Waterfront

Shoreline Master Plan Affects Liveaboards

Shoreline Master Plan Affects Liveaboards

NOTICE TO LIVEABOARDS

The City of Seattle has issued revisions to its Shoreline Management Plan. A meeting is to be held March 8, 2011 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (presentation starts at 6:00 p.m.) at:

Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 4th Avenue, 5th Avenue level.

Your Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA), in cooperation with the Washington Liveaboard Association and other affiliated chapters, will be in attendance at this meeting. We also recommend your attendance. We consider this a “fact-finding” meeting and prefer to make our position know via formal written comment and public comment opportunities.  Written comments may be presented at this meeting.

Potentially significant changes include:

• Prohibiting additional, new floating homes
• Continuing regulations that maintain existing float homes
• Regulating the number of liveaboards at marinas

The proposed regulations may be found at:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/ShorelineMasterProgramUpdate/ReportsMaterials/default.asp

Your written comments are welcome and we will submit these to the Department of Planning and Development per their written comment guidelines.

Please submit these to your Lake Union Liveaboard President at Kevin@TheKevLin.com

Waterfront

“SOLD 5/27/2011″ Seattle Houseboat “Sophie”

Sophie – a Seattle Houseboat

You will enjoy this beautifully crafted houseboat “Sophie” for many years to come.  From the high quality aluminum hull to the gorgeous forest green metal roof, Sofie shows off her sophistication and style top to bottom.

Sophie is classy. Sophie is sweet.

Sophie is smart.

This high quality houseboat is located in the heart of Fremont in Seattle and features exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. The fabulous wall of windows takes in the fabulous view and keeps the interior warm & bright.

A short walk and you are in the heart of fabulous, fun, Fremont with great restaurants, coffee shops, eclectic art, and zany activities. Catch the outdoor theater, enjoy the Sunday sidewalk street fair, or participate in a Zombie walk.  Sophie is located right on the Burke Gilman trail at the base of Troll avenue, named after the huge cement sculpture of a troll under the bridge – complete with a VW Bug under its hand. Sleepless in Seattle has nothing on this classy, beautiful, well constructed houseboat.

Sophie features exceptional craftsmanship and beautiful lines. Custom cabinetry and woodwork combined with beautiful clerestory windows adds to the charm and romance. And imagine a basement!  Yes, a five and a half foot basement runs the entire length of the houseboat, providing awesome storage, or use your imagination – maybe even a Man Cave!

Sophie features 1 bedroom, a 4 and a half foot sleeping loft, a full bath with oil rubbed bronze fixtures, a well appointed Kitchen with gas stove and microwave plus pull outs and Lazy Susan cabinets.  The main bedroom has lots of storage and a custom built closet with mirror doors, pullouts, and fabulous craftsmanship. Their is  also a ceiling fan, pull out drawers under the bed,  a bench seat with cabinetry and a beautiful bay window.

Take a look at our short video here (goo.gl/rxLpv)

Give us a call for a personal showing (206) 419-0065.

Learn more at www.SpecialAgentsRealty.com.

Waterfront

Lake Union Beat features Houseboat vs. Floating Homes

Lake Union Beat features  Houseboats vs. Floating Homes article by Special Agents Realty broker, Kevin Bagley in their premier issue.

We are very excited to announce that Special Agents Realty has 2 prominent positions in the premier issue of the Lake Union Beat.

The  Lake Union Beat is the brainchild of Peter Charles Hansen and focuses on Life in the Heart of Seattle. The premier issue is 12 pages, but they are hoping to double the size of the paper by their second issue. With articles focusing on topics and issues related to Lake Union living, the nearby neighborhoods and businesses, this topical paper is sure to be a big hit.

In the premier issue, the article “Houseboat vs. Floating Home; Which is better? A houseboat, or a floating home? For that matter, what’s the difference?” was created by yours truly and was featured on our Special Agents Realty blog. This article details the technical differences and points out advantages and disadvantages to both houseboats and floating homes.

