Move-In Ready Fully Furnished ~ Seattle Houseboat

 1080 W Ewing St Unit #E-2, Seattle, WA 98119

NWMLS Link – Click Here MLS #2307101 Offered at $374,500

Living on Seattle’s Ship Canal with expansive channel views and the rare ability to dock a small boat alongside offers an experience beyond compare. Imagine unwinding on your rooftop deck as you watch crew races, playful otters, salmon leaping, and ships passing to and from the locks—a setting that soothes and inspires.

This meticulously crafted Haggard houseboat blends NW Modern style with European-inspired space efficiency, creating a cozy yet stylish 423-square-foot retreat. Wrapped in warm teak wood, the interior feels both intimate and bright, thanks to large windows and a stunning barrel-style roof. The rooftop deck, with seating for up to eight, is perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings, adding another unique dimension to your floating home.

Key Features:

• Monthly Slip Lease: $813/month, covering water, garbage, and dock maintenance (internet and electricity not included).
• Turnkey and Fully Furnished: The sale includes all furnishings, electronics, a built-in queen-size bed, appliances, and tasteful décor.
• Spacious Kitchen & Living Space: Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with a propane stove/oven, full-size refrigerator, microwave, and air fryer. The cozy living area includes wood floors, a big-screen TV with Bose speakers, and reclining chairs.
• Comfortable Bedroom and Bathroom: The upper-level bedroom with a queen-sized bed has view windows, a closet, and ample storage. The bathroom features a full-size shower, and the houseboat has both electric and propane heating, making it comfortable year-round.
• Rooftop Deck: Accessible by an interior stairway, this deck offers ample seating, a mini-fridge, and storage for folding chairs, perfect for entertaining.
• Onboard Amenities: Combo washer/dryer, upgraded on-demand water heater, and real wood slat floors throughout.

Community Perks:
Located in the gated Nickerson Marina, this houseboat offers a vibrant community with BBQ areas, guest bathrooms and laundry onshore, and secure gated access. There’s plenty of free parking in an adjacent lot.

Additional Highlights:

• Recently refurbished hull and freshly painted, lacquered wood exterior.
• Ample onboard storage space, locked dock access, and a brand-new three-person inflatable boat are included.

Whether you’re looking for a primary home or a tranquil getaway, this houseboat on the Ship Canal provides the ultimate Seattle waterfront lifestyle, blending charm, comfort, and adventure right at your doorstep.

Contact:

Linda M. Bagley 

C: (206)419-0065

Owner / Designated Broker License # 17584

Special Agents Realty

Specializing in Residential Properties and Floating Properties!

Linda@SpecialAgentsRealty.com

www.SpecialAgentsRealty.com

mlsapp.nwmls.com/8365E820

Google Reviews

Special Agents, Inc License #21432

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MLS #2139569 ~ $850,000

903 1/2 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

‘Nuestra Casa’ offers an extraordinary opportunity for lakefront living in the vibrant Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. With proximity to renowned tech companies, shopping, dining, and recreational amenities, this houseboat caters to both work and leisure. It’s an exceptional example of the unique lifestyle that floating homes in Seattle provide.

• Year Built – 1996 (total remodel in 2016)
• Square feet – 750
• 3 bedroom 2 bath (1 full/1 3/4)
• Dimensions 40′ X 14′
• Laundry onboard
• Main level bedroom & 3/4 bathroom
• Hardwood floors
• All electric newer appliances and heat
• 3 covered deck and full rooftop deck with BBQ space (Very High-Quality new rooftop deck, banisters and spiral access stairs installed in 2020)
• Full Haul-out hull inspection and new paint in 2020
• Total Remodel w/haul-out in 2016 (new kitchen, upper-level addition, and new full bath)
• Leased moorage/utilities & additional boat alongside – TBN (To Be Negotiated with Fremont Dock office@fremontdockco.com or fremontland@yahoo.com )
• Personal Property Tax (approx. 1% of purchase price)
• Rentals & Pets to be approved by Fremont Dock
• Financing options available (contact listing broker)

Contact Linda M. Bagley for more info or to schedule a private showing Linda@specialagentsrealty.com 206-419-0065

The post Nuestra Casa (Our House) Stunning Seattle Houseboat~SOLD!! appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

PENDING SALE!!!

