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Seattle Properties for Sale

How we can assist you while buying:

The process of purchasing a houseboat or a floating home is very different from buying a conventional home or a condominium. The main points of differences are found in the following areas.

  • Types of houseboats: Seattle has many different flavors of houseboats. While they might look similar, there are important differences between Floating Homes, Floating on Water Residences (FOWRs), House Barges, & Vessels with Dwelling Units (VDUs).  These differences have an impact on not only the purchase and sale process and inspections, but also long term maintenance and taxation.  We are here to explain the differences and/or guide you to local resources.
  • Communities: Choosing a community where you will feel at home is important. A dock’s location, ownership structure, availability of parking and storage, rules regarding pets and remodeling/rebuilding may be important considerations. We will listen carefully to you and will be able to direct you to the communities that are likely the best fit you.
  • Financing: Many houseboats are considered personal property.  For this reason there are only a handful of lenders who specialize in mortgages for Seattle’s houseboats. If you are looking to finance, interest rates, down payments, loan terms, and loan types will be slightly different for houseboats than homes on land. We will gladly connect you with lenders who will be able to assist you purchasing the property you are interested in.
  • Inspections: Houseboats inspections are unique and most often require specialized professionals.  Some will involve a home inspector, a marine surveyor, a diver, a marine or geotechnical engineer or a combination of these. We are here to guide you to the appropriate resources for the property you are in the process of buying.
  • Price: Pricing a houseboat is a complex affair. Fair market value will vary based on whether a slip is condominium owned, co-op (Coorperative) owned or leased.  When leased, the lease terms can have an influence of value.  Location, views, orientation, decks, boat moorage and common areas have a drastic impact on price as well.  For this reason we think it is important to work with a broker who is familiar not only with the home you are looking at and also knows how to compare it to other recent sales in the community.
  • Off-market houseboats: The houseboat of your dreams may not be currently for sale, but as we constantly are active inside the community, we hear when owners are considering selling. When we know what you hope to find, we maybe able to connect you will a seller before a home is listed or before it comes to market.
  • We are here to answer any of your questions. How do houseboats perform as an investment? How do taxes work? How do utilities work? How does title work? Who do we contact for insurance? When is the best time of the year to buy a houseboat?  Please feel free to contact us with any question that come up for you and/or to schedule a tour through the houseboat community.

Contact Us

Danny Varona

Realtor – Houseboat Specialist
206.979.6350
Danny@DannyVarona.com

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Client Reviews

I can’t recommend Enrico enough. As we bought our home the owners told us, it was the kindness and professionalism of our realtor that sealed the deal. We couldn’t have gotten our home without his experience, professionalism and quick thinking. We love where we live and owe it to Enrico!

Our purchase and sale process was outstanding! Enrico redefined the term “real estate agent!” He was always ahead of the curve. Enrico spent significant time with us to help us understand what we were looking for in our next home. He is much more than a realtor! He is a friend who enjoys his work by making others happy and satisfied!

Enrico was very efficient, patient, unbiased and had a balanced approach. We never felt pressure. He always was helpful and flexible. It was the best introduction to buying real estate for new arrivals in this country!

Danny just recently helped me purchase a Lake Union houseboat. He was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend him. He is extremely responsive, professional, and is well informed and connected. Any issues that came up were handled quickly and with my best interest in mind. I will definitely be a return customer.

Dan F.

I worked with Danny to buy my first floating home and everything worked out better than I could have imagined. Floating homes and houseboats in Seattle offer an unrivaled lifestyle, but buying or selling one requires specialized knowledge, expertise, and knowing the right people and processes. Danny is able to navigate the process of buying or selling one of these unique properties with ease. Danny is available when needed, is full of correct answers and good advice, and seems genuinely enthusiastic to make a deal happen that everyone will be happy with. Highly recommended

Jeremy Z.

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