle floating home in Eastlake is having an open house. It is Open Today From 1-4 PM  2207 Fairview Ave E #11, Seattle WA 98102   We will be hosting this Seattle houseboats open house and is an expert in the floating homes in Seattle.  It is a beautiful Seattle floating home and an event you won’t want to miss and located on a fabulous dock.

Come see it!  It’s gorgeous and you can start to take advantage of all 29 reasons to live on a Seattle floating home right now!  -Courtney

Christmas Ships 2015

Christmas Ships 2015 Parade Of Boats On Lake Union

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Seattle Lake Union Christmas Ships Are Back In 2015 –

Christmas Ships 2015

Map of Parade route on Argosy Cruise site.

Christmas Ships On Lake Union: The 2015 Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships are part of their Christmas Ship Festival has its Parade of Boats Night on December 18th. The Parade of Boats is a long standing Seattle Tradition and a huge party of holiday living on Lake Union. Simply put, the holidays would not be the holidays in Seattle without the Christmas Ships. The holiday boats parade route begins at Fisherman’s Terminal in Magnolia, goes through the Fremont Cut into Lake Union.  Northlake and Westlake floating homes are the first to see the beautiful parade of boats come into Lake Union as they make their way South along the west side of the lake before curving back up in South Lake Union and going along their way adjacent to Eastlake. Seattle houseboats in both Westlake and Eastlake have the very best vantage points, but there are a lot of parks along the way and throughout the Lake Union Loop making it an amazing site for all.

More thank just Christmas Ships Passing in 2015 – There are Performances, too!

The parade of Christmas Ships officially begins at 7:45 PM and ends just past Wards Cove at around 8:30.  There will be performances along the way including one at Fisherman’s Terminal from 7:30 to 7:45, so get there early if that is your vantage point. Another performance will be at the Fremont Cut from 8:05 to 8:25 so a great place to watch the parade from is the Fremont Canal Park or also along the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Lake Union Holiday Tradition –

The Christmas Ships are a Lake Union tradition and a hug part of Seattle houseboat living and the Seattle holidays overall.  It is such a  lovely event that Argosy Cruises puts on. There is nothing quite like seeing the beautiful lit up boats parade through Lake Union and surrounding Seattle waterways.  The reflections and pure holiday spirit are invigorating and worth every effort in finding parking. The other thing I forgot to mention is that you can register to have your boat in the parade if you like.  There will judging as you enter Lake Union and there will be prizes for best decorated vessels in the following categories according to the Argosy site:

1. Peoples’ Choice Award (method of tallying votes TBA)
2. Best In Show
3. Best Seahawks 12’s Boat Theme
4. Best Santa, Reindeer Christmas Theme
5. Most Overall Christmas Lights with Holiday Spirit
6. Best Holiday Decorated Powerboat
7. Best Holiday Decorated Sailboat
8. Best Holiday Decorated Commercial Vessel
We are looking forward to seeing some of the creative Seattle Christmas Ships and can’t wait to be sipping our hot cocoa from our own choice spot on Lake Union.  Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about life on Lake Union or in a Seattle floating home.  We would love to show you our favorite Lake Union docks and Seattle houseboats. email: houseboat@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Floating Homes For Sale: Just Listed

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Just Listed In Eastlake:  One Of The More Desireable Seattle Floating Homes

We just listed an incredible Seattle Floating Home on the Flo Villa dock! If you have been looking at Seattle houseboats, then you should know that this one has been completely remodeled! $775,000

Seattle floating homes2207 Fairview Ave E #11

It’s your time! Live the iconic lifestyle you have only dreamed about!  Located in Eastlake’s enclave of floating homes on Lake Union, this mid-dock beauty is completely remodeled with an open one bedroom plus flex space  floor plan. Boasting vaulted ceilings and hardwoods, this home is incredibly light and bright and has a new kitchen!  Enjoy cozy extras like the heated bathroom floor plus it has new electrical, plumbing, windows & insulation throughout. With an actual growing willow tree and a fabulous relationship to the water, this is home is a great place to live Life Afloat In Seattle.

During the last six month remodel:

  • new barrels / flotation
  • Windows
  • 6″ deep insulation in the new windows and walls
  • 10″ deep insulation in ceilings
  • Stripped down to logs and stringers to replace old joists with 4″ rigid foam on new joists
  • New subflooring and bamboo click in floors
  • Bathroom floor electrical heated floors

Additional Information on this Seattle Floating Home For Sale:

  • Full size water heater
  • New electric and plumbing
  • Quartz counter tops and contemporary cabinets
  • Under mounted sink
  • Metal roof – low maintenance
  • Wrap around deck
  • 10.5 high vaulted ceilings
  • Italian stone tile in bathroom
  • Stone sink in bathroom

Want to see it?

