Happy Valentines Day!

Our cover photo this month was taken during a short break with our kids to visit Orlando, Kennedy Space Center and a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas. The Space Center turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. If you get a chance to visit Florida, we HIGHLY recommend the Kennedy Space Visitor Center. Now, back to Real Estate!

First and foremost, we are land base residential Real Estate Brokers, but as you may know, we also specialize in Water Properties (Floating Homes, Houseboats, and Waterfront Properties). As such, we’ve broken down the newsletter into 2 main categories – Residential Real Estate and Water Properties.

Thinking of Buying a Home or Condo in 2018?
The good news is that forecasters are looking for a reduction in the rate of appreciation for homes in our area and a slight increase in inventory. The bad news is that interest rates are expected to creep up during the year.  Here’s a great article talking about the 2018 Real Estate Trends.

Try Our HomeSpotter Application
The HomeSpotter is an AWESOME app that allows you to quickly find listed properties around you or on the fly using a variety of search fields.The app allows you to search for properties on the fly and message us directly through the app. You can also search nearby, so if you find a property you like, you can check out the comps while you are there.
Note: HomeSpotter is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

CLICK HERE to download the HomeSpotter app.
CLICK HERE for the application documentation.

TOP 5 Steps for Getting Ready to BUY
If you’re considering buying, it is extremely important to be properly prepared. Competition for properties is still high and having your ducks in order will give you an advantage. Here are some things to give you a headstart.

1. Check Your Credit
You can get a checkup on your credit and take action if needed. We use CreditKarma.com, which is free and does not cause a hit to your score. We really love this site as it not only shows your score but also shows you how your score is calculated. This allows you to see where improvements can be made.
2. Financing – Getting a pre-approval
One of the most important preparations you can do is to have a pre-approval in hand when you get ready to make an offer. To be ready to obtain this on short notice, you should meet with your lender before beginning your search.  If you do not have a lender, we can refer people we have worked with and have had good results.  The initial phase is to get “Pre-Qualified.”  This will allow you to know what you financially qualify for and this will also prepare your lender for getting you the “Pre-Approval” when needed.
3. Know the Market
Understanding what is out there and what fits your price range will help you when you start your search. In this market, there is not a lot to choose from and knowing price ranges and inventory will help you narrow your search to fit your needs.
4. Use a Knowledgeable and Experienced Agent
When it comes time to look at properties, we can help spot the things that you may not see. We know the market and will have insights based on buying and selling hundreds of homes. Our biggest concern will be to find you a home that fits your needs and that doesn’t have big, bad surprises.  We are expert negotiators and have dealt with and understand multiple offer situations.
5. Are You in a Lease?
Knowing what your options are before starting your search will help avoid disappointment and surprises. Can you exit your lease early? Can you sublet? Can you advertise and obtain a replacement tenant? These are important questions and should be broached early.

TOP 5 Steps for Getting Ready to SELL
If you’re considering selling your home, you need to do some things to make sure you get top dollar. After many many years in the business, we have seen what sells and what distinguishes a home from another. The following steps will help you see the best return possible.
1. Curb Appeal
This is listed first because it is the first thing that people see when viewing your home. This is a BIG deal, but can often be beefed up without spending a fortune. Trim plants & shrubs, make sure the grass is green, fresh paint and a pop of color on the entry can make a huge difference. Look at homes on the market & see what appeals to you. Mimic that!
2. Paint & Caulk
Paint & Caulk are your new BFF’s. These are cheap, but a require some labor. Use caulk to cover cracks, hide poor joinery, and freshen up tired tubs and showers. Painting is great, but don’t do a poor job. If your unsure HIRE it out. We can refer great painters (and other contractors).
3. Modernize
This can be expensive if you’re talking about a kitchen & bath, but can definitely be worth it in today’s market. On the less expensive side, it is EASY and CHEAP to replace old can lights with modern LED pop-in replacement fixtures. This is a great DIY project that takes only minutes per fixture.
4. Fix Broken Items
You probably did a home inspection when you bought your home.  Have you taken care of the items that were called out? If you haven’t, they will probably be called out again. Having a clean inspection means an easy road to closing and less stress on you and the buyers. Fixing things ahead of time means you can close faster and reduces the chance of a failed transaction.
5. Staged Homes SELL
We have to say that professional staging works, period.  Pricing can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, but over and over we have seen staging pay for itself. In a competitive market, this can mean tens of thousands of dollars if a bidding war is generated.
2017 Market in Review
We are often asked “What’s happening in the Real Estate Market?”  The following short video from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service shows what happened in 2017, statewide and local.

