1522 NE 140th St. #C-5, Seattle, WA 98125

MLS #2040637

SOLD – $511,999

Welcome home to Noble Firs Condo which features such as a large clubhouse with large picturesque windows overlooking parklike landscapes and trails. Additional features such as a game room with plenty of books to enjoy reading, a pool table, and a large event room to host events with a fully stocked kitchen.  Bask in the heated swimming pool, take a stroll on the winding trails throughout the site, and enjoy ponds and fountains. The community club has showers and his and hers private saunas. The clubhouse also has a workout room when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Located in a beautiful gated community with walking trails located one block from parks, a golf course, minutes to Lake Washington, The Kraken, the University of Washington, the light rail, and a short walk to shopping and dining.

This condo has a wonderful floor plan (shy 1600 sf) with vaulted ceilings in the living room and primary bedroom (2 bdr/2 bath). A huge tiled balcony overlooks a park-like setting with walls of windows & doors to the living room and private primary bedroom. The primary bed-bath includes second vanity and walk-in closet. Stunning large open living room with wood fireplace and beautiful stone mantel, wet bar, formal dining, breakfast nook, galley kitchen, laundry room with washer/dryer, linen closet, and coat closet. The foyer/entry on the lower level has a hidden coat closet behind the mirrored wall and an additional storage unit in the basement. Just professionally re-painted!

The resale Certificate and inspection are ready for a fast closing…

• Year Built – 1973
• Square Feet – 1568
• 2 bedroom / 2 full bath
• Condo HODs – $611 / mo (includes water, sewer, garbage, common area maintenance, road maint., snow removal)
• Property Tax – $4000.27 / yr
• Amenities include a
  • heated swimming pool,
  • BBQ area,
  • clubhouse,
  • exercise room,
  • game/recreation room,
  • library,
  • sauna,
  • security gate,
  • walking trails,
  • enjoy ponds and fountains

Virtual Tour

Looking at all offers on April 18th.

The post Noble Firs Condo in Park Like Setting 2 bed/2bath appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

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 would like to wish you and your family a wonderful 2018! Kevin & Linda have had lots of great adventure during 2017 and have learned a lot during the year. We hope to share with you some useful and fun information that we have gathered during the year. For some of you, this is VERY important information. For others, we hope it will be educational and informative.
As many of you know, we are first and foremost Residential Real Estate Brokers, listing and selling homes and condos throughout the Puget Sound Region. Many of you may also know that we are specialists 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.

Property Tax Deductions
The new tax plan has implications for your Property Tax Deductions as well as Sales Tax deductions. The two are now related to each other with regard to deductions. For 2018, you are now allowed to deduct up to $10,000 in State and Local taxes and you must choose between Property Taxes and Sales Tax. For many of you, that means your deduction could be limited compared to previous years.  Many people will want to try to deduct 2018 taxes in 2017, however, the IRS will only allow prepaid property taxes if the state has already done its 2018 assessment. King County does not allow pre-paying your 2018 taxes in 2017 and will return any payments sent in for this purpose.

Standard Deduction Doubled
The Standard Deduction has doubled, and in some cases, the Standard Deduction may be more appealing than Itemization. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders opposed this, as it may mean fewer people will be taking the mortgage interest deduction which could lower housing prices.

Rental Properties In Seattle
If you have a Rental Property in Seattle, you MUST register your property and your property WILL be inspected. This is known as the Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance. NOTE: This rule applies to ALL residential rental properties INCLUDING Floating Homes and Floating On-Water Residences.
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/licensingregistration/RRIO/ownersmanagers/default.htm

Short-Term Rentals in Seattle
New regulations were voted on and approved by Seattle City Council regarding Short Term Rentals. These new rules affect those putting their properties up for rent for less than 3 months. There are three short-term rental bills.

• CB 119083 pertains to how the City taxes short-term rentals.
• CB 119082 relates to how STRs are addressed in the land-use code.
• CB 119081 relates to the Licensing Standards (What can be licensed).