In addition to the article on Houseboats and Floating Homes, the entire 11 x 17 back page of the newspaper features 3 of Special Agents Realty Houseboat & House barge listings in the Seattle, Lake Union area. These houseboats are the most affordable way to experience waterfront you can put your toes in. Plus, they have the advantage of being located near great Seattle Neighborhoods like Fremont, Wallingford, Westlake, and the University district.

We are truly excited for Peter Charles Hansen and the Lake Union Beat newspaper and look forward to reading about the Heart of Seattle and Lake Union living.  Best of Luck to Peter Charles!!!

Pick up a copy and show it to your friends. Also, spread the word on the great neighborhood publication that is fun, topical, and of great interest to those living on and around Lake Union.

Waterfront

Marinas

Affinity Marina

1327 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-304-1477

Anchor Marina

1317 SW Spokane ST, Seattle, Washington  98134
Ph: 206-624-9015

Ballard Mill Marina

4733 Shilshole AVE NW, Seattle, Washington  98107
Ph: 206-789-4777

Bell Harbor Marina

2203 Alaskan WY, Seattle, Washington  98121
TF: 800-426-7817   Ph: 206-878-3952

Boat Street Marina

1101 NE Boat ST, Seattle, Washington  98105
Ph: 206-634-2050

Boatworld Marina

2144 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Canal Boatyard

4300 11th AVE NW, Seattle, Washington  98107
Ph: 206-784-8408

Chinook Lake Union Moorage

2525 Fairview AVE E, Seattle, Washington  98102
Ph: 253-813-0816

Davidson’s Uplake Marina

6201 NE 175th ST, Seattle, Washington  98155
Ph: 425-486-7141

Diamond Marina

2730 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Dunato’s Boatyard

2309 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-547-7852

Duwamish Yacht Club

1801 South 93rd, Seattle, Washington  98108
Ph: 206-767-9330

Elliott Bay Marina

2601 W Marina PL, Seattle, Washington  98199
Ph: 206-285-4817

Ewing Street Moorings

624 W Ewing ST, Seattle, Washington  98119
Ph: 360-283-1075

Executive Moorage

1001 NE Boat ST, Seattle, Washington  98105
Ph: 206-545-4800

Fishermen’s Terminal

3919 18th AVE W, Seattle, Washington  98119
TF: 800-426-7817   Ph: 206-728-3395

Gasworks Park Marina

2143 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-634-0577

Harbor Island Marina

1001 Klickitat WY SW, Seattle, Washington  98134
TF: 800-426-7817   Ph: 206-787-3006

Harbor Village Marina

6155 NE 175th ST, Seattle, Washington  98155
Ph: 425-485-7557

Julie’s Landing

2100 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  89109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Lake Union Marina