Water-based properties (Floating Homes, Houseboats, and Waterfront Properties) are still in high demand with very limited supply. There is only so much shoreline, and Houseboats and Floating Homes have been capped at their current levels.  This means a mostly fixed commodity with increasing demand. There were 80 water properties sold in 2017 ranging in price from $120,000 to $8,850,000. Special Agents Realty had a total of 20 water property transactions (buying and selling) in 2017.  If you are considering Water Property, either buying or selling, we are definitely experienced in this area and would love to help you.

Over-Water Short Term Rentals Prohibited  UPDATE
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Seattle’s new short-term rental regulations prohibit short-term rentals for over-water properties.
Last month we reported on the new regulation prohibiting short-term rentals for over-water properties. Working with our maritime attorney, we have found that it may be possible to be grandfathered as a non-conforming use (IF you were in business as a short term rental prior to implementation). A test case is currently in process and we hope to provide additional information soon. We STRONGLY recommend that after this process is defined, you work with our attorney to obtain this non-conforming use permit.
Low Inventory Means Opportunity
Currently, there are 7 Floating properties for sale in Seattle, 1 rental, and one floating fixer property that must leave Seattle waters. Prices range from $75K for the Floating Fixer that must move out of Seattle, to $2,750,000 for a stunning 4 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath floating home. What does this mean as far as an opportunity?  No new floating homes allowed in Seattle (except as a replacement). No new houseboats are allowed in Seattle (except as replacements). This means a FIXED INVENTORY.  Increasing demand with a fixed inventory means increasing prices.
Opportunity also exists if you are ready to list your floating property. We have been getting top dollar for floating properties and the price per square foot has been on a steady rise. We would love to consult with you if you are considering listing your floating property.
Please be Careful
Buying or Selling Floating properties requires special knowledge and skills. These are VERY different from residential properties and choosing the right agent is extremely important. We have been involved with floating properties for the last 12 years and are HUGE advocates for the floating property community. We live on the water and know what it takes to buy or sell a floating property.

Have a Wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Contact us if we can be of assistance with any of your Real Estate needs. We love what we do and enjoy helping people make their dreams come true.

Life is Better When You Own It!

Thank you from Kevin & Linda Bagley

The post Special Agents Realty – February Newsletter appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

We are VERY excited and proud to announce that Houseboats will be back on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) as of July 24th, 2015. It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, we, Kevin & Linda Bagley began this endeavor on June 4th, 2014 by meeting with Jerry McDonald, Administrator of Real Estate Programs for Washington State, and Lewis Denny, Manager of Dealer Services for Washington State. The goal was to get Houseboats back on the Multiple Listing Service.

HISTORY:

For decades, Houseboats were listed and sold on the Multiple Listing Service by licensed Real Estate Brokers. In 2013, it was brought to the attention of the Multiple Listing Service that houseboats, although primarily designed as a residence, are technically vessels and in order to broker a vessel transaction, you must be licensed as a Washington State Vessel dealer.

This meant that representation for houseboats was typically limited to Vessel Dealers (aka Yacht dealers), and marketing confined to the listing broker’s websites, Craigslist ads, and flyers. At Special Agents Houseboats, we worked hard to promote houseboats and protect their values through unique and exceptional marketing efforts. We knew, however, that to assure the best representation and overall marketing, getting houseboats back on the MLS was imperative.

With the help of some great people, we were able to get House Bill 1309 crafted, submitted and passed unanimously through both houses.