Discussion of all of the ramifications of this bill is too lengthy for this newsletter, but it is important to know that if you are conducting short-term rentals in Seattle, you will need to be licensed and follow these regulations to avoid penalties or worse. NOTE Floating Properties may no longer be used for Short Term Rentals

Housing Values
Housing Values in Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell & Burien over the last year have steadily increased. The good news it that your property is worth more. The bad news is that property is more expensive to buy.  The following chart shows the median values (half the properties sold were above and half were below the median) in Seattle and cities to the east, north, and south of Seattle.  Is there a Bubble?  Hard to say. We are expecting price increases to slow down, however, the trends are still upward. With tax changes affecting home ownership, there could be a turnaround in pricing during 2018.  We welcome your thoughts!

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
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Seattle’s new short-term rental regulations prohibit short-term rentals for over-water properties.  If you own a houseboat (Floating On-Water Residence) or a Floating Home and are using it as a vacation rental, you will no longer be allowed to do this.
From CB 119082:

23.42.060 Short-term rentals

Short-term rental uses are subject to the following provisions:

A. Short-term rental uses are permitted in any structure established as a dwelling unit unless (1) the proposed use is in a dwelling unit established as a caretaker’s quarters, or (2) the proposed use is over water or otherwise prohibited by the shoreline regulations contained in Chapter 23.60A.

Registering Rental Properties In Seattle
While Short-Term Rentals are prohibited, long-term rentals (3 months or greater) are still allowed over water. If you have a rental property in Seattle, even if it is a houseboat (Floating On Water Residence), or a floating home, you must register your property and it will be inspected. For more information, please read the Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance.

Remodeling, Renovating, Replacing, & Major Repairs
Floating On-Water Residences are subject to permitting regulations when doing Exterior Remodeling, Renovating, and Major Repairs. Floating On-Water Residences may expand up to 120 square feet, but must not increase their over-water coverage. Although expansion beyond 120 square feet is permitted, the City of Seattle is proposing strong rules for containing grey water that must be implemented with this type of expansion.

Generally, if your exterior work exceeds $6416.00 you will need to obtain a shoreline exemption permit (Fairly easy to obtain). This may include things like hull replacement, re-siding, re-fiberglassing decks, etc.

NOTE: If you are replacing your Floating On-Water Residence, you must obtain a full Shoreline Development Permit (Complex & expensive).

Some common types of projects that are typically considered exempt:

• Normal maintenance and repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire, or natural elements
• Construction of a single-family residence and accessory structures by the owner for his/her own use, on dry land only
• Demolition of structures, not having a major impact on the shoreline character
• Any development with a value of less than $6,416.00 that does not materially interfere with normal public use of the water

For more information, please see the TIP 229.

We hope you have a fantastic 2018
We’ve enjoyed working with our fabulous clients and friends and hope that you find this newsletter useful.  If you no longer wish to continue receiving these emails, please unsubscribe below.Thank youfrom Kevin & Linda Bagley

The post Happy New Year 2018 appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

We’ve been living on Lake Union for the last 12 years in a 72 foot Paddlewheeler named The KevLin. For over 15 years, we have been helping people buy and sell property of all types, on land or on the water. Our companies, Special Agents Realty and Special Agents Houseboats provide unique information and outstanding service for those looking for that special property.