‘Real Quiet’

NWMLS #1852217  ~ $425,000

About ‘Real Quiet’ a Haggard built Houseboat

Welcome aboard ‘Real Quiet’ another Haggard Houseboats a custom-built Seattle Houseboat.  Featured in the 2021 Spring Design Issue of Seattle Times Pacific NW Magazine. Many features~varnished Western Red Cedar interior, Douglas Fir finishes throughout includes~nail down hardwood floors, ceiling beams, car decking ceiling, dinette & tabletop. Kitchen features stainless steel pounded countertops, Beko SS refrigerator, subway tile backsplash w/teak wrapped trim. Enjoy soaking in the 4′ Japanese soaking tub, bedroom has space for the queen size bed. Huge cargo storage space on this gem with a rooftop deck to enjoy sunsets. 

Fully Staged by: Hunter Wilmovsky (contact me for her contact info)

Year Built – 2021 

Launched early October 2021 and is the 9th Seattle houseboat built by Haggard Houseboats since 2006. Real Quiet was featured in the Spring Design issue of Seattle Times Pacific NW Magazine 2021.

Square Feet – As I have always said, with a houseboat “It’s All About The Square Inches”

FOWR (Floating On-Water Residence) Number – #883

The city of Seattle prohibits bringing new houseboats into the city and our houseboats are capped at approximately 230. The only way to have a houseboat in Seattle is, you would have had to be on the water as a liveaboard prior to July 1, 2014. We are however permitted to replace with new construction by obtaining permit approval by DCI (Department of Construction & Inspection). This houseboat is one of the new permitted structures approved by DCI.

Hull Type/Dimensions – Steel – 40’ X 12’

This hull type is among the preferred styles for minimal maintenance and brand new construction of quarter-inch steel built-in 2020 by Marlin Barges from Madison, Indiana. Marlin Barges are USCG certified deck barge builders.

A barge style hull has excellent stability for comfort. Additionally, the cargo holds a great place for additional storage.

Mechanical & Finishes – 

• Bilge Pumps:  There are two 220 HP Johnson SPXFlow pumps installed in September 2021
•  Black Water Tank is 65 gallons, Ronco custom tank located in the cargo hold at the center of hull platforms for easy access
• Electrical service is 30 amp with Dyno 12v battery and a Noco genius Gen 1 Battery Charger
• Electric Three King Electric Wall Heaters
• Washer/Dryer hookups available in cargo space and laundry facilities at Marina
• Range/Oven is a Suburban Propane Stove/Oven with 3 burners
• Refrigerator/Freezer Beko Stainless Steel
• Exterior Siding Material is Cedar lap
• Exterior Roofing Material is Gaco Flex U66 Polyurethane Membrane 

Marina Location: NICKERSON MARINA

• 1080 W Ewing Pl, Seattle, WA
• Tel: (206) 285-0477

Slip fees and amenities: 

• Monthly Rental Slip Rate – $750 /mo – liveaboard fee $250 /mo
• Utilities included – Water 
• Garbage($10), electric metered additional
• Mailbox Onsite – Waiting list 
• VERIFIED LEASE CAN TRANSFER – Yes
• Liveaboard – Monthly Fee $250 
• Storage (onsite) Waiting List
• Marina Amenities: 
• Parking –  Yes/No fee
• Washer/Dryer –  Laundry on-site
• Bathrooms and Showers on-site 
• Package collection recommend amazon lockers  Not secure for packages at Nickerson marina
• No Pets / No Rentals 
• Cable – Comcast
• Internet – Comcast

Lending is available and you will want to be sure your buyer has their pre-approval prior to writing an offer and potentially before showing floating properties, as the lending is very different. Allow at least 45 days, especially if the houseboat must be hauled out of the water for hull inspections.

The lender for a houseboat (FOWR- Floating On-Water Residence): Sound Community Bank

• David A. Raney VP
• 2001 5th Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
• Office Phone: (206) 436-8574
• david.raney@soundcb.com

Closing Agent for ALL Floating Properties is Specialized and closed through:

• Assemble Law Group
• Forrest Carlson
• 2633 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 207
• Seattle, WA 98102
• Office Phone (206) 631-9575
• forrest@assemblelaw.com

Inspection Process:

Houseboats (FOWR’s)  must be inspected by a Marine Surveyor, who will also do the Valuation for the lender and insurance. Both the lender and insurance will receive the entire report, unlike a residential inspection and can opt not to finance or insure based on any critical item in the report.

