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houseboats and floating homes

Seattle Houseboats and Floating Homes

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What are the differences in living on a Seattle houseboat as opposed to on land?

Seattle houseboats and floating homesFloating homes usually have the same conveniences you experience in your home.  Electricity, water, and sewer services are either permanently attached or available.  Some liveaboards require sewer pump-out.  Most houseboat dwellers use only cell-phones and wireless internet for communication.  Some moorages will have gas and propane available to the home owners.  Most tv coverage will come from a satellite dish, although some moorages do have cable.

Do Seattle houseboats move around a lot on the water?

Floating homes do move when wind and waves get heavy.  However, the vast majority of the time they are very calm.  These are fairly large structures on the water.  In Portage Bay and Lake Union, boat speeds are heavily regulated, so the only problems you'll have with high speed boat wake are the police and the 4th of July revelers.

How do I inspect a Seattle houseboat?

Houseboats and floating homes require a specific, experienced inspector.  Their job is inspecting the float, or the structure that keeps your home above the water.  This can be a hollow shell, foam-filled floats, or even just a bunch of logs tied together in the most crude floating homes.  Expect to pay about $400-$500 for an inspection.  Some homeowners will have the home lifted out of the water for inspection, others will require a dive.  You should also get an interior inspection, which can cost another $300-$400.

Is it hard to finance / get a mortgage on Seattle houseboats?

Houseboats for sale in SeattleLending is somewhat more difficult on floating homes and houseboats.  Larger down payments are required, and loan terms are usually between 15 and 25 years.  We have specialty lenders in Seattle who do the bulk of lending on floating homes.

Are there other costs when living on the water?

You'll pay monthly fees to your moorage management company.  Moorage can be rented or owned, in which case you might have an HOA that manages the maintenance of the docks.  These fees would include your sewer, garbage, and water.  Also, it's a boat - they have more maintenance requirements than a land-locked home.  Homeowner's insurance will be somewhat more expensive than a traditional home insurance policy.

What else should I know when considering buying Seattle houseboats?

This is a whole new lifestyle.  Sell off your 2nd patio set, guest room futon, and 4 piece executive desk.  Most floating homes are comfortable, but not exactly spacious.  You'll need to plan for a parking area on land, which may be a garage or just street parking.  Hauling the groceries home requires taking a wagon load down the docks.  Inviting guests over might include security gates, etc.

However, once you're in and your friends are visiting, or you're just relaxing by yourself in the sun, there's nothing like living on the water.

See All Houseboats and Floating Homes For Sale

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Newest Seattle Houseboat and Floating Home Listings

10 E Roanoke St Unit 3, Seattle image
10 E Roanoke St Unit 3, Seattle $3,250,000

Jewel Box // Custom designed by Vandeventer+Carlander, this sophisticated floating home is winner of AIA’s “Home of Distinction” award & has been acclaimed by notable int...

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  • 2 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 1735423 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status

Listing courtesy of .

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3212 Portage Bay Place E Unit A, Seattle image
3212 Portage Bay Place E Unit A, Seattle $2,875,000 ▼

Modern waterfront living in the heart of Seattle. Sophisticated Portage Bay home with yard and moorage for 23’ boat. Ideally located in one of Seattle’s most coveted wate...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 1637820 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
Courtesy of Heritage Residential, LLC

Listing courtesy of Heritage Residential, LLC.

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3212 Portage Bay Place E Unit A, Seattle image
3212 Portage Bay Place E Unit A, Seattle $2,875,000 ▼

Modern waterfront living in the heart of Seattle. Sophisticated Portage Bay home with yard and moorage for 23’ boat. Ideally located in one of Seattle’s most coveted wate...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 1635109 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
Courtesy of Heritage Residential, LLC

Listing courtesy of Heritage Residential, LLC.

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2466 Westlake Ave N Unit 11, Seattle image
2466 Westlake Ave N Unit 11, Seattle $2,395,000

Lake Union reflects into this spectacular 3-story floating home w/full underwater floor. Boundless Seattle skyline & water views on rooftop deck. Plenty of moorage (2 sli...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 1738320 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
Courtesy of Windermere Real Estate GH LLC

Listing courtesy of Windermere Real Estate GH LLC.

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10 E Roanoke St Unit 32, Seattle image
10 E Roanoke St Unit 32, Seattle $1,375,000

Attention to those seeking a unique experience: Desirable lakefront living on Lake Union! Own a rare 85' dock w/liveaboard permit & 65’ houseboat. Rooftop deck w/360 degr...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 1606676 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
Courtesy of COMPASS

Listing courtesy of COMPASS.

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The database information herein is provided from and copyrighted by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). NWMLS data may not be reproduced or redistributed and is only for people viewing this site. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale or withdrawal. All rights are reserved by copyright.

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