1. Waterfront Property: This is what many people think of when they think of living on the water. While it is technically not “on the water” it is adjacent to the water or “waterfront.” Surprisingly, there are very few waterfront homes on Lake Union with the exception of some condominiums located on the east side of the lake. There are also some waterfront homes in Portage Bay, an appendage of Lake Union, and along parts of the Ship Canal which connects Lake Union with Puget Sound. Currently, there are no properties of this type on the market on Lake Union, the Ship Canal or Portage Bay.
2. Floating Homes: Think Sleepless in Seattle, or if you’ve never seen the movie, think of a normal house, floating on a platform, attached to a dock. Many people think these are “houseboats” but they are not. These are floating homes, permanently attached to a dock, designed to be moved into place once and (almost) never moved again. Floating homes are typically found in condominium or cooperative associations and are subject to properyty taxes (sometimes paid in the homeowner dues). Floating homes are hard-connected to utilities like electricity, water, and sewer. Currently, there are 2 Floating Homes on the market, priced at $1.9 millon and $2.75 million.
3. Houseboats – Floating On-Water Residences: Houseboats have existed in Seattle for more than a century and are an Iconic part of the Seattle water living scene. Houseboats differ from Floating Homes in that they are typically located in recreational marinas and have quick-disconnect utilities. They are NOT required to have engines nor are they required to cruise the waters, but they can be easily moved from one marina to another (typically by towing). Houseboat buyers pay sales tax at closing and pay annual vessel registration fees, but they are not subject to property tax, nor do sellers pay excise tax. Houseboats were slated for elimination from the City of Seattle, however, Lake Union Liveaboard Association was able to get State legislation passed that protected houseboats in the State of Washington. The new term “Floating On-Water Residence” is used in the state law that protects Houseboats.
4. House Barges: House Barges are a definition created in 1990 by the City of Seattle when the first Shoreline Master Program was implemented. During this time, the City of Seattle was attempting to eliminate Houseboats and created a grandfather definition “House Barge” that allowed existing houseboats to convert to a House Barge and meet other regulations. There were approximately 77 houseboats in the City of Seattle at that time and approximately 34 eventually accepted the House Barge requirements. The remaining houseboats, put engines and navigation lights on their vessels and became navigable vessels to avoid the House Barge requirements.
5. Recreational Vessels: This is probably the most common way that people live on the water and it typically the least expensive, however, it is not for everyone. The types of recreational vessels being used as liveaboards spans the gamut. Sailboats, tugboats, trawlers, yachts and more can be found as liveaboards in Lake Union, Portage Bay and on the Ship Canal. The sacrifices made to live on the water in recreational vessels may include less space, narrow hallways, tiny kitchens, minimal storage, and more motion. But ask someone who lives on a recreational boat and more often than not, they will tell you they love it. These are the pioneers of “Tiny Homes.”

Need help finding your “Special” property?

We would love to help. Please feel free to give us a call or email us with any questions. We can set up an automated search tailored to your specific needs which will update you instantly when new properties matching your criteria come on the market. We can also provide you with a valuation of your property and guide you on how to prepare to sell your property.

On land or on the water…

Life is Better When You Own It

Linda Bagley – Designated Broker
Linda@SpecialAgents.net – (206) 419-0065
Kevin Bagley – Managing Broker
linda@specialagentsrealty.com – (206) 915-3766

The post Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Lake Union Living appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

NWMLS Brokers Predict Modest Holiday Slowdown

Normally, there is a pretty significant slowdown in Seattle home sales during November-December as people become busy with the holiday season. This year seems to be a bit different, with lower than normal inventories, low interest rates, and a strong job market. It is likely that the housing market will remain quite active trough the holidays.

The Seattle market is one of the best we’ve seen for sellers. There are buyers out there actively looking for properties, with a shortage of homes. This is actually a very good time to list your home, because many people wait to list until after the holidays, yet there are many buyers still actively seeking properties. Now is a good time to get a head start on the competition.

Pending sales are up 7.8% from a year ago and the Puget Sound region (King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) had 6,977 pending sales, which was the highest October volume in over a decade.

October was the first month that the number of closings was below 8,000 since last April, but most brokers feel that this was due to a low inventory. If more homes had been available for sale, brokers feel there would not have been a slowdown.

During a stable market (neither buyer’s or seller’s market), there is typically a 4 to 6 month supply of inventory. We are currently sitting with a 1.29 month supply for King County residential homes, causing the market to remain a “Seller’s Market.”

Now is a good time for buyers

As a buyer, you can expect increasing prices and frequent multiple offer situations. Knowing this, the best time to buy in the near future is right now, during the traditional holiday slowdown. Although still competitive, we believe the competition is likely to increase after the 1st of the year.

Market Statistics

Single Family homes increased nearly 8.4% (Market wide). In King County, the median price increased 7.3% over last year’s median, from $447,250 to $480,000.

