Welcome to Tiny Homes, an idea that is more popular with minimalists than with neighborhood associations and zoning boards. We'll point out the fun parts. Usually you'll have to check out the logistics and legalities. This is one over 60 years old, so it has that going for it.
Check your arithmetic. Taking the ferry costs money, and so does living in Seattle. So if you're going to commute via the Bremerton ferry, best to find houses small enough to call tiny, for about a family's median income. This one's asking $55,900 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 480 square foot house built in 1953. The "they" is Fannie Mae because this is a foreclosure. Where else are you going to find a price/sq ft ~ $ 116?
Build a 480 square foot house now and be considered unconventional, or in violation of some code. Back in 1953, the average house was only 983 square feet. This one fit in. Now, if someone designed you a house with green walls in one room and floor-to-ceiling wood paneling in another you'd consider it retro.
What do you get for so little? A ferry commute, for good or ill. All the basic appliances, but check for internet access. There wasn't much of that in 1953. That may be partly why there are two dishes on the roof. Colored or wood walls inside, and an opportunity to do lots of upgrades. The last remodel was in 1969, though the range and fridge look newer than that.
Outside you have a blank canvas for a yard and for the exterior. Carry that retro vibe outdoors without having to worry about tearing out established gardens or anything ornamental except grass, lawn grass that is.
Imagine what it will be worth after you get done with it.
There's one savings that may make all the difference - free parking. That may be worth the ferry ride right there.
· 1947 Barnett St, Bremerton, WA 98310 [Zillow]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath