Houseboats & Floating Homes

Specialists in Floating Property

‍As experts in all types of water properties, we can guide you through purchasing floating homes, houseboats, or waterfront properties in the Puget Sound area. Floating property transactions differ significantly from traditional residential properties, and we are here to simplify the process.

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Floating Property Overview

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Purchase Price Range

The cost of houseboats or floating homes varies widely, from $100,000 to over $4 million, depending on size, location, quality, and amenities. While often more affordable per square foot compared to traditional homes in desirable areas, prices are influenced by market demand and moorage specifics.

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Financing Options

Financing for houseboats is limited. For example, Sound Community Bank offers specialized loans for houseboats, albeit with higher interest rates and stricter terms. Floating homes often qualify for portfolio loans, similar to residential lending.

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Associated Costs

• Moorage Fees: Ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars per month, depending on location and amenities.
• Utilities: Costs depend on the efficiency of the systems. Houseboats may require blackwater pumping services.
• Insurance: Houseboat insurance combines elements of home and marine coverage, typically requiring a Survey Inspection Report.‍
• Taxes: Floating On-Water Residences (FOWR) are taxed as personal property, with valuation influenced by market value, location, and age.

Location & Moorage

• Owned Moorage: Offers stability and control but comes at a higher upfront cost. Rare in Seattle.
• Rental Moorage: More common, offering flexibility but with variable costs and restrictions.
• Co-op/Condo Moorage: Preferred for stability and investment value, often reflected in higher prices for floating homes.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Benefits: Unique living experiences, scenic views, and a close-knit community.
• Challenges: Space constraints, maintenance demands, and potential motion sickness.
• Minimalist Living: Efficient storage, multifunctional furniture, and decluttering are key.
• Community: Floating property communities often foster camaraderie and organize events.

Maintenance and Flotation

• Maintenance: Costs depend on age, size, and hull type. Issues may include hull upkeep, including dive inspections or haul out requirements, water ingress, or system repairs.
• Hull Types:some text
  • Houseboats: Aluminum, steel, or fiberglass over wood. Common designs include barge-style, pontoons, or monohulls.
  • Floating Homes: Older homes use old-growth logs with barrels; newer homes rely on sealed concrete flotation.

Utility Systems

• Toilets:some text
  • Houseboats: Marine toilets with blackwater tanks require regular pumping, with very few sites that have connections to city sewer.
  • Floating Homes: Connected to city sewer systems, often requiring additional community tanks and pumps.
• Water:some text
  • Houseboats: Quick-disconnect with potable water hoses or freshwater tanks for winter.
  • Floating Homes: Hard-connected to city water systems.
• Electricity:some text
  • Houseboats: Quick-disconnect power cords; backup batteries for bilge pumps.
  • Floating Homes: Hard-connected to city electricity.

Regulations and Resources

• Permitting Requirements: TIP (CAM)-229 outlines Floating Homes and FOWR regulations. https://www.seattle.gov/dpd/publications/cam/cam229.pdf
• Shoreline Code: Prohibits short-term rentals of floating properties.  https://seattle.gov/sdci/codes/common-code-questions/floating-residences
• Notifications: Relocation of FOWRs must be reported to DCI, lenders, and insurance providers.

Resources:

• Seattle Code Questions for Floating Residences
• Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance

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Special Agents Realty Expertise

Linda M. Bagley, a floating property specialist, has lived aboard a FOWR for nearly 15 years. Our team offers in-depth knowledge of maritime laws, maintenance, and the unique lifestyle of water properties.

Whether you're considering buying or selling, we bring unmatched expertise in Seattle’s houseboat and floating home market. Contact us today for personalized guidance!

Email: Linda@SpecialAgentsRealty.com

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