We would like to extend our special thanks to:

• Jerry McDonald, Administrator of Real Estate Programs, who helped craft the wording for House Bill 1309 and who helped with guidance and direction throughout the process.
• Lewis Dennie, who assisted from the Vessel Dealer side and provided excellent suggestions for success.
• Bob Mitchell, Director of Executive Projects at Washington REALTORS who shepherded House Bill 1309 through the House and Senate and represented our position with skill and expertise.
• The Real Estate Commission for creating the task force and providing a platform for launching this effort.
• Brandon Vick, Washington State Representative, 18th District who sponsored and championed House Bill 1309
• Bill Clarke, Washington Realtors Policy Director
• Nathan Gorton, Washington Realtors Government Affairs Director
• Sam DeBord, Managing Broker Seattle Homes Group
• Justin Haag, Attorney for NWMLS who correctly integrated the new law into NWMLS policy.

The NWMLS Announcement:

Summary

As specialists in Floating On-Water Residences and Floating Homes, founders of Lake Union Liveaboard Association, and key players in the protection of Houseboats in Washington State, we are a great choice for your next purchase or sale of a houseboat, house barge, or floating home. These properties are much more complex than standard residential properties and having the best agents who have specialized in these unique properties for over 9 years is in your best interest. Go to www.SpecialAgentsHouseboats.com to see more and schedule an appointment.

Looking for land based property?

We do that too! Visit www.SpecialAgentsRealty.com

Here are some examples of the types of exciting properties you can expect to see coming on the NWMLS…

The post Houseboats Back on the MLS! appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Crank up your TIVO’s and DVR’s!  Tiny Houseboat Hunters episode featuring Special Agents Houseboats will air tonight on the FYI Network!

AIR TIME: 7:00 pm PST

Channel – consult your TV provider guide
Join Special Agents Houseboats with Jason and his friend Sean as Jason looks for the perfect houseboat. This episode was shot at 3 different marinas in Seattle; Canal Marina, China Harbor Marina, and Seattle Marina. You will enjoy the tour of these 3 wonderful and uniquely Seattle Houseboats named Zingaro, Nick of Time, and Urban 5. For houseboat owners, small spaces are commonplace, but for many, the idea of living in a tiny space can be intimidating. Living on a houseboat in Seattle means compromising on space, but gaining on lifestyle, views, and community. Houseboats are a limited commodity in Seattle, with new regulations putting a tight lid on any new houseboats coming in to the city, so the opportunity to own a Seattle houseboat is becoming limited. If you want to see what houseboats are available, and to see examples of what houseboats have recently sold in the Seattle area, visit Seattle-Houseboat.com.

Special Agents Houseboats has had the privilege of participating in the filming of a number of Houseboat related TV shows, including two episodes of HGTV House(boat) Hunters, HGTV Lakefront Bargain Hunters, and FYI Tiny House(boat) Hunters.  We receive a number of inquiries every year to do this type of filming, but with time restrictions, we are not able to participate with every request.

Want to learn more about houseboats and the houseboat lifestyle? Thinking about buying a Houseboat? Take a look at our Houseboat Buying Guide. Just want to browse houseboats and get a closer look? See the Sleepless In Seattle lifestyle on a budget at Seattle-Houseboat.com.

Be sure to tune in Tonight at 7pm PST on the FYI Network. Let us know what you think of the episode.

The post Special Agents Houseboats Featured on Tiny Houseboat Hunters TONIGHT appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Floating On Water Residences, House Barges

& Vessels With Dwelling Units

For the last 4 years, houseboat owners have been struggling to stay afloat in Seattle. Not much news has been published since last summer, so we wanted to provide an update and offer some new information. Please note that the information provided here is NOT official, but rather is representative of our understanding of the current and proposed regulations. We have previously published updates on Seattle-Houseboat.com and SpecialAgentsRealty.com.

Seattle’s Shoreline Master Plan Update is NOT Final

Seattle has been working to complete the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) for a long time and has indicated that they expect this to be completed by March of 2015. Until that time, Seattle’s existing SMP (Adopted in 1987) remains in force. How does this relate to houseboats?