2404 West Commodore WY, Seattle, Washington
Ph: 206-283-3324

Lake Union Yacht Center

1341 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 360-378-0796

Lakewood Moorage

4500 Lake Washington BLVD, Seattle, Washington  98118
Ph: 206-722-3887

Lee’s Landing

2900 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-285-6040

Leschi Sailboat Moorage

4500 Lake Washington BLVD, Seattle, Washington  98118
Ph: 206-324-4100

Leschi Yacht Basin

Lakeside AVE, Seattle, Washington  98122
Ph: 206-328-4456

Lockhaven Marina

3030 W Commodore WY, Seattle, Washington  98199
Ph: 206-283-6260

Marina Mart Moorings

1232-1530 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-447-5575

Nautical Landing

2500 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98102
Ph: 206-284-2308

Northlake Marina

929 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-633-2114

Parkshore Marina

9050 Seward Park AVE S, Seattle, Washington  98118
Ph: 206-725-3330

Sagstad Marina

5109 Shilshole AVE NW, Seattle, Washington  98107
Ph: 206-784-6500

Salmon Bay Marina

2100 West Commodore WY, Seattle, Washington  98199
Ph: 206-282-5555

Seattle Marina

2401 N Northlake WY, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-632-9427

Seattle Yacht Club

1807 East Hamlin ST, Seattle, Washington  98112
Ph: 206-325-1000

Shilshole Bay Marina

7001 Seaview AVE NW, STE 100, Seattle, Washington  98117
TF: 800-426-7817   Ph: 206-787-3006

South Park Marina And Boatyard

8604 Dallas AVE S, Seattle, Washington
Ph: 206-762-3880

Stimson Marina

5265 Shilshole AVE NW, Seattle, Washington  98107
Ph: 206-784-1000

Swiftsure Marina

2450 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Tillicum Marina

1331 Northlake WY N, Seattle, Washington  98103
Ph: 206-633-5454

Twenty-Forty Westlake Moorage

3568 W Marginal WY SW, Seattle, Washington  98106
Ph: 206-937-3400

University Marina

1005 Boat ST, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Wards Cove on Lake Union

88 E Hamlin ST, Seattle, Washington  98102
Ph: 206-734-3000

Washington Street Moorage

Alaskan Way S, Seattle, Washington  98104
Ph: 206-684-8013

Western Yacht Harbor

2412 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 425-743-0255

Westlake Marina

1900 – 2000 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington  98109
Ph: 206-284-4420

Youngquist Marina

2476 Westlake AVE N, Seattle, Washington
Ph: 206-283-9555

Waterfront

Moods of the Lake

Moods of the Lake

Living in a houseboat allows you to feel the water, and you learn after a while that the lake has moods. Sometimes it is happy, sometimes it is sad, sometimes angry, sometimes mysterious, but it seems to me, always beautiful.

This morning, the lake woke up in a mysterious mood. The water had not even a ripple, and the light diffused by the fog created an eerily beautiful tapestry to be taken in quietly. We savor each day we live on the lake and appreciate all of its moods, even if on occasion they keep us up at night. Did I mention that the lake is sometimes angry?

Is the lake for everyone? No, but for those willing to sacrifice space, brave the occasional storm, periodically adjust their lines, living on a houseboat can be an amazing lifestyle. Stay tuned as I post more Moods of the Lake.

Waterfront

Gallery of Floating Homes

Take a quick tour of Floating Homes (One of these is a houseboat! Guess which one?)

One of Special Agents Realty’s specialties is Floating Homes. We often show these Floating Homes by hopping in our runabout and touring the lake. We believe this affords the best views of the Floating Homes, Houseboats, and the lake lifestyle. During these tours, we have snapped a bunch of pictures and have compiled a nice little gallery of photos. Here are some of these photos. We welcome your comments. If you would like to learn more about Floating Homes, Houseboats, and housebarges, please contact us – we live in a houseboat (The KevLin) and have become experts in this field.

Waterfront

Houseboat vs. Floating Home

Which is better?  A houseboat, or a floating home?  For that matter, what’s the difference?

Houseboats: Can be moved, are typically not connected to sewer, usually has a means of navigation. Sales tax at closing.

This houseboat is an example of a contemporary design, with sleek modern lines, urban finishes, and quality construction. This houseboat is equipped with two 50 hp outboard engines, features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, large office space, onboard washer/dryer, two large decks, high end appliances and comes fully furnished for only $249,000. Compared to Floating homes, houseboats are almost always less cost per square foot.

Most houseboats are moored in rented spaces, however, some are located in owned slips. Generally, all houseboats will have some means of self-propulsion. They will also typically have holding tanks for septic which are pumped out by one of the number of mobile pumpout services.

Floating Homes: Permanently attached to a dock, connected to sewer, does not have means of propulsion. Excise tax at sale.

Here is a rather famous example of a floating home located on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington. This home is famous as the “Sleepless In Seattle” floating home used in the movie. Floating homes are generally priced significantly higher than houseboats but also hold there value very well. Higher priced floating homes often sell very quickly here in Seattle.

There are hundreds of floating homes on Lake Union and 13 floating homes were sold in 2010 with prices ranging from $350,000 to $2,080,000.  The average time on the market for these floating homes was 38 days. Impressive for a tough economy.