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841
We can immediately answer your Seattle waterfront homes or Seattle floating homes questions.  If you prefer, you can also email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com.
Seattle floating homes

Seattle Floating Homes Market Report Nov 2015

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Seattle floating homesSeattle Floating Homes Real Estate Market Report

Seattle Floating Homes November 2015: Catching up with Life Afloat on Lake Union, Seattle floating homes are still in high demand and Seattle Houseboat Living is very popular.  In the last 60 days, three of these Seattle houseboats have closed in escrow through the MLS, although we also know of a couple private floating home sales if you interested in learning more about those or others.

Seattle Floating Homes that have closed in escrow:

2019 Fairview Ave E #D

This Seattle floating home is Seattle floating homes for salelocated on the middle dock of The Log Foundation cooperative which has three docks. It is an extremely well run coop and houseboats on these lovely docks are always sought after.  The Log Foundation floating homes are located on the southern most docks in the Seattle neighborhood of Eastlake.  This particular Seattle floating home was represented by  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate and was south facing on the middle dock. It is a two bedroom and 1 bath Lake Union floating home with 1300 square feet of living space. It closed on 10/13/15 for $677,500.  (You can reach out to us for more info on this or other Seattle floating homes that are available both on and off market.)

2207 Fairview Ave E #12

This amazing Seattle floating home is located on the Flo Villa dock. Flo Villa is a beautiful dock with a willow tree on it. It is further north than The Log Foundation dock and the floating homes on it are well maintained.  This houseboat was the ultimate in Seattle Waterfront Living. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths plus 1550 square feet of living space. It closed on 10/7/2015 for $1,150,000

2600 Fairview Ave E #7

Welcome home to Mallard Cove floating homes.  Mallard Cove is one of the Seattle luxury floating homes docks.  Most of the floating homes on this dock have been updated and seem more modern than they are.  The dock is always at the top of houseboat buyer lists. This 2000 square foot home was built in 1978 and has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It closed in escrow on 10/30/2015 for $1,350,000.

Wards Cove RooftopPending Seattle Floating Homes For Sale:

There are two Pending in escrow Seattle floating homes right now as well.  The price range on these is between $499,000 and $925,000.

Active Seattle Floating Homes For Sale:  Just one at Wards Cove. Price? $3,295,000 43 days on market.

Additional information: Here are the details for the sold Seattle Floating Homes on Lake Union as well as an overall market report.

 sold floating homes 11 2015

floating homes market 11 2015

Please let us know if you have any questions at all or if you would like more information about Seattle Houseboat Living.  We are happy to share and look forward to speaking with you whether you are a buyer or seller.Seattle Afloat Houseboats

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841
We can immediately answer your questions or email us at houseboats@CooperJacobs.com
Seattle houseboats for sale

Seattle Houseboats For Sale: Just SOLD

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Seattle Houseboats For Sale:  Just SOLD in Eastlake!Seattle houseboats for sale

Seattle houseboats for sale in Eastlake

Seattle Houseboats Just Sold: Let’s look at 2019 Fairview Ave E in Lake Union’s Eastlake neighborhood

This particular Seattle floating home has a special place in our hearts due to its sentimental background.  Though not as famous as its Sleepless in Seattle cousin across Lake Union, this Seattle houseboat is perhaps just as iconic! Located on one of Eastlake’s longest running and most organized cooperative dock, The Log Foundation,  this 1930 floating home has had lots and lots of action – even as it was moored in one place and not moving.  It was owned by a very longtime  and loved Seattle houseboats resident and the home was practically a floating dance hall in its day. We have recently nicknamed the home “Art” after its previous owner and look forward to seeing the new owners enjoy it as much as he reportedly did. There are lots of stories across the lake about the parties that almost always broke out into full on dance soirees and you can tell just by walking into this houseboat that it has had a happy life.  We are so thrilled to see it have a loving new chapter.

seattle houseboats officeA little more about this special home…..