1987 SMP is in Effect

The 1987 rules do not specifically call out “houseboats.” Those rules instead refer to Vessels, having steering and propulsion, that are used as dwelling units and to Housebarges, vessels capable of navigation by being towed. The ambiguity of this rule led to numerous Notice Of Violations being issued by Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD – previously known as DCLU) primarily against houseboats. DPD began developing the drafts for the new SMP in 2007, it became apparent that Houseboats were in danger of being eliminated entirely in Seattle Waters. As a result, we (Kevin & Linda Bagley)  formed Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) and began organizing to protect the houseboat community.

SB 6450 Went in Effect June 2014

Over a 5 year period, representatives of LULA participated in City Council meetings, DPD Meetings, and met with Mayors, Legislators, and Senators to try to develop a solution. In June of 2014, Senate Bill 6450 went into effect, protecting “Floating On Water Residences” (FOWR).

A floating on-water residence legally established prior to July 1, 2014, must be considered a conforming use and accommodated through reasonable shoreline master program regulations, permit conditions, or mitigation that will not effectively preclude maintenance, repair, replacement, and remodeling of existing floating on-water residences and their moorages by rendering these actions impracticable.

• Floating On Water Residences (State Definition) effective July 1, 2014
  • Other than Floating Homes
  • Designed or used primarily as a residence
  • Has detachable utilities
  • Owner/occupant held ownership interest or lease or sublease to use space in a marina since a date prior to July 1, 2014
• Floating On Water Residences (Seattle Definition) effective SMP Implementation Date
  • Affects any floating dwelling unit (houseboats, housebarge) regardless of steering or propulsion
• Vessels with Dwelling Units (Seattle Definition) placed in moorage between July 1, 2014 and SMP Implementation Date
  • affects “houseboats” with steering and propulsion
  • Owner/occupant held ownership interest or lease or sublease to use space in a marina since a date ON OR AFTER July 1, 2014 and BEFORE SMP Implementation Date
• Housebarges Vessels without steering and propulsion, capable of navigation by being towed.
  • Pre SMP Implementation Date, continue to be regulated under 1987 SMP
  • post SMP Implementation Date, may continue to be house barges, or may become FOWRs. Owner’s choice.

What is a Floating On Water Residence (FOWR)?

In June of 2014, the State of Washington adopted SB 6450 into law, creating a state definition for a Floating On Water Residence (FOWR).

“floating on-water residence” means any floating structure other than a floating home, as defined under subsection (5) of this section, that: (i) Is designed or used primarily as a residence on the water and has detachable utilities; and (ii) whose owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina, or has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina, since a date prior to July 1, 2014.

The City of Seattle has created proposed rules to regulate FOWR’s in Seattle that are expected to go in effect sometime around March of 2015.

The following update is based on communications with the Director of Compliance for DPD , Faith Lumsden;

• Based on the fact that the new law is NOT yet in effect, the current, existing law is still valid until the new law takes effect (probably around March, 2015). A “Vessel having steering and propulsion” can be brought in under the existing (circa 1990) law and would continue to be legal to be used as a live-aboard vessel. The City is calling these “Vessels With Dwelling Units” The city is proposing to offer a Plaque for these types of vessels.
• Under the new law, only those “Floating On Water Residences” (FOWR) that have been in Seattle – with a moorage agreement or ownership interest, at a marina, PRIOR to July 1, 2014, would be eligible for the City of Seattle DPD Floating On Water Residence Plaque.
• A FOWR would NOT be allowed to be brought in after the implementation of the SMP because the new law prohibits its use as a live-aboard vessel.

I know it is confusing, but there are 5 ways of living on the water in Seattle, four of which will be eligible to apply to receive a City of Seattle Plaque. For the purposes of clarification, I have created 4 Seattle Specific Definitions. These definitions apply to vessels moored in Seattle waters.  The 5th classification will NOT receive, nor be eligible for a plaque, but is allowed to be used as a liveaboard in Seattle Waters.

NOTE: If your Floating On Water Residence is NOT located within the city of Seattle, you are still a Floating On Water Residence, however, you are not eligible for a Seattle plaque, and will not be allowed in Seattle as a liveaboard vessel after the implementation of the Seattle Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) expected sometime in March, 2015.

