When considering living in Seattle's Waterfront Houseboat community, there are a lot more things to consider than just the beautiful views. Here are a few things that potential houseboat buyers should consider before taking the plunge.
- Financing - Even though houseboats are real estate, many lenders don't finance them, so you'll have to find a specialty lender.
- Commute - Down the docks can be slow. Across the water could be exceptionally fast.
- Parking - Many houseboats have no reserved parking spaces. Those that do have 1 or 2 spots, probably don't have parking for your guests.
- Getting in and out - Think about moving in furniture, bringing home groceries, and doing your laundry. You can get a washer/dryer in your houseboat, but most of these activities require hauling things down the docks.
- Home Repairs - Any contractor that works on your houseboat will be a specialist. Think more $$$.
- Storage - It's time to get rid of that extra mattress, foosball table, and 3rd winter jacket. Space on a houseboat is a premium.
If you didn't flinch at these special attributes of the houseboat lifetstyle, you're probably a great candidate to own a houseboat. There is nothing that compares to sitting on your front porch and watching the ships float by on Opening Day, canoeing from your doorstep to a restaurant for dinner, or visiting with your waterfront neighbors. It's a side of Seattle that most never get a chance to see.
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