So back to the sale itself – Seattle houseboats for sale always are exciting, but closing one is also a cause for celebration. Congratulations on doing such a great job getting it sold. It closed in escrow on 10/13/2015 at a final sales price of $677,500.  The floating home has two bedrooms and is 1300 square feet. It has a rather large float for its size and great dock position.  It also is well oriented to the lake which is something you don’t always get. Moorage for a recreational boat is possible alongside the home with the permission of the co-op.  It also had extra spaces which could function as an office or another nonconforming bedroom.  The home is all one level and has the most charming curved ceilings.  I was always very taken in with the large open living space and the beautiful spaces throughout. It  never felt like a two bedroom home – more like a home with all kinds of possibilities in every corner. As I write this, I personally regret not buying it myself – such a wonderful place with great energy, but alas, there will be other Seattle houseboats for sale and each one is unique and special.

Please call us if you are interested in learning more about Seattle houseboats for sale – We look forward to helping you buy or sell your next Seattle houseboat, whether it is a Seattle floating home, a house barge, or a floating on-water residence.  We are excited to help you learn about the lovely Lake Union as well as Seattle Houseboat Living℠.

Courtney /206-850-8841 | houseboats@cooperjacobs.com

©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate ©Seattle Afloat™

lake union houseboats

Seattle Houseboats For Sale: 2031 Fairview Ave E #G

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Looking for Seattle houseboats for sale?

We just listed this gorgeous Seattle floating home on The Lake Union dock!  In looking at Seattle houseboats around the lake, this is one of two that are for sale right now that we really like. It is on a very large float and has a lot to offer for the perfect Seattle waterfront lifestyle.

If you would like to see it, please call or email us at seattlehouseboats@cooperjacobs.com

Open Houses:

Thursday 11AM – 1PM

Sunday 1PM – 4PM

2031 Fairview Ave E #Gseattle houseboats

Marketing Remarks From the Listing in the NWMLS:

Second from the end on one of Eastlake’s most charming docks, this one level floating home offers an amazing lifestyle afloat on Lake Union! Situated on one of the larger floats on the lake, this well built Cape Cod home features newer appliances, newer roof (with stairs for rooftop access and big views), maple hardwoods, french doors, and a real working fireplace. Catch all the action on the lake from your living room or front deck and enjoy the security of ownership a cooperative dock offers.

$975,000

Seattle Floating Home Features

Double Pane Storm Windows, Dining Room, French Doors, High Tech Cabling, Vaulted Ceilings, Walk-in Closet

Additional Information on this home:

  • Property Description Cable TV, Deck, Dock, Fully Fenced, High Speed Internet, Moorage
  • Taxes $1,993
  • Waterfront Lake, No Bank
  • View Lake, City
  • Lot Size 0.00 Acre (1 SqFt)
  • Exterior Wood
  • Fireplaces 1 Fireplace
  • Heating/Cooling Other-See Remarks
  • Roof Composition Roof
  • Flooring Ceramic Tile Floor, Hardwood Floor

seattle houseboats

To the Seattle houseboats community: thank you for your business. We love serving the Seattle floating homes community and look forward to doing it for a long time.  Please email us or call us if you need anything at all

– Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841  Courtney@CooperJacobs.com

We are Seattle Houseboats Realtors.  Seattle Afloat / Cooper Jacobs Real Estate

seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats History Resource

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Curious about Seattle houseboats and their history on Lake Union?seattle houseboats

You have to go back over a hundred years and look beyond Lake Union to see the roots of Seattle houseboats.  Beth Means and Bill Keasler  wrote a great piece about Seattle houseboats history on The Seattle Floating Homes Association website.  Seattle Floating homes have played a significant part in shaping the city’s history and landscape.  We at Seattle Afloat have a whole category on this site dedicated to it: Seattle houseboats history on Seattle Afloat.

There is also a great spot to see amazing pictures and get more information on HistoryLink where the site describes various houseboats around Seattle and their origins:

“Some of these communities — especially those off the Madison Park and Leschi neighborhoods on Lake Washington —  were formed by the well-to-do who enjoyed summering aboard their fancy abodes. Others — along the Elliott Bay waterfront, the Duwamish River, Harbor Island, Salmon Bay, Lake Union, Portage Bay, and Union Bay — were mainly inhabited by workers struggling to stay financially afloat.. “

Howard Droker wrote the fascinating book Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats in 1977 and there is a great video about Seattle houseboats featuring him on the http://www.lakeunionhistory.org/ website.  I have embedded it here because it is worth a watch:


Vannessa Ho at the Seattle PI wrote an interesting piece about Seattle houseboats  – it was a cool slide show of houseboats then and now.  Here is a link to that slideshow: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/slideshow/Seattle-houseboats-Then-and-now-64448.php

seattle houseboatsIf you are curious about Seattle houseboats and interested in purchasing a Seattle floating home, then please let us know.  These are special homes and the ultimate in Seattle waterfront living.  You should work with real estate agents who understand the ins and outs of Seattle houseboats.  We understand all of the unique intricacies of the Seattle floating home world and we are happy to help you.  We can also help you with the various FSBO floating homes available across the lake.