Seattle Specific Definitions (See Chart Below):

1. Floating On Water Residence (FOWR) – A vessel (with or without propulsion) that was designed primarily as a residence and was legally moored in a marina in Seattle waters PRIOR to July 1, 2014.
2. Vessel with Dwelling Unit – Vessels that have steering and propulsion, which may be designed primarily as a residence, but are navigable, and obtained legal moorage in Seattle waters BETWEEN July 1, 2014 and the SMP Implementation Date (Estimated March of 2015).
3. House Barge – Vessels primarily designed as residences, lacking steering and propulsion, but capable of navigation by being towed.
4. Floating Home –  a single-family dwelling (NOT A VESSEL) constructed on a float that is moored, anchored, or otherwise secured in waters. Floating homes are required to be located in approved “floating home moorages”
5. Liveaboard Recreational Vessels – Vessels, designed primarily as Recreational Vessels (Excluding Houseboats) as described in the new SMP regulations (Estimated March of 2015).

Houseboats on the Multiple Listing Update

While Floating Homes and Moorage are able to be listed on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), Houseboats listings were removed from the NWMLS in March of 2013. Although houseboats had been listed on the NWMLS for decades, they were removed because most houseboats are vessels and selling a vessel requires a Vessel Dealer License. Most Real Estate Brokers are not licensed Vessel Dealers. For some time, Special Agents Houseboats has been the only licensed Vessel Dealer specializing in Houseboat sales and has listed houseboats for sale on Seattle-Houseboat.com, SpecialAgentsRealty.com, and on LakeUnionLiving.com. We understand that this limits the market for the sale of a Houseboat and makes it difficult for people not familiar with our company to locate houseboats for sale.

 We have been working with the Department of Licensing to allow Floating On Water Residences to be sold by licensed Real Estate Brokers, which would then allow them to once again be listed on the NWMLS. To do this, the Real Estate and Vessel Dealer Licensing laws must be changed. The Real Estate Commission formed a task group comprised of interested stakeholders and commission members and crafted a draft of the proposed law changes. Bob Mitchell, Executive Projects Director for the Government Affairs committee of the Washington Realtors Association has taken the reigns to get this submitted to the legislature for the coming session. With little or no opposition, we expect this to be passed easily and to have bipartisan support.

Send us your questions and we will respond! (Kevin@Seattle-Houseboat.com)

Floating On Water Residences: Q&A

Q: Does my Floating On Water Residence require a plaque?
A: After the SMP Implementation, you will have a period of time to apply for and obtain your FOWR plaque. You will be required to have a plaque or be a Recreational Vessel as described in the new SMP regulations.

Q: Can I bring in a new Floating On Water Residence?
A: Until the new SMP has been implemented, Vessels, having steering and propulsion with Dwelling Units may be brought into Seattle Waters after July 1, 2014 and BEFORE the new SMP Implementation. These vessels will be categorized as Vessels with Dwelling Units. The process for applying for a Vessel with Dwelling Unit is not yet known.

Q: What value to me is the plaque?
A: The plaque provides security, assuring your FOWR can be maintained, remodeled, and replaced. FOWR’s are protected from NEW regulations which might preclude these rights.

Q: Can I sell my plaque?
A: No. You can sell your houseboat and your plaque will go with it, or you can remove your houseboat from the Seattle SMP area and replace the existing foot print with a new structure

Q: Can I expand my FOWR?
A: Yes.  Seattle FOWR’s may be expanded up to 120 square feet (with height and footprint constraints) without any new requirements. Expansion beyond 120 square feet require containment and disposal of gray water.

Q: When are the new regulations effective?
A: Although the regulations may not take effect until after July 1, 2014, your FLOWR must have been “legally established prior to July 1, 2014”

Q: Does my FLOWR need to have engines?
A: No, Engines are NOT required. This proposal by DPD has been eliminated.

Q: I heard proposals requiring Sail Area to Length Ratios, Freeboard Requirements, Symmetrical mooring cleats, fore and aft boarding stations, visibility requirements. Do these still apply?
A: No. These proposals by DPD have been eliminated.