The Seattle condo market experienced even stronger growth, with volume and prices increasing by double digit percentages. Area wide, the number of sales rose 13.2 percent, and prices rose a significant 16.2%. The supply of condos experienced a larger drop than residential with the number of listing down 26 percent from last year. In King County, there is less than 1.2 months of supply

The post Seattle Real Estate Market: News Release – Nov 5, 2015 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.

Ecology Director Maia Bellon signed the final approval for the City of Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program on Monday June 1, 2015. The updated SMP will go into effect on June 15, 2015!

A process that began nearly 8 years ago is finally coming to completion.  In 2007, the Department of Planning and Development began a process to update the Seattle Shoreline Master Program. This process would see Seattle Houseboats placed in a very precarious position.

The Department of Planning and Development was charged with updating the Seattle Shoreline Master Plan, which was previously updated in 2005. Seattle’s SMP controls development and use of the shorelines in Seattle waters including floating homes and other floating residences.

Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) was formed in 2009 as a result of changes proposed for the new SMP, which could have potentially eliminated Houseboats in Seattle. For the following 5 years, LULA fought hard to change the SMP to deal fairly with Houseboats. In January, the Seattle City Council passed the SMP, which placed restrictions on Vessels being used as dwelling units, and interpreted this to mean Houseboats as well. This meant Sea Trials, demonstrating navigation, certification by Naval Architects, and a host of other restrictions.

As the City was passing the SMP and submitting to Ecology for review, LULA went to state regulators and got a bill passed that created a new term “Floating On-Water Residences” and protected those Floating On-Water Residences that had been in existence prior to 7/1/2014 from adverse regulations.

As a result of the new law, the City of Seattle was forced to revise the SMP to accommodate Floating On-Water Residences and to treat them as conforming uses in the city.  This required significant changes to the SMP. The city was required to remove many requirements, including Sea Trials, Freeboard, Naval Architect certifications, Navigational equipment, Boarding locations, cleat locations, Hull shape, Propulsion systems, Steering systems, and more.

In addition, the City was required to allow Floating On-Water Residences to be maintained, repaired, remodeled, and replaced in accordance with the new law.

What does this mean for Houseboats in Seattle?

• A structure will be considered a Floating On-Water Residence if it was moored pursuant to a lease or ownership interest in a Marina within the City, prior to July 1, 2014
• Houseboats are required to be verified as Floating On-Water Residences
  • Applicants will pay a one-time fee to receive a verification number
  • Submit an application for verification with pictures, dimensions, a sketch, and proof of moorage in the City prior to July 1, 2014.
• Verification Numbers will assigned and must be displayed in a prescribed manner on the Floating On-Water Residence.
• Houseboats may be expanded with height restrictions, but may not change in footprint size.
• Expansion is allowed subject to height limitations and is limited to 120 square feet, unless graywater is contained and disposed of properly or the Floating On-Water residence is connected to a City waste-water system.
• Houseboats may be replaced, but are subject to the same footprint, height, and expansion requirements.
• A one-time expansion of footprint is allowed for safety reasons, as certified by a Naval Architect. If footprint is expanded, no other expansion may occur.
• Open Railings may be added to decks and stairs, but if over height restriction, are limited to 36 inches.
• A Floating On Water Residence may be relocated and owners should update verification records within 60 days. Failure to update may result in enforcement action, but does not forfeit right to maintain the Floating On-Water Residence.

Faith Lumsden, Compliance Director at DPD has indicated that the verification process will be available online as of 6/15/2015 and that the forms will be available online.  She also indicates that DPD will try to create some press as an outreach program, to help spread the word.

Floating On-Water Residences May Be Sold By Licensed Real Estate Brokers

Separate from the Shoreline Master Program, a new law goes into effect July 24th, 2015, which permits licensed Real Estate Brokers to list and sell Floating On-Water Residences without having to have a Vessel Dealer License. This law affects Floating On-Water Residences statewide, although the vast majority of Floating On-Water Residences are located within Seattle city limits.

The state definition of a Floating On-Water Residence is:

“floating on-water residence” means any floating structure other than a floating home 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.