You can reach me at 206-850-8841 or Courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Cooper Jacobs Real Estate for all your realty needs – we have brokers who specialize in all Seattle neighborhoods and suburbs.

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats Happenings: Lake Union Ramblings

Eastlake, Floating Homes Tour, Houseboat Docks, Houseboat History, Houseboat Living, Houseboaters, Lake Union, Lake Union Loop, Lake Union News, Lake Union Waterfront Homes, Seattle Floating Homes, Seattle historic homes, Seattle houseboats, Seattle Water View Homes, The Log Foundation, Westlake, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

seattle houseboats

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

Seattle houseboats

Seattle Houseboats: Annie “O” Is In The House

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

 Yes.  It floats.

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

Over one hundred years ago the city of Seattle platted and sold the submerged “parcels” in Lake Union to the adjacent waterfront property land owners.  This enabled docks to be built and Seattle houseboats to be moored to them.  It was quite a popular and thrifty idea!  The city now regulates them heavily and as a result of this regulation, Seattle houseboats have dwindled down considerably  from well over two thousand Seattle houseboats at one time to just around five hundred or so of the floating home variety. They are scattered throughout Lake Union and in Portage Bay.

Speaking of dwindling.seattle houseboats

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

Brand New Seattle Houseboats Listing!

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Welcome to Life Afloat on Lake Union!

Seattle houseboats for saleThe Seattle Floating Homes Market In General: If you have been watching the Seattle houseboats market at all, then you know that there have not been a lot to choose from as of late.  Seattle floating homes have trickled onto the market very slowly and many have sold off market as demand increases. It is our pleasure to introduce this gem into the mix as it is a great spot to call home in Seattle!

2025 Fairview Ave E #H

Rare second from the end South facing Lake Union floating home in Eastlake with incredible features. Great interior spaces, French Doors to the back deck which opens up to a large channel and easy Lake action.

Enjoy relaxing in your “backyard” on your grandfathered in accessory float, plus there is space to put your own small boat alongside. Coveted Co-Op Owned Lake Union Moorage Slip and a well maintained floating home all on one of the most well run docks in the city.  This is truly an opportunity and it isnt often that these come up so close to the end of the dock. $725,000

Some of the basics on this Seattle floating home for sale:

  • 1 Bedroom
  • 1 Bath
  • 900 Square Feet
  • Large decks and storage areas
  • Owned Moorage
  • Accessory Float is “grandfathered in”
  • Room for a boat along side
  • Room for expansion

Although it is almost always more expensive dollar per square foot to purchase a Seattle houseboat, the low dues and low taxes make this home more affordable than a land home overall. They are quite a unique way to live in the city and we would be happy to tell you about it. Let us know, please, if you are interested in seeing this Seattle floating home or other Seattle houseboats for sale. We are happy to show you our favorites and walk you through the steps of purchasing one.

Courtney Cooper 206-850-8841 Courtney@CooperJacobs.com

OK – So Basically You Have Three Choices…

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Seattle Houseboats market staying afloat…

We know of a few Seattle floating homes that have sold recently off market including a front row Roanoke Reef floating home …  We also know of at least two others about to hit the market so stay tuned, but if you are interested in looking at Seattle houseboats right now, you have three choices.

We recommend this 950 square foot Seattle floating home with a rooftop deck.  It is listed for $499,950.  Here are the remarks from the MLS listing for this Eastlake houseboat:

This is a great opportunity to live life afloat and own your own moorage and great well run co-op dock! Extremely stylish floating home has a beautiful owner’s suite perched on the second floor. Nice open floor plan, kitchen with stainless steel appliances opening up to a casual great room. Fun decks and spaces, plus a roof top deck!

The other two choices are within the same Log Foundation co-op dock.  There is an adorable one on the same dock listed at $449,000 and then a couple docks South but still within the Log Foundation is an end of dock Seattle floating home still located in the Log Foundation and listed for $2,888,000.  It is on the most southern Seattle floating home dock in Eastlake so imagine the Seattle skyline views you have from there! It is supreme.