The styles and ages of these houseboats vary greatly. You can find sleek, modern, Mediterranean, old, and of course, eclectic style houseboats, all of which have their own appeal. When asked what they like most about living in a floating home, the most common theme that owners responded with is “The Life Style.”

So which is better?

Now, depending on who you talk to, a houseboat owner, or a floating home owner, you are likely to get two opinions of which is the best. I doubt that this question can ever be answered conclusively, but each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Houseboats

With a Houseboat, you have the freedom of moving if you don’t like your setting (or your neighbors). Your location is usually rented, but not always. There are houseboats moored in owned slips although these are more rare than rented slips. You pay moorage fees as part of your living expenses, and you pay more to be “pumped out” than the cost of a sewer fee. There are no homeowner dues often found with Floating Homes. Maintaining the mechanics of a “drive-able” houseboat is an additional expense and can be intimidating to some, but on the other hand, the ability to “Take Her Out” may be worth it. There is definitely something magical about having dinner cruise out on the lake.

Houseboats are less expensive. The cost per square foot of a houseboat is definitely less than the cost of a floating home and significantly so. A very nice 1000 sq foot houseboat can be purchased for less than $300,000, while a similarly sized floating home will likely be more that double that.

Houseboats have sales tax and houseboats are licensed. The up front sales tax is a big hit at the time of purchase, although some of that tax may be negotiated with the seller.

Houseboats are typically in rented moorage. This can be construed as both an advantage and a disadvantage.  A common misconception is that living in rented moorage is unstable and that you are likely to be kicked out of the marina or subjected to frequent rental increases. This is simply not the case. Many houseboat owners have lived in the same spot for over 20 years.  While moorage rent increases do occur, there is competition amongst the marina which tends to keep rental rates stable.

Floating Homes

With a Floating Home, you have a sense of stability. Most floating home communities have been around for a long time and are likely (though not guaranteed) to be around for a long time to come.

Floating Homes are in demand. As an iconic Seattle tradition and a uniqueness that exudes charm, it is likely that floating homes will remain in demand.  As there will be no more floating home spots allowed in the Seattle area, these homes are likely to hold their value, perhaps even exceeding the overall real estate market.

Floating homes can have  more square feet. In contrast to Houseboats, Floating Homes are often larger, although that size comes at a premium in terms of purchase price. The sticker shock of $700 per square foot (or more) can be daunting to most buyers.

Floating homes don’t move as much. Some people are bothered by the rocking motion that occurs on houseboats, and floating homes tend to be a larger footprint and therefore not as subject to the movement caused by wind and waves.

Houseboats   vs.   Floating Homes

Copyright 2011 by Special Agents Realty

www.SpecialAgentsRealty.com

Waterfront

ECO-Friendly, ECO-Nomical, ECO-Fun Houseboats

Special Agents Realty is proud to announce a brand new line of ECO-Friendly, ECOnomical houseboats available for delivery throughout the US and Canada. These beautiful houseboats are designed for living and for life on the water, with large windows, spacious areas and comfort not found on other houseboats.

These water friendly designs will allow you to experience life on the water without the high cost of “Waterfront” living. Imagine waterfront that you can put your toes in. Hop in your Kayak and tour the lake, or even jump in and take a swim. View the wildlife and ever-changing scenery of water living. Living ON the water is an experience that goes beyond waterfront living.

What do you get with an ECO Sea Cottage?

These new houseboats are going to Rock the houseboat market. Being priced starting at $175,000 for the Model shown here, these are the most affordable houseboats, feature for feature, you can buy.

This model can be viewed on Lake Union in Seattle at 2401 N. Northlake Way. Please schedule an appointment for showing throughSpecial Agents Realty (206) 915-3766 or (888) 540-8858 or email us at K@SpecialAgents.net.

~ Live the life you’ve always dreamed of ~

Waterfront

Modern Waterfront Houseboat – New Price $239,000 in Liveaboard Slip

Beautifully built contemporary houseboat vessel with 2 bedroom (full built-in beds), 55 feet – 750 sq.ft. interior living space, 15.3 beam fits most slips, or leave it in this amazing view slip. 1 Large Office with abundant storage and under cabinet lighting, Designer commercial rubber flooring, 1 Bathroom with full size stall shower & electric incinerator toilet: No Pump Out!