We can break down the criteria for being a Floating On-Water Residence:

• It a floating structure, other than a floating home
• It is designed as a residence on the water -OR-
• It is used primarily as a residence on the water
• The owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina prior to 7/1/14, -OR-
• The owner or primary occupant has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina prior to 7/1/14

From this you can see that most houseboats, house barges, and many vessels will qualify as Floating On-Water Residences.

Please visit www.Seattle-Houseboat.com for more information about Houseboats.

The post Seattle Shoreline Master Plan Receives Final Approval appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

with 570 feet of River frontage (MLS #495488)

Over 2 Acres!

$449,500.00

32305 SE 68th St., Issaquah, WA 98024

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

Salmon & Trout fishing from your back yard on 2.36 acres of 570′ waterfront living. Above flood plain. Located next to Preston Snoqualmie paved Trail, voted Hike of the week. Secluded hot tub on expansive cedar deck, with peaceful sound of the river. 2 bedroom, (easily add a 3rd) 2.25 bath, 2,170 SF.. His & hers garages, beautiful river rock fireplace in the dining room, hardwood floors, wet bar, security system, surround sound & RV Parking.

Click to send us an email

The post Beautiful Riverfront Retreat (SOLD!!) appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Thinking of listing your home?  You have time to get your home ready to make the best first impression for new buyer’s and I have prepared a list of to do’s so you are ready.

1. Do a pre-inspection on your home to help you avoid dealing with unforeseen issues during the negotiations. Think of this as your handyman to-do list and hire professionals as needed. Save your receipts for all your work, you may need these receipts for the potential buyer and possibly for your taxes (check with your CPA).
2. Meet with your Real Estate Broker who will provide a Comparative Market Analysis for your home, discuss listing price and may have suggestions on what you may be able to do to get the best value for prospective buyer’s.  Your Realtor may also recommend previewing active listings in your market area. This will be your competition. In addition you will want to discuss with your Realtor buying a home and ask for a lender referral. This will be a good time to meet with Lender you trust and discuss with them what you need to do to get pre-approved for buying a home. Getting your pre-approval before you list your home may save a lot of headaches when you get an offer on your home. You need to be ready to buy.
3. This is Spring and “Curb Appeal” is very important. To get buyer’s in the door you need an inviting entry, so power-wash moss, paint and freshen up with flowers and new bark. Hire a yard service if you need the help, because this will pay off in the price you get for the home.
4. Minimize! De-personalize and organize your home and get rid of the clutter. That doesn’t mean cramming it in the closets and garage, it means consider getting rid of things never or rarely used. Buyer’s need to see that the home is not over crowed and there will be room for their things. If it is cluttered, it will be difficult for buyer’s to see beyond your belongings. I recommend placing things you are not using in storage tubs. It can be less daunting to pack them later if you have them already packed in easy to move storage containers. Consider renting a storage unit for a few months while the home is listed.
5. Change out all the light bulbs to brighter bulbs and clean all the light fixtures while your at it. Replace any broken or outdated light fixtures, but try to stay with period fixtures.
6. Clean the windows inside and out. I recommend using hot-water with a very small amount of dish soap. Always show your home with all the lights on and window coverings open to let in the light.
7. If you need to paint consider lighter neutral colors.  Get a designer if you need help choosing colors, but stay neutral.
8. If something is broken replace it or fix it. Buyer’s want to know you have taken care of your home.
9. Clean, clean, clean! Whether you hire deep cleaning house cleaner or you do it your self, it is very important to clean the home, including the carpets.
10. Consider getting your home staged. Partial staging will go a long way when selling a home and statistically a lightly staged home will sell first. Even if it is not the better home.
11. List your home for sale and plan for many showings in your first week or two. Your Realtor will work with you on the best showing times and Open House times.

Click here to email Linda Bagley and I will help you through the process.

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Check out this great article in Harbors Magazine (Kenmore Air’s In-flight magazine) about Seattle Houseboats.

All of the pictured houseboats were sold by Special Agents. NOTE: Real Estate Brokers will no longer be allowed to sell houseboats, but fear not, as we are licensed Vessel Dealers and can help you complete your houseboat purchase or sale. Keep an eye out for our new website, launching soon!

Seattle-Houseboat.com

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