Contact me for recommendations for Marine Surveyor who specializes in FOWR’s:

NOTES: 

All FOWR’s (Floating On-Water Residences) will close on the King County Personal Property Tax roll as a floating home and taxes will be assessed in the next cycle or as time allows for the KC assessor to view and value the FOWR. In some cases, the property may already have a KC Tax ID, and taxes will already be assed. NOTE: The change went into effect in 2017 per new rules with DOL and floating properties clearly not a vessel and built as an overwater residence. 

There are a very small number of FOWR’s that will maintain vessel status and close as a vessel. 

Sellers will register the FOWR on the King County Personal Tax and obtain a Tax ID # after all contingencies are waived just prior to closing. (Except VDU’s)

Buyers DO NOT pay sales tax. 

All fenders, mooring lines and propane tanks should remain with the houseboat at closing.

All sellers should do the final black water (waste) pump out at closing and buyers must establish a pump-out service plan by closing.

All buyers must arrange a moorage lease with the marina after the inspection has been accepted and waived as a contingency. 

Contact me for necessary houseboat contacts, such are Insurance Brokers, Marina Contacts, ShipYard, Dive services, etc…  Happy to assist!

Linda M Bagley – Linda@Specialagentsrealty.com mobile~(206) 419-0065

The post ‘Real Quiet’ A new Seattle Houseboat, by Haggard Houseboats (SOLD) 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.

– $225,000 (In large Liveaboard Slip!)

Great Houseboat in over-sized liveaboard slip – ROOM FOR RUNABOUT
This cute houseboat is located in Seattle Marina with great views from the rooftop deck and living room. Enjoy Seattle skyline and Space Needle views. Watch the sea-planes, blue heron and ducks cruise by. Newly remodeled, this houseboat features charming finishes including; cabin styling, granite countertop in bath, brass porthole window and vessel sink in bath, full size gas range, built-in microwave, double sink, and lots of cabinet space in Kitchen.

Imagine your home afloat on the water in Seattle!

• 1 Bedroom—1 Bathroom
• Cabin Styling
• Cedar planked walls
• Completely remodeled—2015
• Roof top deck
• New appliances
• Lots of cabinetry
• Marine Head
• In coveted liveaboard slip
• 60’ slip—Room for runabout!
• Good closet space with built in drawers
• Slip Fees: $660 + $175 Liveaboard
• Qualifies for Floating On-Water Plaque

Click to view Virtual Tour

Watch our video!

Waterfront you can put your toes in.

The post Villa Mia – Charming Seattle Houseboat (Sold 2015 by Special Agents Houseboats!) 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.

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We are very pleased to announce that with new Houseboat regulations, Sound Community Bank is creating a new Floating On Water Residence lending package that improves both rates and terms offered for houseboats. Details of this program are shown below.

Over the past 5 years, Kevin and Linda Bagley and Lake Union Liveaboard Association have worked hard to create a more positive political environment for the Floating Residences in Seattle and around the state. As a result of these efforts, two key pieces of legislation were passed.

• The first was legislation that protects all Floating On-Water Residences in existence as of 7/1/14, from adverse legislation.
• The second, House Bill 1309, allows licensed Real Estate Brokers to sell Floating On-Water Residences without having to have a vessel dealer license. This will also allow Floating On-Water Residences to be listed on the multiple listing service.

As a result of these regulations, Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development revised the Shoreline Master Plan (Announcement coming soon) to accommodate Floating On-Water Residence (AKA Houseboats & House Barges) and to create acceptable use guidelines. These new regulations provide substantiation for improved lending parameters.

Special Agents Houseboats has been working with Sound Community Bank for several years and our excellent relationship with them made it possible to communicate the new legislations which allowed them to create an improved lending environment for our floating community. The new program offered by Sound Community Bank will closely resemble the Floating Home programs that they have been offering for a number of years.