Hand varnished birch paneling & clear VG fir trim throughout. Dramatic 16 long curved wall in main room with bamboo tambour paneling. Halogen scallop lighting and stainless accents.

Galley has Four burner stainless Fisher-Paykel gas range & hood, 13 cu. ft. stainless Liebherr Refrigerator with bottom freezer & ice maker, Fisher-Paykel single stainless DishDrawer dishwasher, Euro-style Teka stainless sink with Danze faucet/sprayer.

Large Salon with Built-in home theater system with Polk Audio speakers, Home theater amp can be connected to four pairs of exterior speakers each with separate volume control, 47 LCD TV included with boat. Halogen Lighting throughout interior. Two “Water Level” Decks – Front 5′ x 15′ – Rear 10 x 15′ – Upper Deck.

Each stateroom has access door to its own deck with third door access to forward deck from main hall/stairwell. Cedar lined closets in staterooms, Master stateroom features large built-in desk with matching designer Zebrano laminate cabinets. Each stateroom features cable outlet to structured wiring box allowing connection to a single satellite dish. Exterior House is Clear T & G old growth cedar with asily maintained Penofin Marine oil stain.

• Marine quality construction
• Recessed exterior lighting at all doors
• Beautiful hand-varnished clear fir exterior doors with brushed lever handles
• All windows maintenance-free
• Milgard Fiberglass Ultra series with clear fir interior cladding
• Heating is Convectair silent electric wall radiators,
• Dual Water System,
  • Standard city water supply or,
  • Self contained pump system
• 35 gal. water storage tank
• 12VDC Pump 3.4 GPM
• Marine Hot Water Heater 20 gal. electric
• Electric 50AMP service
• Pre-wired for future genset addition
• Xantrex 20AMP Battery Charger
• 2 Optima House Batteries
• Blue Seas Systems 12VDC panel with voltage meter
• DirecTV Satellite System
• Cat5 structured wiring throughout boat allows optimal placement of Clearwire router

• Dimensions
  • Length 55′
  • Beam 15′ 3″
  • Draft 2′
  • Air Height 16 1/2′
  • Displacement 19 tons
• Hull
  • Twin aluminum hulls
  • 1/8″ 5052 marine alloy plating with multi-layered epoxy & anti-fouling paint
  • fully zinked and divided into 8 water-tight compartments per hull, 16 total
  • Third center hull with 7 watertight sections fabricated with foam-filled medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
• Engines
  • Two Mercury Bigfoot EFI 50hp outboards in wells with aluminum engine boxes/covers on stern
  • Approximately 12 hours on engines
  • Glendinning Smart Actuator drive-by-wire throttles & shift controls
  • Main helm station in salon
  • Second helm station on stern for easy docking
• Two Optima engine batteries
• Twin 55 gal. gasoline tanks
• Max. speed 8 to 10 mph

• Moorage – $668. PM

This is the Life!

Beautifully built contemporary style houseboat vessel located in a rental boat slip at Seattle Marina. 2401 N. Northlake Way, 1 st dock at entrance— with incredible views!

Waterfront

ECO Houseboats

Experience Houseboat living…
Like never before in this fantastic, economical and eco-friendly brand new houseboat. Designed for living and for life on the water, with large windows, spacious areas and comfort not found on other houseboats, the Ranch ECO-Sea Cottage will allow you to experience life on the water without the high cost of “Waterfront” living. Each ECO-Sea Cottage is special ordered with delivery in approximately 12-16 weeks. Give us a call to get started changing your life. These Houseboats are built to order and can be shipped anywhere in the US or Canada. With prices ranging from $110,000 to $275,000, these houseboats provide a level of affordable waterfront living you cannot find anywhere.

Call us at (206) 419-0065 or email us to learn more.

RANCH Model Shown is priced at $175,000!

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