Q: I heard I would be required to drive my vessel on a 1 mile round trip, hire a naval architect, and have my vessel certified. Does this still apply?
A: No. These proposals by DPD have been eliminated. No performance test is required.

Q: Can I repair, remodel, or replace my FLOWR?
A: Yes, with some restrictions. Repair is allowed, but there are some restrictions as to what can be done in a marina (max 25% of vessel at a time). An expansion of up to 120 sq. ft. is allowed provided it does not exceed the height restrictions. You can add Deck railings (36” max) and stairs. If expansion over the life of the vessel exceeds 120 sq. ft., gray water containment and disposal are required.

Q: Can I expand the size of my footprint?
A: No, with the single exception of a one time changes for stability as certified by a naval architect. NOTE: If you utilize the stability expansion, you cannot expand in any direction after the stability expansion.

Q: What are the height restrictions?
A: If your current height is 18 ft. or less, you cannot increase the height above 18 ft. If your current height is between 18 and 21 you cannot increase your height. If your height is 21 ft or more, you cannot create an expansion exceeding 21 ft.

Q: Does my FLOWR have to be USED as a place of residence prior to July 1, 2014
A: The regulations indicate that ”For the purpose of this chapter, a structure will be considered designed or used primarily as a residence if it contains a dwelling unit.” Per this statement, if your FLOWR contains a dwelling unit, it will meet the requirement of being USED as a place of residence.

Q: How do I register my FLOWR?
A: The exact process and fee amount has not yet been established. We anticipate that you will have to submit dimensions of your vessel, pictures, and some evidence that you were moored in Seattle waters, held a lease or ownership in a marina, were designed or used as a dwelling unit prior to July 1, 2014, and have detachable utilities.

Q: After I apply and pay my fee, will I receive something that indicates compliance?
A: Yes. After DPD verifies your FLOWR, you will receive a numbered plaque that is to be displayed on your FLOWR on the pier or landward side or side most used for access.

Q: I’m not sure if my vessel is a FLOWR. Should I submit for verification?
A: We are recommending that you submit for verification if you are unsure. Once verified, your FLOWR will then be secure and protected.

Q: If I get my FLOWR plaque, can the city make new regulations that will jeopardize my houseboat?
A: No. Once you have your plaque, you are officially verified as a “Floating On Water Residence” which is governed by Washington State Senate Bill SB-6450.

Q: Can I keep my FOWR on private property?
A: No, the regulation requires that the owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina, or has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina.

The post Seattle Houseboat Update appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Houseboat vessels, existing in Seattle waters may be used as live-aboard vessels if they meet the criteria of being designed and used for navigation and have a means of self propulsion and steering. It is the interpretation of these phrases that has been at debate. Representatives of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) have proposed a cacophony of  interpretations over the last 3 years, including Sail Area to Length Ratio, Sail Area to Hull Plan Ratio, Hull Length to Beam Ratio, specific construction materials, specific insurance requirements, freeboard requirements, minimum horsepower, symmetrical mooring cleats, symmetrical embarkation points, requiring inboard/outboard engines if > 30 ft., fore and aft line handling stations, watertight doors & windows, performance tests, forbidden design elements (Dormers, pitched roofs, etc.),

Fortunately, reason is beginning to prevail with DPD now leaning towards a version of a Director’s Rule that is more in line with the Lake Union Liveaboard Association’s proposal. Mayor McGinn’s has committed to work with the houseboat community to reach an equitable solution. Houseboat owners are hopeful that the upcoming Director’s Rule will be sensible and will allow the continued existence of houseboats that have been moored peacefully in Seattle waters for decades. We are expecting to have a final version of the Director’s Rule next week, and we will post the results here.  The Lake Union Liveaboard Association board of directors has been working diligently to reach a solution that will allow preservation of the entire houseboat fleet in Seattle waters, which numbers something less than 115 houseboats.

CONGRATULATIONS to all Seattle houseboat owners and

HAPPY HOUSEBOAT DAY!