Details of the program:

3 lending programs will include:

• 25 year amortization with a 5 year cash out balloon payment. Current rate is 5.25%
• 30 year amortization with a 10 year cash out balloon payment. Current rate is 5.75%
• 15 year fixed rate loan. Current rate is 5.5%

All programs require 20% down payment and approval is dependent on credit evaluation.

For information about Houseboats for sale in Seattle, contact Special Agents Houseboats.

For further information on these programs or to apply for a loan, please contact:

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Come aboard “Pacena” an absolutely charming houseboat 40′ x 12′ vessel located in sought after Nickerson Marina houseboat gated community. Room for small sailboat along side. Two bedrooms, 3/4 bath, Webasto radiant heated wood flooring, chef designed kitchen, Webasto constant hotwater. Lot’s of gardening space and a wonderful upper deck for entertaining. Laundry and additional showers on site, slip fees $449. per month, $150 per month liveaboard and $8.00 PM garbage. Black water pump out additional. Financing possible, call vessel broker or email for questions.

NOTE: HOUSEBOAT VESSELS ARE NOT POSTED ON THE NWMLS AND ONLY LEGALLY SOLD BY VESSEL DEALERS.

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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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Have you heard the latest news on Seattle Houseboats (or, perhaps the most accurate news, that is)???

For a summary of the definitions of Houseboats, House Barges, and Floating Homes PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Did you notice Houseboats are no longer listed on the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service), or did you think there are no houseboats for sale?

On the contrary, there are Seattle Houseboats for sale but they are no longer on the NWMLS nor are they to be sold by Real Estate Brokers! For decades Houseboats were listed on the NWMLS and Real Estate Brokers sold them. Recently, the NWMLS concluded that a Houseboat is a licensed vessel, a boat, and is not property that Real Estate Brokers (agents) are licensed to sell. The new Rules were posted November 1st 2012 but remained on the NWMLS until this month (March 2013). Seattle Houseboat vessels (boats) are typically closed through Maritime Title Services, registered as a vessel with the Department of Licensing and the buyer pays Sales Tax. In 2006, we discovered our houseboat, a dual stern paddle wheeler on the NWMLS, and we purchased it and have lived there since 2007. It fascinated me that we could actually list and sell houseboats on the MLS because they are boats and we became the specialists in buying and selling houseboats and barges.

Part of the reason for this error is the nomenclature used by the NWMLS has been incorrect, leading to the wrong type of “On Water Residences” being listing on the NWMLS. Through our conversations with the NWMLS, we pointed out that they were incorrectly referring to Floating Homes as Houseboats. As a result of these conversations, the style code is being changed and the previous style code of Houseboats will now be Floating Homes. I am very excited about this, as it will help eliminate the problem of listing houseboats, when only Floating Homes are allowed.

The Jury is out whether Seattle House Barges can be listed on the NWMLS and if real estate brokers can list and sell them. Seattle House Barges are vessels that do not require a means of propulsion and are found both in rented slips and in owned slips.  There are 34 Seattle barge vessels approved by the City of Seattle.

1. designed and used for navigation but lacks a

means of self-propulsion and steering equipment

or capability (for example, it is designed and used

for navigation by towing); and

2. designed or used as a place of residence.

Of importance for Houseboat buyer’s, it is imperative that you are knowledgeable about the Seattle City Houseboat and Barge Regulations. We (Kevin and Linda Bagley) are the founders of LULA (Lake Union Liveaboard Association) and are very active with the issues and politics surrounding Houseboats and Barges.  Kevin is a Seattle Council appointed Stake Holder negotiating for the rights of existing Seattle Houseboats on Lake Union and keenly aware of the current issues surrounding Houseboats in the Seattle Shoreline Master Plan. If you have any questions or concerns and want ACCURATE information about Seattle Houseboats or Barges you need to contact Kevin Bagley or Linda Bagley.

There are excellent books on Amazon.com “Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats” and “Seattle’s Floating Homes”, which give some of the Seattle history.

While the NWMLS and Real Estate Brokers sort out what can and cannot be sold, we at Special Agents, Inc. have taken the necessary steps (legally licensed) to sell Floating Homes, Houseboats or housebarges. We soon will have a new website afloat for ALL listings. Stay tuned!!

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