There is one other “on market” option and that is the very last homesite available at Wards’s Cove.  Ward’s Cove is the newest Seattle floating home dock and 11 out of the 12 slips have sold. It was listed for $630,000, but is currently under $600,000.  Ward’s Cove offers many amenities and some well designed floating home plan options, PLUS it is fee simple ownership.  This is RARE.  Another rare perk?  Parking!

Please let us know if you are interested in any of these or if you would like to see something else we may have upcoming…  206.850.8841 courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Floating Homes Spring 2014 Update

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Happy Spring, Seattle! Seattle Houseboats! I always love Spring because we start to see more Seattle floating homes coming on the real estate market. This has not been the case as of yet, but we are hopeful that the inventory will increase as the days grow warmer and the sky starts being blue more than grey.

Currently there are three Seattle floating homes for sale in the MLS.  They are all on one of the three Log Foundation docks.  There are two Seattle houseboats for sale on the 2025 Fairview Ave E Log Foundation Dock.  They are priced at $449,000 for a 625 square foot one bedroom floating home ($718.40/sq ft) and $499,950 for a 950 square foot one bedroom floating home ($526.26/sq foot).  In addition to these Seattle houseboats, there is a 3 bedroom end of dock Seattle floating home for sale on the 2017 Fairview Ave E Log Foundation Dock. Again End of dock houseboat so price is set at $2,888,000 for 1000 square feet ($2,888/sq ft).

Seattle houseboats on Lake Union In Eastlake

Seattle houseboats on Lake Union In Eastlake

In the MLS, there is one Seattle floating home pending, but we sold an additional off market Seattle floating home on the Roanoke Reef dock in the last couple of weeks and so we know of two pending overall. The three bedroom over at Portage Bay Place is 1500 square feet and listed for $750,000.  It is currently pending in escrow so we will keep you posted on what it sells for.  The Roanoke Reef floating home we sold is on the coveted front row of the Roanoke Reef dock located at 10 E Roanoke Street in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood.  The asking price? $2,150,000.  It is scheduled to close soon so we can share additional details after it closes, but are very excited to have been able to facilitate this one.

Overall, it is the same story:  Low Inventory.  Seattle houseboats are the ultimate in Seattle Waterfront Living℠ so there is always a demand. We have several cash buyers waiting to pounce on the right one, so let us know if you are even thinking about selling. We know our Seattle houseboats buyers well and can tell immediately if your home will be a good fit for them or if you would be better served to put it on the open market.  We look forward to hearing from you and hope you have a lovely Spring and Summer!

Here is our info if you are curious what your home is worth:  Courtney@CooperJacobs.com 206.850.8841

Seattle Houseboats On Lake Union In Eastlake: Floating Home On The Market

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Seattle houseboats on Lake Union In Eastlake

Interested in dipping your feet into Lake Union’s Houseboat Community?

Seattle floating homes are few and far between – there are around 500 of them in the city and only about a dozen sell each year.  Here is a one bedroom with a rooftop deck:  2025 Fairview Ave E  It is a really good option if you want a nice combination of modern and Seattle houseboat living.  Seattle houseboats offer a unique perspective to waterfront living.

The “Higher” Costs Of Living on A Seattle Floating Home:

Many Seattle floating homes buyers are misinformed as to the cost of living on these.  Yes, dollar for dollar as far as square footage goes, there is a premium, but compared to other Seattle waterfront homes, this seems irrelevant.  The interesting part is that the cost of actually living in a Seattle floating home is significantly less than a land home once you purchase it.  The taxes are less and the dues cover a lot of the utilities you would pay more for in a land home.  For instance, the taxes on this Seattle floating home are only around $2000/year.  In a land home, they would be $3000 or more easily.

Here is the description of this Seattle houseboat from the MLS:

This is a great opportunity to live life afloat and own your own moorage and great well run co-op dock! Extremely stylish floating home has a beautiful owner’s suite perched on the second floor. Nice open floor plan, kitchen with stainless steel appliances opening up to a casual great room. Fun decks and spaces, plus a roof top deck!

Let us know if you are interested in a private showing of this Seattle floating home or others.  We can help you find Seattle floating homes on and off the market and have our fingers on the pulse of this market.  We are happy to help you whether you are buying or selling and will work hard for you!

Courtney Cooper (Courtney@CooperJacobs.com 206.850.8841)

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