The post Proclamation: Seattle Houseboat Day appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

After 3 long years of negotiations, testimonies, extensive letter writing campaigns, and numerous meetings, houseboat owners may be able to breath a sigh of relief.  Mayor Mike McGinn has indicated he will work with Houseboat owners to reach an equitable solution to the question: “Do houseboat-vessels meet the criteria of being designed and used for navigation with a means of self propulsion and steering?”

Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) has worked diligently to protect the rights and property of the approximately 113 houseboat-vessels currently in Seattle waters. Since 2009, when Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) began working on the new Seattle Shoreline Master Plan, houseboat owners lived in fear of losing their homes through DPD’s oppressive interpretations of 20 year old regulations.  These regulations stipulated that to live aboard a vessel in Seattle waters, the vessel must be “designed and used for navigation” and must “have a means of self-propulsion and steering .”  It has been LULA’s position that houseboat vessels meet this criteria and therefore are legal while DPD has contended (via arbitrary and unjustified interpretations) that there are approximately 150 illegal houseboats in Seattle waters based on their interpretation of this rule. The result of these allegations has meant a decrease in value of Houseboats, the loss of financing, and general insecurity for houseboat-vessel owners and buyers.

Not An Idle Threat
During the development of the Shoreline Master Plan, DPD issued 5 Notices of Violation (NOVs) regarding 5 houseboats and 1 marina operator. Nearly identical in substance and issued at the same time, these NOVs asserted that the vessels in question failed to meet the “designed and used for navigation” criteria of SMC § 23.60.942. The NOVs were based — in part — on the unpublished and now infamous DPD “vessel checklist” which lists a number of random design criteria that purportedly establish whether or not a vessel is actually a vessel. The recipients of the NOVs requested a Director’s Review of the NOVs and submitted extensive documentation (including marine surveys prepared by a naval architect) of the design and use of each vessel in satisfaction of the SMC § 23.60.942 criteria. DPD considered these materials for nearly six months before issuing orders upholding the NOVs and declaring each of the vessels in question to be unlawfully situated in the City of Seattle.

The recipients of the NOVs promptly initiated a lawsuit against the City of Seattle, alleging that the NOVs (a) were clearly erroneous as a matter of law, (b) incorrectly applied material facts, (c) sought to enforce an arbitrary and capricious standard in violation of the recipients’ substantive due process rights, (d) violated the recipients’ right to equal protection of the laws, and (e) were preempted by federal law (namely, the federal navigable servitude and the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, 46 U.S.C. § 4306, et seq.). The City filed a motion to dismiss the recipients’ claims, but in an order issued a few weeks before DPD issued the most recent draft director’s rule, the King County Superior Court denied that motion, instead ruling that the recipients had a valid basis to bring their claims under Washington’s Land Use Petition Act. That litigation is still ongoing and the case is set for trial in April of 2014.

A Bit of History
With an initial population in 1990 of about 30 houseboat vessels, the number has grown to approximately 115 houseboat vessels in 23 years (based on an analysis performed by LULA). Representing a growth rate of less than 4 houseboats per year, houseboats have not been a significant consumer of marine slips (there are about 10,000 marine slips in Seattle waters) yet they are a staple for local marinas, providing steady income and additional security.  Houseboat owners paid sales tax on their properties at time of purchase (currently 9.5%) and they pay annual excise and registration fees based on the value of their vessel. In addition, they pay taxes indirectly through rental fees, property taxes on the marina property.  A frequent misconception is that Houseboats dump black water into our waters. Not only is this not true, Houseboats are designed such that they cannot dump their black water and must use a pumpout service, while many yachts, trawlers, and sailboats are designed so they can discharge black water with the push of a button.

Houseboat vessels are an historic and iconic part of Seattle and have been a draw for tourism and an economic benefit to the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Union and the Ship Canal. Houseboat owners are frequently first responders to emergencies in Marinas and can be credited with saving life and property numerous times. Additionally, houseboat vessels have a very small carbon footprint and are very environmentally friendly.

The Mayor’s Commitment
Mayor McGinn met with LULA representatives and indicated that we are near a solution that will accommodate existing houseboat vessels and he has committed to working LULA to achieve a reasonable result.  Negotiations are underway with DPD to create a DPD Director’s Rule that is rational and reasonable and which avoids the arbitrary and subjective conditions found in previous iterations of DPD’s interpretation of “designed and used for navigation (having a means of self-propulsion and steering).”  The Director’s Rule is being modified to more closely match the recommendations of Lake Union Liveaboard Association which has strong support by many people, business owners, and professional marine groups, including the Lake Union Association of businesses, the National Marine Trade Association, Shilshole Liveaboard Association.

A Petition to Protect Seattle’s Houseboats created by Lake Union Liveaboard Association received more than 650 signatures, and together with signed paper petitions amounted to over a thousand people showing their support for Seattle’s wonderful Houseboat community.

For more information and the latest news on LULA’s efforts to protect houseboat-vessels (and other live-aboards), please visit our websites:

LakeUnionLiveaboard.com and SaveOurHouseboats.com

You can also send in letters supporting Lake Union Liveaboard Association’s response to the Draft Director’s Rule to Jill.Vanneman@Seattle.gov, Faith.Lumsden@Seattle.Gov, Diane.Sugimura@Seattle.Gov, and Ethan.Raup@Seattle.Gov.

The post Mayor McGinn to Work With Houseboat Owners appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

The post A ‘Thank You’ from Keira Knightly appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

The secret was well kept! Special Agents Realty and Special Agents Houseboats (Linda & Kevin Bagley) worked very hard to locate a floating home or houseboat for Miss Keira Knightly to stay a month while filming her new movie “Laggies”.  It had to be private, where dock owners and the public would respect her privacy and we made that happen.

Apparently after a short stay in the downtown hotel she discovered Lake Union houseboats and floating homes while out and about filming.  She requested the producers find a floating home for her to rent.

Her charming husband James Righton, rocker, is keyboard player for the rock group Klaxons also spent a week with Keria. We met James when we loaned our tandem kayak to the couple. We towed it from our houseboat to there dock in the first week of their stay so they could privately enjoy our beautiful Seattle waters.

James said he will be going back to London to explore the floating homes and that it was a thrill to have been able to experience living in a floating home on in Seattle, such an amazing lifestyle even with one floating home fore sale on the dock that had an open house, Miss Knightly was not disturbed. She said she had a wonderful stay. The Mattson family floating home is an end of the dock and very private location. It has wonderful additional sleeping spaces, so if you are thinking of visiting Seattle and want to stay where Keira stayed, let me know!

The tandem kayak James and Keria used. Other adventures were among a private Kenmore Air plane tour we helped them arrange and as Marcus said “Little Water Cantina” was his and out of town visitors absolute favorite restaurant.  I received an email the day before they left ” We are on Night Shoots now until 05:00 and then fly home tomorrow. I will definitely keep in touch. All the best, Marcus”

It was certainly a pleasure being able to help locate such a lovely floating home for Miss Knightly and family to enjoy Lake Union and Life on Lake Union.

The post Keria Knightly appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Ben Brashen with KKNW 1150 interviewed Linda and Kevin Bagley on 6-19-2013, owners of Special Agents Realty and Special Agents Houseboats on his show Brashenomics. The interview provides an excellent overview of the differences between Houseboats and Floating Homes, the houseboat buying process, and a great introduction to houseboat life.

The interview is helpful to those wanting to learn about Seattle Houseboats and Seattle Floating Homes, what is involved in buying a houseboat, and a bit about financing houseboats. We would love to hear your feedback!

The post Linda & Kevin Bagley Radio Interview About Houseboats & Floating Homes appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

True Seattle Charm

This beautiful Seattle Houseboat has been kissed with Charm and a touch of Whimsy. Experience the Seattle Houseboat lifestyle in this fantastic 2 bedroom updated houseboat. The spacious 2nd level deck is partially covered allowing you to maximize your outdoor living experience. Curl up next to the fireplace and actually enjoy a rainy day! The cute kitchen features a copper countertop and there is also a built in Dinnette Set. Call for private showing (206) 915-3766 or email Linda.

This is the Life!

The post Charming Seattle Houseboat appeared first on Special Agents Realty.